Compressor recommendation

[Bas]

I think it's time to get a new compressor. The one I have right now is El Cheapo from Harbor Freight, bought for the exorbitant price of $40. It's worked OK for the last three years, but it is LOUD, and runs fairly hot with associated oily smell.

I will probably get a big stationary compressor in the future, but that doesn't eliminate the need for something reasonably portable for DIY projects as well. The only things I need the compressor for are (a) nail guns (b) blowing dust off projects. So my CFM needs are modest - no conversion guns or air sanders.

There are several models that appear a good fit and are comparable in specs:
Ingersoll Rand Twin-Stack Air Compressor — 2 HP, 4-Gallon Capacity, Model# P1IU-A9
Makita MAC2400 Big Bore 2.5 HP Air Compressor
DEWALT D55151 14 Amp 2-1/2-HP 4-Gallon Oiled Twin Hot Dog Compressor
Senco PC1131 Compressor, 2.5-Horsepower (PEAK) 4.3-Gallon

Any other models to consider in this list (Ridgid, Porter Cable)? Besides low noise, I'd like one that has a tank that's easy to drain.

 

[Phil S]

Bas, I have the tiny 1hp 1 gal Senco PC1010. It works great, is extremely quiet and if required can run hours at a time without getting hot. If it's big brother is as good then it would be my 1st choice. Plus at 60 lbs it is still portable. My next choice would be the Makita because of their rep for longevity, but at 77lbs it is on the edge of non-portable. I just do not trust the lower end of the IR brand and I have seen so many new Dewalt tools fall apart that I am expecting to see them at HF.

 

[Bas]

Thanks Phil. It's too bad there aren't many reviews for the SENCO PC1131, if it's as good as the PC1010 then I'd have already have ordered it. The Makita is definitely in the "luggable" category, not "portable", but it does get great reviews. But considering I probably run my compressor four hours per month, not four hours per day, it might be overkill.

Let's see if I can Google myself into the PC1131

 

[brian_hunt]

Bas,

I looked into this a lot about 10 months ago... was looking to replace my Craftsman, then decided not to, but I digress.... Personally I think the Makita is probably the best deal, but the IR is a old-timer's favorite, even though they've gotten more cheaply built in the last few years. They're both oil lubricated, too, which I certainly believe in (even though companies are CLAIMING the lubricated cylinders will last almost as long.

For the big dog, I've decided to go with the IR Garage Mate http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200375221_200375221 (same price on Amazon). If you have an extra $150, you may want to consider just getting one compressor from the get-go and buy this. That's what I decided to do...and I hope to in ~10 months.

My two cents...

 

[Bill Clemmons]

Bas: I'm assuming you've checked out Amazon, but just in case you haven't, here's the Senco PC1131, w/ one review. Looks like you can get it for as low as $198, including shipping.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=SENCO+PC1131&x=16&y=15

My only advice on air compressors is don't get an oil-less model. They are extremely loud. As for draining the tank, on my stand-up, 60 gl model, I took out the drain plug and replaced it w/ an elbow & extension that runs off to the side, w/ a valve at the end. Every few days I just open the valve and blow out all the moisture.

Bill

 

[Glennbear]

Based upon my own experience I would consider just getting a 60 gal. stationary unit now. When I was building my shop I got a small 2 tank unit and found that it could not keep up with my nail gun. :confused_ Before the shop was complete I bought a 120V 30 gallon unit when I could have gotten a 220V 60 gal for the same price. :BangHead: I ended up adding an auxillary tank and kick myself for not getting the large one to begin with. As far as DIY projects, since you are not on 50 acres fairly inexpensive hose will bring the air to wherever you need to use it around the homestead. :wsmile:

 

[toolferone]

I have had my PC pancake compressor for 9 years now and is has been a great unit. It built my shop. and a few garden sheds too. The last couple years it has seen almost no use as I have the big shop one now. With a 100' hose I can get any where in my house from the shop. Of course this is before B&D bought them. I would go for lighter weight,if it will be only used for basic work for a couple years before you by the one.

 

[RayH]

Last year I faced the same dilemma, so I did my research. I wound up with a Makita MAC700. It's got pretty good air delivery, it's not too heavy (but not light-weight either), and it's really quiet. I've worked around a lot of portable compressors, and this one is just a pleasure to work around. At around $200, it was very affordable. I'd buy one again in a heartbeat. Happy hunting.

D

+1 or more. The negative reviews I've seen all deal with shipping damage. Mine arrived in great shape and works just fine. And did I say it is quiet? Moved it into the shop instead of worrying with plumbing to place it outside. I'd buy it again, but I expect this one to just keep on running.

Good luck,
Ray

 

[scsmith42]

One of my compressors is a PC pancake model, but I would not classify it as being "quiet". Plus, it's the oil-less model...

