Who makes a good(or great-haha) air compressor compared to the price charged for it? I am looking into to investing in a large permenant compressor- probably 50-60 gallon, preferrably two stage. I don't want to spend a fortune and don't want a bad <!shiitty> compressor either.
Thanks
Scott

 

go with a campbell hausfeld compressor very reliable and rock solid they are sold under the husky brand name at home depot for 1,899 for 2 stage with a output of almost 28 cfm at 90 you can also get their quadzilla which is a v-4 pump which gives 20 cfm go to their website chpower.com

 

I don't know if you have heard of them, but a place called "Harbor Freight Tools" here in Columbus OH(may be other places too) sells the CH "quadzilla"(7 hp 60 gal four cylinder) compressor $829.99. Good deal? I couldn't find this unit on chpower.com to find an MSRP. Also couldn't find it on homedepot.com to see what their version sells for.
Thanks,
Scott

 

yes i have been to harborfreight a lot out here the quadzilla was from what i heard discontinued last year and lowes sells ch iron force compressors for about 600 but you don't get much cfm i think it is 13.9 or their is porter cable which is a very good compressor but is pricey

 

Is the compressor going to be installed inside or outside the shop?

Chris

 

Haven't decided yet- but probably inside in the back room of my shop
Scott

 

I bought a Sears compressor to clean guns in 1991. It went through hurricane Andrew and has been plugging away for the last 13 years. The hoses need replacing now but the compressor is still working fine. You can find some good bargains in used Sears compressors. I know they are not fashionable but the do seem to work out.

 

they are made by devilbiss air co. which makes the porter cable ones

 

If it's going to be inside the shop, you want a quiet one or it'll drive you nuts in a hurry. The oil-less ones are really loud. Consider building an insulated (semi-soundproofed) box around it, whether you put it inside or out. And as for Harbor Freight, they have an on-line store as well. -TD

http://www.harborfreight.com/

 

Thanks Dan,
actually harborfreight.com is where I was getting my information. f390gh, were you saying that craftsman or sears compressors are made by the same company as porter cable? If so they are probably a runnin SOB, and well worth the money.
Scott

 

they are both made by devilbiss very good and quiet compressors but the duty cycle is only 50 %

 

Look into an Ingersol-Rand compressor. They are rock-solid and have good customer support over the phone if you have any questioins. They will cost a little more, but will probably be the last one you will ever have to buy.
For what its worth...here's the compressors that I own;
*One horse Sears in my basement shop. 30 years old and getting tired, but good enough for down there.
*Contractor-type Quincy pontoon in my store shop. This runs air nailers, blow guns and my CNC mat cutter.
*Small, portable Huskey. Kept as insurance in case something ever happens to the Quncy.
*80 gallon 220 volt Ingersol-Rand in my garage. This runs air tools and spray guns, and makes the other ones look like toys. I can never run this thing out of air.

MR

 

I second this. Campbell Hausfeld has been making great air products for many years. You can't go wrong, here. Buy too cheap of a "Chinese" made item and you will regret it. The Campbell will most likely last your lifetime if you take care of it.

 

I don't have a large built-in compressor, but I have two Emglo twin-tank portables, one electric, the other gas. I have had these for years, and they have held up great through all sorts of uses and conditions, both in the shop and in the field. Emglo is now owned by DeWalt, I don't know if they are still making compressors under the Emglo name, but I would buy another based on my past experiences. -TD

 

TigerDan, Emglo compressors are still made by them but now carry the DeWalt colors and badge. They have beefed them up some what but are still emglo. I repair compressors and can tell you that Campbell Hausfield are ok but if you want a compressor that will last a life time, get an I/R. I RARELY get any I/Rs in for repair and if I do It's mainly because they were neglected.