Just wondered if any of you guys would recommend or make any suggestions for a air compressor in the $300. range. Been looking at Sears. Anything you guys like better? Appreciate any advice. Thanks
I bought a Lowes Kobalt 60 gallon based on the reviews from those that have them the Hamb. I like it. Plenty of pressure to paint and for air tools. Don't sell yourself short. These normally run around 400.00 and sometimes cheaper during sales. I bought one on sale right after the holidays for 290.00.
save up and get something better. i bought the "5 h.p." (supposedly ) w/30 gallon tank for $300,about 7-8 years ago. i can't stand how ****ing loud it is,takes forever for the tank to fill too...
http://littlerock.craigslist.org/tls/600080549.html http://cgi.ebay.com/7-HP-Stationary...224251631QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item320224251631 This is the one I was talking about
get at least a 60 gal with 14 cfms anything less is ****. most compressors are made by the same company or to same design and just painted a different color so look at what you need for output and buy the cheepest one that isnt harbor frieght, the husky ones cheeper anyway
Yeah I was going to buy on of those Kobalt compressors when they were on sale but Lowes ran out of them and a manager gave me a rain check only to find out they have replaced it with a Cambell Hausfield and no longer carry the Kobalt brand. So I missed out on that deal.
It's not $300 but the compressor they sell at Sam's is great, though $800. Matches up with compressors for $1500 and more. 18.6 cfm. compressor is one of those things IMO that you need to get right the first time and plan on expansion. I bought a cheapie CH for $300 in the past, 40 gal, and it just can't handle paint duties.
dont get direct drive, they are louder then ****!!! get a compressor with belt and where you have to use oil MUCH QUIETER...and i second the 60 gallon size
I don't know what $300.00 will get you at sears these days but stay away from anything with an aluminum pump. also whatever HP rating the motor says on it you can divide that number by half to get the real HP. I had the "5 HP/60 gallon" sears compressor. I later found a giant quincy pump for free. I put it all together and my "5 HP" sears motor would kick off before the tank even got full. got a 2 HP Baldor motor that has been working fine for 5 years. I say buy used. you'll get a bunch more compressor for your 300 clams
I also vote to look into the USED market. NEW is great if you have the dough to blow, but if you're looking for the BEST BANG for your buck - USED is the only way to fly. As an example I recently bought an industrial compressor (literally in like new condition) for 200 bucks. It was 3 phase - it cost me another 200 to swap the motor for a Baldor single phase 220v motor. FWIW I looked this up - NEW it sells for right around 2K. So all in all 4 bills and a couple nights work wasn't too bad. Plus in the end - you're left with more dough to blow on your hot rod!!! - or - TWICE the compressor!!! Take your pick.
Yep, Sears Crafstman compressors are REALLY LOUD and I hate 'em. Husky is a Campbell Hausfeld by another name. I have had a 80 gall 4 Cyl 7.5 HP Campbell Hausfeld for ten years - runs on 220V single phase - love it. At Home Depot they have the 2 cyl 80 Gallon two stage Husky 220V sgl phase for $798 - everything else of comparable specs is $1500+ - as the majority opinion seems to be, if you can save a bit longer for something bigger and better, do it.
I used to work at the Craftsman-DeWalt-Porter Cable air compressor factory in Jackson, TN. For light duty work, the red craftsmans all work fine (I've got one) It will run your air wrench, inflate your tires, etc. for heavy body work & painting you need a big, professional unit. All of the engineers at the plant owned these: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...e=Compressors+&+Air+Tools&keyword=compressors They are a V-twin, they run a little cooler, 'little quieter, last longer. The DeWalts came down the same ***embly line as the craftsmans, They had practically identical components except the DeWalt had a little higher working pressure, other than that, the same. These small compressors are nice because you can toss 'em in the back of your car or truck and take 'em to the job site, track, or hot rod buddies house. For $300, the red craftsmans will do fine, if you can spend a little more, the V-twins are even nicer. If you've got the bucks and the room, a heavy duty cast iron horizontal or vertical will last forever.
got some big industrial i-r's but for little around the plant harbor frieght when there on sale but watch for the specs they change alot at h/f , but even ther $300 bucks wont get a good compressor for painting. but yuo can link 2 smaller compressors together via air lines when you need more air/pressure for painting
it stands true,you get what you pay for. To me, if you are going to continue to build and repair cars after the current one, save your money and buy a industrial type as this will most likely save you money in the long run
Yep, that could have been written by me, 2 stage at a great price. There are better ones, but for the price, this is hard to beat.
Thanks fellows. I appreciate the replies. In think I'll hold off untill I've got the cabbage for a larger compessor and in the mean while keep my out for a good used one.
I had a cheapo 5hp Craftsman I picked up when I was given a gift card to sears, ****! I gave it away. now I have a 2 stage 4 cly 7hp I got from H.F., its not the best compressor on the market but, it works great. I keep the oil clean and so far so good. a good rule is, buy a compressor that puts out double what your tools need. it ****s waiting for your compressor to catch up in the middle of a job.
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