Top 5 Air Compressors for your Shop
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- čas přidán 23. 07. 2024
- Top 5 Air Compressors for your Shop - One of the most essential tools in any shop is a solid air compressor. From blowing out tools and sawdust to running hand tools and spray painting, an air compressor can be an essential tool to have. But they are often misunderstood and it is one of the most common questions I get. What kind of air compressor do I need? What size compressor do I need for this tool or that tool? Who makes the best air compressor? We get asked this weekly so finally, I'm laying it all out and here are my Top 5 Air Compressors for your shop.
Campbell Hausfeld: www.walmart.com/ip/Campbell-H...
California Air Tools: www.walmart.com/ip/California...
Harbor Freight 21 Gallon: www.harborfreight.com/21-gal-...
Harbor Freight 29 Gallon: www.harborfreight.com/29-gal-...
Kobalt Air Compressor: www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-60-Ga...
Air Compressor Tool Guide: manuals.harborfreight.com/man...
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Woman's underwear.
Table top planars (~13")
@@xephael3485 Great idea! Buuuuuut, I think you need some fresh air. 🤣🤣🤣🤣👍👍👍😜😜😜🆒🆒
Routers
Tool Chests
Great video 👍! A side not though, for anyone interested in a larger compressor like the kobalt in the video. Do NOT bolt directly to a concrete floor. You need to bolt to isolator pads to prevent vibration from cracking the welds at the legs. I've seen too many really nice compressors fail prematurely because of that.
Fantastic advice. Thank you
Good to know
That is not what Quincy says. I realize Quincy is a super-premium piece of equipment but Quincy specifically states that vertical compressors are not to be mounted with isolators.
@@halledwardb .. Yes .👍.
I’ve had my vertical 5hp, 60gal, 240v, compressor
on the pallet for 31 yrs. The pump is getting ready to poop.
I’ll soon need a replacement.
I agree 100% with you on the Kobalt. Mine was actually black but the same unit. It was surprisingly quiet, I bought mine for 499.00, and run any air tool commonly available. I left mine on the pallet that it came on. I could still scoot it around so I can clean around it. I typically used impacts, air ratchets, and a plasma cutter with it. Plenty of compressor for almost any job.
I bought a 30 gal 5hp oiled compressor from Checker Auto for $150 back around 2008 or so, right after O'Reilly bought them out here in Phoenix. Checker blew out all of their tools for half off because O'Reilly carried different tool brands. It's been completely reliable for my home garage use. I'd say it's comparable to the 21 gal Hf, just a little bigger tank and motor, similar design though. I bought all kinds of tools and odds and ends during that clearance but that's still my favorite $150 I've ever spent for my garage. Shine on Red! Great job giving good info - enough to be useful but not to overwhelm. Thanks!
Thanks again for the videos.
I have purchased 2 really nice belt driven oil cooled units off Craigslist. The first one was a 30 gallon 220V unit that was stolen. My current one is a 60 gallon 220V vertical unit that had 50' of hose and regulators. Bought the first one for $150 and the second one for $200. Deals are out there but you have to jump really quick and stay on Craigslist daily.
I own the 21 gallon Central Pneumatic compressor for over a year. It works great, plenty of power for air tools. Only drawbacks are the noise and cold start ups in winter even with synthetic oil. I usually warm it up with a heat gun in the winter to get it started.
I have a Husky 20gal.vertical compressor with a 175 PSI rating.Loud,but packs a punch. Great for a home garage DIY auto repair etc.I use mine for my small engine repair side business - works great.
I have. 5 hp, 60 gallon craftsman... about 20 y/o.... loud but good, was able to run my blast cabinet without a struggle. I put it out in the shed, ran rapid air hose through a underground conduit back to the garage, works like a champ
The air compressor I bought off a widow for $50 is the top air compressor for my shop. It is an ANSI rated PAR model from 1944. When you're long dead and buried it'll still be going strong. They built stuff right for the military in the big one.
I bought the harbor freight compressor in this video for $50 on offerup. Only drawback is how loud it is other than that it works runs impact wrench nail gun no problem.
