Need some opinions on a compressor I'm wanting to buy for the son-in-law for Christmas. Don't need anything to run any tools (does not work on cars!). Mostly just car/bike tires, kids toys and possibly hobby stuff.
It's been over 20 years since I've shopped or even looked at compressors. My old Craftsman 12 gal/3 hp has served me well. I wasn't too impressed with the new Craftsman, everything I looked at in the $100-$150 range only had a 1 hp motor.
I've noticed a lot of dual tank compressors, with approx. 6 to 10 gal and 2 or 3 hp motor. Any experience with this type? Any advantages/disadvantages with this type?

Thanks
Joel

First, don; even think about a Craftsman that isn't a belt drive, the direct Craftsman's are so loud thet you need hearing protection.

The dual tank ones are for contractors to run nail guns,etc.

If that's all your SIL is going to do with it, almost any will do probably the smaller,the better.

Too bad you're not close, I have a 12 gal Craftsman belt drive for sale really cheap.


http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v ... eId=10051&catalogId=10053

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v ... eId=10051&catalogId=10053

BTw, Joel, don't worry about 1 horse vs 3.

I have a 60 gal, 140 psi that only has a 3 horse on it.

I agree the new craftsman are junk. I have a larger husky professional version that has served me well, but it's not portable. When I need a smaller one, it will be a harbor freight version. My dad bought a HF pancake compressor over 6 years ago and used it A LOT and it's held up with zero problems. Cheap, too.

Matthew

Thanks guys. I was leaning towards a pancake style, should be enough for his needs. I had looked at the same one in Bill's first link, plus there is a Home Depot less than 2 miles from their house!

Joel

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The Huskey's are made in China but I bought one anyway. It's one size bigger than Matthew's and 220V.

But I've been using it hard (glassbead cabinet) and so far, no problems.

Joel I have a range of compressors from pancake for on roof applications to twin tank construction. The shop compressor is an Ingersol Rand belt driven monster.
If your going to spray, use air ools specifically for automotive use, look for high cfm outout @ low pressure psi.This pressure and Cfm works idea for spraying and running air tools. Construction grade compressors use high pressure 85 to 135psi to operate nail guns and finish nailers. My DeWalt can power up to 7 nail guns and run all day, I wouldn't want to spray a car with it because the lowest setting is 70 psi.
Like Bill said some of these compressors are loud, with a low ear throbbing drone. My IR has a muffler that lowers the db range, my neighbor has a upright Craftsman 3 horse that will drive you out of the garage in a short period of time. Most if not all general duty compressors are made in China, personally I like the Husky brand at Home Depot another neighbor bought a 3 horse upright 220v Husky works great and is low in noise. Hope this helps.

Quote:

yea, like ripping thru a steel car door with an air chisel.

It's a shame that Craftsmen isn't what it used to be, I bought this one in 1982, still runs like new.

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