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Good Air compressor?

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Old 11-23-2008, 06:53 PM
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Dan87951
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Default Good Air compressor?

What kind of air compressor would be good enough to work on the 944 and 928? I would also like it to be able to paint a few panels if I needed to? Sears has a 26 gal one below for 299.99 with tools. Would this be a good starter unit? All I have is 120v in my garage so I cannot use a 240 at this time.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...6760000P?mv=rr


Specs:
Item Weight: 127.0 lbs.
SCFM Delivery:
SCFM Delivery At 40 psi: 6.3 SCFM
SCFM Delivery At 90 psi: 4.9 SCFM
Tank:
Compressor Tank Capacity: 26 gal.
Compressor Tank Pump Style: Oil Free
Compressor Regulator: Yes
Compressor Tank Type: Vertical
Hose:
Type: Air
Length: 25 ft.
Working psi: 160 psi
Motor-Engine:
Horsepower: 1.60 hp
Voltage: 120 volts
Safety Enhancements:
Ear Decibel Rating: 78 decibels
Dimensions:
Height: 51 in.
Width: 22-3/4 in.
Length: 22-3/4 in.
Included with Item:
Accessory Kit: Yes
Ratchet: Yes
Wrench: Yes


Thanks
Old 11-23-2008, 10:10 PM
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75ohm
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I've got the older version of that compressor and it works like a champ!
Old 11-23-2008, 11:11 PM
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Dan87951
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Cool thanks, I probably pick one up tomorrow than.
Old 11-23-2008, 11:31 PM
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CurtP
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Oil-less compressor = junk and isn't worth a crap if you ever plan on painting. What is your actual budget? You're not going to find an air compressor worth a **** for $300 unless you go used.

If money isn't an object - Ingersoll Rand rotary (screw) compressor.
Decent budget ($1500 - $5000) - Champion or Quincy
Less than $1500 - Ingersoll Rand

The IR SS3L3 and SS5L5 compressors are an excellent compressor for the money. You can always run 220v to the garage (or tap off the dryer if it's electric). Things to look for when shopping for a compressor - cast iron oil-bath compressor, duty cycle of the motor and CFM. I'd also pay close attention to where its made.

If you absolutely cannot go 220v, IR makes a 120v portable compressor called the Garage Mate that uses the same SS3 compressor as the SS3L3 and comes in two sizes - 24 gallon (SS3R2-GM) and 30 gallon (SS3F2-GM). Just keep in mind smaller compressors like these will not be able to keep up with most HVLP paint guns (even the SS3L3 is too small). They're also too small to run a blast booth of any size. This is one area where it's worth it to spend the extra money.
Old 11-23-2008, 11:45 PM
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Oil free compressors are also very loud
Old 11-24-2008, 11:19 AM
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CurtP
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Originally Posted by El Commandante
Oil free compressors are also very loud
That's one of the reasons they're crap. Loud, run hot and have a high failure rate. Since they run hot, they produce an excessive amount of condensation inside the tank which is why I would never touch one for painting or blasting. Even with a good water separator, you'll still need to run a coalescent filter on your air tools. They're also usually very low duty cycle at their rated HP and I've yet to see one actually produce the amount of air that the manufacturer claims. The piston and connecting rod are one-piece, so the piston rocks in the bore and the typical failure point is the piston/rod connection point.

Even my little DeWalt compressor is an oil-bath (Emglo D55155).
Old 11-24-2008, 11:44 AM
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Dan87951
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How about this one than?

Item Weight: 152.0 lbs.
SCFM Delivery:
SCFM Delivery At 40 psi: 7.4 SCFM
SCFM Delivery At 90 psi: 5.8 SCFM
Tank:
Compressor Tank Capacity: 25 gal.
Maximum Compressor psi: 150 psi
Compressor Tank Pump Style: Oil Lube
Compressor Tank Type: Horizontal
Motor-Engine:
Amps: 15.0
Horsepower: 1.80 hp
Air Filter Type: Auto-type paper
Cylinder Liner: Cast iron
Overload Protection: Thermal
Voltage: 120/240 volts
Chassis:
Wheels Size: 10 in.
Wheels Type: Pneumatic tires
Wheel Number: 2
Color:
Overall Color: Black
Power:
Electric Rating: 120V AC
Old 11-24-2008, 11:57 AM
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fwb42
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What is your use going to be ? Look at the tools that you plan on using , which ones at the same time. Add up their cfm's and use that as a guide on how big of one you need. I think the spray gun would be your highest usage item. Now saying that, the larger your storage tank the longer you can use any tool without running out of air. If only panel painting is your goal a smaller unit would be fine.But for whole car spraying , you don't want to run out of air in the middle of a hood etc. Sandblasting will use huge amounts of air. So in closing,take time and do some homework before you jump. You will never be happy with and improper unit.
Fred
Old 11-24-2008, 12:00 PM
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basically, get yer tool requirements in check before buying the compressor.
Old 11-24-2008, 12:56 PM
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You really need to figure out what kind of use you want out of it.
I have a similar setup to the first link you posted but Lowes brand. It is great for running nail guns, impact wrenches, etc (tools that don't constantly use air). But the compressor can NOT keep up with any tool which needs a constant supply of air such as a grinder, sander, paint sprayer, etc.

If you are serious about painting but don't want to spend big bucks on a mega compessor, you can get a system like this:
http://www.turbineproducts.com/servl...y=HVLP+Systems
which supplies the required air volume but doesn't require a tank.

Then you can go with a smaller, cheaper compressor and just run your basic air tools on it, but nothing that requires a lot of air.
Old 11-24-2008, 03:14 PM
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CurtP
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Originally Posted by Dan87951
How about this one than?
Ah, model No 19541. It's a piece of junk too. Aluminum compressor housing, which I would avoid if possible. It doesn't produce enough air to drive a HVLP gun or blast cabinet. I don't think it's even big enough for a conventional gun either. Good for a tire filler and some air tools, but not much else. But size-wise, you're *VERY* limited if you're trying to stay at 120v. I'd highly recommend wiring for 220v and spend a little extra now.

Look at the Campbell Hausfeld 2HP 26-gallon instead (model No VT6233). Specs are going to be about the same, but it has a cast iron compressor and a better build quality. Sears item number 00988717000.

But for that kind of money, I'd drop the extra on one of the Ingersoll Rand Garage Mates that I already mentioned (that Sears also sells).
Old 11-24-2008, 05:23 PM
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Dan87951
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All I need is one to power my air tools and maybe paint a fender if need be. Not a full fledged shop unit.

I'm going with the craftsman professional. It meets my needs for function and price for a entry level unit with 120v. Reviews seem good. Paid $399.99 plus tax


Thanks
Old 11-24-2008, 09:28 PM
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CurtP
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Well, this was pretty much a waste of a thread

Enjoy your new $400 hunk of ****
Old 11-24-2008, 09:59 PM
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Guess mine is a hunk-o-!@$# too? Seems that it's worked perfectly fine for the last seven years with pretty much daily use...
Old 11-24-2008, 10:39 PM
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I think CurtP is just a compressor snob. My uncle sells and repairs air compressors and is a snob too. Rotary screws are freakin sick.



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