What compressor do you use at home?

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90Notch

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Ok so my compressor of 15 years has finally taken a dump (craftsman 5.5 HP 20 Gallon). I was told that the 5.5 HP requires 220V to run properly. Over the years the compressor has tripped my circuit breaker on numerous occasions.

I'm wondering do I need to get something with less HP but same capacity(20Gallon)? What do you guys use and recommend?

Thanks
 
If I were to go out and buy a compressor to use in my garage I would get either a Husky or the Kobalt. I believe both of those are made by Campbell Hausfeld. What I would look for is the scfm rating rather than just hp since scfm is what tells you how fast the pump can fill the tank. So you can be sure the compressor can keep up when you use the air tools.
 
Originally Posted By: lpcmidst128
If I were to go out and buy a compressor to use in my garage I would get either a Husky or the Kobalt. I believe both of those are made by Campbell Hausfeld. What I would look for is the scfm rating rather than just hp since scfm is what tells you how fast the pump can fill the tank. So you can be sure the compressor can keep up when you use the air tools.


Careful! SOME Huskys and Kobalts are made by Campbell Hausfeld. Some others are made by MAT Sanborn. You do NOT want an MAT Sanborn compressor! Very cheap, nothing but trouble.

Not all Campbell Hausfelds are created equal either. The small twin stack compressors are okay, but not nearly as reliable as a CH with a cast iron oil lubed pump. Definitely go for the cast iron oil lube pump if you want reliability.
 
I have an older CH 20 gallon compressor. It has a huge compressor with a cast iron liner that looks to be similar to the air compressor that came on semi trucks with the 2 stroke Detroit diesel engine.. It blew a head gasket one time. I made a new one out of an old oil filter box. This compressor probably dates back to the 70's.

I need a better belt for it. Mine is so worn out that I have to put sand on the motor pulley occasionally to keep the motor from slipping on the belt.

I've searched for years for the proper belt with no luck.
 
Big lots chinese special. 8+ years old. Oiled style, 4.5 cfm at 90 psi. Similar to horrible freights version I'm sure.

Maybe you could just rebuild your current one with a new motor or something? Could even be just a startup capacitor if it has one.
 
I have a makita compressor (oiled). MAC2400, IIRC. Works great. I also have a cheapie oilless for tires. If you are just running small draw items, Id look at Thomas oilless. I have two of these running in my lab and they have run continuously (at some duty cycle, but always flowing air) for years.

Id also look at the IR P1IU-A9, assuming it is really an IR product and made in USA. It doesnt have cooling fins along the line from the piston to the tank like my makita, FWIW.
 
I used to have one of the HF 8 gallon oil-lubed Chinese air compressors for blowing out dust, airing up tires and using an impact wrench for tire rotation.

It siezed up at 13 months with light usage.

Used the extended warranty coverage on my Amex card, got my $85 refunded. Bought someone's old (at least 20 years, probably 30) Campbell Hausfeld 8 gallon compressor with a belt-driven pump. All the parts of this unit are American made, and still work. It's a little on the slow side and leaks a little air (I'll try retaping some stuff), but it's quieter and just puts along reliably...as it has done for decades.
 
I used to use a 3.5hp on a 25 gallon tank from sears....it worked forever...

then one day I was at sears and found a 7hp 60 gallon for half price. I have used it in a commercial setting for 8 years now.
 
Ok I just went out and bought this compressor from home depot. 20 Gallon 6.1 CFM @90psi, tested it out and works great. Happy Camper. Thanks for all the help everyone!

396692807.jpg
 
6.5 Horse (IIRC) ingersoll rand/matco 60 gallon.
Oil style.
I've never serviced it (lol) and it's starting to get tired now, 12 or so years later.
It's a side by side compressor (not v-style) and I will upgrade the compressor section at some point.
 
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
I have a makita compressor (oiled). MAC2400, IIRC. Works great. I also have a cheapie oilless for tires. If you are just running small draw items, Id look at Thomas oilless. I have two of these running in my lab and they have run continuously (at some duty cycle, but always flowing air) for years.

Id also look at the IR P1IU-A9, assuming it is really an IR product and made in USA. It doesnt have cooling fins along the line from the piston to the tank like my makita, FWIW.



I have the same compressor, and like it very much. Have not tried any air tools with it yet. Curious to see how it would do though.
 
I have the little Makita 700 hot dog and it is great. It will run an impact for taking off tires and things but I don't think it will do heavy work. Sanders and other things like that, forget it.

Make sure to buy an oil lube compressor as they require less maintenance and are almost always much quieter. Most of the Makita compressors are very quiet.
 
CH 80 gallon 7.5 HP 25 scfm @175 PSI
Home use to run anything I want never ran out of air to sandblast, paint, snad, run any air tool. At 1500 dollars money well spent paid it self off many times doing odd jobs for people and myself.
 
Originally Posted By: Tempest
I have the little Makita 700 hot dog and it is great. It will run an impact for taking off tires and things but I don't think it will do heavy work. Sanders and other things like that, forget it.

Make sure to buy an oil lube compressor as they require less maintenance and are almost always much quieter. Most of the Makita compressors are very quiet.


To late I bought that compressor pictured in this post ($169.00 at HD). It's a maintenance free compressor but we all know how that goes.
My last one, craftsman, lasted me 15 years. I'll be happy if I get that from the husky.
 
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