My parents bought a new Pinto in 1972. It was a fantastic car. I bought a 1972 in 1983 and drove it til 1990. Great car. Driving one in today's traffic where everyone drives like they are at Indy, maybe not. But still love them to this day.
Mr. Bear, this is an outstanding video. Your explanation of the difference between CFM and PSI should be added to all the buyers guides.This is your best video
A word about maintenance, where I work we have three Ingersoll rand two stage air compressors. Two of them are over 20 years old. We change the oil once a year if you’re lucky. The reason they last so long is because they run a solid 10 hours every day. By doing that you cook all the water out of the oil you cook all the bad stuff out of the oil and that keeps him running.The only problem we had with them in the last 20 years is a broken read them and the occasional belt replacement.. We do change the oil every year or two but that’s it. I would recommend Ingersoll-Rand compressor is to anybody or not cheap, but check out the prices at tractor supply.
Tractor supply IR compressors are junk, motors are made in India, and IR made these compressors only for tractor supply, because they took off there quality parts and replaced them with junk for tractor supply too offer there deals.
You're the only bear I found to be informative. Others seem to all be mute!
I bought the same HF compressor as a temporary unit. It worked fine, and I've followed the oil change instructions, and everything. Now, if it has air pressure in it, and it kicks on, it trips the breaker. If it is empty, it works fine. Probably just mine, and it's way over 90 days, so it will continue to get me by until I get my 60 gal, 5hp, 2 stage unit.
U just answered my question for a DIY who is new to compressors. Thank u.
Great video! Thanks for all you do to make sure it is a great video! I’ve been on the fence about air tools for a while. And the compressor is first on my list! Thanks again!
Do it! When I finally took the plunge the only thing I could say was I should have a lot sooner 😉. The only thing that might give me pause these days is how much better cordless tools have gotten (e.g. cordless impacts). They pretty much weren't a real option then. They still can't beat air on tool variety and cost of tools IMO though. Good luck!
I like to rate compressors based on free air CFM at pressure. This is the flow and pressure that exists without the tank. Truthfully the tank only has three jobs, to hold burst air availability, first stage moisture accumulator, and reduce cycle times on the pump. Once that is established, then next step is longevity. Finally and as you mentioned, loudness. It is important to know how well the compressor will keep up with heavy use of the tools you have.
My grandfather ran a shop from the 1950s to 80s. I inherited his old compressor, it still works great. Only thing I'm concerned about is the possibility of rust in the tank. Water comes out just a little black, hopefully just from oil. But at some point, I'll have to pull the drain valve out and check inside.
Atm my little 8gal Kobalt I purchased four years ago, the day after black friday for 79$ is still doing all I need. Couple years out though after a shop is built, and I have room a larger one would be nice to have.
EXCELLENT JOB! Good fair comparisons and understandable explanation's.
I was happy to see the kobalt compressor. I've used one a couple times and it works great
Very knowledgeable, Thank You Mr. Bear!!
I never run out of air in my shop.(When the wife cooks!) But seriously heed the pvc warning, it’s a nasty mess when it bursts in a cold location. Shards as far an the eye can see! Might I also suggest if possible try using out of location switches for power. I have my compressors and extra storage tank safely behind a 3-4” thick. plywood walled closet and heavy door with forced ventilation and an auto drain. I used a three way at the shop entrance, a four way in the wood shop and another three way switch in the auto bay. No matter where I come in or leave my garage I have the ability to kill the compressor closet with a flick of the switch. Just sharing what works for me, yall shine on!
Being a former owner operator of trucks I needed something that I could count on and Ingersoll Rand lived up to it's reputation. I've had mine for over twenty years and not a single problem ,
The kobalt is a cambell hausfield same as the husky for 60 bucks cheaper. You can also often times find the cambell hausfield on sale for 399. I love my IR 80 gallon 2 stage with after cooling and a refrigerated air dryer backed up with a van air desiccant dryer.
I 100% recommend any Industrial Air, air compressor, I have a 30 gallon one and I have had 0 problems with it and it works very good
I picked up the dewalt 60 gallon on sale last year for just under 500. So far I like it, quieter than I expected. I was actually on my way to lowes to pick up that kobalt when tractor supply had a add for the dewalt and it was cheaper, quieter, and closer. Now it was a sale, but it was at the exact right time.
