I'm looking to add an air compressor to my garage. Space is at a bit of a premium, so I'm hoping to hear that I can get by with a 60 gallon tank. I am looking to power basic air tools--plus I want to paint my car this Fall using HVLP. Have any of you had any success with either of the following compressors? I know these aren't the highest-performing compressors around...but it really won't see a lot of use. Craftsman Professional, oil lube 2 cyl 3.2HP. 12.4 CFM @ 40 psi. Ingersoll Rand SS3L3, oil lube 3HP, 11.3 CFM @ 90 psi (can't find listing for CFM @ 40 PSI). Industrial (Northern) single stage oil lube, 3.6 HP (7 hp peak), 13.1 CFM @ 40 psi. Each of these in in the $450-600 range. Thanks for any suggestions. Jay
You can't go wrong with ingersoll-rand compressors. I have the next step up from the one you mentioned, and it runs everything flawlessly. Been working great for years. I prefer the cylinder style pumps compared to the diaphram pumps, they are much quieter and easier on the ears.
Yeah...I was looking at that one too (next step up, still using a 60 gallon tank...I think the SS5L5??). The output is so much better. About $300 more I think. If nobody weighs in with favorable comments on the others I'm looking at, I'll probably go the route you went. Thanks! Jay
I run an Eagle true 5 hp. 60 gallon C5160V1. 18.5 cfm/100psi. http://www.eaglecompressor.com/_egl08whl13dl04ctnt61/products/compressors/eagle/single_stage_150/C5160V1.html. It's run flawlessly for 3 years now. I use it every day. Ray
Ingersol is a good brand, but step up to the bigger one. 60 gallons is plenty of reserve air, but if you can get a little closer to 20 cfm at 100 psi the better you will like it and the better your air tools will perform!!:TU: Good luck with your choice, Bill:beers2:
Good advice...thanks guys. I guess I'll pass on the lower-performance compressors and upgrade to a more capable model. Thanks, Jay
I bought the craftsman 33 gallon upright deal. ITs loud as hell but it works really well. I use it to run my sandblaster, and I have no problems with continueous use. it was cheap, I got it on sale for 279.99. I like it. I plan to build a cover for it to quiet it down some.
I have 2 of the IR you mentioned. One alone will tax an hvlp too much for a complete. the 5hp IR will do the trick
Lowes has one of the best compressors out there for the money. 499.00 It puts out 15 cfm at 40 psi and 13.3 at 90 psi with a 3 year warranty. http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=134819-48540-K7060HFV&lpage=none
I bought Eagle's "Max Air premium" model with the same specs last spring and am very happy with it. It keeps up with pretty much anything I've thrown at it.
