I purchased a Sears Professional
Oil-less unit years ago. That kind of unit as you probably already know has a limited range of usefulness. I thought at the time I could make that unit work for all projects including light sandblasting. It worked to a point.
I then made the plunge into big boys toys and couldn't be happier and I don't regret the purchase for a minute. I am a hobbyist at best and still hardly use the thing, but when I do it is very satisfying. I went with a Quincy QT. American made and very beefy in the areas that are important. Pricey, yes, but you'll have it forever.
http://www.quincycompressor.com/reciprocating.html