Need an air compressor

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Mar 14, 2007
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I've never had a good decent size air compressor. Just today my little sub HP sub CFM compressor wouldn't start and doesn't work so it's time for a new larger unit. I was thinking of just a simple 4 gallon or so twin stack hotdog compressor. I've seen units running upwards of 5CFM off of 115V and under 15A. What are some reliable brands to look for?

I like the look of Thomas's lineup aswell as the Maxus lineup, they have a good 4 gallon 4.9CFM at 90 PSI twin stack that runs around $380 which they also offer in an aluminum tank version for the same price.

Recommendations appreciated. Would also consider larger, but need to stay in single phase 115V on a 15A line.

I've also found out I should look into belt driven oil bathed compressors. They seem to run quieter.

There's Craftsman, IR, Quincy, and other's I'm sure that are good brands.

Anyone that can comment on Maxus compressors would be much appreciated.
 
I am a carpenter and would HIGHLY recommend a DEWALT the (yellow monster my name for it) direct drive OIL BATH( synthetic) single tank 4gal hard to beat take the work and keep on keepin on 100% duty cycle, @$350 at Lowes and others Check them out online!
 
http://www.dewalt.com/us/products/tool_detail.asp?productID=2952

65535 Heres the one I have. I bought it IIRC in 02' SOMBODY forced me too by PERMENTALEY borrowing my old one if you know what I mean!!!!

Just went back and looked at the compressor Bronco posted nice package!!! basicly the same w/ added features, wheels and hose storage, and if it is ANYTHING like their nail guns "Bullet Proof" Pretty much all I run is Senco guns!!!
 
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It's hard to recommend a compressor without knowing what it will be used for.Most of the units shown will work fine for many applications but if your looking for something to run air tools,sanders,drills,impact wrenches,you wouldn't be happy with them then.That said,here's a nice one from Home Depot,http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...3&productId=100063473&N=10000003+90401+524403,it has a 30 gallon tank and will take up less floor space in a garage than the Dewalt and work better to run bigger air tools because of the tank capacity.I have a 2 stage compressor that I bought from Snap On about 20 years ago,with a 60 gallon tank and it handles everything that I have although when I'm running a small sand blast cabinet,I have to stop once in a while and let the compressor catch up but it's a minor inconvenience.The compressor that I have is also set up to run from either 110 or 220 at the flip of a switch,which will increase the scfm's but I've always run it on 110.
 
The main use will be cleaning/blowing so it needs to be able to run an air nozzle at 100% or at least be close so it doesn't have to catch up for a long time.
 
I consider myself a do-it-yourselfer and I have to say the most valuable tool I own is an air compressor. I have a 16 year old Craftsman 6.5hp, 33 gallon, 240v that is 9/15 scfm @ 40/90psi. I paid alot back then, but it was worth it. I would recommend getting one that puts out enough air to power the highest air consuming tool you'll ever consider buying. I also recommend a compressor with wheels, because there are times when you won't have enough hose length. I recall a time when I filled the compressor with air and rolled it across the street to fill a neighbors tire.
 
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