I'm in the market for a new compressor. I'm wanting at least 5 horse/60gallon. I've been looking at the ones Home Depot sells, are they any good?? I like the $450 price tag. I can't afford $1000-1200 and it won't be used every day.

 

I have one of the Ingersol Rand 60 gallon, single stage 7.5 HP (so they claim). It works fine for what I do the only thing I don't like is the following scenario: I fire up the compressor until it reaches full capacity, then I start useing my DA, it will run the tank down to about 90 PSI, the compressor will start backup, it will produce air but will only keep the tank at 90 PSI. It will not build up until the tank shuts off. So I guess the problem is that the DA uses the same amount that the head can produce. This happens with the DA and my cutoff tool. Other than that it was well worth the $300 I paid ( someone bought and returned it). Was normally $497 or so. They sent it out to a local dealer who checked it out. It also came with a two year warranty.

 

I have one of the 60 gallon 7hp Coleman brand compressors that Costco sells. It is similar to the Home Depot ones and I am very happy with it.
Bob

 

Whatever you do look for a belt drive unit.

 

Not an authority on the subject, guess depends what intend to use it for, and limitations. I only have 110 outlet so purchased a compressor w/ the highest cfm rating for the buck. 6hp, 8.6 cfm @ 40psi, and 6.4 cfm @ 90 psi. Aware somewhat limited in selection of tools, because of cfm rating, and purchase air tools accordingly. If intend to use for body tools, and had 240 volts, would consider 2 stage compressor, with highest cfm could afford.

Good luck,
dave

 

I am embarassed to ask, but

"Why?"

 

I have the Porter Cable 60 gallon, I think its a 7060 or something like that. 220 only, single stage. Works great. I really only need that big of a tank when blowing out my sprinklers in the fall. Got it at the local Big-R ranch store for $360, much cheaper than I've seen it elsewhere. It looks to me to be identical to the Coleman unit. Be sure to extend the drain petcock out where you can reach it!

 

Belt drive units last forever in a home shop if maintained properly. Belt drives are also quieter. The direct drive units make a noise that must be used to torture souls in Hell. They also wear out quickly but some can be rebuilt.

 

go take a look at sears craftsman compressors

 

One more question: is the belt-drive considered quieter and sturdier due to the fact that most are oil-lubricated rather than direct driven? Or is the quietness/durability due to the belt-drive itself?

Which then raises the corollary: Is the noise and unreliability of the direct drive units due to the fact they are direct-driven using no belt, or rather to the fact most are oil-less (using a silicon composite piston ring which eventually wears out)?

 

The design of the oilless piston and cylinder is where the noise comes from. They operate at high rpms also. They literally beat themselves and your ears to death.

Go listen to a couple of compressors of both types and see which one you want in your shop.

 

Yea I have heard them both, and agree that the direct drive/oilless in noiser. And noticed our old craftsman 60 gallon oiled belt-driven compressor in the shop at my work has lasted forever (at least 20+ years and running strong).

I was just curious about your recommendation of belt drive, with which I do agree btw

 

Hello

I bought one of the 80 gallon Huskys that Home Depot Sells. So far it does everything I have ever asked it to do. I run a little over 200 feet of lines and several tools at one time and never have any problem. Wheather you buy husky or coleman or any of the big outlets brands I think they are all made by Campbell Hausfeld. So take your pick.

Wes