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It's time to upgrade my 4.5gal DeWalt air compressor. I want one that has at least a 60 gallon tank, dual stage etc. My garage is already plumbed for air and there's a 220v outlet right where the compressor will go. Can't have too much motor though, since the compressor circuit is only a 30 amp breaker.
Anyway, budget up to $800. Would love some suggestions.
I have the below compressor. Best tool sold by Harbor Freight (compared to most of there garbage). Tank is made in NC, pump is Italian, and motor is from Mexico. Same compressor minus some crummier fittings as a 60 Gal BelAire. For a $800 budget and home use it works great.
https://www.harborfreight.com/air-to...sor-93274.html
What do you expect out of your air compressor? 60 gallons and 15 CFM will serve most hobbyist well. That will run your impacts and be ok for short term grinding or sanding. If you want to grind or sand on big projects or sand blast, than you need to step up to a compressor with at least a mid 20s CFM rating, which would be a minimum of twice your budget. If you want to paint a car, than a 5 horse will be marginal. The lower CFM compressors will cycle more often and create more heat, and that can introduce excess moisture in your air line. You want to pay attention to CFMs more than HP as many of the cheaper compressors will tout high horsepower motors on cheap inefficient compressing units. Of course almost anything is going to be an improvement over what you have now. Good luck.
P.S. All CFM figures should be at 90 to 100 psi
This is what I have been using for the last 4 or 5 years and have been very happy with it.
http://www.schulzaircompressorparts....932.9335-0.htm
I have been using the Harbor Freight unit referenced above in my shop. Flawless performance for the past 10 years.
If you do decide to look at the Harbor Freight compressor be sure to go to a store. They are shady with there part numbers and sell another 60 gal compressor for close to the same price that is a crummy single stage Chinese made junker. If your budget is only $800 I don't think you will do much better. The more commercial (ie: low RPM) stuff really starts in the 2K range. You could also troll craigslist as deals can be found. Just make sure it the motors aren't 3 phase as most home can't handle that.
If you have room (and construction allows) add a small lean-to shelter to the garage for the compressor. It's really nice to get the noise outside.
Thank you very much for your replies. I truly appreciate it.
A high quality compressor will have a motor that turns 1750 rpm. It will be quiet, make less water, and last the rest of your life (probably your kids too). More than $800 new though.
Im just a silly ol plumber but 1 thing I know.
What ya want it for?
What ya ambient humidity average ( water trap for the worse x3) if spraying paint.
Whats ya hearing like ( if ya deaf who cares)
Media blasting ?? do it on a trailer out in the desert.
Power.. we do 3 phase here in NZ.
Buy only the best. as someone said above ,, think of ya kids.
Bigger is best as small always peeves ya eventually.
M2CW
PS that Harbour Freight looks like total crud and I would 'Freight it into the Harbour'