Air compressor questions again..

[Youthere]

Hello all i got a few air compressor questions again, as i research them
1. im going to use mainly for airing tires, and using an impact gun for rotating tires etc, garage stuff...so here are my questions..

a. there are oil and oilless compressors of every size i have found. will it matter if its either one as its not going to be used for heavy duty use???
b. looking on this forum, are the newer craftsmans ok any problems with them?? please share...
c. if i buy one a lowes/home depot/HB/etc who services them if they break?? anybody have this problem ?? did you have to send them off or did you return to the store??
d. can you share any info on the ones you have now that a should look out for when choosing a compressor.

thanks everyone and Happy Holidays

 

[flanso]

My friend has an oilless Craftsman of around 3 hp with a 30 gallon tank. It works just fine but is objectionably loud when it runs. Louder, in fact, than the burly shop compressors to which I have become accustom. The same friend bought a conventional piston compressor from HF for $89 for use in a barn. He inflates tires and runs a 1/2" drive impact. It has been in light service for two years.

 

[endeavor to persevere]

I have a Sears dual piston that uses oil with a 30 gallon tank.

It is 30 years old and so far the only thing I have done is change the oil once. It has never broken down. And a few years back when I restored cars, It got a lot of use. Now it only gets used for airing up tires.

 

[JustinC25]

Given the choice between oil, and oil less compressors. If they are the same price, go with the oil compressor everytime.

Also, I would go with the biggest size air tank I could find.

Oilless compressors have a sleeve in the cylinder that wares out over time, and needs to be replaced.
As far as maintenance, your on your own. I do know of a couple places around that sell the parts. But I don't know of anywhere that will service them. This being said I have a 17 Gallon Campbell & Hausfeld oilless compressor. This is because I couldn't find an oil compressor anywhere when I was looking a couple of years ago. I use mine for automotive work. 1/2" impact gun, air rachet, cut off tool, air chisel, filling tires, etc.
It is ok, but I wish I bought a 30 gallon compressor.
As far as Craftsman compressors, I believe that they are made by Campbell & Hausfeld. I haven't had any problems with my compressor in the 3 years I've owned it. My uncle has a 30 gallon Craftsman oilless and he hasn't had any problems with it either.

Hope this helps,
Justin

 

[Bluestream]

My experience is the oilless units do not stand up over time. Mine slowly put out less pressure, and I gave it away. They are good for home use, but would never stand up in commercial. I would go for the piston/oil unit if you can afford it

 

[Tempest]

I only buy Makita oil lube compressors for the small end. Very quiet and give good performance. You can easily talk while one is running. I have the small "hotdog" type and it will run an impact gun for a short time (like taking a tire off).

Every oil less compressor I have been around has been VERY noisy.

 

[bheinz57]

I have a belted motor driven compressor that I love. Porter cable name on the side, but they are just about all made the same. Lowe's is where I got it a few years back. It is quiet, and powerful enough for an impact. Almost enough power to continue to run an air tool continuosly. 25 gallon air bubble. Change the oil once every other year and you are good for years.

The question really is...

Do you want it portable? Mine has wheels, but is a bear to try and get it in and out of areas. (Horizontal tank also)

What electrical service do you have where you want to plug it in? I have a dedicated 20 Amp circuit because the rating for draw is 14 Amps 120 Volt.

Brian

 

[Youthere]

thanks everyone for all your replies., and as for the size i just want one of those 25-33 gallon sized ones for general home use such as tires/impact etc, and the garage is wired for its own breaker 20 amp service with overhead flourescent lights as the only other electrical items i uses constantly in there. I dont really need anything heavy duty just looking to buy something dependable.

thanks for all the replies its really helped