Air Compressor Recommendations

CDBridgesRV7A · #1 04-16-2011, 08:12 PM

I'm looking at buying the Porter Cable 6 Gal 0.8 HP Pancake Air Compressor. Max PSI is 150 psi. Is anyone using this? If so how has it been during your construction? Adequate?

Can anyone else recommend a good air compressor that is a great bang for the buck? Thanks

Cheers

Chris

Av8torTom · #2 04-16-2011, 09:02 PM

Chris,

You could use that, but you won't like it. I started with a 15 gallon oil-less compressor and burned it out after a few hours. I would recommend an oil compressor with as large a tank as you can afford. The oil compressors are also A LOT quieter. You should also add a water separator to the outlet. I picked-up a used 20 gal. comp. for $80.

David Z · #3 04-16-2011, 09:22 PM

That one will likely work fine. I'm using a 5 gallon Mastercraft one and it's nowhere near it's duty limit when riveting. Noisy, but I just put it outside and run a hose under the door to a regulator in the shop. It has lasted me well so far and shows no signs of quitting.
I'd recommend the Mastercraft 8 gallon one though. It's on sale right now at Canadian Tire and is a great price.

If you are worried about the noise, find a oil lubricated one. Makita and Dewalt make good compressors in the 4 to 5 gallon range and are much quieter, but more expensive. I've used the Makita 4.2 gallon compressor doing home reno work, and it will easily run a construction air nail gun all day long. Oil compressors will probably last twice as long, are half as loud, but are also twice the cost.

KTM520guy · #4 04-16-2011, 10:30 PM

I have an old version of this with much bigger pumps.

1911pilot · #5 04-17-2011, 01:54 AM

If you are planning on using a drill motor get something bigger. I've got a 6 gallon Makita and it runs pretty much full time when I'm drilling, priming, and grinding. Riveting it runs quite a bit as well but not so bad. My squeezer seems to go forever without running the compressor. I got the Makita because I live in an apartment and I was looking for the best oiled compressor I could get and still run on 120v power with a decent CFM. In retrospect I wish I'd just gotten the 30 gallon upright from home depot.

As soon as I get settled into my new house I'm getting a real compressor that runs on 220v with a big tank. Hopefully a 2 stage. I really don't think you can get too big of a compressor.

Snowflake · #6 04-17-2011, 07:48 AM

I have a Campbell Hausfeld 20 gallon oil-lubricated compressor that's served well for 10 years now. Along with it I have a standalone 10 gallon air tank, that I plumb inline with the compressor for extra capacity when i'm going to be using the drills or die grinders for a significant amount of time. The 30 gallon capacity means the compressor doesn't cycle as often, and the oil-lubricated pump means I don't go deaf when it does.

bird · #7 04-17-2011, 08:51 AM

I have a 30 year old single stage 30gallon sears compressor in my build shop, works fine, I do go easy on it when doing a lot of courtersinking, like the spar screws or something like that. I just take a break and let it catch up and cool down. Other than that its fine. Now when it comes to painting, thats another story, I have a 60 gallon two stage 5hp compressor for that. It delivers enough for painting, but I think that is the minimum for spraying. Hope this helps.

bird

Hens07 · #8 04-17-2011, 09:23 AM

It will probably be fine for things like riveting and drilling but it will definitely not fly if you will be using a die grinder. I have a 30 gallon Kobalt compressor that I love but it still works it's butt off to keep up with the die grinder.

LeeM_2000 · #9 04-17-2011, 09:30 AM

Keep an eye on Craigslist for a 60-gallon oiled unit. I just picked up a barely used Husky still on its pallet for cheap and without sales tax.

It is WAY quieter than my Craftsman oil-free 26-gallon compressor. Though, it does seem to take longer to build up pressure when it kicks on in Auto mode. I reckon at some point I might find a two-stage pump and motor to swap in, but I think this one works great for now.

Sam Buchanan · #10 04-17-2011, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeeM_2000

Keep an eye on Craigslist for a 60-gallon oiled unit. I just picked up a barely used Husky still on its pallet for cheap and without sales tax.

It is WAY quieter than my Craftsman oil-free 26-gallon compressor. Though, it does seem to take longer to build up pressure when it kicks on in Auto mode. I reckon at some point I might find a two-stage pump and motor to swap in, but I think this one works great for now.

I have the exact same compressor, it is ideal for our shops (it is 220v) and is usually available at a reasonable price at Home Depot or Lowes. I bought mine new so don't want to hear what you paid......