Replies

1. 
   TKanzler | Jul 19, 2002 06:25pm | #1

   It's unclear from your post whether portability is a requirement.  Other than that, here are a few suggestions.

   1. Oil lubed.  Oil free is noisy, and won't last as long as oil lubed, and only came about because they're cheaper to make.  You won't see them in commercial or industrial applications (except special apps like dry sprinkler systems, for instance). 
   2. What is the largest demand you have?  If chipping stucco or sanding steadily, you need a unit that delivers air at the required pressure and flow.  If chipper requires 10 cfm at 90 psi, then compressor must deliver 90 psi air at that rate continuously.  A bit more is better.  Receiver size has nothing to do with steady state applications.  Big tanks only help when there is a large demand for short duration, with recovery time in between.  You don't get something for nothing.  Look for air delivery numbers, not BS horsepower claims.
   3. Name brands.  I think only a couple of companies actually manufacture these smaller compressors, sort of like washing machines.  I don't know if one is any better than another.
   4. Not familiar with this.  How big is big?
   5. Use a filter at the compressor, and a remote regulator if the unit is in the basement (as I said, I don't know if you're considering portable) and you're working on the outside of your house.  Long runs of small hose will cause excessive pressure drop with high-demand tools, so send the air to where you're working at tank pressure and regulate it locally.  Running a hard pipe from the basement to the garage is relatively easy, and makes a stationary compressor much more versatile.

   One last word of advice: don't cheap out.  You'll regret getting one that can't keep up with what you're doing, or is totally annoying when it runs (oil-free).  If it's a one-time job (chipping stucco), maybe renting is a better option, and buying a smaller portable unit. 

    

   Be seeing you...

2. 
   gerry001 | Jul 20, 2002 11:34pm | #2

   I'll start by agreeing with TDKPE. I just looked at the Coleman compressors, but you didn't say which model. Big would probably be the 60 gallon upright. I think they're actually made by Cambell Housfield. As was mentioned, start with the CFM requirements for the largest item you'll be using, and don't underbuy. Also, take a look at the new PC compressors. In general, they have higher ratings than most others in that price range. BTW, an air hammer might range from maybe 5-20 CFM, depending on the size, so you need numbers here. Finally, what about portability?

   Gerry

3. 
   user-135888 | Aug 02, 2002 08:16am | #3

   I'm waiting for a campbel hausefeld, It's one you have to order. Its as mobile as a 10.3 @ 90 psi gonna get,  found it on the net. It's 220v, 26 gallons, oil bath, and, 6hp, and should be what I need, $460 after tax and shipping (no shipping, but CA taxed).

   By the way the difference between oil free and oil is  if your going to use an oil free  in dusty or dirty conditions it will effect it's life span more than a oil bath.

   john g

   
   

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   Edited 8/2/2002 1:25:29 AM ET by john

1. 
   bill_1010 | Aug 02, 2002 06:36pm | #4

   Thomas, Emglo or Rol Aire brands, Oil lubbed.  Buy those if you want a long lasting, fairly quiet compressor built to handle. Only if you decide to use air tools for mechanic work would you need a stationary compressor.

1. 
   charlescates | Aug 04, 2002 04:57am | #5

   I concur with Bill with the three compressors mentioned; of those three I prefer Emglo. Emglo (the blue ones) I think has been bought out by DeWalt and are now yellow color (do not own one of these to comment on). I purchased mine from amazon .com a few months ago to relace a loud oiless; the neighbors at the jobsite rejoiced at how quiet it was in comparison.

4. 
   JET | Aug 04, 2002 07:00am | #6

   Hopped over from home building and saw your post.  I've got a cambell housfield 5 hp. Converted to 220v by following the directions on the inside cover of the motor. As portable as I need and runs all the tools including a small sand blaster for small jobs. Just have to wait for recovery once in a while. I can wrestle it into a pickup myself if need be.