[bwcobra15]

Well, after about 28 years of faithful service, my old Sanborn portable air compressor is going kapoot. Its developed a rust hole in the bottom of the tank and leaking air. I've used this thing for everything imaginable - framing nailer, trim nailer, cut off wheels, die grinder, impact wrench, DA sander, spray painting, and more. It pretty much took everything I gave it. Its 115v 2.5hp, 22 gal tank.

Now I want to upgrade to an upright stationary 230v compressor, that can support both my garage and woodworking shop. I'll install rapidair compressed air line system in both shops with the compressor in the middle.

So I'm looking for something in the $800 budget range, that I can pick up here in north Texas - Home Depot, Lowes, Tractor Supply, etc.

What feature should I be looking for? single stage vs. 2-stage (not sure what that means), 1, 2, 3 pistons, horsepower, tank size, CFM, etc?

I'm building a cobra replica this time (duh!) so I need it for that - everything from impact wrench to cut off wheel to DA sander for body work...

What brands should I look for, and stay away from?

Thanks in advance....