Air Compressor recommendations?

duncanshannon · March 18, 2011, 05:17:27 PM

Hi-

It's time to buy a compressor. Initially I'll be trimming some windows and doors, but want to build the cabin with this some day. I want a quiet and pretty good quality compressor. Something that is a good value. I imagine I'll be building with mostly just me but up two people (hopefully) some times. so at most 2 framing nailers going. Expected to be generator powered when building cabin. I dont know enough to know about oiled vs oilless, pancake vs hotdog, single vs double etc. I'm certainly not a pro and wont be moving to quickly... my impression is that those wont matter to much to me.

Saw this thread and it was helpful. http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=1215.0

I'd like to buy it from Amazon if I can, but I can easily hit up other stores.

This looks pretty nice as far as I can tell (great reviews, seems like a good price). Only question... why cant i find compressors on makita's website?

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

This is the 'best sellers - air compressors' list on amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/hi/552660/ref=pd_zg_hrsr_hi_1_3_last

The Porter cables seem good too.

Thanks in advance for recommendations! (I thought id ask here cause I get the vibe compressor are sorta like generators in that there are some good, some great and some to avoid).

Duncan

glenn kangiser · March 18, 2011, 05:55:42 PM

For longer life I would avoid the high speed compressors - ie:3450 rpm. I wore out a couple CH compressors that were high speed.

My last small one is a DeWalt (Black and Decker industrial)1750 RPM that has lasted pretty good though I had to buy an new manifold for it.

Better would be one with an oil crankcase on the compressor but not as portable usually. I am not sure about the DeWalt -haven't pulled it apart yet.

March 18, 2011, 06:04:22 PM

This seems to be a slightly upgraded version of the one I have -

http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-D55146-2-Gallon-200-PSI-Compressor/dp/B000HZJLV2/ref=zg_bs_552660_15

Note that my high speed CH oilless ones wore out BAD.... In what I thought was too short a period of time.

duncanshannon · March 18, 2011, 10:35:45 PM

the sale on that dewalt is pretty good! My friend thats a dewalt rep said its a discontinued model!

anyone have any ideas on why Makita.com doesnt have any air compressors listed but its the top rated compressor on amazon?

duncanshannon · March 19, 2011, 11:23:34 PM

alright... i think i'm sold on the dewalt. I can pick it up from lowes for $349 or have it shipped from amazon for the same price. might just pick it up tomorrow!

It sounds pretty good that its a 200psi tank... so more firing before it turns back on right?

March 20, 2011, 06:20:53 AM

I'm not familiar with that compressor just had some thoughts/ cautions when you mentioned a generator. compressors are one of the hardest loads to start so be careful with motor sizing. It will take at a minimum double the motor amperage to start the motor, nothing shortens the life of the motor quicker than hard starting. Volts X Amps = Watts. I use a 5 horse oil model when we have a large generator or utility lines and the smallest bostitch throw away pancake when we're on smaller generators. The oil models with pulleys and belts are nice in that you can replace the motor easily and play with pulley ratios, the oilless are lighter and more compact but usually don't last as long. High pressure usually requires a 2 stage pump, compressing and then compressing the 1st stage's compressed air further... normally requiring more power. Another way of extending "off" time is to use another tank in the line somewhere, basically filling that tank and drawing down off a larger reserve. Run time is greater but off time is also greater, sometimes helpful with large demand tools and small compressors like a palm nailer on a pancake.

davidj · March 20, 2011, 07:27:49 PM

I've got that model of DeWalt (or at least one that looks identical) and it's great. Runs fine on my 3KVA Honda EB3000 gennie as long as nothing else is running at the same time. The higher pressure is useful too - shooting 2" finish nails I could do 60 linear ft of T&G without running the gennie. I bought it at short notice when my cheapo Porter Cable pancake compressor died on me - got through two of those before giving up on them!

hpinson · March 20, 2011, 08:58:55 PM

One thing to consider is selecting a compressor that has oil lubricated pistons vs. teflon coated pistons. In my experience the oil lubricated machines seem be a good deal quieter than the newer teflon technology. Compressor noise can be very annoying. I have been told the oil lubricated units last longer if well cared for, but have no basis to evaluate if that is true or not.

I have used this mid-sized oil lubricated Craftsman Pro unit for a number of years, and been very happy with it:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00916475000P?prdNo=14&blockNo=14&blockType=G14

Don't think going much smaller would be wise. This one is just on the edge of portability. It takes the full 15 amps of my circuit.

pmichelsen · March 21, 2011, 09:22:32 AM

http://www.amazon.com/Hitachi-EC12-2-Horsepower-4-Gallon-Compressor/dp/B0000225DO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1300717008&sr=8-1

This is what I use for my portable compressor; I've only had it for 3-4 years but so far has served me well. I have never had a problem running multiple guns with it.

March 21, 2011, 01:21:53 PM

Some compressors that come in a set with finish nailers seem to have smaller regulators that have trouble adequately supplying bigger nail guns. My inexpensive pancake compressor has good cfm recovery but the regulator wouldn't supply my hitachi framing nailer fast enough for multiple shots.

duncanshannon · March 21, 2011, 02:51:26 PM

@MelFol - good general tip!

@pmichelsen - i was sold until i reviewed the most recent reviews on amazon. a quick read gives me the impression that the product has gone down the tubs recently (mfg. issues)

@hpinson - also a good tip for the novice.

A few mentioned making sure you are working within the capabilities of the circuits you are plugging it into. I guess thats sort of a duh, but a good tip for me!

Am i making too big of a deal for this? Nothing seems to be a clear winner and almost all the models have people saying they are junk.

