Choosing an air compressor

[JFortner5]

I have been toying with the idea of getting an air compressor for my garage. I'd like to use it mainly for automotive stuff like inflating tires, maybe an impact or air ratchet. I also have a little trim work to do and a little air nailer would be nice.

I got to thinking though if I were to get one, would a hobby type airbrush work with it? I'd like to spend between $200-250 if possible while still getting something decent. This wouldn't be used daily, maybe once a week or something. I guess I really just want an all around compressor but being able to pick up an airbrush and trying it might be fun too.

I have $100 sears gift card so any advice on craftsman would be great.

Thanks,

Joey

[Craig Irwin]

I'm an auto body repairman and have a large upright compressor in my garage that could run a small body shop. With an air regulator an airbrush will work great. Ever wonder how shops do custom painting? Most Craftsman tools are great, but I know nothing about their compressors. They should be fine, buy the biggest one you can afford and buy a water trap to put on it.

Edited January 18, 2014 by Craig Irwin

[JFortner5]

I have the $100 gift card and I can add 100 or more if I have too.

Option 2 would be buy one for 100 off Craigslist and use my gift card for some air tools. I'll do some more research first.

My garage is only a single car size so there's not much space. Also my breaker box is on the other side of the house. I think for now I'll stick with a 10-20 gallon and try to find one that holds oil. The majority of my use would be inflation and possibly airbrushing anyway.

Edit- breaker box is on the other side of house so that knocks the 240 volt compressors out. It would be really difficult to get a wire across. (slab house)

Edited January 18, 2014 by JFortner5

[Craig Irwin]

I see the small ones in garage sales cheap all summer long, you might try a flee market but someone will be wanting a profit on the ones they bought last summer!

[mikemodeler]

Joey,

A couple of points to ponder:

1. Like most things in life, you get what you pay for.

2. An oil less compressor tends to run louder than one that has an oiled motor.

Think about how you will use the compressor. If you aren't doing heavy auto repairs, a smaller unit that is portable might be the route to go. Inflating tires won't require much of a compressor but an impact gun or other air tool will.

Beware of bargain compressors and air tools. I bought an 1/2" drive air impact at Sears 2 years ago on sale for $25 and it couldn't bust lug nuts loose while I could by hand with a breaker bar!

If you do go to Sears, try to find one with a large tool department and ask if they have any floor models or a scratch & dent section, usually can save some money that way. Also check them out online, they might have some clearance models for sale cheap.

Lastly, ask around. There could be someone at work who is moving or knows someone who is and has a compressor they can't take with them. Check for any estate sales too, sometimes they have compressors as part of the sale.

[JFortner5]

Thanks for the tips.

I know you are right though it would be better to get the best I can get. Your exactly right though I won't be doing any major automotive work. I've been reading that sanders, cut off tools, and saws use a lot of air. I'm sure an impact does too but just in short bursts.

I've got my eye on a 33 gallon craftsman. Only issue is its oil less. I'll find something.

What size tank is recommended for my use?

[Dave Ambrose]

I have a Craftsman oilless compressor that's been working great for a few years now. It has a 26 gallon tank and a 150PSI working pressure. You probably don't need that large a tank, and I think they have a model with the same compressor and a 12 gallon tank that should be just about perfect. Mine came with an air ratchet and an impact wrench.

Just be sure you follow the break-in instructions.