Air Compressor Selection

Joined
Aug 30, 2004
Messages
31,869
Location
CA
Objectives:

- As quiet as possible
- Budget is around $500
- MUST run on 110V. I do have a 20A circuit available
- Low use, probably several times a month. Impact wrench, cooling system vacuum filler, inflating tires and occasional air hammer use (1-2x/yr) for loosening axles from the intermediate bearing.

These are the two I am considering:

https://www.californiaairtools.com/...-grade/2-0-hp-air-compressors/cat-20020/
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-KOB...XwwJEAQYASABEgKn7PD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Thanks.
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted by The Critic
Objectives:

- As quiet as possible
- Budget is around $500
- MUST run on 110V. I do have a 20A circuit available
- Low use, probably several times a month. Impact wrench, inflating tires and occasional air hammer (1-2x/yr) for loosening axles from intermediate bearing.

These are the two I am considering:

https://www.californiaairtools.com/.../2-0-hp-air-compressors/cat-20020-22060/
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-KOB...XwwJEAQYASABEgKn7PD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Thanks.

Both of those are 230V, correct? The second one says it can be operated at 115V but the amperage would be double that at 230V.
 
Originally Posted by kschachn
Originally Posted by The Critic
Objectives:

- As quiet as possible
- Budget is around $500
- MUST run on 110V. I do have a 20A circuit available
- Low use, probably several times a month. Impact wrench, inflating tires and occasional air hammer (1-2x/yr) for loosening axles from intermediate bearing.

These are the two I am considering:

https://www.californiaairtools.com/.../2-0-hp-air-compressors/cat-20020-22060/
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-KOB...XwwJEAQYASABEgKn7PD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Thanks.

Both of those are 230V, correct? The second one says it can be operated at 115V but the amperage would be double that at 230V.

Both should run on 110V. I just corrected the link for the first one.
 
Reciprocating air compressor, they all make noise. Direct drive make a higher pitch noise than belt drive.
To get quiet you have to put one in its own sound proof room
There is a type of compressor rotary screw or scroll that make much less noise and cost more $$$$
You do not get to combine inexpensive and quiet.
 
Originally Posted by The Critic
Both should run on 110V. I just corrected the link for the first one.

On a 20A branch circuit?
 
Originally Posted by kschachn
Originally Posted by The Critic
Both should run on 110V. I just corrected the link for the first one.

On a 20A branch circuit?

The 20A circuit I have in mind is for the furnace only; I can unplug the furnace when the air compressor is in-use.
 
The biggest tank you can get, and the highest pressure, like 150psi minimum. You can always daisy chain another tank for extra capacity, which also helps cool the air, which helps get the water out of the air. And ALWAYS drain the tank before you fire it up.
 
Originally Posted by Donald
Not sure you will get a great compressor that runs on 120 V 20 amps.

Yeah, I don't think any of these options are truly favorable.
 
I have always favored a belt driven compressor for quietness and longevity. For impact wrench or air tool use get a 20 gallon or bigger tank. Ed
 
I've had the previous version of the Kobalt in the OP for 12-13 years. It's perfectly fine for what you're doing. The newer version should be even better.
 
The Kobalt wont run on your circuit. It says 15A@230V what it does not say is it will draw 30A@115V and even with a 30A breaker it will probably trip the breaker when restarting at 100+ PSI. Since you are a DIY and only need it occasionally the 20 gal tank or larger will work. I am running my impact wrench on a 150 PSI max 6 gal pancake when I have to work in the driveway. Its a bit slower than using the larger 230v unit but its easy to move and runs on a 12ga extension cord. If you can find a belt driven, oiled compressor, go that route for longevity and lower cost of repair but most of the direct drives from a decent company like California will last years with occasional use.
 
The Kobalt will run on a normal 120 15A circuit. Goodness, the stuff you read around here sometimes.
 
[Linked Image]
 
Run a 220v circuit. Buy a 2 stage Quincy or Ingersol-Rand with an 80 gallon tank and have something that will accomplish all goals going forward. It is nice to have a compressor large enough that isn't continuously running to partially accomplish a task in high demand situations
 
Originally Posted by sloinker
Run a 220v circuit. Buy a 2 stage Quincy or Ingersol-Rand with an 80 gallon tank and have something that will accomplish all goals going forward. It is nice to have a compressor large enough that isn't continuously running to partially accomplish a task in high demand situations

Right on!
 
Back
Top