The Makita MAC5200 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001Q2VPU/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=gulandche-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0001Q2VPU) has great reviews, but is higher RPM 3250. 3HP, 6.5 CFM @ 90PSI. 140PSI system. $340 Seems like a good price.

The Makita MAC2400 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001Q2VPK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=gulandche-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0001Q2VPK) has great reviews, lower RPM 1720, 2.5HP, 2.5 HP, 4.2 CFP @ 90PSI. 130PSI system. $286.

The DEWALT 55416 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HZJLV2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=gulandche-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000HZJLV2) has solid reviews (not as good as the Makitas), is lower RPM, lower RPM (<2000), 4.5HP, 5.2 SCFM at 90 PSI, 200 PSI system overall. $349 on amazon. My only reservation here is my friend who works at dewalt says its a discontinued product.

Anyone have experience with Makita compressors?

Kinda thinking that, based on the comments here, the Dewalt is the winner based on the lower RPMs. Or is it the bigger Makita!

MelFol · March 21, 2011, 05:04:11 PM

I don't think you will go far wrong with any of those you are considering. Or Pmichelsen's Hitachi is about the same output performance in an oil compressor for a lot less money.

pmichelsen · March 22, 2011, 09:51:48 AM

Quote from: duncanshannon on March 21, 2011, 02:51:26 PM
@pmichelsen - I was sold until I reviewed the most recent reviews on amazon. A quick read gives me the impression that the product has gone down the tubs recently (mfg. issues)

Yeah after I posted I read some of the reviews and saw that things have gone down hill at the old Hitachi plant. That is unfortunate as I really like my compressor. Another thing you can do is stop by construction sites and see what the guys are using or ask them, as they most likely put their tools through the ringer day in and day out. I have done this in the past when shopping for certain tools or I ask my father, as he is a building inspector and gets to see what everyone is using.

duncanshannon · March 23, 2011, 10:43:42 PM

Well...I finally made a decision and ordered the MAC2400.

I was tempted to get the larger 5200 for only $50 more, but I dont think I need it and it is higher RPM (1720 vs 3250). Have the bonus of Amazon Prime, so two day shipping for free!

The Makita MAC2400 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001Q2VPK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=gulandche-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0001Q2VPK) has great reviews, lower RPM 1720, 2.5HP, 2.5 HP, 4.2 CFP @ 90PSI. 130PSI system. $286.

Thanks for the advice folks!

March 24, 2011, 12:10:20 AM

I think you made a good choice - low rpm Makita. I really like my Makita tools.

rocking23nf · March 24, 2011, 10:20:06 AM

porter cable makes good compressers. At least the ones i have used.

pmichelsen · March 24, 2011, 10:50:05 AM

I'm sure if you don't abuse it and maintain it well you will be very happy for a long time. I love ordering new tools.

rick91351 · March 05, 2013, 07:10:44 PM

Are there any new ideas on compressors? I would like to run two framing nailers off one compressor when needed. I am sort of narrowing it down to the Dewalt

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HZJLV2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=gulandche-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000HZJLV2

or the Makita but everyone on Amazon says it is a crap shoot if they arrive undamaged.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001Q2VPK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=gulandche-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0001Q2VPK

cholland · March 05, 2013, 11:34:29 PM

I purchased a DeWalt 55146. The 200 psi/4.5 gal one. Really happy with it. Only ever running one tool with it but it shoots a lot of nails between filling up. It runs nice and quiet too. Great for filling tires and running the impact gun.
I got a reconditioned one from the factory authorized outlet place. It was only $260.
The regulator leaked when I got it but I cleaned and oiled it and it hasn't been a problem since.
The whole manifold design they use makes it impossible to replace components if something really goes wrong. If one ever had to replace a gauge or the regulator, it might be cheaper to build one.
You do have to hold it at an angle when you purge the tank. Kind of an odd feature, but it keeps the valve protected from bashing things on the ground.
I would buy it again.

Don_P · March 06, 2013, 07:07:23 AM

200 psi?, I'll bet 120. There are high pressure west coast units but regular guns can explode over about 120

I did umm, come off a ladder and stepped on the regulator on our DeWalt pancake. The plastic cover must have lasted through the first 5 pounds before it went everywhere

, didn't hurt the guts so I replaced it with a new factory cover with their cheapo plastic switch. It probably would have been cheaper, certainly better, to have gone and made up a new switch/ regulator assembly at tractor supply.

I don't think I've ever been able to keep a guage on a compressor. Some form of protection in the housing would be nice.

March 06, 2013, 11:18:08 PM

Yes the nail gun max is 120 psi. I set my regulator at 90 and the gun depth adjustment in the mid setting. Everything seems happy there.
The compressor is 200 psi. Didn't mean to confuse things. I just meant the larger tank and higher psi lets you shoot a lot of nails or whatever in between the compressor cycles.

rick91351 · March 06, 2013, 11:47:33 PM

cholland I was following what you said okay. But I had read the specs

Thanks for input....

I am sort of thinking of the DeWalt might be the best for me / us........

JRR · March 08, 2013, 06:49:56 AM

I don't now use a lot of compressed air. Years ago I had one of those hugh tank units with the two stage piston compressor mounted on the top. Good for most shop work.

Now I have scaled back. Portability now means a lot. So I have a oil-less unit that has been with me for a few years. Never used a nailer with it. But it is awfully handy for inflating tires safely (Piston type compressors can leave an explosive oil mist in tires! CAUTION!). Good for using most air tools. Blowing-cleaning. Small paint jobs ... no "fish eyes".

But I do use the ear plugs when its in service.