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Recommendations on an Air Compressor for a Home

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Maurice Cammack

04-17-2000 14:11:10




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I am a retired teacher, and not well versed in the pros and cons of an air compressor for a home.
I need a unit to permit me to remove lug bolts on 3 vehicles, a tractor and a 4-wheel trailer, plus put air into tires, clean filters, and other general air induced cleaning jobs around a home.
I have been to Wal-Mart and looked at their compressors, and plan to go to Sears next week.
I would appreciate some recommendations, guidance, or sources that I can learn more about how to evaluate different units and make a more intelligent buying decision. Also, I got confused when I looked at all the attachments, hoses, valves, etc., in the store. What generally comes with the units, and what do I need to add to the "out of the box" to make it a functional compressor?
I read a response by Roger Prosper on July 23, 99 to another user's problems and he pointed out some excellent things to look at - thank you Roger -

Any ideas members have would be very much appreciated.

thank you again,
Maurice Cammack

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Scott Green

07-21-2000 19:33:07




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 Re: Recommendations on an Air Compressor for a Home in reply to Maurice Cammack, 04-17-2000 14:11:10  
Maurice , the one thing I can say for sure is that you don't want one of them noisy oil free compressors from sears. My uncle has one. You will come 2 feet off the ground every time it kicks on. Then you can't here a darn thing until it shutts off. Get a belt driven , oil filled compressor for at home. About a 20 + gallon tank and at least 5 cfm's if not more. The more the better. This will do everything you need to do at home. I have two compressors. One is from sears. It is oil filled and belt driven. The other one , which I use on the job every day , is a "Rollair".They are a very good compressor. It is also oil filled.

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mike

05-26-2000 16:54:33




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 Re: Recommendations on an Air Compressor for a Home in reply to Maurice Cammack, 04-17-2000 14:11:10  
Listen to the guys who recommend a belt driven unit with an oil bath pump. Stick with a brand you can get parts for (Sandborne, C-H, Ingersoll-Rand) and change that oil on a regular basis with what is recomended at the temperature you are using it. To prevent a premature hole in the tank due to corrosion, drain the moisture from it every time you use it.Don't use a long light extension cord with it-buy a good heavy cord and remember to unplug it when not in use.

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Valvejob

04-25-2000 22:49:19




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 Re: Recommendations on an Air Compressor for a Home in reply to Maurice Cammack, 04-17-2000 14:11:10  
I have a 2 HP craftsman about 20 years old. It has a cast iron pump and is used continuously. The only time I wish I had more capacity is with a sander or die grinder, they use alot of air. All I have ever done is oil and filter changes and drained the tank occasionally. I would recommend a unit with a oil filled, slow turning pump. I do machining type repair work on the side to make extra cash and repaired an oil free compressor twice for a guy. I don't know if they are all made like this one but it was junk. The pump was built into the endcap on a 3 HP, 3450 rpm motor. The crankshaft consisted of a 3/4" thick disc which was attached to the motor shaft with only a set screw. The connecting rod then mounted to the plate off center and a plastic fan mounted on top of that with only one no. 10 screw. over time the set screw slipped(partially due to the 3450 rpm beating)this opened up the hole in the plate and destroyed the motor shaft. when it came off the plastic fan was history. To repair with new parts the guy would have had to buy the entire power head. I bored the plate, turned the motor shaft and then made a steel bushing to suit. when I assembled the unit the first time I loc-tited and double set screwed the plate. I wanted to add a key but this ingenious design didn't even leave room for one. It lasted about a year and the same thing happened again, I repeated the process above with a larger bushing. This bought the guy about six months more. When it happened the third time their was not enough room to repair it. I frequently see units of this same design displayed in stores and shake my head as I walk by. Yes they are cheaper but you will never stop paying. I would recommend buying an oil type, cast iron, slow speed(belt driven) type unit. Yes you have to do oil changes but you will get many years of trouble free service.

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Matt

04-22-2000 07:58:09




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 Re: Recommendations on an Air Compressor for a Home in reply to Maurice Cammack, 04-17-2000 14:11:10  
I have a Black Max (made by Sanborn). It's a 5 Hp with a 20 gallon tank. It requires 220v power. However, it's said to be the minimum size you'll need if you do much spraying. Some would disagree with this, however, the experts generally hold to this rule. You can do occassional spraying with small compressors, but you'll have to wait for them to 'catch up' often. If it's staying at home, go with 5Hp or more. You won't be sorry. Some tools (like sanders) require a lot of CFM. If you're not moving it around (in and out of trucks) the size won't be a problem.

