Thoughts on air compressors

[Heater_Guy]

Time for me to replace my 25 year old Craftsman 1 H.P. 7 Gal. air compressor. It served it's purpose well, from airing tires to running impacts and even painting a jet ski. I'm probably be going with 2-3 H.P./ max. 20 gallon tank as I need portability. I've been doing research on replacements. Sears quality stinks anymore so they're not even a choice. Any thoughts on Dewalt (built by Emglo), Kobalt, Porter Cable, or any other brands? I would consider Campbell Hausfeld but I'm afraid they have dumbed down their brand for Wally World type stores (just like John Deere did for Home Depot. Go to a John Deere dealer and mention Home Depot and watch the reaction.) Would rather buy in store. I've been reading about shipping horror stories with larger compressors.

[jestephens]

I have a Quincy Compressor.

It will be the last air compressor you buy! MADE IN USA, in Quincy, Illinois. -one of my customers-

Mine is an 8 gal, torpedo/wheel-barrow syle, 1Hp, single stage.

I don't remember the exact specs right now, but the volume and pressure are no competition for anything you'll find at a department store.
I seem to remember 13 cfm at 90 psi . . . Amazing!
and 8 cfm at 120 psi.

[kenb]

Well, you may consider looking at Harbor Freight (if there is a store nearby). They have sales on compressors close to the size you are looking for regularly and if you find a 20% off coupon that makes it even better. If you use a compressor regularly, consider spending the extra bucks on a two year replacement plan. Worked for me!

[cactusjack]

I have a DeVilbiss I bought 15 years ago at Fred Meyer, it was a father's day gift to myself. It no longer holds air for very long, but it still works great. It has a leak in the pressure switch assembly and I don't want to pay $85 for a new one. I think if I was to replace it, I'd go with a vertical compressor with a much larger tank.

[ndbigfish]

I have a Coleman with 20 gallon tank. It has served me well for 12 years.

[macmac]

I have a older Sears, 7 horse 80 gallons. It can run 2 DA sanders at the same time. If i wanted a smaller rig i would look into Ingersal Rand.

[stewdogg]

I just purchased the Ingersoll Rand garagemate 2hp 20gal. air compressor a couple months back. I have been very happy with my purchase so far. It's nice and quite for an air compressor. It keeps up with my impact and cutters/grinders... It's a 100% duty cycle with synthetic oil.
I got it shipped with the free shipping through northern tool and equipment and had no issues whatsoever.
I did a ton of research and it was the best fit for me. I would make the same decision if I were buying it today.

[Heater_Guy]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I looked up the Quincys... wow, they are pricey. I don't mind paying for quality as long as it will last. It's ashame Sears is selling cheap junk these days. The last mower and weed wacker I bought from them were scrap from day 1. Most of the feedback from recent buyers of Craftsman air compressors gave them poor ratings right on Sears own web site. I'll check out the I.R.'s next and probably purchase this week sometime. I don't want to be without a compressor too long.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

It is really a shame that Sears and the quality of their products have gone by the wayside. Used to about anything you bought from Sears was a quality product. They stood behind everything they sold except for their manure spreader. Little humor there.

[Heater_Guy]

When Sears and K-Mart "merged" I saw two sinking ships going down as one. These were two very mismanaged companies for a long time and if they keep selling tools made in China and brand name merchandise at a high price, they are doomed. Oh yeah, credit cards with a 23% - 26% interest rate. Can I have two ? ;)

[ringadingh]

Ive been using a Craftsman 2 1/2 hp with a 25 gal tank for the last 20 years, and it still works great. The only thing I don't like is that it tops out at 90psi. Id like it to go a little higher, like 120 to run my air gun better.

[Stump]

I one at harbor fright and i've been useing it for about 3 yrs and the only problem I can see is it's a little louder than i like but other then that I really don't have any complants and it has'nt let me down yet .

[nomad ryder]

I bought one of those 3 gal. oilless pancake jobbies from Harbor Freight, it failed in just after the six month return. Hadn't turned it on in a while, then when I needed it, it wouldn't turn on. nothing, nada, zilch.

[waterman]

I have a Coleman oilless compressor for 14 years. Works fine for me. Runs the impact, air ratchets and hoist. Because the car hoist takes such a large air supply and pressure it takes 3 to 4 stop and refills to get the vehicles up for service.

[cactusjack]

4 years ago, when this thread was first started I had a small compressor. A couple of years ago I bought this one: http://www.sears.com/craftsman-profe...&blockType=G18

I wanted the extra capacity and it is much quieter than my old one!