Compressor: Best bang for the buck

wizbangdoodle

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I've had a little 20 gallon direct drive compressor for about 15 years now and it has finally died. Probably just a starter capacitor, but I'll use it as an excuse to step into the big boys world and get what I really want.

Like the title says, bang for the buck. I don't mind spending the money, as long as it's worth it. From what I can see, you pay more for some of these well known names. Are they really worth it? Do they support their product that much better?
Give me your opinions and experiences.
 
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DSG2003Mach1

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what do you use it for?

Ive replaced my compressor with new battery powered tools and a cheap pancake for filling tires. I don't miss it a bit
 

railroad

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You probably want a single stage, piston, oil type compressor. Hope you have 220 Volt outlet. It is not high amp, just 220 volt. If you can find one with cast iron cylinders, it will be the best. Probably more common are the aluminum cylinder with cast iron liners. This would be lowest quality I would consider.
Hope this helps.
 

wizbangdoodle

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what do you use it for?

Ive replaced my compressor with new battery powered tools and a cheap pancake for filling tires. I don't miss it a bit
Framing nailer, ugga ugga gun, brad nailer and several other air tools I've acquired over the years. I've thought about going to batteries, but that would mean replacing a lot of tools. And I'd like to get into some painting too.
 

mcaligiuri

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Kobalt 60 gallon compressor. When I bought mine they were made by Campbell hausfield so its decent quality. 220v and works great.
 

kevinatfms

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Husky 30 gallon oil less here. Never needed to step up to bigger. Runs on 120V, 30 gallons so it can do just about anything, its relatively quiet and has a 3 year warranty which ive never had to use.
 

Blk91stang

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I picked up a Kobalt Quiet Tech at Lowe's and I'm very happy with it so far. It's a 26 Gallon Vertical design with 2 cat pumps. These are the same pumps used on the California Air Tools Compressors which are very quiet considering being oil-less.

$260 at Lowe's right now, you can't beat it imo.
 

BigPoppa

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Dewalt 30 gallon 115v portable oil-less direct drive here. Painted cars with it, so it has more than enough air. It is a bit loud, but hasn't given me any trouble in the last 11 years I've owned it.
 

gimmie11s

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I have a 60 gallon 220v harbor freight unit that is actually a rebranded bel-aire machine. It’s made in USA. Paid about $450 for it 10 years ago but they don’t offer this unit any longer.




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RedVenom48

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If I had the money, I would hands down buy this as a garage Compressor:
Ingersoll Rand Garage Mate Portable Electric Air Compressor — 2 HP, 20-Gallon Vertical, 5.5 CFM, Model# P1.5IU-A9 | Northern Tool

This is what I could afford and purchased:
29 gallon 2 HP 150 PSI Cast Iron Vertical Air Compressor

I used it recently to replace both front wheel hubs on my Excursion. I need a bigger airline as the 3/8 Harbor Freight line I bought is choking my Ingersol Air tools. But it still had enough grunt to do the job.

Personally, I recommend oiled compressors. Oil-less has come a long way but... every heavy duty compressor Ive ever seen thats performed well has been oiled.
 

wizbangdoodle

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Those are some great deals. I started looking at the Husky 60 gal that Home Depot carries. Pretty good price compared to the big guys. I actually used to service Ingersoll Rands machine tools so I'm familiar with the quality of their manufacturing. I'll definitely be going with an oil 2 stage unit. The direct drive units are way too loud. I appreciate all the feedback.
 

Fastback

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Been using a Ramair 80 gallon upright, for 25 years. Basic replacement of consumables, just did the belts, and an oil change, drain condensation annually. The compressor side is a Campbell Hausfeld. Unit was manufactured in '85. Get the cast iron unit if they offer it. Biggest unit you can fit, buy it once.
 

wizbangdoodle

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Shopping these units brings up another question, single stage or 2 stage. A 2 stage unit can go as high as 175psi while the single is usually about 125-135psi. Anyone got an opinion on the pros and cons?
 

BigPoppa

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Shopping these units brings up another question, single stage or 2 stage. A 2 stage unit can go as high as 175psi while the single is usually about 125-135psi. Anyone got an opinion on the pros and cons?
The max pressure on any air tool usually runs about 90psi. Even most industrial actuators don't need over 120psi. Stick to the single stage and save some money.

If you go oiled, you can't paint using it, but you don't have to be as religious in keeping your tools oiled, even though you still need to.
 

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