Mine costs about $300 at Sam's Club. Change the oil at the appropriate intervals and it'll last a long time. Oil less machines are noisy and don't last as long. They do have their place though.

Matt

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J.D.

02-18-2001 18:35:04




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 Re: Re: Recommendations on an Air Compressor for a Home in reply to Matt, 04-22-2000 07:58:09  
I am looking for some parts for an older Sanborn compressor. Model # 500A60.The Tank and motor are excellent, but the compressor just needs the gaskets. Do you have any idea where I can find parts,or at least an old manuel for this unit?



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Ron

09-28-2003 10:06:30




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 Re: Re: Re: Recommendations on an Air Compressor f in reply to J.D., 02-18-2001 18:35:04  
Thinking of buying this same model compressor. Did you ever find parts? Where? Do you know the CFM rating on this unit? Thanks



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Bob

04-20-2000 21:56:58




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 Re: Recommendations on an Air Compressor for a Home in reply to Maurice Cammack, 04-17-2000 14:11:10  
I have been around a few air compressors, so I'll throw in my thoughts. I own a 2hp, oil filled compressor on a 12 gallon tank. I have used nail guns, paint guns, impacts, etc. It has served me well. You will want to get a kit that has quick connects so all you have to do is snap whatever attachment onto your hose you are going to use. Most compressors come with a short hose and a tire filling attachment. The oilless compressors don't last as long and run hotter. I got mine from Sears 18 years ago, and it came with a Quincy compressor on it. When you get one, look for one with an adjustable pressure regulator, that way you can run many different tools with it.

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cg

04-23-2000 01:56:32




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 Re: Re: Recommendations on an Air Compressor for a Home in reply to Bob, 04-20-2000 21:56:58  
hey, here's a question: i have this hvlp spray gun. and i own a 8 gallon 3hp compressor. there was no instruction manual on adjusting air pressure. here are my questions: do hvlp guns need a lower air pressure to use them right? if so, how do i adjust the amount of pressure? there is a black.round knob that i think can do this. it is a wheelbarrow type compressor...110v/but can be converted to 220 if necessary. should i get another tank if i pln to use it for and spraying as well?

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Bob

04-23-2000 18:34:01




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 Re: Re: Re: Recommendations on an Air Compressor for a Home in reply to cg, 04-23-2000 01:56:32  
The black knob is probably the adjustment for your regulator, if you turn it counterclockwise your pressure should decrease. I don't know how much volume of air your gun requires, but I would think a 3hp compressor should keep up with it even with only a 8 gallon tank. One thing you will want to add is a filter to keep moisture from reaching the gun, water tends to mess up the whole painting process.

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Warren

04-18-2000 07:58:56




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 Re: Recommendations on an Air Compressor for a Home in reply to Maurice Cammack, 04-17-2000 14:11:10  
Be very careful with an air compressor that requires oil. According to my sources, they need to always be operated on a level surface. Apparently a 10 degree slope may be enough to cause the compressor to be oil starved and may be damaged. This is especially important if you would ever use this on a roof for reroofing. I agree with the other posts about quality - you will get what you paid for.

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Gordon

04-17-2000 22:18:09




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 Re: Recommendations on an Air Compressor for a Home in reply to Maurice Cammack, 04-17-2000 14:11:10  
You might want to look at Advance Auto, they have a direct drive, oil lubricated compressor with a reasonable size (4 gal I think) tank, 4 horsepower (I think), on wheels and with two handles that is light enough for one man to "lift and load" into the trunk of a car, or the bed of a pick up, or the cargo area of a station wagon or SUV. It comes with two gages, a reducing valve and a quick coupler. Has normal pressure switch and safety relief valve. It usually sells for about $199.99; has been as high as $249.99 and has been on sale for as low as $149.99 in some stores. You might even find one of their "discount" or "dollars off" coupons to help out on the price. It comes with the oil in a separate bottle - be sure you get the oil and put it in the compressor before you start it. (Don't think that this is silly; I was told that people have started them without oil. They do not last very long without oil.) The only down side is that they are noisy if you have it in the same area that you work in. It is easily portable, and easy to move around the shop on it's own wheels. It pumps a lot of air for its size and weight. My son has one and uses it with impact wrench, air hammer, and other air operated tools. He likes it.

