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Main => Everything Else => Topic started by: rdagger on March 03, 2006, 12:29:51 pm

Title: What compressor should I buy
Post by: rdagger on March 03, 2006, 12:29:51 pm

I want to buy a small high quality air compressor.  I was looking at the Dewalt 5155 and the Porter Cable C3551.  I will probably use it for running the following: a nailer, a powder coating gun, pressure casting and possibly some very light sand blasting.  The Dewalt has a cool design and has good reviews.  I like the wheels and detachable panel on the Porter Cable.   I've never owned a compressor before. 
1. What's the best compressor for my needs?
2. What accessories do I need? 
3. Should I get a rubber hose or a polyurethane hose? 
4. Should I get a 1/4" or 3/8" hose?

Title: Re: What compressor should I buy
Post by: RayB on March 03, 2006, 12:35:29 pm

Mercedes.

Title: Re: What compressor should I buy
Post by: mrhowell on March 03, 2006, 01:31:56 pm

Buy a big one.  The little ones are crap.  You want at least 10 cfm at 90 psi if you're running any air tools.  Home depot or lowes has some decent ones for around $450.00

Title: Re: What compressor should I buy
Post by: rdagger on March 03, 2006, 02:54:04 pm

Quote from: mrhowell on March 03, 2006, 01:31:56 pm

Buy a big one.  The little ones are crap.  You want at least 10 cfm at 90 psi if you're running any air tools.  Home depot or lowes has some decent ones for around $450.00

I just don't have a lot of space and wanted something that was portable.

Title: Re: What compressor should I buy
Post by: rdagger on March 03, 2006, 04:21:58 pm

Porter cable makes 2 verticle models with more power but they are oil-less.

http://www.porter-cable.com/index.asp?e=547&p=4700 (http://www.porter-cable.com/index.asp?e=547&p=4700)

http://www.porter-cable.com/index.asp?e=547&p=5950 (http://www.porter-cable.com/index.asp?e=547&p=5950)

The 2nd one looks good at 5.4 CFM.  What exactly is an induction motor?

Title: Re: What compressor should I buy
Post by: mrhowell on March 04, 2006, 04:37:17 pm

oil-less=LOUD

Title: Re: What compressor should I buy
Post by: JackTucky on March 04, 2006, 08:21:16 pm

Quote from: mrhowell on March 04, 2006, 04:37:17 pm

oil-less=LOUD

VERY LOUD.  I got a nice capable big ass compressor for cheap, because it's oil less.  Meanwhile, I'm buying 100 feet + hoses to get the hell away from it when it's running.

For compressors, look for ones that take a lot of air, squish it, then make it come out fast.

 ;D

Jacktucky

Title: Re: What compressor should I buy
Post by: Ed_McCarron on March 04, 2006, 09:00:40 pm

Lame works pretty good.  Plus, its free.

Agree with oilless = teh suck.  Spend the extra on a real compressor - you will appreciate it later.

Title: Re: What compressor should I buy
Post by: SOAPboy on March 04, 2006, 11:35:16 pm

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=3692-48540-K7060V&lpage=none


I work at lowes, so im slightly bias, but Kobalt has LIFETIME warenty (sp).. its no hasle, as in if anything at all screws up, bring it back and get a new one that day with no questions asked.. :)

Title: Re: What compressor should I buy
Post by: rdagger on March 05, 2006, 02:08:20 am

Quote from: SOAPboy on March 04, 2006, 11:35:16 pm

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=3692-48540-K7060V&lpage=none
I work at lowes, so im slightly bias, but Kobalt has LIFETIME warenty (sp).. its no hasle, as in if anything at all screws up, bring it back and get a new one that day with no questions asked.. :)

The item's description shows a 3 year warranty.  Does it require 220V?

Title: Re: What compressor should I buy
Post by: rdagger on March 05, 2006, 02:13:19 am

Quote from: JackTucky on March 04, 2006, 08:21:16 pm

VERY LOUD.  I got a nice capable big ass compressor for cheap, because it's oil less.  Meanwhile, I'm buying 100 feet + hoses to get the hell away from it when it's running.
For compressors, look for ones that take a lot of air, squish it, then make it come out fast.
 ;D
Jacktucky

Supposedly, the Porter-Cable Shop Boss uses a twin cylinder design that greatly reduces noise.  There tech support said the dBA rating on the website is too high.  I've read reviews that claim it isn't loud.  Also the higher PSI tank is suppose to make it perform like a bigger unit.

If I ever have a real work shop, I'd get a big one, but for now I need wheels.