Want to buy an Air compressor

[EVOC ONE]

I finally decided that I need to have one and don't know much about what I need.  I have used them in the past, but don't know any particulars.  I looked at the Craftsman models on line and saw a couple possibilities, but read just as many pros as con's for the models that interested me.  There is a Harbor Freight nearby should there be anything there. These are the reasons I want one:

To use for tinkering with firearms.
To inflate the tires of the automobile, snow blower, wheel barrow, etc.
Any miscellaneous household duties that may arise.
Perhaps for an air ratchet to remove lug nuts in the future, but no immediate plans for that.

I have a decent size yard barn to keep one in, but would prefer a portable unit to use in the indoors work shop. 

Is it feasible and/or safe to use in a home workshop?  The compressor's I've used in the past were indoors, but in a shop.

Is there one that suits my needs and can use 110 current?
What about accessories?

Thanks for any info or suggestions

[DalesCarpentry]

I use air compressors every day for nail guns but if you want to remove lug nuts and use a impact wrench you need something that holds alot of air volume. I would say at least a 15 or 20 gallon tank.

[goodwrench6710]

I have a Black Max that I have had for 10 years, bought it from Sam's Club. It has been use, abused, worked to death & still keeps going. painted about 20 cars, countless hrs. of bodywork, sandblasting & mechanics work. Best $350.00 I ever spent. It was made by Colman. Campbell Hausefield is a good one for the money too.

[Hairtrigger]

Maybe a bottle of CO2 instead? If you intend on using very little it would be a cost effective option.

[EVOC ONE]

Maybe a bottle of CO2 instead? If you intend on using very little it would be a cost effective option.

I've used cans of air that are sold to clean computer keyboards and that generally works well for cleaning firearms, unless they are very dirty.  Over the years there have been times when I could have used a compressor and put off buying one.  I figure, what the heck, just get one and be done with it.

Appreciate the replies everyone. 

[Hairtrigger]

I am talking about the big bottle with a regulator like some wreckers and the guys that race stock cars  use.

[quickdtoo]

Joe,

I've had a Sears 5hp, 20 gal vertical tank compressor for several years, it has worked well for everything I've ever used it for including using air tools that wouldn't work with the little 2hp 4gal Harbor Freight compressor that I had before it, the little compressor would run an air tool for just a minute or so before the tank was empty and it was running on just what the compressor supplied which wasn't enough, it just couldn't keep up with the demand. I use this one with cutoff tools, die grinders, air hammers and ½" drive impact guns, never has let me down.

They don't make that model any more that I can see, all of em are rated less, seems to me it's rated at 13 SCFM @ 90 PSI, I paid less than $300 for it.

The vertical tank is nice since it doesn't take up as much room in my shop, vertical space is more plentiful if you know what I mean. The only trouble I've had with it, is I knocked it over once and busted the supply tube off that the control mounts on, got a new control from Sears and replaced the pipe.

Tim

[goodwrench6710]

If noise is a concern, stay away from the direct drive models. We have a Craftsman oilless direct drive at work for the waste oil furnace & it will drive you insane while it is running. You need at least 8 cfm at 90 psi. to run any air tools without having to stop every minute. Quick is right, should have 20 gal. min. unless your using it for an airnailer.

[jpsmith1]

I got a craftsman 15 gallon compressor for Christmas.  It puts out 4.something cfm at 90 psi.  So far, it hasn't gotten much use beyond blowing up a couple of tires and blowing dust and chips off of workpieces.  Couple of nails and a couple of lug nuts.

Basically, buy more compressor than you think that you need.  For the type of use that you are describing, get one of about the same size as I have and buy a bunch of hose.

There is also another option for very light duty use.  I saw a regulator at Lowes the other day that attaches to a paintball tank.  This probably won't run an impact gun or an air ratchet, but a nailer or a blowgun or similar light duty tool would be OK.  Hooks right onto your belt and off you go.  Been thinking about one for work, myself.