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tmm

04-17-2000 15:13:13




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 Re: Recommendations on an Air Compressor for a Home in reply to Maurice Cammack, 04-17-2000 14:11:10  
I was at the same place you were several months ago. I settled for an Emglo wheel barrow type compressor. The reason for it was that my USE was quite varied. I plan to build a house, barn etc with framing nailers etc. and plan to use air nailers, stapler, and brad and finish nailers in my woodshop. So i needed one that I could transport around and if necessary wheel into a pickup truck. It is an 8 gallon two cylinder model. It cost about 750.00. It's a good one...Emglo is one of the better brands. I also will use it for HVLP etc. If the 8 gal tanks are not enough, I can add an auxillary 5 gal tank if I have large air requirements. For impact wrenches and the like, this compressor will work well. Continous air blowing will run the air out of the tanks faster, but it kicks on...and will work...but the 5 gal auxillary will fix that problem. Determine your needs and type of work mostly you need it for. A stationary tank holds more air, but it's gangly and awkward if you need to be more mobile. Another thing....larger tanks require longer motor running periods to recharge...consider sound. The Emglo is not loud or obnoxious. Buy quality...first. But the Walmart varieties will work for most everyone...but if your needs are for a professional level shop where demand is high and performance on a continous basis is necessary and your livelihood depends on working tools...buy the best.

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Mike

04-18-2000 07:43:59




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 Re: Re: Recommendations on an Air Compressor for a Home in reply to tmm, 04-17-2000 15:13:13  
I wasn't gonna reply until I saw the emglo comments. Almost 2 years ago I bought an emglo compressor for 1800$ That is the poorest 1800 I have ever spent! It has been back to the shop for service at least 15 times since I bought it, starting 3 days after I put it in service. I would not buy another emglo ! My 2 cents (1800$!) worth, Mike



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Sitchster

04-19-2000 20:27:51




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 Re: Re: Re: Recommendations on an Air Compressor for a Home in reply to Mike, 04-18-2000 07:43:59  
Mike, what type or model Emglo did you buy for $1800? I`ve got a twin tank/5hp Honda unit that never skips a beat, and it only cost $750 delivered to my door. Runs day in and day out, just change oils, filter, and blow down the tanks per manual. It`s one of my best tools!



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cg

04-23-2000 02:02:50




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 Re: Re: Re: Re: Recommendations on an Air Compressor for a Home in reply to Sitchster, 04-19-2000 20:27:51  
gosh, i was wondering the same too. 1800 for an emglo is a lot of money. the portable emglo wheel barrow i have has been a beauty and is very smooth, quiet and wicked dependable. i think it's the 3hp/8 gal (4 twin tanks)model. man, it's a nice unit and well made. never had a problem and run it everything for ..staplers, naliers, etc. i wish it did have more tank capacity though at times. if i had such a problem with mine, i would be calling emglo and demanding something in return for it. i' was surprised to hear it. they have a good reputation around here.

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Tool Man

04-17-2000 20:03:45




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 Re: Re: Recommendations on an Air Compressor for a Home in reply to tmm, 04-17-2000 15:13:13  
Oil-lubed cast iron pumps will last ALOT longer than oilless ones. The larger cast-iron ones also seem to be quieter. I'd say go with at least a 4 horse, and decent tank size.

If your compressor doesn't come with accesories, you'll need a good 25' air hose, and a connector kit, which are available at almost all hardware stores.



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Clem Cummings

07-08-2002 14:40:01




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 Re: Re: Re: Recommendations on an Air Compressor for a Home in reply to Tool Man, 04-17-2000 20:03:45  
I Agree with the oil lube theroy, have had a sears 5 HP 20 Gal. now for about 12 yr.s without any trouble until now. By the way it has had hr,s and hr.s of work, including sandblasting a gto frame. A little light on volume for that but it worked. As I said until now. It just now started locking up. Does any one know where I can get a compressor rebuild kit, beaarings,gaskets, etc. the motor and tank are still in good shape.

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