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Need some help with air compressor selection

Posted on 12/11/16 at 9:22 am
Posted by Hammertime
Will trade dowsing rod for titties
Member since Jan 2012
43030 posts
Posted on 12/11/16 at 9:22 am
I am going to be getting a new air compressor for Christmas, and am having some trouble deciding. Will be vertical, and will be oiled. My main problem is that I can get a smaller, higher quality unit for the same price as a lower quality bigger unit. Difference is 20 vs 30 gallons.

I will be doing everything with it, but the better one has a 100% duty cycle for when I'm running constantly. The bigger ones will provide more air though. Decisions, decisions. Basically, I want it to be an "almost" stationary one if that makes sense.

Choices:

IR Garage Mate $559 w/ $100 gift certificate included
quote:

Max. PSI 135
Air Tank Size (gal.) 20
CFM at 90 PSI 5.5
CFM at Max. PSI 4.6
Duty Cycle 100%
Regulator Included Yes
Tank Type Vertical
HP 2
Amps 16
Volts 120
Pump Material Cast iron
Noise Level (dB) 75–80
Dewalt 30gal $584
quote:

Maximum Pressure (psi) 155
Air Delivery SCFM @ 40PSI 7.0
Air Delivery SCFM @ 90PSI 5.7
Duty Cycle 50%
Compressor Tank Capacity (Gallons) 30
Amperage (amps) 15
Horsepower (hp) 1.9
Voltage (volts) 120
Features Handle,Tank Pressure Gauge Stage Count Single Stage
Decibel Rating (Outdoor) 78 dBA
Tank Material Steel

Husky 30gal $439
quote:

Maximum Pressure (psi) 155
Air Delivery SCFM @ 40PSI 6.2
Air Delivery SCFM @ 90PSI 5.3
Amperage (amps) 15
Horsepower (hp) 1.6
Voltage (volts) 120
Compressor Tank Capacity (Gallons) 30
Features Automatic Start/Stop,Tank Pressure Gauge,Wheels Stage Count Single Stage
Decibel Rating (Outdoor) 75 dBA
Tank Material Steel
Craftsman Professional 27gal $494
quote:

Maximum Operating Pressure (psi.):150
SCFM Delivery At 40 psi:7.2
SCFM Delivery At 90 psi:5.8
Compressor Tank Capacity (gal.):27
Duty Cycle (%):75
Horsepower:1.9
Amps:20
Power: Electric Rating:120/240V
Operating Noise Level (dB.):73 Cord:
Stages:One stage
Pump Life (hrs.):1000
Housing Material:Aluminum
Posted by Tigerpaw123
Louisiana
Member since Mar 2007
17258 posts
Posted on 12/11/16 at 9:30 am to
If you plan on using it a lot, get the dewalt and don't look back
Posted by Hammertime
Will trade dowsing rod for titties
Member since Jan 2012
43030 posts
Posted on 12/11/16 at 9:57 am to
I either use a crappy one, or have to borrow one once every week or two. I can get another tool with the $100 gift certificate I get with the higher quality IR though, so that's why I'm in a pickle.

Ready to either upgrade to the Nitrocat impact, or get a right angle grinder
Posted by Easternrio
Member since May 2014
3755 posts
Posted on 12/11/16 at 10:01 am to
I would go with the Dewalt
Posted by mdomingue
Lafayette, LA
Member since Nov 2010
30259 posts
Posted on 12/11/16 at 10:18 am to
Craftsman or Dewalt. Looking at the specs, the Dewalt seems like it has a more efficient motor (1.9 HP 15 Amps vs 1.9 HP 20 Amps). I personally like aluminum tanks but I know a lot of people do not.

I'd be curious about the specific motor and pump for each compressor to adequately compare. Craftsman may be using the same pump end with a different motor (stouter?) to allow for the 75% duty cycle.

