What air compressor to buy?

[Wish4svts]

Need some opinions/ suggestions of which brand to buy? Which ones to stay away from? I'll be buying used so any specific things to check for when buying used?

Looking for a 20+ gallon tank, 125+ psi.

Thanks guys

[fordracing19]

Get a 2 stage 175psi.

[stephen4785]

Buy a Quincy. Made in the US and are excellent quality. I think you can get them at Northern tool.

[Wish4svts]

Get a 2 stage 175psi.

I don't know the difference between 1-2 stages but I know they are outta my price range. Trying to keep it around $250ish.

Buy a Quincy. Made in the US and are excellent quality. I think you can get them at Northern tool.

Again, I'm buying used but I'll keep an eye out for one.

[fordracing19]

I don't know the difference between 1-2 stages but I know they are outta my price range. Trying to keep it around $250ish.



Again, I'm buying used but I'll keep an eye out for one.

To me the little compressors are only good to air up tires.

Sent from my iPhone killer!

[Dan03mach]

First of all we need to know what you are going to be using? What air tools etc? I have a Pumpa 20gal tank 5hp twin cylinder cast iron pump and it is good for my impack air ratchets but it will not keep up with my digrinder. I need more CFM. Later on I'm going to buy a 2 stage unit. I'd stay away from any direct drive discount house compressors. Find one that is belt driven and has a cast iron pump on it. When you buy it do a pump up test. 0-125psi should take around 5 minutes on most units. Make sure the check valve is working properly and not leaking and make sure the pressure switch is working properly. I use to work on aircompressors for like 3 years and I never had any cast iron units come in, if they did it was because the user ran them low on oil.

[Big Pencil]

I've got the basic stand-up Sears Craftsman, 20 gal I believe, and it's worked great over the years. Runs air tools, fills bottles, etc., like a champ. Believe it's usually priced around $249 or so everyday.

[Jimbo]

Last year I ordered a reman Morgan 17 gallon 150psi, 3.8 scfm @ 90psi. I got it from northern on sale for $99, it has been a decent little backup compressor for the price.

edit: I just checked, can't find it any longer, but their 60 gallon is $300.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200396620_200396620

You could always get one of those el cheapo harbor frieght jobs:

http://www.harborfreight.com/25-hp-21-gallon-volt-psi-cast-iron-vertical-air-compressor-67847.html

[4eyedwillie]

As stated above get a belt drive!!!! The direct drive compressors will drive you INSANE from the noise!! It's unbelievable how much louder they are than a belt drive.

[TENGRAM]

You could always get one of those el cheapo harbor frieght jobs:
http://www.harborfreight.com/25-hp-2...sor-67847.html

That's the one I got a few years ago and it has done everything I needed it to do. Their air tools work well also and are cheap.

[Dan03mach]

As stated above get a belt drive!!!! The direct drive compressors will drive you INSANE from the noise!! It's unbelievable how much louder they are than a belt drive.

Thats because the run at 3600rpms and are oilless most of the time. The belt driven machines run at 1750rpms and the pumps have oil. I wouldn't have one of those direct drive POS.

This is the unit I have and had it for the last 7 years now and not one issue and it works great. I haven't even changed the oil in it. lol Need to do that soon.

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Puma-PK5020-Air-Compressor/p589.html