What compressor should I buy

[rdagger]

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?

[RayB]

Mercedes.

[mrhowell]

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

[rdagger]

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.

[rdagger]

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=5950

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

[mrhowell]

oil-less=LOUD

[JackTucky]

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.

 

Jacktucky

[Ed_McCarron]

Lame works pretty good.  Plus, its free.

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

[SOAPboy]

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..

[rdagger]

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?

[rdagger]

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.
 
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.