illbay

I just obtained a set of air tools and I'm trying to figure out which air compressor to get. Home depot has a few, but many are set up for roof nailers, etc. This is for general home.shop use. I don't think I'll be painting with it. Just swapping wheels alot and general car stuff. I'd like to find something for ~$300, but I'll spend more for something good. Any advice is appreciated.

...bill

Gerry

You will find in that price range that most will use the higher speed, direct drive, lubeless motors. I've had one for years, they are very low maintenance but also quite loud. The traditional type with a separate motor and drive belt attached to a piston compressor are quite a bit easier to live with in the same room but pricier. If you're not doing continuous work like painting or sanding I wouldn't worry to much about capacity, any of the 3 or 4 hp models in that range will serve you well.

wolfrc

Far too loud in my opinion, even though you get more HP for less space and money. Any 3-5 HP with a decent sized tank should be more than enough to power your tools all day long. Mine is on wheels...pretty convenient if you don't want to run air plumbing to different points in the garage. I have a 20+ year old sears POS that still keeps my tools running just fine...and is quiet.

illbay

Thanks. ...bill

Ming 2.7T

Dual tank 4 gal, 3hp, think its 6.3@90. was ~$250 and ~300 with hose/fittings