New Air Compressor

[brinker88]

Finally broke down and bought a suitable air compressor for the shop. I went with the 3.7 HP 220v 60 gallon Kobalt compressor. Ran me $499 from Lowe's. Comes with a 3 year warranty with on-site repair. This IS a rebadged Campbell Hausfeld. The shipping label on the box came directly from them to Lowe's. They have recently upgraded their motors from AO Smith to Marathon (the same ones as the Ingersoll Rand compressors have) 100% cast iron compressor is a major plus with these. Also went with the Campbell Hausfeld Regulator/Filter/Oiler system. Tractor Supply sells these for $140. I bought the same exact one on Amazon for $69 shipped. I also upgraded all of my air fittings to 3/8". The shop I work for has them set up this way and you NEVER break the nipples off like the 1/4" ones. Once I get it hooked up and running, I will update this.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Looks like a good start. I just finished building a frankenpressor, by the time I was done I have as much into it as you. But spread over a few years. I timed mine and am getting about 10 cfm. What's yours rated at?

Richard

 

[adsm08]

Now you get a compressor.

Haha, no really, super jealous.

 

[Hagan]

Its funny, I was looking to buy the SAME exact air compressor. I think you have sold me!

Looks great btw!

 

[Chris_North]

Very nice. I always look at those in Lowes when I pass by them, but I have no place for it and little use for it. What else are your plans?

TBH I don't see a lot of use for big air systems. I know the advantages, especially for an auto shop, but I can't justify it for myself. I set up a decent small comp for my dad's garage (forget exactly what it is and never bothered to figure CFMs, but it is quick to fill and recover) but we've only used it to fill tires and blow off dust. Everything else is electric and so is also much more portable.

 

[jhammel85]

Nice!

 

[1994Ranger$$$pit]

Nice!

I have my tax returns and been looking.

 

[brinker88]

Looks like a good start. I just finished building a frankenpressor, by the time I was done I have as much into it as you. But spread over a few years. I timed mine and am getting about 10 cfm. What's yours rated at?

11 cfm at 90 PSI. It's more than enough to run the air tools I use

Richard

Very nice. I always look at those in Lowes when I pass by them, but I have no place for it and little use for it. What else are your plans?

TBH I don't see a lot of use for big air systems. I know the advantages, especially for an auto shop, but I can't justify it for myself. I set up a decent small comp for my dad's garage (forget exactly what it is and never bothered to figure CFMs, but it is quick to fill and recover) but we've only used it to fill tires and blow off dust. Everything else is electric and so is also much more portable.

I do a LOT of fabrication jobs and constantly use die grinders, impact guns, air chisels, etc. I couldn't afford the down time waiting for air pressure.

 

[Chris_North]

I understand if you're going to run air tools you need a big enough system to accommodate. Like I said for a bigger professional shop I can see the advantage of air tools. As I understand it they are typically a little lighter. have better duty cycles, and last longer when properly maintained. For me electric tools have been the way to go. The electric angle grinder gets pretty hot after 20 minutes of nearly continuous use, but it didn't cost a lot more than a decent air one and I can use it anywhere there's electricity. Same thing with the impact gun. It is way bigger than a similarly powered air tool, also more expensive, but I can take it anywhere. Plus if a compressor fails then all tools are unusable until repaired.

Cordless tools are my usual go to most of the time anyhow. Maybe since I'm more of a mobile technician than a shop mechanic/fabricator my preferences are different.

 

[brinker88]

I understand if you're going to run air tools you need a big enough system to accommodate. Like I said for a bigger professional shop I can see the advantage of air tools. As I understand it they are typically a little lighter. have better duty cycles, and last longer when properly maintained. For me electric tools have been the way to go. The electric angle grinder gets pretty hot after 20 minutes of nearly continuous use, but it didn't cost a lot more than a decent air one and I can use it anywhere there's electricity. Same thing with the impact gun. It is way bigger than a similarly powered air tool, also more expensive, but I can take it anywhere. Plus if a compressor fails then all tools are unusable until repaired.

Cordless tools are my usual go to most of the time anyhow. Maybe since I'm more of a mobile technician than a shop mechanic/fabricator my preferences are different.

^ Yea, the portability of cordless tools are awesome. My favorite go to tool is still my porter cable 4.5" grinder. I can't afford a plasma so I use the shit out of that thing with cut off wheels.

 

[Hagan]

Any updates on the compressor? I'm looking at picking one up. I don't get why anyone would spend $300 for a Craftsman air compressor when you can get this beast for $500.