Good luck, looking for a cheaper vertical for around the house myself. Don't use one much but just want to have it, prefer the verticals for space reasons, don't really want a pancake. Or compact unit. Considering a Craftsman myself.
Posted by Citica8
Duckroost, LA
Member since Dec 2012
3665 posts
Posted on 12/11/16 at 10:29 am to
I wouldn't spend that much for a 20 gal on the IR.
Posted by Hammertime
Will trade dowsing rod for titties
Member since Jan 2012
43030 posts
Posted on 12/11/16 at 11:11 am to
I am also concerned the 20A Craftsman will trip the breaker when it kicks on. Would be a humongous PITA. It is all brand new wiring and a breaker, but if it goes over 20A, it will trip
quote:

I wouldn't spend that much for a 20 gal on the IR.
You get a $100 gift certificate if you spend more than $500. That would theoretically make it only $459 since I would definitely be buying at least one new tool
This post was edited on 12/11/16 at 11:14 am
Posted by Citica8
Duckroost, LA
Member since Dec 2012
3665 posts
Posted on 12/11/16 at 12:11 pm to
quote:

theoretically
That's woman's logic. Still have to buy it from them, regardless if the price isn't the lowest.

I'd get the Dewalt, no issue with amps on a 20amp breaker, bigger tank, essentially the same power end as the IR

ETA-typo
This post was edited on 12/11/16 at 1:21 pm
Posted by auggie
Opelika, Alabama
Member since Aug 2013
27934 posts
Posted on 12/11/16 at 1:32 pm to
Build your own,5HP gas powered OHV motor,Thomas or Gast Oiless compressor head,plumbed into a beer keg for storage. Check valve the hell out of it,can use it for diving if you want,as well as powering tools.
Posted by Ace Midnight
Between sanity and madness
Member since Dec 2006
89516 posts
Posted on 12/11/16 at 1:58 pm to
quote:

I can get another tool with the $100 gift certificate I get with the higher quality IR though, so that's why I'm in a pickle.



I think you've talked yourself into the IR - and it isn't a bad way to go. They don't think they need a 30-gallon tank on the thing. I have an IR 1/2" impact that could go to the moon, so there's no question there.

The Dewalt (Porter Cable) would be my second choice.
This post was edited on 12/11/16 at 1:59 pm
Posted by Chuckd
Louisiana
Member since May 2013
797 posts
Posted on 12/11/16 at 3:22 pm to
A little off topic but I'm also looking at compressors and I want to mount mine in my attic. Does anyone see a problem with that being that I live in South LA where attics get extremely hot.
Posted by Ace Midnight
Between sanity and madness
Member since Dec 2006
89516 posts
Posted on 12/11/16 at 4:13 pm to
quote:

A little off topic but I'm also looking at compressors and I want to mount mine in my attic.


I wouldn't do it - compressors need a certain degree of TLC - I'd find another way.

quote:

Does anyone see a problem with that being that I live in South LA where attics get extremely hot.


That's just the beginning of it - I mean, an attic would be better than in an area exposed to the elements, but not a whole lot better.
Posted by TIGER2
Mandeville.La
Member since Jan 2006
10487 posts
Posted on 12/11/16 at 4:35 pm to
If you are going to use it every week, I would step up and get a Quincy. Very happy with my 60 gallon.
Posted by TIGER2
Mandeville.La
Member since Jan 2006
10487 posts
Posted on 12/11/16 at 4:37 pm to
Posted by Hammertime
Will trade dowsing rod for titties
Member since Jan 2012
43030 posts
Posted on 12/11/16 at 5:26 pm to
The cheapest I can find a portable Quincy is like $650. I think I've narrowed it down to the IR or the Dewalt. That $100 gift card is very enticing because I'll immediately get something with it.

Do you have a dryer on yours?
This post was edited on 12/11/16 at 5:28 pm
Posted by 756
Member since Sep 2004
14865 posts
Posted on 12/11/16 at 5:36 pm to
I would buy the Dewalt or Craftsman

NO to putting a compressor in attic- if floor space is an issue mount in the air in the garage
Posted by TIGER2
Mandeville.La
Member since Jan 2006
10487 posts
Posted on 12/11/16 at 5:40 pm to
I have a dryer but have not installed it yet. Think I will only use it if I paint something.
Posted by Hammertime
Will trade dowsing rod for titties
Member since Jan 2012
43030 posts
Posted on 12/11/16 at 7:17 pm to
Compressors vibrate. Your old lady will not be happy because it will vibrate the whole house, and then you've got to run the plumbing to where you are gonna use it
Posted by 756
Member since Sep 2004
14865 posts
Posted on 12/12/16 at 1:21 pm to
an over head rack in the garage with proper insulators installed will limit vibration
Posted by Earthmover
Central
Member since Jan 2013
450 posts
Posted on 12/12/16 at 1:29 pm to
You will need to drain the moisture from the tank often, putting it in the attic seems like a pain.
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