what to look for in an Air compressor

ng8264723 · #1 (**permalink**) 09-15-2007, 06:47 AM

Ask your wife for an HVLP turbine setup. I wouldn't get one from Harbor friegt either. The turbine setups are nice they don't use oil or make water so they don't need a filter. They also have systems with postive pressure ventilation for you so also no filters. They do the best paint jobs. As far as a compressor get an american made unit with an american made motor. Saylor Beal comes to mind probably b/c I have one. They are built extremely well. You want a cast iron pump and the ability to make 19 CFM at 90PSI. That way you can get a nice sandblast cabinet. Which is a whole different discussion. There really is a lot to a compressor purchase. I bought a small unit years ago 5hp with a 60 gallon tank and it was never big enough. My large unit now has it's own shed attached to the garage outside so I don't have to liten to it pump. Email me if you have other questions chenis5950@charter.net
chris

mschjone · #2 (**permalink**) 09-15-2007, 08:00 AM

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

Full Throttle Al · #3 (**permalink**) 09-15-2007, 08:05 AM

I am very happy with this Sears Professional Series compressor, it is 2 stage, 175psi, and very quiet (said to be 40% quieter than normal), it is on sale now for $399:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...+%26+Inflators

Tom Wells · #4 (**permalink**) 09-15-2007, 08:20 AM

fsstnotch,

I too started with a Sears. After a couple of years during which it was a lot better than no compressor I took my oldest son's advice and got this one:

http://www.dewalt.com/us/products/to...productID=4810

It's quiet.

Yes, it's pricey. Yes it's worth it!

Wish I'd done it the first time.

Tom