Air compressor recommendations?

64FJ40 · Sep 30, 2006

So the cheapo $100 compressor I bought about 5 years ago finally died the other day. When I brought it home the first time and filled it up with oil, all the oil leaked out within a week, so I figure 5 years of pretty hard use with no oil isn't too bad. I've just been waiting for this to happen so I could justify a bigger one, but it just wouldn't die until I was trying to fill up a tire on the church bus full of kids... Had to finish the job with my CO2 tank.

I'm going to pull it apart soon just to see what happened, but the motor spins freely so I'm guessing that's not a good sign. :redneck:

Anyway, I'm in the market for a new compressor. But I don't have $500 to blow on a decent shop compressor. In fact, right now I don't have any money to spend, but I should in a couple weeks. I figure now is the best time to do my shopping; I can't rush out and buy something right away so I'll have time to do my homework.

So, anybody seen any good deals lately? I haven't really decided what my needs are, so I'm currently looking at any and all. I don't think I'm looking for anything portable since I'll probably be buying a jobsite compressor soon anyway. Any underpriced brands that are well-built? Any 'last-year's-model' closeouts anywhere?

Thanks,
Eric

CrustyJeep · Sep 30, 2006

craigslist... I got a practically new IR 60 gallon for 200

Other than that, I dunno what to tell you other than a couple general tips:

Shop by CFM first and amperage draw second. Ignore horsepower ratings, they are usually bogus. Buy a 220 unit if at all possible. Choose a cast iron pump over aluminum. Do not buy oilless. Big tanks ARE better than small ones. Choose lower pump RPM if possible, it will be quieter. Just like with a welder, buy as big as you can get, you WILL outgrow pretty much any compressor you can fit in your garage

TreeClimber · Sep 30, 2006

CrustyJeep said:
craigslist... I got a practically new IR 60 gallon for 200

Other than that, I dunno what to tell you other than a couple general tips:

Shop by CFM first and amperage draw second. Ignore horsepower ratings, they are usually bogus. Buy a 220 unit if at all possible. Choose a cast iron pump over aluminum. Do not buy oilless. Big tanks ARE better than small ones. Choose lower pump RPM if possible, it will be quieter. Just like with a welder, buy as big as you can get, you WILL outgrow pretty much any compressor you can fit in your garage