Air compressor ?

[kjmiller1]

I was wondering if somebody could give me some advice on this air compressor (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=54463). I was wondering how capable this thing will be for a home shop, as in - will I have to wait 30 seconds to take every nut off or will I have to break every bolt before I can even use the thing. I need an aircompressor for my air brush, and can get away with a 100 dollar compressor but was hoping I could get a decent compressor in the 250 price range that will be usable in the garage. Should I go with the $100 compressor now, and save my money for something better? Also, is campbell and hausfeld a decent brand name? Thanks for any help.

[RRose]

I have a very similar compressor... I don't recommend it if you are planning on using it for die grinding, or running air tools. Mine will run a die grinder for about a minute before it starts slowing down. My $0.02

[mgobaja]

To run a die grinder you should get a much larger tank, that will allow the pump to stay caught up with what you are doing.

[ACID_RAIN28]

check the cfm requirements for the air tools and make sure that the air comp can match it. More than likley it will not run that die grinder well enough to be efficiant. But it will do the other tools like air ratchet and impact fine.

[Jkrell]

I use one with a similar size motor, but with a 30 gallon tank that I bought at Sears for around 300 bucks...and it included most of the same tools that one comes with. It works good for the most part, if your doing heavy die grinding or air tool use it will slow down after a little while...but for one person out of a garage it works good for most any fab or prep....plus its an upright model so it fits in the corner and takes up less floor space.

Maybe try looking into a used one...If I was going to do it again and I had the time I would probalby check the recycler or paper...probably get a better bang for the buck.

jon

[kjmiller1]

I checked out sears.com and I think I found the one you have Jon here (http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00 916555000). That setup looks like it is worth the extra 50 bucks, I think that is the right one for me since I like the ability to go down the street and talk to a person if something goes wrong and my dad loves craftsman and it will be stored in his garage. Thanks everybody for the help.

[Jkrell]

Yep thats the one.

jk

[RRose]

KJ... I just bought this one Air Compressor (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=47065)
I haven't had a chance to test it out yet... but it seemed like a pretty good deal.

[singlehanded]

I got the craftman 30 gallon works great at home but is loud as you know what when its running.

[no1hogoc]

If you can I would look for a compressor with a "two-stage" pump especially with the air tools you are probably going to want to use. I know they cost a little more but if you cannot maintane a high enough volume of air flow to the tool you are using you will become discouraged very quickly. Most air tools by design are "air hogs" anyway and if you want the best bang for you buck I would think you would want to get a unit with a good size tank and the two stage pump.

[JBO]

I also have that same craftsman 30 gal compressor. I like it, it's been great, but yes it's pretty loud, and has to run almost continuously when using certain tools. So I would agree with trying to get a two-stage pump...that would be nicer. If you do get the craftsman, try to wait until its on sale...I got mine for $277.

[AZmiik]

The problem with two-stage is they start about $800 and go up from there. I have seen one or two "oil free" two-stages compressors but I would buy anything thats meant to wear out and not be rebuildable. Look for something 220v or a compressor with a 110/220 motor that you can convert.

Mike

[no1hogoc]

kj - If you are going to limit the use of the compressor you want to things like an air brush or cleaning parts etc. then by all means go with a smaller unit. If on the other hand you think that down the road you may want to incorporate the use of air tools such as sanders, grinders and impact guns you will want to look at something larger. This was why I suggested a two-stage pump but knowing their cost I just wanted to suggest you do not under buy and waste your resources. I know a number of people who have Campbell Hausfeld compressors and they are very happy with the unit.

I am fortunate to have an industrial size compressor in my garage that is 220v but it gets used a lot by my son and I and we need the large volumn of air to avoid down time as the system rebuilds itself.

[ntsqd]

Try the yellow pages under compressors and used equipment. You should be able to find a used two-stage for a lot less than a new one. May even be as low as a big new single stage. Friend of mine bought a used 220VAC 2 stage with a ~150 gal tank for $500. Had about 100 hours on it, max.