Air Compressor Suggestions?

[Xavier]

I am looking for suggestions for a at home in garage air compress that can handle all power tools and an HVLP spray gun. I want something that will run off 120v, take up little space and be as quiet as possible for around $300. I have found a few, but before pulling the trigger I would like to her some suggestions. Of course, at this price level and being 120v, I know these are not going to be industrial unit.

Thank you for your suggestions...

[ENTDOC]

I highly advise you to try your local craigslist for a unit, you will get far more for your money. I got an 85 gal, 7.5 hp 220V Campbell Hausfield unit like new for 250.00 recently.

[tcrist]

I would think the one thing that you are looking for is one to put out at least 125PSI continually. You might also look into how large of tank you could put into the space where you will house it. I would get the largest holding tank that you could fit.

FYI, mine is a 220 volt, 6 HP, 60 gallon and It will not keep up with a good air sander for longer than about 10 min.

JMO

[Wbulk]

I really don't think what you say you want is going to meet your needs. I have a five HP, 60 gal. 220V, 11 cfm compressor that meets my needs, and I do run out of air from time to time. Over the years I have had smaller ones but they just don't cut it. If you just do occasional work then maybe, but not for most HVLP guns. HVLP guns have various cfm requirements. Most, even the cheap ones reguire more than 10 cfm.

[Xavier]

Wbulk,

You are right, the correct compressor I need is roughly $800 - I guess it is on to Craig list.

Thank for the comments.

[PaulProe]

The largest compressor motor you can run from 110v is 2HP (That is true 2hp not the ones that cheat on ratings)

A 2hp compressor will produce about 8cfm at 100-125 psi. That will power smaller air tools and a small detail HVLP gun. But it will run out of air if you try to use a sand blast cabinet, large HVLP gun or typical body tools/sanders.

Be careful what you are buying. The air compressor industry is full of snake oil. If you buy too small a compressor, it will run too much, overheat and die an early death.

The laws of physics dictate how much horsepower you can get out of a 110v socket. Don't let some slick salesman or website convince you otherwise

Paul

[redmt]

Originally Posted by Xavier

Wbulk,

You are right, the correct compressor I need is roughly $800 - I guess it is on to Craig list.

Thank for the comments.

You can't have too much air. If you over work it , it will be pumping water in no time. Unless you go with a good quality drier you could still have problems. As soon as the warm air from the over heated pump hits the cold tank you get instant condensation. Bigger is better. Go for 150-175 psi minimum and regulate down to what ever pressure you need. A 125 psi compressor will always be playing catch up.

[209]

And there's no such animal as a quiet air compressor! 209

[PaulProe]

Originally Posted by 209

And there's no such animal as a quiet air compressor!

209,
You're incorrect - We supply a number of different quiet compressors, from 5hp to 25 hp. They all have one thing in common - $$$$$$

Champion Pneumatic makes commercial units. The Evolution and Hydrovane units both operate in the 65 dbA range.

If you're interested in one for your shop, you're wife will never know it's running - but the jewelry you'll have to buy to make things even will be very big.

Paul

[Bobcat]

Call Campbell Hausfield . I got a reconditioned unit from them with a new compressor warranty a lot cheaper than the Chinese crap that Home Depot and Lowes has . Best part is that their units are made in America . I did have to go to the trucking company`s location and pick it up ... not a big deal .

[Excaliber]

I got a 110 volt from Sears for ONE reason.... it had a really quiet rating. I've had it with compressor noise and this one works fine for the limited use it gets in my garage.

Easy to roll into my Van truck and take it to the track as well. You can make a strong case for smaller is better depending on your needs.

[Racer_X]

Get the most compressor your budget will allow. Go for a known name brand. Unfortunately most of the pumps are made overseas now. Don't buy oil-less, they are noisy and won't last. I found a Ingersol-Rand 80 gal. 7.5 HP 2 stage on my local craigslist for $900 almost new. I don't regret it one moment. It replaced my Sears 4Hp 30gal. single stage compressor that I've had about 12 years and still runs like a champ. Drain the tank regularly to keep water out and change oil regularly. Proper maintenance will make a compressor last a long time.