Air Compressor
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Marietta, GA
Air Compressor
I need some info & opinions. I want to get a small air compressor, now that I have my Explorer, motorcycle & trailer that I can use one on. Looking at the ads for Lowes, HD, Harbor Freight, etc., I've seen some terms that I don't know, so I thought I'd come to ask you guys.
I won't be using it all that much, so I'm thinking something small, 2-4 gallons, but Harbor Freight has an 8 gallon for $100.
So, what should I look for? How many HP? What's SCFM? What do I need to be able to run an impact gun, rachet, etc.?
Thanks!
I won't be using it all that much, so I'm thinking something small, 2-4 gallons, but Harbor Freight has an 8 gallon for $100.
So, what should I look for? How many HP? What's SCFM? What do I need to be able to run an impact gun, rachet, etc.?
Thanks!
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Joined: Dec 2004
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I don't like the oil less ones. My air mate was great, hatachi was great divabus was crap. I like ones with capasitors to help kick it. Get a high cfm and a low amp draw. If using many air tools as impact wrenches get as big of a tank as you can. Even the larger cheap compressors have the same cfm as the small ones but they have more air reserves.
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Joined: Jul 2001
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It's like everything else, it depends on what you are wanting to do with it. Pep Boys is carrying the Coleman line of compressors. The 4 gallon, twin tank uses the same compressor as a $275.00 Quincy. It even looks like a Quincy but the pressure switch is not as good.You can run nailers, wrenches, and some spray guns from it. I have some of the old spray guns that only require 40 lbs of air and mine keeps up with it. That would be around 4.0 cuft of air. The compressor itself is an oil type which I prefer and has a piston. I don't care for the diapham types but that is a personal preference. Pep Boys had these on sale for $89.00. The cheapest around here for hose has been Lowes- 3/8x 50' rubber for $26.88. Or you could look at the light weight vinyl hose at some of the other places for about the same money maybe cheaper. A larger tank will give you more capacity but not necessarily more long term volume. While mine will top off a tire on my SCrew in a heartbeat, it takes quite awhile to air up a flat tractor tire. It will fill its empty 4 gallon tanks to 100 lbs in about 15 seconds. For a small compressor, I think it is a bargain.
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From: Marietta, GA
Well, I went & got the 8 Gal from Harbor Freight, along with a ratchet, impact gun, 50' hose, quick connects, accessory kit & "automatic oiler". Overall, I'm happy with it.
I just have one question...the inline, automatic oiler I got....how in the world are you supposed to put oil in the thing? It's got one small hole--the drops of air tool oil are twice as big as the hole & take for ever to finally get in. I can't sit there all day!
I just have one question...the inline, automatic oiler I got....how in the world are you supposed to put oil in the thing? It's got one small hole--the drops of air tool oil are twice as big as the hole & take for ever to finally get in. I can't sit there all day!
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Moved to proper forum. You will find many threads on this subject here.
I use an inline automatic oiler for my tools. It has a large screw cap to pour oil into it. There is a picture in my gallery. I use it at the end of my air hose right before it goes into the tool. This lubricates the tool well and keeps the air lines clean.
I use an inline automatic oiler for my tools. It has a large screw cap to pour oil into it. There is a picture in my gallery. I use it at the end of my air hose right before it goes into the tool. This lubricates the tool well and keeps the air lines clean.
Last edited by Torque1st; Dec 4, 2005 at 09:03 PM.
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
I bought an "oilless"? kind - the one with the electric motor and the air compressor pump all in one -- it is a Campbell Hausfield 8 gal tank and puts out 4.5 SCFM @ 90 psi. The only problem is that I read the specs later- and it turns at somthing like 3600 rpm and it is LOUD. I plan on purchasing another unit this year when the Christmas sales hit and sell mine at a Garage Sale. I will buy the kind with the separate compressor and motor with a belt in between. They turn so much slower that you can actually talk in the same room when it is running.
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From: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
One more comment, not sure anyone answered the SCFm question -- Standard Cubic Feet per Minute. Your air tool performance is a result of 2 things - tank saize and SCFM. Most tools (look in Craftsman catalog) will list their SCFM requirements at 90 psi. I want a compressor that will hit 5+ SCFM @ 90 psi. Most are higher at 40 PSI but you only use that for painting and the like. Get as big as you can afford.