[EVOC ONE]

I am talking about the big bottle with a regulator like some wreckers and the guys that race stock cars  use.

Ah, Yes.  I completely forgot about that type of tank.  We had that type at work, also.  I also see them in use at the sprint car races. 

Quick:  I like the standing tank suggestion.  I looks as if the a 15-20 gal tank would suit my needs.  I'll do some web searching to locate what is available.

Thanks for the great suggestions, everyone.

[wncchester]

EVOC, I use a "5HP/20 gal." CH oil-less compressor from WalMart for much the same uses as you mention.  It has served me pretty well for 6 years but...5 HP it ain't!  It's more like a 1 1/4 HP unit and so are all the others so rated.  That's ok because it can run off a 15 amp house power circuit.  (A true 5 HP electric motor costs several hundred dollars and requires a 220V/30 amp feed!)  Any such compressor will be the equal of others simular.

Do get one with wheels, you WILL want to move it around and the weight is a bit too much to move easily without them. 

I don't recommend the Chinese units from HF (don't trust their elect. motors) but do recommend their small impact wrenches/sockets, staple/nail guns, hoses and reels and fittings, paint spray guns, spot sandblasters, etc.  None of HF's stuff is top quality of course but, if bought on their excellent "sale "prices, you won't have to invest a fortune and can still have some really useful tools for a home shop. 

[schutzen]

I've had good service from and Ingersoll-Rand 5 HP 17.5 SCFM @ 100 psi with and 80 gallon tank.  It has a true 5 HP motor with no capacitors to boost the HP.  It also has a magnetic starter.  I purchased it in 1986 for $750.  I have changed the oil annually and I had to replace the drive belts this year.  I drain the water off the tank twice a week, but the compressor stays charged to 125 psi 24/7.  That's an awful tough act to follow, works out to about $60 per year (operating electricity included) to purchase and operate the compressor.

[hillbill]

if your handy with tools yu can make a air compressor if yur so inclined. i used one for years i made out of the old style ford air conditioner compressor pump. they are gettin hard to find nowadays tho.a ford pump, a elec motor of about half horse, a pressure switch off a well, properly readjusted of course, a air tank off a semi and a lil welding rod and scrap iron and yu got a compressor. kind of a fun project actually. we made one once that had 2 ford pumps and a 1 hp motor that would keep up with any large commercial compressor. they wont stand up to continuous use but will last for years if all yu do is air up tires and use a few air tools once in awhile.

[Paladin]

with all tools, ya get what ya pay for. Good luck in you quest.

[gwindrider1]

They are not cheap, but if you want the thing to last, relatively maintenance free, and just work forever, get a Roll-Air.  Rolls Royce of air compressors!  And they are unusually quite.

[GRIMJIM]

I used to own my own remodeling company and used a wheel barrow type emglo compressor. Mine was electric, they also make gasoline engine powered units. I still have that compressor and after 15 years ( 4 of which it was used every day) I have had no problems with it. It is very quiet, the motor runs constantly and a clutch turns the compressor pump on and off as needed. I got mine in trade for doing some laminate work for a guy that owned a tool store, they may be a little more than you are looking to spend but they are certainly a reliable unit. I see they were bought out by dewalt so maybe the prices are lower now.

[oldandslow]

I have a vertical tank Craftsman that is several years old now. I put a pair of HF 10" wheels on it so it would roll around easier off of concrete. It has been a good one but it is direct drive. The racket it makes runs me outside until it shuts off.

[loknlod]

Seriously, I have to elaborate on the direct drive air compressors.  DO NOT BUY ONE!  I really don't understand how anyone could be in the same garage/building as one when it is running.  I bought one a few years back, it worked but I wasn't overly impressed with it.  The noise was so annoying that I sold it for a major reduction in price just to get rid of the thing.  I didn't know the difference in types of compressors when I bought it, so hopefully anyone who reads this will think twice before they purchase.