Compressor vs Compressor

[kav]

I'm looking to add a compressor to the garage for various tasks, air tools, sand blasting and small paint projects. I have limited space and need something that will do what I need. I have narrowed it down to two choices:

Craftsman 33gal 165psi portable electric 110v:

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-33-ga...1&blockType=G1

&

Kobalt 3.7-HP 60-Gallon 155-PSI electric 220v:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_54284-1126-V...r|1&facetInfo=

The pro's and cons:

Craftsman:
Pro's: Portable, Compact, Quietish, High psi, runs 110v, cheap.
Con's: Small tank, will it be enough?

Kobalt:
Pro's: Large tank, quiet, good psi, will do everything I need and more.
Con's: It's stationary and large, needs 220v (which I don't have in the garage), more maintenance, more expensive.

Anyone have either of these compressors who could shed some light?

Cheers

-Kav.

[setho]

The Craftsman you're looking at has an oil-less compressor. Move on. You're just asking for problems down the road....

I'm looking to add a compressor to the garage for various tasks, air tools, sand blasting and small paint projects. I have limited space and need something that will do what I need. I have narrowed it down to two choices:

Craftsman 33gal 165psi portable electric 110v:

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-33-ga...1&blockType=G1

&

Kobalt 3.7-HP 60-Gallon 155-PSI electric 220v:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_54284-1126-V...r|1&facetInfo=

The pro's and cons:

Craftsman:
Pro's: Portable, Compact, Quietish, High psi, runs 110v, cheap.
Con's: Small tank, will it be enough?

Kobalt:
Pro's: Large tank, quiet, good psi, will do everything I need and more.
Con's: It's stationary and large, needs 220v (which I don't have in the garage), more maintenance, more expensive.

Anyone have either of these compressors who could shed some light?

Cheers

-Kav.

[savaden]

Larger tank has more capacity, which means shorter duty cycle for compressor. If you have an electrical sub-panel in the garage, you have 220 available. If your garage is attached to the house, you have 220 available. You will have to add a breaker in the panel in either case. I don't know your skill level, but you may need an electrician to install the circuit properly.

Compare tank size, hp, and perceived quality. Compare CFM at 90 psi. Total psi is relatively meaningless spec.

SV

[mshaver51]

I have both sizes. Both of mine are older, and maybe new technology has changed the comparison.

The little one does okay on little tasks, but even with small air tools, the air pressure runs down quickly and the tools balk. When it come to media-blasting -- especially soda -- the little one just won't get the job done. It will run a small, sears-size portable sandblaster, but big jobs are a problem for its 'endurance.'

The larger one is a major pain to install and to get running, but it will run just about any tool you might want. It can handle long stretches of air hose and enable you to media-blast outside, as well as keeping pressure for a blast cabinet with a large stack of small parts to do.

(You didn't ask this, but since you mentioned sandblasting, I hope that you are talking about a blast cabinet. I just don't think you'll like the result of sandblasting inside your garage.)

So, if you're doing big jobs, like a major restoration, the larger capacity will probably serve you better, but the installation won't be fun.

[kav]

I have both sizes. Both of mine are older, and maybe new technology has changed the comparison.

The little one does okay on little tasks, but even with small air tools, the air pressure runs down quickly and the tools balk. When it come to media-blasting -- especially soda -- the little one just won't get the job done. It will run a small, sears-size portable sandblaster, but big jobs are a problem for its 'endurance.'

The larger one is a major pain to install and to get running, but it will run just about any tool you might want. It can handle long stretches of air hose and enable you to media-blast outside, as well as keeping pressure for a blast cabinet with a large stack of small parts to do.

(You didn't ask this, but since you mentioned sandblasting, I hope that you are talking about a blast cabinet. I just don't think you'll like the result of sandblasting inside your garage.)

So, if you're doing big jobs, like a major restoration, the larger capacity will probably serve you better, but the installation won't be fun.

Yes, thinking of getting the Harbor Freight blast cabinet,

http://www.harborfreight.com/40-lb-c...net-68893.html

heard good and bad things but for $200 and some small modifications you can't go wrong. I do have a sub-panel in the garage and I have looked into adding the 220 outlet which I could handle myself. The large compressor is probably the way to go but I just don't really have a good spot or the space for it. I think I will try out the 33gal and if it's not working out, step up and get the 60gal.

-Cheers!

-Kav

[classic]

If you want to run a media blaster CFM and tank size.....

Compressors are one of those situations where size really does matter.

[911TES]

Like Setho said - don't go for the "oil less" Craftsman. I had one for a while and just gave it away. Very loud with an irritating sound and relatively low output - won't media blast well. strongly suggest the bigger unit. The bigger unit will handle the media blasting and the Harbor Freight cabinet will be fine - get the biggest blast cabinet you can fit. Also, spend a bit of time looking at hook-up details such as dryer. Maybe you get creative on placement - mine is in a loft area.

Bill

[merbesfield]

If you want to use a blast cabinet none of the low end comps will work. Don't waste your time. You will be very disappointed. Get the CFM info before making a purchase and question the ratings bc they are usually fluffed. We have some very large comps and even our blast cabinet is challenged. You may be better off sending your stuff out for powder coating and let them do the blasting. Good luck.