Advice on small compressor

paulrussell · Post by **paulrussell** » Wed Apr 23, 2014 9:41 am

I just want to thank everyone for their comments. I can't yet say which way I'm going, but you have given me a lot of food for thought.

Additional rumblings still appreciated.

paulrussell · Post by **paulrussell** » Wed Apr 23, 2014 9:45 am

Any thoughts on this one? Local to me.

NEW RIDGID 5 gallon Air Compressor - $200

http://lansing.craigslist.org/tls/4418793263.html

rcplaneguy · Post by **rcplaneguy** » Wed Apr 23, 2014 12:52 pm

paulrussell wrote:Any thoughts on this one? Local to me.

NEW RIDGID 5 gallon Air Compressor - $200

http://lansing.craigslist.org/tls/4418793263.html

Does not seem to get the best of reviews, this one is similar:

https://www.ridgid.com/us/en/tri-stack-5-gallon-air-compressor

joshh · Post by **joshh** » Thu Apr 24, 2014 12:04 pm

There is only a handful of things I will suggest from horror freight. This compressor is one: 5.3 CFM @ 90psi for under $150. With a coupon it runs $129 at times. The motor alone is worth more than that.

http://harborfreight.com/2-1-2-half-hp- ... 67708.html

steve4447 · Post by **steve4447** » Thu Apr 24, 2014 6:54 pm

Which one please?...The link took me to the cupon page...

dgale · Post by **dgale** » Fri Apr 25, 2014 8:56 am

I have the Makita MAC2400:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001Q2VPK/ref=wms_ohs_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Works great, fills up quickly. I runs all my nail guns flawlessly. I bought the Makita last June and at the time is was $299 and was a Prime item, so free 2-day shipping…now price is up to $329 and not a prime item but has free shipping…just likely ground so not as quick. When I need to wheel it around, I strap it to a HF dolly I have. It is portable and I can carry it up straits etc., but it's heavier than most of the smaller units, so dolly works better when possible. Basically a trade off between capacity and weight…I didn't want one that cycles on constantly.

The real dilemma I faced in terms of size was whether to have something with the ability to run impact drivers and other larger volume devices. The trade off being that I end up with a larger compressor that is much less portable. Ultimately I want to have both - a smaller portable unit like the Makita (which is bigger and less portable than many of the smaller pancake models out there) and a larger shop/garage based unit for running impact drivers etc. My need for portability and running nail guns far outweighed my need for impact drivers, so I went this route…it will run an impact driver but has to cycle on fairly frequently to keep up with the air demands.

I bought the Makita last June and at the time is was $299 and was a Prime item, so free 2-day shipping…now price is up to $329 and not a prime item but has free shipping…just likely ground so not as quick.

rcplaneguy · Post by **rcplaneguy** » Fri Apr 25, 2014 10:30 am

steve4447 wrote:Which one please?...The link took me to the cupon page...

Yeah, I think he means the 10 gallon one.....
http://t.harborfreight.com/air-tools/air-compressors/2-1-2-half-hp-10-gallon-125-psi-air-compressor-67708.html

steve4447 · Post by **steve4447** » Fri Apr 25, 2014 12:16 pm

Thanks...Looks like a value ..

rlkeeney · Post by **rlkeeney** » Sat Apr 26, 2014 6:04 am

Pick your tools first and buy a compressor that will produce enough air to drive them. Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) at Pressure is what you are looking for. Some tools require a lot of air while others don't use much at all.

garys · Post by **garys** » Sat Apr 26, 2014 8:15 am

rlkeeney wrote:Pick your tools first and buy a compressor that will produce enough air to drive them. Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) at Pressure is what you are looking for. Some tools require a lot of air while others don't use much at all.

And, know in advance that some tools like die grinders and drills are rated with no load on them. When in use, they will use 2-3 times their rated cfm. So, a die grinder rated at 4cfm will need 10cfm when in use.