Replies

1. 
   hmthomas | Nov 02, 2002 04:02pm | #1

   I've had both types. Just for the noise difference I like the oil lubed type. The oil-less models that are becoming the norm in smaller compresors are really noisy.  They don't require the maintenance that oil-lube models do but we're not talking about much maintenance anyway.  One more point is durability. The oil-lubed models will outlast the oil-less models.  

   It seems that you don't need a big compressor for the tools that you intend to run from it. I think you will have a hard time even finding an oil lube compressor in the size you need.  I looked at alot of compressors and only found a few to be oil-lubed.

   Hope this helps.

1. 
   JeffKurtz | Nov 03, 2002 07:30pm | #5

   Agree that you stay clear of the oil-free models - they're unbelievably noisy and I doubt they'll last very long.

   Jeff

2. 
   riverr1 | Nov 02, 2002 04:43pm | #2

   Pay close attention to the cfm of the compressor you are looking at. Make sure it is capable to handle the gun you will be using. Look up te current PC spray gun thread. For both you will need an inline filter for spraying. With an oil compressor you will also need an oil filter. Good ones aren't cheapinexpensive.

   Things to look for in the compressor. What is the compressor made of? some are some kind of cast pot metal. Some are cast pot metal with cast iron sleeves for the pistons, the best are all cast iron including the piston. These will also cost the most. Not sure you could find an oilless made of cast iron.

   Don

3. 
   RW | Nov 03, 2002 02:14am | #3

   Tiny compressors will drive your nail guns. The spray gun will take more, so start by looking at what the cup gun has listed as minimum CFM requirements and look at things that provide that.  I agree with the recommendation for the oil, I have models in both styles and the oil-less is loud for it's size. There are a variety of filters which you can use on your air lines to produce clean air for spraying. The low end is one time usage $15 filters that just attach in line and you throw after a day or so. In the middle are filters in the $150 per range, and the higher stuff that would fulfill the needs of a small shop start around $400 and amount in size to what you'd expect to see for an air conditioner, but they do a whammy of a job. Most places that sell spray equipment can hook you up on filters.

4. 
   PlaneWood | Nov 03, 2002 07:00pm | #4

   I bought the 30 gallon Porter Cable air compressor at Lowe's.  It has the oil type compressor.  Have had no problems with it.  I did put on a larger moisture separator/regulator purchased at Sears Hardware because of the wet weather here.  The oil type's will last longer.  My previous one lasted 30 years.  Finally the reed valves went and I could not find parts.  Also the tank was getting in bad shape.

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy
   PlaneWood