I'm looking for a new air compressor. A friend bought one a while ago at a whole sale club. He got a Divilbiss (SP?). I haven't ever heard of them. What is their reputation versus say a craftsman or a Cambell Hausfeld? Thanks in advance.

Matt

 

I have a 2 cyl 240V 2HP Craftsman air compressor circa 1980, can you guess who made it? Devilbis!

That compressor has served me very well, I bought it new and so far I've changed the belt once and the airfilter and oil about once a year. Devilbis is a quality manufacturer, highly recomended. I paid $460 for that thing back then!

I have a bud who's got a 60Gal Devilbis oil-free compressor that was purchased from Cosco for around $300. Sears wanted another hundred for one with the Craftsman name on it!.
He did have a problem with his compressor, it turned out to be a air leak on the motor/pump and Devilbis sent a repairman to his house and fixed right away. Another satisfied customer.

While I'm on the topic of oil-free compressors, what is the general consensus on them? My experience is that the are very loud and seem to pump less air (ie. the motor seems to run for ever) but I must say they are cheap to manufacture and do get the job done. Please post your comments...

I can't comment on Cambell since I don't own any of their products. Are they made in the USA? That stuff looks like it's made in China. I'll have to take a closer look next time I'm at the homeytoad.

 

I have a 6.5 HP 60 gallon DeVilbiss (220V) and I am pretty satisfied with it. I paid about $400 for it.

 

If you are looking, Devilbiss is what us painters like to use most often. Look for the twin cast iron pistons. Prefer oil over oil free for long life. For the occassional user, oil free is the way to go.

Next, look for a nice glass bead cabinet... ;}

 

DeVilbiss used to be a quality name in air compressors and paint guns, but recently I've seen some cheapie air tools with that name on 'em, so they may have "sold out".

Oilless direct-drive compressors are supposed to be bad news. Cast iron and belt-driven is the way to go if you want long life. But, if it's VERY cheap and has a guarantee,Profanity Removed.

 

I have a 6 HP 60 gallon DeVilbiss. I am totally happy with it. It is oil free and I agree that oil units are better and do run quieter. IMHO that is a concern if you are using it in a business or some pretty high frequent use. But for a guy like me who putters in the garage a few weekends a month at most, oil free will do just fine. As weekend warrior I was more concerned about price vs quality of the unit and output i.e. how many SCFM @ how many psi.

PbFoot

 

There are several threads here that discuss various compressor types, brands, performance, and ratings.

There is also a tech paper on building your own blast cabinet.

 

The new D's are not what the old ones were. My understanding of these new HP ratings (most companies) is it's the electric draw rating on a locked motor reading. How can you put 6hp in a twenty pound motor and sell it for $100.?

My stratigy has always been on shop compressors, wait till the service stations being torn down and give the wrecker $50.00 for the old 7000lbs dinasor in the back room. Been working for years and still will. For a cheap roll-around at resonable price check Grainger for their Speedaire Machines.

MT