Need a cheap compressor for my shop

Ohhh, not too encouraging on that model I see, and I can't say you guys are wrong at 88 decibals of NOISE in my basement! :shocked: That's a lot. SWMBO will have a fit and then this will be me ----> :slapping:
I can't put it outside- this is NYC - no place to build a lean-to in order to house it.

The smaller tank doesn't bother me because for a nail gun that isn't intermittant, no biggie or for blow down, but the noise- that is a deal stopper.

Here is what I need:

SMALL UNIT (no biggies from CL)
QUIET MOTOR
SAFE - NO explosions!

What can I get in the $200-$250 range? I had a used Coleman, but haven't run that in ages and it is noisy.
Suggestions appreciated guys...
 
If I were you, I'd ask myself these questions first:
1. Does my compressor need to be portable ???
2. What capacity do I think I need or WILL need ???
3. Will it bother me to wait for the compressor to catch up if I'm using lots of air ???
4. Budget, how much am I willing to spend ???
5. Available electrical service, do I have the required service for a larger compressor or am I willing/capable of running new wires ???

Bigger tank & SCFM is better if you plan on regularly using air powered tools, paint sprayers, sand blasters, etc. that use tons of air, but cost a lot more $$$, require larger electric service and not portable.
I've never seen any compressor that's quiet so if noise is going to be an issue, I'd consider putting it in the garage and piping an air line to the basement if possible like a previous suggestion said.

I use my little compressor quite a bit blowing up tires, blowing off dust, nail guns, staplers, etc... I just deal with occasionally having to wait for it to catch up. There have been times I wish I'd had a larger compressor, but not enough to justify the price and the subsequent loss of portability.
 
In the lab I ran for a little while, I had a IR screw pump that you could stand right next to and carry on a normal conversation. It was enclosed, and a 7.5 hp. Very nice machine. About $6500 if I recall correctly. Not what you're looking for though, Nelson. It wouldn't fit in your basement shop I'm afraid.
 
Nelson, I have a HF compressor very similar to that one. Typicaly $100 more or less. It works fine, it is a bit noisy, and it won't run an impact. I use it for airing tires. But it's heavy, and it won't run on an extension cord.
So I bought a smaller one from Sears for nail guns, tires and blowing dust off in the shop.

For your purposes, I would suggest you find a used older compressor from Champion. Those things are ubiquitous, usually have a 15-gallon tank. You can buy them for pennies not working, usually need a pressure switch or (worst case) a motor. the pump is usually good, as is the tank. They run quiet, have good output. You can also mount a variable speed motor on it so you can vary the speed to balance noise and output.

I've had two like that, looking for another. And I already have 4 compressors. they are all too noisy.
 
Nelson said:
IR is a good name.
Click to expand...
Historically, yes. But in the last few years they have been selling at Walmart. It's been my observation that once Walmart starts selling something, it means that the manufacturer has cut enough corners to get it down to Walmart prices. Like Mongoose bicycles. Used to be good, now Chinese crap since Walmart started selling them. I can't speak for the new Walmart IR compressors, as I've never used one, but I personally wouldn't buy one.I've got this (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00916472000P) craftsman compressor and I don't recommend it. Loud, slow, but has a big tank - pretty much the opposite of what you want (and what I want).
 
What do you really need an air compressor for in a home shop? If you look at things objectively, you might blow things down, run a paint sprayer, or a brad nailer. I have been told you shouldn't use compressed air to clean your machines, because it blows debris into areas that are inaccessible thus causing excess wear & tear. Unless you have an industrial duty compressor you can't run a die grinder, and for the most part you can get electric tools that do the same as air tools. I.E impact drivers, die grinders etc. I used to have a large compressor, and I rarely used it. I now have a small compressor that suits my needs very well, but I have a small shop with small needs. It is all relative......
 
strantor said:
Historically, yes. But in the last few years they have been selling at Walmart. It's been my observation that once Walmart starts selling something, it means that the manufacturer has cut enough corners to get it down to Walmart prices. Like Mongoose bicycles. Used to be good, now Chinese crap since Walmart started selling them. I can't speak for the new Walmart IR compressors, as I've never used one, but I personally wouldn't buy one.I've got this (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00916472000P) craftsman compressor and I don't recommend it. Loud, slow, but has a big tank - pretty much the opposite of what you want (and what I want).
Click to expand...




IR has been made in China alot longer than thay have been in wallmart. Thay have been in Home Depot for 5 years with made id chinaa tools. Oh and that Craftsman compressor you have is a rebadged IR made in china.
 
What do you mean by 'safe, no explosions'?

If you are talking air tank max air pressure then you will find they all have pop off valves to prevent over pressurizing.

If you mean not ignite the atmosphere when you are spraying flammable liquids then you can forget about it. Somebody, somewhere in the world, probably makes a explosion proof air compressor but I've never heard of one at any price.
 
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