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Air Compressor Suggestions


ford4wd08

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Hey guys,

I am looking for a new air compressor for garage at home.

I have a Kobalt oil free 20 gallon 110V now that does ok, but that SOB is loud and I would like to have a bigger one as I find myself wanting to do bigger projects.

When we built the house, I had the electrician leave me 220V wiring and a spot for a plug/breaker.

What brands are decent these days? I'm not sure on a budget, but I can't spend a fortune either. I don't mind looking at used compressors eother.

What say you?
 


fastpakr

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I'd be digging around craigslist, Facebook marketplace, etc. A well made ancient compressor ought to be perfectly serviceable.
 

ford4wd08

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I've been looking around, but I'm not sure what to look for if that makes sense?
 

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Rotary screw compressors are the best things since pickled eggs.
 

ericbphoto

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Rotary screw compressors are the best things since pickled eggs.
They are. But who can afford one for home use? I got a used 60 gallon upright off Craigslist. Not sure what brand. Northern sells them but it’s not IR.

I went a little bit nuts in installation. I had room for it in the utility room on the opposite end of the house, right next to the breaker panel. So I put it there and ran piping through the attic and put several drops in the garage. Then I wired it up with a WiFi smart switch controlling a contactor (heavy duty relay). So I can turn it on and off with an app on my phone. No compressor noise in the garage to compete with the stereo.
 

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I have a 60 gallon Rolair that I got lightly used off Craigslist. Been very pleased with it. Buddy of mine has a smaller (15 gallon?) portable Rolair that he really likes.

My 60 gallon is pretty loud, it kinda bugged me at first but I've either gotten used to it or have some hearing loss now. Either way, seems to be a quality brand.

Quincy is another good brand.
 

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I picked up a 60 gallon upright ingorsol rand at the tractor supply store. I’m pretty pleased with it so far. Every once in a while they have a pretty decent sale on them.
 

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I bought mine through a friend who works for Napa. It has a 40 gallon tank and is oil lubed, it makes less than half the noise my old oil less compressor did and recovers a lot faster.
 

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Look at cfm...minimum I would want is 10cfm. 18-20 would run pretty much anything a home shop would want except maybe a good size sandblaster.
 

ford4wd08

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Look at cfm...minimum I would want is 10cfm. 18-20 would run pretty much anything a home shop would want except maybe a good size sandblaster.
At what PSI? 40? I'm still looking around. Deciding what I want.
 

ericbphoto

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In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are different.
At what PSI? 40? I'm still looking around. Deciding what I want.
No. You want the cfm at the pressure your tools need. 90psi or greater
 

ford4wd08

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ericbphoto

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My credo
In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are different.
That compressors should do pretty well for a home shop.
 

91stranger

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Oil lubed air compressors are a lot quieter than non-oiled compressors so if you don't mind a little maintenance every once in a while then I would get the oil-lubed compressor. Definitely want to make sure you have an on/off switch for the compressor so it doesn't run 220v when you are not in the shop.

I don't think there is such a thing of "too big of an air compressor"... It's never enough air lol.
 

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