Air Compressor choice

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scott657

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Ive had a Craftsman 33 Gallon 6 HP compressor (oil less)for about 18 years and has served me well.
It has just taken(given) its last breath. I'm looking to replace it with something comparable. My requirements are running air tools etc. I will probably never paint with it. It looks like sears doesn't have that model any more. I would like an American made product if possible
120 volt and portable Id like to keep it under $500.00 if possible. Just looking for suggestions.
I wont buy a compressor from HF.
 
You get what you pay for. I bought a IR T30 5hp 80 gal 30 years ago still purrs like a kitten the pump runs slow 1750 rpm motor, makes 180 psi. My air tools work better, impacts take the bolt off instead of beating it for 30 seconds or longer and pounding the hammers and anvil inside the impact. I could go on and on why it's better but most people don't care.
 
It's like building a garage. You'll use all of it eventually. I bought a used Champion, 80 gal 5 hp. Put new valves in it and it is great.
Look on CL for lightly used commercial models. Better than the newer oil-less junk.
 
You get what you pay for. I bought a IR T30 5hp 80 gal 30 years ago still purrs like a kitten the pump runs slow 1750 rpm motor, makes 180 psi. My air tools work better, impacts take the bolt off instead of beating it for 30 seconds or longer and pounding the hammers and anvil inside the impact. I could go on and on why it's better but most people don't care.
We had a T30 at our shop that just let go. The motor decided it didn't like not being on fire. It was a great compressor, I don't know how long the shop has had it but it was a nice unit for sure.
 
I had the same exact Craftsman compressor and recently got rid of it for a Harbor Freight 29 gallon 2 HP compressor. For $329 with a coupon you cant go wrong. I'm very happy with it.
 
Ive had a Craftsman 33 Gallon 6 HP compressor (oil less)for about 18 years and has served me well.
It has just taken(given) its last breath. I'm looking to replace it with something comparable. My requirements are running air tools etc. I will probably never paint with it. It looks like sears doesn't have that model any more. I would like an American made product if possible
120 volt and portable Id like to keep it under $500.00 if possible. Just looking for suggestions.
I wont buy a compressor from HF.


I had the exact same Craftsman for about just as long before the piston blew. It was easily fixed for ~$30 for a new piston kit and then sold it.

While researching, i found 6-8 different brands of the 60gal suspiciously had the same "3.7hp" spec'd motor. If you compare the design of the compressor and plumbing, they're dead nuts copies. The house brands of lowes, menards, Home depot, Dewalt and YES even HF, appeared to be the EXACT same model. Even the $600 IR at the farm store was indistinguishable in every way but the color and name on the tank.

I replaced my Craftsman anyway with a 230v 60gal Sanborn from Menards. They had the best deal of all the clones.
 
Guys, guys, GUYS!!! "Gallons" don't mean squat. The airflow, preferably rated at 90psi is what you "want to hear." All "more gallons" does is let you run it for a bit 'o short time more before the thing pops on, and if the pump is teeny, it will "run out."

AIRFLOW is what you want. FLOW, cfm
 
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I just got this one. VERY pleased. I had a twin hotdog Rolair for nail guns and such and loved it. Prompted me to get the Rolair 60 when I needed my shop upgrade. I’m sure they have something smaller that would be close to what you want. I saw a 29 gal for 424$ on there. The Acmetools site was great too Lots of compressors and you can check all the flow ratings for comparison
 
Guys, guys, GUYS!!! "Gallons" don't mean squat. The airflow, preferably rated at 90psi is what you "want to hear." All "more gallons" does is let you run it for a bit 'o short time more before the thing pops on, and if the pump is teeny, it will "run out."

AIRFLOW is what you want. FLOW, cfm
That was the deciding factor on mine. It had a bit more CFM than the other ones I looked at.
 
Ive had a Craftsman 33 Gallon 6 HP compressor (oil less)for about 18 years and has served me well.
It has just taken(given) its last breath. I'm looking to replace it with something comparable. My requirements are running air tools etc. I will probably never paint with it. It looks like sears doesn't have that model any more. I would like an American made product if possible
120 volt and portable Id like to keep it under $500.00 if possible. Just looking for suggestions.
I wont buy a compressor from HF.
Surprisingly the 5 hp 80 gallon Horrible Freight compressors are made in the US by the same outfit that makes Bel-Aire and C-Air outfits.

I've had a Bel-Aire for 18 years. The do use an import compressor but the ones I've seen have US motors and tanks. Mine does not have any ID as to country of origin.

I had a motor die and bought a rebuilt from my local motor shop.... maybe 10 years ago. Now that motor quit but I believe it just needs a capacitor so I ordered a start and a run capacitor for it. Less than $25 on Amazon.

Film at 11.
 
Harbor Freight 5 hp, 60 gallon, 230V. US General. 3 years and no issues. $800.
 
When my old compressor came apart, I used the tank and put it in series, with the new compressor, it allows for more reserve capacity.
 
Was fortunate enough to get a freebie 80 gallon IR to replace my 30 Craftsman that served me very good for many years. The IR is awesome but does require 30amp service. Put it outside in a pre-made shed and hardly hear it running. In fact unless the cutoff air valve is open it never runs till needed and then very quietly.

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I also have my compressor outside in one of those little plastic buildings.
 
Have had a Campbell-Hausfeld 60-gallon vertical, 2-stage, 18 SCFM @90 psi compressor ever since the mid '90s and it has never given me any problem. However, I have no idea whether C-H still makes them with the same quality or not.
 
I went to 3 lowes in town, but got a big runaround on the compressor I wanted. I ended up at tractor supply and got their porter cable 30 Gal.
Thus far it is meeting my requirements, its also quiet.
 
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