Need help on deciding what Air Compressor to buy.

[ZZ4CutlaSS]

Currently looking for a Air Compressor for my garage. I would like it to be powerful enough to run my 1/2 inch impact. I have been checking out Sears website but still cant decide what to buy. I would like to stay in the 300-500 range thanks.

 

[DRIVEN]

I bought a Campbell Hausfeld vertical 7hp 60 gallon from Harbor Freight about 10 years ago and paid $450 on sale. I've had ZERO issues with it. I don't think they sell them any more but I'm 99% sure that the Husky brand sold at Home Depot is a relabeled Campbell Hausfeld. If you want a stationary unit I recommend it. If you need to be portable anything that produces 120psi will operate a 1/2" impact. Small tanks will cycle more often. Small compressors will run longer to refill tanks. If you plan to run die grinders, air boards, air ratchets, paint guns, etc. I would definitely go bigger than the average portable "garage" compressor. If you buy bigger than you think you need, you won't likely ever need to upgrade. Be sure to add some sort of dryer and drain the tank regularly to keep moisture out of your air tools.

 

[G-Body_Vet]

I wouldn't buy anything less than a 60 gal for moderate garage duty. Don't get caught up in the HP advertising hype, look at what you need for CFM requirements to run your impact. Since I do a lot of media blasting, I need something that delivers a consistent 12CFM+ at 90psi and above. I also advise against anything with aluminum pumps, go for cast iron. Pay attention to the warranties too. I've seen everything from 90 days to 4 years.

I'm shopping for one again too after fragging a direct-drive, Craftsman oil-less pump for the 2nd time. Avoid those like the plague and get a belt driven compressor. The cheapest 60 gal I've seen is a 3 hp Husky from Home Depot for $449. To be honest, it's an entry level compressor for a 60 gal. Menards has a decent looking Sanborn in that range too. Just about any home improvement store or farm equipment/supply store will sell compressors and usually sell them cheaper than Sears.

I've read so many reviews and no matter what brand you go with they're all hit and miss. Everything from Belaire down to the Harbor Freight models can have problems. To be honest, the 3.7 hp 60 gal Harbor Freight unit has the highest CFM rating of the compressors in the same class.

 

[ZZ4CutlaSS]

I wouldn't buy anything less than a 60 gal for moderate garage duty. Don't get caught up in the HP advertising hype, look at what you need for CFM requirements to run your impact. Since I do a lot of media blasting, I need something that delivers a consistent 12CFM+ at 90psi and above. I also advise against anything with aluminum pumps, go for cast iron. Pay attention to the warranties too. I've seen everything from 90 days to 4 years.

I'm shopping for one again too after fragging a direct-drive, Craftsman oil-less pump for the 2nd time. Avoid those like the plague and get a belt driven compressor. The cheapest 60 gal I've seen is a 3 hp Husky from Home Depot for $449. To be honest, it's an entry level compressor for a 60 gal. Menards has a decent looking Sanborn in that range too. Just about any home improvement store or farm equipment/supply store will sell compressors and usually sell them cheaper than Sears.

I've read so many reviews and no matter what brand you go with they're all hit and miss. Everything from Belaire down to the Harbor Freight models can have problems. To be honest, the 3.7 hp 60 gal Harbor Freight unit has the highest CFM rating of the compressors in the same class.

Thanks for your input really appreciated. I just checked out the Husky unit but the only problem is my garage is not set up for 240. I should check into the cost of having a electrician setting it up for me. I think the husky unit will work great for me.

 

[85GPLef41]

Also look for a dual stage model something about less stress on the motor then a single stage, BTW i bought a husky 80 gallon 240v dual stage compressor for under a grand and it works nice, I bought mine specifically for the bodywork for my GP and tools. I plan on running a dry line for the body work and use the a separate wet line for my air tools now. I also got some hose reels they threw out when the old shop closed down. I also had to buy a filter/regulator unit which i plumbed between the compressor and hose reel. Best advice i can give you is buy the best compressor you can buy and factor the rest of the parts needed you wont regret it. look on your local craigslist as well...

 

[DRIVEN]

look on your local craigslist as well...

You might check out some local commercial/industrial auctions too. The crappy economy is putting a lot of business on the skids. I've been to a few and gotten some great deals. I got my 6' tall Jet drill press for $40. A company I used to work for went through this and they sold a 6 month old $12,000 rotary screw compressor for $1500 and 2 15hp/200gal (probably $4000 new) sold for $200 each.