My Dad is looking for an air compressor to get for our garage. We will be running various equipment from it so we need a good all around compressor. Any suggestions as to the specifications or what kind to get?

 

I have a Craftsman 30 gallon compressor and so far it has been great. I got it a few years back for about $300 and it came with an air tool kit. (Sold the tools for about $100) My only complaint is that it is a bit noisy when your running it in a confined space. If you get a 2-stage compressor it will be quieter but will also cost more. I would start by asking yourself what your needs are for the compressor and price range. What kind of tools you plan on using will dictate the CFM rating and take capacity you should get. If you plan on continually running impact wrenches, ratchets, die grinders and things of that nature, get a compressor rated for at least 5-6 CFM at 90 PSI as most of those tools consume that much air if not more. If you have the money I would spring for an Ingersoll-Rand but for the low price Craftsman is hard to beat.

 

x2 on the craftmans 30 gallon. mines is about 13 years old and i use it a lot. i change the oil in very regular, and keep the air filter cleaned,and tank drained. sometimes i wish i would have bought an bigger upright, but i am happy. i am about to buy a plasma cutter, so it will get used alot more.

 

I have a Craftsman upright, something around 30 gallons. It is great, but noisy, as mentioned above.

Wait for a sale and you will get a bargain.

 

I've got a 60 gallon 220v upright from Home Depot, I think its a Husky? It was my moving in present from my dad at my old house, which I bought in 2000. Its always run with no issues. Its pretty overkill for most stuff (impact, nail gun, airing tires) but the additional capacity helps when using something that requires a huge amount of air, like an angle grinder or painting. I think my model is around $400-$500. Obviously not everybody has space for something this large, but I think with compressors the biggest you can go is the best. And get 220v if you have the option.

 

I have a 4HP/20gal/220volt Campbell Hausfield compressor. Its about 15-20 years old, still works fine. My next one will be a dual stage vertical unit, they flow a lot more air and are much more quiet (and correspondingly more expensive).

 

80 gallon INGERSOL RAND stand up best 800 bucks you can spend it is the quite seris and you can hardly hear it when it kicks on and we run a 4post lift plasma cutter and air wrenchs at the same time on this at 125 psi works awsome

 

we're looking for something above a 30 gallon capacity. The "biggest" output we will need is to run a sandblaster and a decent paint gun. He has also gotten a lot of good advice from a coleman bulletin board as to what we should get.

 

Also check Craigslist in your area. Tons of compressors on there, usually decent prices too.

 

Check the flow rate at the required pressure for your largest load and size the compressor to match that:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...uchAirforTools

 

Just remember that MOST air compressor are made by Ingersole rand like craftsman,husky,dayton speed air, etc. so dont spend too much on a compressor that looks like all the other brands. Best deal ive found was at home depot. Last time i was there they had a 60 gallon vertical compressor with a couple free air tools and a starter kit with a bunch of fittings for either 300 or 400 cant remember.

 

coolness