Re: [FWDLK] air compressor

[Garrett <TheBulkster@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I asked the list a similar question a couple years back, and the general 
consensus seems to be that oiled, not oil-less compressors seem to be 
preferred, as (from what I'm told) they last longer AND are rebuildable if 
they should ever go bad.  Also, oiled compressors are much quieter.  I've 
never used an oil-less myself, but I'm told an oil-less unit can pretty much 
wake the dead.

As far as size or airflow, get the largest you can afford.  I ended up with 
a "5" HP 20 gallon Campbell-Hausfeld unit which has worked admirably, but I 
can definitely see how a larger unit would've been very nice.  My main 
restriction was space.  Most of what I use it for is filling up air in 
tires, air ratchets, impact wrenches, and I have used the occasional air 
hammer and air cut-off tool.  I have a die-grinder as well, but have yet to 
use it for anything more than making that cool airtool sound.

If you're wanting to use cutting, grinding, and sanding tools, as well as 
paint, invest the money in a good sized unit...I would say probably 
something around a minimum of 60 gallons.  Anything too small and the paint 
may not be consistent, which will make it look pretty bad I'd imagine.  With 
my 20 gallon unit, my air cut-off tool definitely loses a noticeable amount 
of power after using it for 15-20 seconds, so I'll generally stop after 
using it a minute or two and let the tank rebuild pressure.  It still works, 
but it's nowhere near as nice as my dad's compressor, which is a 60 gallon 
upright unit, when it comes to endurance.  With his compressor we can 
sandblast all day long and the amount of pressure it loses is barely 
noticeable...although he's still not completely happy and would like 
something even larger.  He uses it mostly for automotive work (similar to 
what you'll be doing).

Get an idea of the tools you want to use, take a look at their air 
requirements, and then find a compressor that will fit your airtools.  Also, 
a unit that uses 240 volts vs. 120 will generally have an advantage in 
output, so I'd recommend a 240 unit assuming you can run a 240 outlet to 
where your compressor will be.
My recommended place of purchase would be Harbor Freight if you have one 
near you.  They do sell some "no name" brand compressors there, but they 
also carry a wide selection of Campbell-Hausfeld compressors (at least the 
Harbor Freights in Columbus, Ohio and Palm Beach and Stuart, Florida do), 
everything from the small pancake compressors, to 20 gallon units such as 
mine, to 60 and 80 gallon units.  They also have some gas-powered 
compressors which put out a good amount of air compared to electric units, 
but they're expensive and probably not recommended for indoor use.  Their 
website will give you an idea of brands they carry and prices 
(www.harborfreight.com), keep in mind store inventory is generally different 
from their website.  Like I said the Harbor Freight near me carries large CH 
units, but they have none on their website.

Hope this helps a little.
Garrett 

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