which air compressor to buy for home use??
I have started looking at air compressors for my garage at home. I am not a professional mechanic, but I like to work on cars with my spare time, so this will likely get used only a few times a month. I however am quite capable at working on cars, and need an air compressor that is capable of spinning off some of the toughest bolts....IE Lower/Upper control arm bolts to the frame and rear axle, engine to tranny bolts etc. I have heard the term 2 stage thrown around...what is this. Costco had a stand up model, the tank was around 2-3 feet tall, and the box said something about 155lbs. The compressor was only $276. What should I look for for good home use, on a reasonable budget with plenty of power?? Thanks all, Jeremy Jeremy: A two stage compressor is one that has two cylinders connected in series. The first cylinder is the larger one and compresses the air to a smaller volume, the second cylinder is smaller and increases the pressure to the output pressure of the pump. This set-up makes for efficient compression as the heat is better dissipated. Usually only found on larger more expensive units. 6 cfm, belt drive, oil filled compressor should do quite nicely for a home shop. If it's going to be stationary get the biggest tank you can. You will have more reserve air and the compressor will cycle less which reduces wear and tear. If you scroll down or search this forum there's been a lot of discussion on compressors here. Adding on, make sure whatever you get, it puts out more air the the tools you plan to use. For instance my 4 HP/18 gallon Sears couldn't run a DA sander that uses 11 CFM (cubic feet per minute) if the machine only puts out 6.2 at rated pressure (typically 90 PSI). Look at the tools you plan to buy to see how much air they use. If the compressor doesn't put out more than that, you will run out of air . Buy the biggest and best you can afford. Good point Joe. One thing to watch out for is once you get much over 6 cfm, the motor will need to be connected to a 20 amp breaker if it runs on 120 volt. If your gonna have to rewire, you may as well take a bigger leap to one that runs on 240 volt. Coleman lists the air consumption of all their tools: http://www.colemanpowermate.com/comp...s/impact.shtml Yup. I have mine on its own 20A breaker. Anyone besides me getting the feeling we need to put up a sticky on compressors? Seems we talk about it a lot. I'll do it this weekend. Thanks for the help!! I do know it is fusterating to go over the same thing many times, and have extensively used the search button for air compressors. I now have a list with guidlines. costco has a 27 gallon 6cfm@90-155lbs I am considering for only $276, probably a non-oiled unit at that price. I would like something a little heavier duty though, so I may keep shopping, Thanks again Try to get an oiled unit if you can afford it. It can be had with limited funds. I have a non oiled coleman unit and i'm starting to hate it. It's just too darn loud. After four years I sure hope Jeremy has made up his mind. If Jeremy's anything like the rest of us here, he's probably on his third compressor by now. wow, this thread is ancient! I went with a craftsman oil cooled 27 gallon one with 6.8 cfm at 90 and 8.9 cfm at 40psi. it works fantastic, hasn't had a glitch, and is QUIET Geeze, I hadn't slept a wink wondering! Originally Posted by mitch17 If Jeremy's anything like the rest of us here, he's probably on his third compressor by now. Heavens to Betsy ... My Air Ace from Big Lots @ $160 (6 CFM @ 90 psi, 26 gal)) is powerful enough, but leaks as a sieve, and uses more oil than the old '48 Hudson ever thought of.. $160 down the drain ! I'd love to find an old American AirComp, after searching for 10 years, people keep them.. CU has never tested air compressors, may not even know what they are.... earthworm, Does your Air Ace happen to be direct drive? If so, this style this style mostly turns at 1725 rpm and at that speed is pretty much meant to fail. You really can't go wrong with a belt drive Campbell Hausfeld unit with a cast iron pump. Click image: Image courtesy of chpower.com They advertise the HP of this unit as a 2 HP but it puts out 5.5 cfm@ 90 psi. There are other good compressor brands out there. Read the sticky at the top of this forum and more carefully read carefully read the details before you buy a replacement. Thanx,greg The AirAce oil control seal is shot, not so bad. but where can a man find a replacement. Bearings Incorporated ? And this Air Ace leaks air like an English car leaks everything...'But it was cheap, and it stills runs... Probably costs a fortune in electric bills.. I need a compressor with an output of over 9 CFM at 90 psi.. Harbor Freight has one for $350(29 gal), another for $375(60 gal) or so. But the 60 gal is too large to fit anywhere... Good used compressors are nigh impossible to find... And I have read some excellent advice here. The drip leg for the air output for one.. Air Ace compressor model TD25B120VL, helper broke off one of the connection ports, need new manifold or whatever it's called. Anyone know if parts are available? THANKS! Not sure my reply saved, but I have the same air compressor and problem with broken manifold. Did you find parts? I have been in the compressor trade for 25 years and have seen/serviced 1/8 to 10k horsepower, the key to longevity is slow speed, lubrication and cooling, compresion generates heat...friction wears it out, always look at these things when you purchase... There are plenty of air compressors in the market. What psi output are you looking for? Seems like most people are looking for psi within 90 to 150 range. Search and read reviews and base your buying decision on the durability, price, and the positive reviews. Found this review article which should help you find an air compressor: Top 3 Air Compressors | Device Raters
Related Posts:
Yet another air compressor question
Yet another air compressor questionSo I have a tankless air compressor, and a 10 gallon carry tank from lowes: Shop Task Force 10-Gallon Air Tank at Lowes.com The way you put air into the tank is...
Sanborn magnaforce compressor
Sanborn Magna-Force CompressorHi, everybody, newbie here. I purchased a used Sanborn Magna-Force compressor off craigslist have a few questions. Model M109C400-20, belt-driven, oil lubed 2 cyl. si...
Thomasville flooring from home depot
Thomasville Flooring from Home DepotHas anyone ever used this before? I am about to install this over an OSB subfloor and want to get any and all pointers before I take this on. I have 5 in planks...
Thoughts on home depot mold foggers
Thoughts on Home Depot mold foggers?Looking to go out and buy/rent a couple of those anti-mold foggers that are stainless steell and look like Alladdin's lamp and use in my crawlspace which floode...
What are mobile home axles worth
What are mobile home axles worth?I want to build a trailer and I see at the place where a friend works has a pile of mobile home axles out front for $75 each, some have brakes. They dont look to b...
