I was looking at buying an air compressor to help me around the garage and to possibly do some home paint jobs on my cars. I don't have a lot of money so the cheaper compressors are more appealing to me. I know I need at least a 60 gallon, and I know you get what you pay for. I have narrowed it down to two possible choices and wanted to see what everyone thought would be the better choice. OPTIOIN #1: Harbor Freight U.S. General compressor 60 Gallon 3.5HP 130 PSI max 12.8CFM @ 90PSI 15 Amp $399 with a 20% off coupon 3yr warranty available OPTION #2: Lowes Campbell Hausfeld compressor 60 Gallon 3HP 135 PSI max 10.2cfm @ 90PSI 15 Amp $479 with a 10% off coupon 3yr warranty available I know they are both cheap, but can either one be trusted? Does anyone have either of these two? Which one would anyone recommend? I am new to compressors and have done a lot of research, but I am still confused. I just want some opinions. Any help is much appreciated. -Jeff
I gotta agree. If you have $300 to spend you'll be able to buy a much higher quality used one than what you'll get for the same money new. A high quality used compressor, even with a lot of hours on it, is better than a brand new cheapie to me, even if it has a warranty. Shop around, put a wanted ad on Craigslist if you don't find one right away. You'll come across a deal. I got mine used, $125 and it's comparable to the ones you have listed above.
Pay attention to the motor voltage and phase ratings, too. If your garage doesn't have 240 single phase to it, that's another expense on top of the initial cost of the compressor. If it happens to have a three phase motor, then that's something your not going to get. Three phase isn't run to residences. You can swap out the motor for a 240 single phase piece, but your expense goes up again. Roger
I have the HF one and it has worked fine. If you were closer Im sellin it for 200 bucks to buy a 110 volt instead of runnin 220 to my new garage. Look on CL, there are some good deals on there
i say 110v compressors are okay but 220 is where its at, plus if you plan on getting a decent welder or any other equipment its going to need 220 too.
CL is a good option i just bought a Harbor freight on CL. $50 (299. new) and 220 is nice for alot of reasons, but if ya dont want to mess with the power 110 works just fine
buy a used one off craigslist or something.. also look in the paper for industrial auctions and sales. Another thing you might want to look into what you are goign to be doing with the compressor.. if your planning to sandblast , you may want to get a bit more hp..
Thanks everyone for the quick replys. I do already have 220 in my garage. The whole reason I was interested in a compressor recently was so I could try my hand at doing my first at home paint job on my 53 p/u. It would be nice to also be able to use air tools while working on my/ friends vehicles. I appreciate everyones help. I should probably just start looking more on craigslist. Thanks -Jeff
Not sure where Scarysville is, but heres one listed on Seattle craigslist. http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/tls/1941914504.html
Yep, air compressors up the ying-yang on CS; Cheap. Here's another, with a bunch of air tools to boot; http://cosprings.craigslist.org/tls/1947559183.html
From a woodworking shop shutting down, I got a 4-cylinder, 2-stage, 15-Hp, 49 cfm @ 175 psi. Speedaire compressor, via Craigslist, for just $500. I had to unbolt it from the floor and load it myself. Might be too big and expensive for your needs, but it is a good example. Ten cents on the dollar is not too unusual. The marked is flooded, at least over here.
I got mine at sam's club Its a coleman works great 220 You need a compressor with high cfm's at 90 psi for air eqipment such as da sanders and long boards ,But if you just want one for painting only a 1 hp will be fine ,Thats how I started by hand long boards ,
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