Need a cheap compressor for my shop

Nelson

Nelson

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Believe it or not, my tiny basement shop has no air compressor to blow down machines, run nail guns or impact tools. But with new wiring that I installed, I can easily run one now, without blowing circuits or making lights flash on and off. But I don't foresee using it much, so why buy an expensive one?

I am looking at this one from Harbor Freight:

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-to...on-125-psi-portable-air-compressor-67501.html

Seems a good value for occasional use. What do you guys think?
 
For the shop Nelson I would not go less than a 25 gallon tank. That 8 gallon will not hold enough. The compressor will run all the time when in regular use.

"Billy G" :thinking:
 
I had a few of those things, Sold one to the UPS Driver for 20.00 gave 2 away. Those things make to much noise it would run you out of your basement.

Paul
 
I believe you will find that one, and any of the high speed motor driven compressors fairly loud. That one is rated 3 dB above what is considered safe for prolonged exposure. Otherwise, it will probably suit your purpose, but I would advise changing the oil after about 30 minutes, and again in 1 hour. Use proper compressor oil NOT engine oil.
 
Occasional use... Huh, That's what they all say! :))

Soon as you get that thing, you'll be shoot'n air at all kinds of things. I agree with what was posted by Bill and others. 20+ gallons is good. Some of them are vertical allowing you to utilize space better -but that depends on your particular layout. Anyhow, they're all pretty noisy -no getting away from that. I have an oil-less type like the one you're looking at. If it died tomorrow, I'd be happy and get one with pulley driven compressor.

-And even though I'm a little bit in the doghouse about safety, here's a thing I learned about compressed air the hard way. When that thing kicks in, it can give you a startle and if you're concentrating on something that needs your undivided attention, it can ruin your day. Enclosed inside my garage, every time that thing kicked in, it made my skin crawl. It's outside now in the shed (ticking-off a neighbor).

Also, be careful about blowback into the eyes. Use goggles and squint firmly when you use a blow nozzle. Even with goggles, you're not safe.

Ray
 
Both of those are noisy and about all they are good for is blowing things off. Even that might be debatable. Forget about running an impact wrench if you are going to do any automotive work,
 
You really want to take in account the volume the compressor kicks out in scfm. You want the scfm to exceed the volume that the tool requires, or else you'll be waiting for the compressor to catch up because you have lost pressure. Most cheap ones that I have seen in the big boxes have very low scfm at 90 psi. A lot of the air tools that I use are continuous use (air chisel, impact, ratchet, paint gun, detail sander) and require anywhere from 7 to 14 scfm. Of course, my air nailer is intermitent and does not require a high scfm, but must have around 90 psi to operate correctly. Match the compressor to your needs.
 
Nelson, Don't Do It!
I would stay away from the oil less compressors-Way to noisy and the combo of the motor/compressor is not particularly robust.
Don't go too cheap either, You will regret it
Find a used oil type on CL.
Also, you might want to consider putting it elsewhere like a garage or carport and piping the air into your basement. Your basement will be quieter and you will conserve valuable real estate.

Randy
 
Although direct-drive (a negative in my book) I believe that is not an oil less, since it mentioned a sight glass to keep an eye on the oil level. However, I'm sure it is an all aluminum compressor, another negative in my book. having said that, one of the best deals I ever made on a new compressor was a last year's model Sanborn 2 hp belt drive at, of all places, Walmart. I had my oldie die in the middle of a job, and had to have something NOW! and they had it for $199. It still runs, even after getting hot and locking up twice from abuse. It's now 24 years old.

You can do better, Nelson....keep shopping.
 
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