If you get a small, portable compressor, you ought to consider an add-on air tank to increase the storage capacity. I've found that my pancake compressor - even with the rol-air 6 gallon add-on air tank, still leaves a bit to be desired when it comes to extended air delivery (such as blowing out the shop).

 

[Woodman2k]

I believe that the two units from Makita and IR are literally identical.All the components are the same design from the same vendors.I've seen both units in the test lab at IR and they both are solid performers.

As far as the cheaply built dilema,look around ,everything seems to be put together with components that absolutely came from the lowest bidder.We are having the same problem with the bigger units at work .They cut corners to bring cost in line with what people are willing to pay for an item and well ,this is our reward for being consumers who are always looking for a deal.Not all the IR units have gone offshore.Kentucky is still building some of them.Go oil lubed and you'll be much happier in the long term.

Greg

 

[Cato]

Bas, I bought a DeWalt oiless belt drive a year ago and it has been fantastic little compressor.

Model is a http://www.dewalt.com/tools/compressors-wheeled-portable---electric-d55146.aspx

It is a quiet unit, and not loud like a lot of direct drives. It has permanently filled wheels and is 200 psi and cuts in at 160psi. Actually it doesn't come on that often, so that you can forget it is even on.

I used it to build my storage shed and it delivers over 5.2 CFM at 90 PSI, so I never ever had it not have enough for my Paslode framing nailer even when toenailing 3.5 inch.

The other thing thats handy is that it stores vertically or horizontally in the shop. I paid a little over $300 when Lowe's was running a 10% off sale on compressors.

 

[Charles Lent]

I went through the compressor "growing pains" some years back. It seemed that each time I got a bigger compressor, I found new ways to use compressed air, making my compressor too small again. I now have an 5 hp 18 cfm 80 gallon IR, and it looks like I've finally got one that I won't outgrow for a while. I can even sand blast with it. For portable use I frequently use a tire inflater tank. I put an air coupler on it so I can plug in a hose and a nailer whenever a small job comes up. I have a small pancake style compressor (my first one) but I've found that moving the tire inflater tank around is easier and more portable. If I need a continuous supply then I'll take the pancake compressor.

Charley

 

[JohnW]

Bas,

FWIW I have the IR twin stack you mention. It is oiled and a good compressor. I use it for car repair, nail guns and HVLP paints & finish. It's served me well for the past 5 years and is still in excellent condition.... BUT the older I get the heavier it gets. it's just too heavy to be considered portable. If you plan on buying a beast for the shop and just need a lighter portable, go lighter than the IR.

 

[FredP]

if you dont mind slightly used and decent CFM and portable and oiless give me a shout. I might can help.

 

[ehpoole]

I've been happy with my oilless 6-gallon Bostitch compressor (which is belt drive and 150psi), though I wouldn't call it quiet (though, with a shroud, intake muffler, etc, I'm sure it is quieter than some others out there). At about 38lbs it makes for a fairly portable compressor, and it holds enough air that you can charge it, carry it to a location without power, and drive some nails before having to charge it again. I'm also happy with the 3 nailers (18ga & 16ga nailers, 18ga stapler) that were part of my original kit.

However, in the next year or so I will be buying the 'real' shop compressor, which will be a 3-5HP, 60-80 gallon "do-everything" oiled compressor. Not terribly portable, but perfect for the shop. At that point the Bostitch compressor will be delegated to around-the-house (and away) projects where portability really counts.

 

[Bas]

Thanks for the great advice everyone, so many options and considerations here. After reviewing all the midsize options, I decided to go for the Senco PC1131. At 79dB (which is pretty quiet for a power tool), it's comparable to the Makitas, and the specs are slightly better than the MAC700. I did check out the DeWalt at Home Depot, and even though the wheels help, it's heavy. The IR and MAC2400 are both 80lb, and don't have wheels. The Senco is 60lb, not something you toss around but still light enough I can lift it without grunting. And it's hard to beat for $200 shipped.

Of course, I'm fairly certain that I'll eventually end up with this one, a small light unit to shoot brads when trimming out a room, and a large stationary compressor :tool: Compressors, routers, one is never enough...how terrible...

 

[Cato]

Hey Bas I was not familiar with the Senco unit, but I looked it up and it has got some nice specs.

Looks like it will be a winner for you.

Definitely more portable and less bucks than my Dewalt on wheels, so like you point out it will be usable in the house for trim work.

I have to park the Dewalt close and run a long air hose into the house, as there is no way its coming in the door, unless there is going to be extensive use cause it is a bit heavy at 90lbs.

 

[woodworker2000]

Don't know if the Hitachi EC119SA made your list or not but it is on sale here today (7-7-10): http://air.tooliday.com/ (reconditioned) for $146 shipped. 4-gallon, induction motor, oil-lubricated, 63.7 lbs. Maybe worth a look?