Seeking advice on compressor purchase

[Kalia Kliban]

My ancient and horrible 4.6-gallon Emglo compressor has finally died (hooray!) so I'm in the market for a compressor that is bigger, quieter and better. I'd like to be able to blow dust out of the grain on bowls, blow shavings out of hollow forms and do other compressed-air jobs around the shop without being deafened by the noise or having the compressor run all the time. I'm looking mostly at CA Air Tools compressors since they have a reputation for being quiet and well made. At the moment I'm not running pneumatic sanders, but something like a little die-grinder could join the toolkit in the future. The grinders I've looked at (Jupiter Pneumatics 1/4") generally need about 4 CFM. How much _over_ a tool's CFM rating does one need a compressor to be for good function? Steel tank v. aluminum tank pros and cons? Are oil-free compressors worth the extra $? What should I be taking into consideration that I might not be thinking of?
I am aware of the thread not far down below this about compressors, but that one is focused on the compressor for vacuum chucking.

 

[Tom Albrecht]

Buy as much, or more, than you can afford. Forget about oil less. 50 - 60 gallon, 5hp, vertical. You will never regret having "too much compressor". Don't limit your future air tool needs.
Look at the Northern Tools website for ideas.

 

[hockenbery]

no one ever complains about having too large a compressor

i have been totally happy with a 60gal Quincey ordered over 6 years ago online from Northern tools.

it was free shipping. but They suggested adding some money for a lift gate truck - I did not.
i figured the freight company would either put it on the ground at my house or put it in my truck at their warehouse.

on Delivery day a guy used a pallet jack to put it in my garage.
it was bolted to a pallet.

about 2 years ago Northern tool opened a store in Lakeland.

 

[Tom Albrecht]

Yep, got the same one, but took the motor off to get it in my basement for reassembly.

 

[Doug Freeman]

Air sanders and die grinders use a lot of air. Convert compressor output and tool quoted cfm to scfm to see an actual comparison. Most quote tank capacity as compressor size, which is mostly useless. Hopefully you have 220v because you will need it to run those tools w/o waiting for pressure to build. I doubt you will find oilless in the size you will need, but I prefer oil to oilless - quieter and longer life.

 

[Kevin Jenness]

For long life and quiet operation get an oil lubricated belt drive compressor with a low speed pump (<900 rpm) and a 60 or 80 gallon tank made by a reputable manufacturer. Quincy, Champion, Ingersoll Rand, Speedaire are a few names- do a little research on the track record of the specific pump you are getting. Single stage is fine. Maintenance is the name of the game- regular oil and filter changes, keep the belt tensioned and the tank drained and check the safety valve periodically. Get enough output so the compressor doesn't have to run all the time to power your hungriest tool. You can get by with a 2 or 3 hp unit but you won't regret having more power. Be aware that mfrs often use the same pump at a higher speed with a larger motor for more output. A quality used compressor can be a good deal if you are sure it has been maintained properly. Shops that need lots of clean dry air often have refrigerated driers and automatic tank drains. You will want at least a basic filter/regulator in line before your tools. I don't think aluminum tanks are common, probably due to cost, but may be a good idea.

 

[Tim Tucker]

Lowe's sells a Campbell-Hausefeld 80 gal upright that is under the Kobalt label. While not a top shelf name ( Ingersoll-Rand, Quincy, etc..) when you combine the $1000 price tag+ Lowes extended warranty - I think it is the bargain to beat. When you compare it to the Campbell Hausefeld labeled one...the price is especially attractive.

 

[Daniel Henry]

I told myself for years that all I needed was a 1hp, 20 gal tank that was somewhat "portable". Then I happened upon an 80 gal, 3hp stationery air compressor and I'm still kicking my butt. The floor necessary for both is really the same, I ran piping around the shop walls with drops and air hose all over the floor is gone (terrible tripping hazard). May I suggest you try to find a small business that specializes in air/pneumatic products. There is one near my location, their prices are only slightly higher then big box stores, and have a knowledgeable staff that is very helpful. The owner was kind enough to explain the difference between engine oil and air compressor oil. And the comments about maintenance cannot be overstated.

 

[Mark Jundanian]

If it were me (and I acknowledge my limited experience) I would be focused on California Air Tools. I have to work next to my compressor and my wife has to live with it one floor up, so quiet is the prime directive. CAT compressor are known for being quiet and I have never heard that description applied to any other maker's product.

If I had the option I would prefer an aluminum tank. There is a thread about draining tanks in the off topic section. Bottom line, if rust in the tank is a concern, then it seems sensible to prefer a material that doesn't rust. And I don't want to have to drain the tank every time I need a puff of air. If I am going to drain it, I want easy access to the valve.

I don't know much about the difference between oil and oil-less, but oil-less sounds like less maintenance, which is good to me. Also I have heard a rumor, though unsubstantiated, that compressors that use oil can release oil vapor with the compressed air. I'd have to learn more.

Before I buy any stationary power tool I have to stop and consider how I'm going to power it. Anything requiring 240V is going to mean running a new line, which means an electrician (electrical work is above my pay grade), so I want to look at cost and feasibility.

I prefer that everything in my shop is mobile. So the compressor has to be a manageable mass, and preferably on some kind of wheels.

But my priorities are not your priorities (or someone elses).

 

[Tim Tucker]

The one thing I forgot to mention is “auto drain” You can get a kit from Amazon and once installed, it will bleed off air from the bottom of the tank for 45 seconds every time the compressor comes on to fill. I think this as the best prevention for tank rusting out.

 

[Gerald Lawrence]

As relating to oil or oil less: the oil compressor will last longer and is quieter.

 

[Tim Tucker]

As relating to oil or oil less: the oil compressor will last longer and is quieter.

And will not sound like a buzz bomb as do the oil-less ones….

 

[Tom Lucas]

I use a 40 gallon California Air. Great little compressor. Very quiet and adequate flow.

 

[Dean Center]

I have one of the carpenter sized Cal Air compressors. It doesn't seem much quieter than other compressors I've seen. I also ran into two problems.

First, since I live in a very dry climate, I figured a steel tank would be fine. Unfortunately, I was wrong and after forgetting to drain the tank a few times after use, I now get brown water when I drain. I assume there's rust in there.

Second, I had a problem with the switch and learned that Cal Air doesn't support their products after the sale. They refer you to Master Tool Repair (I probably have the name wrong, but it's close) who are OK people to work with and carry a pretty good supply of parts. Just, FYI.

 

[Tom Lucas]

Misspoke. It's a 20 gallon. Sound is 70 dB. Quiet enough to have conversation right beside it without raising your voice. 1-1/2 HP oil-less. 3.8 to 4.0 CFM, adequate for lathe sanding if you buy low-CFM tools. Bigger sanders maybe not. Works great for me, both in the shop and to blow out 2" pipes when I close my pool. I don't think I need more, and it didn't break the bank.

 

[Doug Freeman]

Also I have heard a rumor, though unsubstantiated, that compressors that use oil can release oil vapor with the compressed air. I'd have to learn more.

Yes, oil lube compressors will put a very, very tiny bit of oil vapor into the compressed air (not one with worn out rings). It is only a concern for one wanting to use the compressed air for a papr system where they would breath it - to do this a filter is needed. For all other applications its fine. I use a small filter for spraying finishes to capture oil/water in the air line, but a prperly functioning compressor doesnt pass much at all.