Need Air Compressor advice

[lottathought]

So I was blowing up a swimming pool for my son and my cheap, HF (Harbor Freight) air compressor died.
It was the 5HP, 26 gal version.
I am sure the 5HP was peak...no idea what the continuous pressure was.

I need to replace it but I want to do it right this time...within reason of course.

One thing that really disappointed me was the seeming lack of power this compressor had on a 1/2 " air ratchet.
For the more stubborn bolts, I would need to break them with a long breaker bar as the ratchet would not turn them.

I have looked at different units but I really have no idea what the difference in quality is between the different name brands.
I also am not real certain how much of the disappointment is due to the specs of the last unit and how much is due to the fact that it was a HF tool.
It seemed to have good CFM according to the specs…
I have looked at larger units but them seem to all go to 220V when I get much more powerful.
Do I really need a 220V unit to get a good air compressor?

Lastly..the price..I REALLY want to stay in the sub 500 dollar range.
Sub 400 dollar range would be even better.

So what do you suggest? What do I need to know about these things?

[zoomzoom]

Harbor Freight has a very liberal return policy. So you should take that back and get credit or some other compressor first.

[lottathought]

The unit is probably 2 years old and I have no idea where the recept is.
Do you really think it is worth the effort to try to exchange it?

[integra3586]

i would pick up a craftsman 33 gallon compressor. if you are patient you can pick one up on sale.

this one comes with an accessory kit for $450, w/o its 350.

Craftsman 33-Gallon 1.6-hp Vertical Air Compressor with Tool Accessory Kit - Model H0312 at Sears.com

[TxFront]

This is the one I have Craftsman 26 gal. Air Compressor with Air Tool Kit, 1.6 hp, Horizontal Tank, 160 Max PSI - Model 16761 at Sears.com I have not had any problems in the 4 years I have owned

[jski701]

I agree, anything putting out 150 psi or more with a 25-30 gal. tank will do a good job with air tools. However, I do prefer to have an oiled pump over an oilless, oiled last longer and the oilless tend to get louder with age. I have a 22 year old oiled Devilbis 30 gal 5hp that still runs my shop (cabinet shop) and have had several portable oilless compressors which I have replaced with a portable oiled Makita. Oilless are loud and don't last if you use them hard. If your anything like me, a loud compressor will drive you nuts in a small shop or garage.

[zoomzoom]

Originally Posted by lottathought

The unit is probably 2 years old and I have no idea where the recept is.
Do you really think it is worth the effort to try to exchange it?

Ok I thought it was a fairly recent purchase. But I know they don't require any receipts at least when I returned some things.

[FitzIngarage]

With air tools you need to be concerned with CFM (air volume) ratings. It takes a lot of volume to run air wrenches and sprayers. I can't recall exactly, but I'd go at least 5.0 CFM. The trick is to check your tool requirements and then find a compressor that meets them. Then you'll need to determine if you want an oiled or oil-free compressor. Each has its merits. Oiled units tend to be more quiet and durable (the piston runs oiled like an automotive engine), but others may debate this and if you plan to do painting, an older oiled compressor *may* foul the airstream with a minute amount of atomized oil. This can be filtered out. Of course any oil in the airstream is welcome to air tools.

[jski701]

Originally Posted by FitzIngarage

With air tools you need to be concerned with CFM (air volume) ratings. It takes a lot of volume to run air wrenches and sprayers. I can't recall exactly, but I'd go at least 5.0 CFM. The trick is to check your tool requirements and then find a compressor that meets them. Then you'll need to determine if you want an oiled or oil-free compressor. Each has its merits. Oiled units tend to be more quiet and durable (the piston runs oiled like an automotive engine), but others may debate this and if you plan to do painting, an older oiled compressor *may* foul the airstream with a minute amount of atomized oil. This can be filtered out. Of course any oil in the airstream is welcome to air tools.

I totaly agree on the spray gun issue, I also filter the air for that and have enough CFM for continuous use. What I read and responded to previously was about ratchets or impact guns which are relatively short burst air tools and don't require alot of continuous air. Compressors and air tools sometimes come with a chart on the box or you can probably find one online for which compressors are rated for which tools, and when in doubt a little bigger can't hurt. There are also some you can look at that can be wired for either 110 or 220. Your best bet for a home shop or relatively low use compressor with a good warranty is probably a Craftsman, they have alot of choices to pick from and you should have no problem finding one for your needs.