Air Compressor Reco?

eludvigs

eludvigs

Well-Known Member
Site Donor $
Messages
184
Reaction score
31
Location
Pleasanton, CA
I'm looking at getting a bit more professional with my current air set up. Right now I direct connect to a Home Depot Husky special. It does ok for light work but it is loud as hell so I put it outside the garage.

Thinking 60Gal 3-5HP 10+CFM ... will be in the garage so quiet would be nice. Willing to spend dough.

Plenty of options on Amazon, but I'd like to ask the forum which brand/model you recommend
 
I really like Ingersoll and Speedaire compressors. You husky compressor is probably oilless. Any oiled compressor will be significantly quieter, and the majority of 60 gallon compressors will be oiled. CFM is more important than tank volume and HP. The duty cycle is also important. Don't be swayed by any peak HP or CFM numbers either.

A cast iron pump is more desirable than aluminum. If you can go bigger than 110v, I'd go that route. Most mid range compressors can be wired either way.

If you intend to paint anything, 10cfm won really cut it. all of the new paint guns are HVLP and you need more CFM's to move operate. There are some low CFM models that might work.

Take a look at craigslist. You can find some good industrial compressors for a good price. Compressors are one of those tools that got worse with time, at least for the lower end models. I picked up an $800 60 gallon Speedaire with a failed 3hp motor for $100. I then picked up a small craftsman with a "real" 5hp motor. I'm going to mount the motor. I also bought a new pressure switch and regulator. In total, I'm into it $300, but my old Ingersoll charger compressor has a standing recall. They will pick it up and give you $100, or a wholesale deal on a 11cfm 60 gallon.

If you see a silver charger compressor on Cragslist for under $100, you can buy it and turn it in. ;)
 
The used compressor advice worked for me. Picked up a 20+ year old 220V Craftsman from a fellow closing up his home shop. $100. Nice.
 
One thing about compressors from the '90's is that manufacturers started inflating the HP numbers. Take a look at the label on the motor, not the marketing sticker on the tank.

The other thing, a lot of industrial compressors are three phase. The motor should say ph: 1, or phase: 1. You can't run 3 phase stuff at home, and you can't rewire to single phase. You can buy a converter, but they will cost as much or more than the compressor.
 
I have a 5 hp 60 gallon compressor from Home Depot. During the major restoration of my car I sand/bead blasted verything I could fit in my blast cabinet. I smoked the motor after many continual hours of running. A local compressor repair shop sold me a replacement pump for $250, which has now been on for 3 years, and working well.

As to running an HVLP gun, you will be more than surprised at how well the compressor will handle the gun. I run both old school and new school guns with my compressor and no problem.

You may also want to check Harbor Freight who has a large selection of compressors. just double check the warranty.

yes, 3 phase is the ultimate
 
I should add, there is an entire forum devoted to this stuff. Check out www.garagejournal.com. I was just there tonight looking through floor coatings. I'm redoing my garage right now and I'm looking into floor coatings. These guys geek out on compressor setups and Wilton Bullet Vises.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top