Air Compressors??

[alvanko]

Not that you need anymore "opinions", but I would go with 220v also. Get one that you will not outgrow for a few years. I had a Cambellhosfeld(?) for 30 years. 3hp, 220V single cylinder, 30 gallon tank. I finally upgraded to a 5hp 60 galloln 2 stage compressor. Also 220V single phase. It will run to death if I'm trying to sand blast or DA something. But, it will be the last compressor I need in my lifetime.

 

[BHD]

Just an opinion here,

on small tool like sanders drills and some other tools, If you can go electric I think one will fined it easer, and much cheaper, as a little 1/6 hp motor runs an electric sander and 5 hp motor runs a air sander,

there are air tools that IMO are well worth the air usage, Impacts and tire changers, sprayers and blow guns, and others

and even at times sanders and drills, but before one jumps on air sanders and air drills as they are not that efficient in my opinion, some times do to lack of electricity they may be safer, (I have used a air drill in a stock tank full of water before for example)

 

[NOTV8]

Ge the one with more CFM you can afford.... but it's 220 volts. Here's what I got... mybe too much for what I am going to use it for but it's on SALE with free shipping...

 

[k0ua]

I have had a small 5 hp 25 gal 120volt compressor for many years. Here are my thoughts, I agree with most of the posters, No one was every sorry they got a big-un.. but, I have got a lot of service out of my little one. Like one poster said I evaluated what I was going to run with it and went from there. I thing some things are best left to electric, because they are air hogs and the electric does it better in my opinion. I put drills, sanders and rasps and cut off tools in that category. On the other hand an Air impact is one the best tools you will ever invest in. I have had some water problems with my little rig, I dont drain it often enough, and it rusted thru at one of the welds. So weld it back up. The water could be a problem with painting, but I usually use it to spray water based paints anyway. But for cleaning out a clogged line or running an impact and dont forget the nail/staple guns all low CFM users, with the impact the biggest user.they are invaluable. Buy what you can afford, they are all useful.
James K0UA

 

[Soundguy]

I can see where a good air compressor with all the tools they will operate would be a valuable asset in the shop. Can a good quality 120 volt compressor operate most air tools? Or will a 220v model have to be used to run most heavier duty air tools properly and efficiently? I do not have 220v available in the garage at this time.

Al

I used to use a 2hp/4g pancake compressor, and in order to run a 3/8 impact gun I had to plumb in a 15g air tank and let all that pump up. she pumped up to 120 psi.. so pressure was good. lots of stuff likes psi at about 90, and good cfm. that worked ok.. but after a few bolts the air was low.

i finally upgraded to a upright 30g model with 4hp pump. it will run my 1/2" impact gun for a good many bolts before i have to let it build up and even runs my 3/4" gun ( on 1/2" airline ) for at least 3 average bolts too! .. looks like I will be plumbing in that extra 15 gallon tank I used to use!

soundguy

 

[smfcpacfp]

I have a 220 compressor and this may be unimportant, but a neighbor asked me if he could borrow my air compressor which is portable. I said sure, but it runs on 220. Of course he didn't have 220 available, so he couldn't use it. I am not fond of loaning power tools out.

 

[alvanko]

NOTV8, that looks like my compressor. IR. 60 gallon tank, 5 hp. 2 stage.
T-30 (I think). Very nice compressor.

 

[Airedale]

I want to thank all you guys for some great information, I got some really good tips and there is nothing like having a bit of education before facing the sales pitches. I will start looking around to see what brands are available in my neck of the woods along with pricing of course.

When it comes to tools and machines there are the quality issues, what brands should I be looking at to get a good quality compressor and are there any I should stay away from?

Al

 

[Turbys_1700]

Just a suggestion but last year I purchased a really nice 220V HP Campbell Hausfeld off of Craigs List for a great price. I was really lucky that the unit was within 15 miles of my house. The unit had low hours and serve my needs very well.

Just as a side note, when I was deciding what size and type unit to get, I calculated the CFM needed for my most demanding job and then added 50% to that for my compressor. My current unit handles that job with ease.

The only other advise I would give you is that like most everyone on here the 220V oil lubed units will give you the best overall service. My unit runs very quiet and has done a great job so far for me. In the future I will probably upgrade to an 80 gal 2 stage unit. My current unit is 30 gallons with a 6HP oil lubed rated motor.

 

[varmint]

FWIW, I until recently kept in the basement a Porter Cable 30 gal. vertical unit with a 115V two stage pump that worked off a regular outlet, was fairly quiet, and produced enough 150 psi air for most uses. Like earlier poster noted, some air tools will really require a heavy industrial compressor, 3 phase power if at all possible, and are beyond what most folks want to mess with. I was able to spray, grind, nibble sheet metal with the P C unit, but not constantly- just bursts. I have a larger compressor in the shop, but moving it around the house was why I had the P C. I just replaced it with a 32 lb. DeWalt, which is very portable, since I really need it just for nail guns and such, and any small compressor will support one user. You'll enjoy having one, no matter what you get.

I liked the P C a lot, but I noticed that Amazon now wants over $500 for them- I payed a lot less.