air compressors

[bigred]

Compressor advice:
I'm looking to get a compressor, initally to do some trim carpentryat home. I would later like to be able to use it to run some other tools though. The next project will be to clan up my sliders, and I think that the air needs or a grinder and a nailer are probably different. I'm not really looking for anything portable. something to sit in the garage with a pile of hose would be perfect. What do I need to look for?

 

[flyfisher11]

Ingersoll rand make some of the best and the quietest I've heard. Quiet may not seem like a big deal until you use one a lot then it is a BIG difference.

 

[jrose609]

Ingersoll rand make some of the best and the quietest I've heard. Quiet may not seem like a big deal until you use one a lot then it is a BIG difference.

I second what Mike said. Quiet is good.

If you can, get a 240v compressor with a big tank. Less cycling, less heat, more air, more pressure, etc. 240v is a little bit more money, but worth it.

 

[Roving Beetle]

I got a Craftsman Industrial oil lube 2 cylinder belt drive unit. It puts out a lot of air and is VERY quiet compared to most any of the reasonable sized ones I've ever heard. I wouldn't call it noisy, it's more a lower pitch than most.

I love it and wouldn't trade it for anything anywhere near its price range.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00919541000P?keyword=25+gallon+air+compressor

I have used it day in and day out for several years now - not "extreme use" really, but it gets a workout daily. Sanders, grinders, impact wrenches, sand blasting. For its size and price point it delivers all the air I need. *Sometimes* I have had to let it catch up a little using a bigger sander but they use a ton of air.

Doug

 

[bigred]

After talking to a few guys, I may be having second thoughts about the big compressor for my first purchase and may just get one of those Porter Cable pancake kits with the three guns, then get a big tank down the road. Does anyone have any experience with the Porter Cable compressors?

 

[mbrummal]

I know someone with one. It is really only good for low demand tools like the nailers it comes with. I got a 2HP 4 Gal air compressor from Advanced auto a few years ago for $88 and it can run some moderate air tools pretty well.

From what I've seen, the oil-less air compressors are a lot noisier than a similar oiled compressor.

 

[SGaynor]

The pancake compressors are really only good for nailing. High volume air applications like impact guns, air ratchets, cut off wheels, etc. need the bigger tank.

I bought this one on sale (with the impact gun, ratchet and air chisel) a few years back from Sears:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00916763000P?vName=Tools&cName=Air+Compressors+%26+Air+Tools&sName=Air+Compressors

Are there better? Yes. Quieter? Hell yes. But I only use it every few months so the cost/performance balance works for me. If you plan on using it often, then a higher end one is probably better, but for weekend warrior stuff, this one has worked fine.

 

[Two Cold Soakers]

I bought a used Campbell Housefield junker (same style as the linked Craftsman) about ten years ago and cannot wait until it dies. The thing is so noisy it's embarrassing, but pushes enough air to do everything it's been asked including ratchets, Impact guns, chisel, blow out irrigation systems.

Next time I'm shopping for "Quiet".

 

[Roving Beetle]

I'm telling you the one I linked to for $$ is VERY hard to beat. I've had others - this one is nice.