Totally agree with not using PVC pipe to use as a way to have compressed air run through your shop. I worked at a food production plant decades ago and they were using PVC to carry steam. It went off like a bomb. It is a wonder no one was injured. They finally replaced the section with heavy gauged pipe.
The California air compressors are awesome they have good customer service too. Usually run it when it’s night and I’m working in the garage and my Quincy runs out of air. Now the Quincy is a work horse.
I’ve got a ford 8 gallon oil less compressor. Had it for 4 years now. A real trooper.
Just purchased a Eaton 5hp 80 gal. man its the nicest compressor I've ever owned. Its quiet and provides 19 cfm@100psi. Its a beast and it was right at $2k but it was worth it.
I personally use a 32 gallon 1980s sears oil less compressor. Bought it if my friend he needed a bigger compressor for his large farm operation. All I can say is that thing is great, those old ge motors that were made in the us are amazingly built well. If you can find one I recommend then but only if it's in good shape. The only problem is that it's louder than my hemi with just headers. Also, if you have menards in your area I recommend the sanborn compressors made in the us, that what my friend runs now.
I bought an old (1978) Sears 220 volt compressor at an estate sale auction still in the original box unused. Love that thing,
Great video!, I personally don't recommend you use black iron piping because compressed air has a whole lot of moisture in itself and as you all know iron loves to rust so PEX is a great option, here in Europe where i come from we often use something called PPR plastic pipes, similar to PEX only its plastic welded not the screw connectors, rated to 20 or 25bar(360psi) and its third the price of PEX, copper is also a semi-decent option only it costs more, always use brass fittings not galvanized or black iron(rust problem, rust chuncks get in your tools and they do serious damage. Stay safe guys and keep on making!
Im about to purchase a new compressor, i couldn't Bear to do it w/o the great info.
somehow I managed to score two overflow tanks in an auction at work for 125 combined,ones a 100 gallon and the other is around 300 or so.i don't plan on keeping the big one but I figure the 100 gallon will be real nice and I should never run out of air.
I just picked up a 26 gal Kobalt Quiettech compressor (its essentially the same as California air's design compressor wise except I think it may be even quieter... I don't think anyone would even mind me running it at night in the neighborhood it's so quiet, my truck is literally louder at idle). I fired it up on a 15amp circuit with a small AC already running and it did not trip the breaker, very pleased so far. It was $309.... there was also a higher CFM Makita for $320 but it only had a 5.5Gal tank... probalby excellent for a job site compressor maybe not quite as good for a shop.
Don't forget to check letgo and Craigslist. Got my 5HP 30 gallon Sanborn for $100. Little surface rust but in great shape. Brought it home and painted it up. Puts out 12cfm @90psi.
I've been running my semi pro shop for 3 years on two of the cheap black harbor freight 21 gallon compressors with check valves, plumbed into the shop. Except eating reed valves, that take 10 min to fix and cost 6 bucks, they have run flawlessly.
I have the 29 gal central pneumatic compressor been 4 years it’s been solid running air guns and cut off tools running 3/8 hose and fittings makes a big difference. But I’m getting ready to to upgrade to the 60 gal compressor because my shop is out growing the 29gal compressor
I picked up a central pneumatic 21 gallon 125psi compressor for 80 bucks from the local pawn shop that was brand new still, it's my 3rd one I've owned and I love them ive never had any issues, sold the other 2 ive had, couldn't beat that deal especially considering I didnt have to drive the 2 hours to the closest harbor freight and hope they even had it in stock cuz the last 3 times i went up there they were always sold out
Great info bear as always.
I’ve ran nailguns on 3 gal compressors with no issues. But something I was planning on trying was adding a 20gal tank to my 6 gal compressor. Theoretically I should be ok or am I gonna burn up my compressor lol
Im a hobbyist but i have an impact wrench that needs some powah (a lot of cfm), plus i move a decent amount so that California compressor sounds really nice
Thanks Tex Rob, I like to drop a 1 liner now and then
I have the 21 gallon HF compressor. Will not run below 50 degrees, just hums and trips. Think the oil gets too thick.
I have a pair of Atlas Copco compressors. One is an SF4, the other a GX5. Pricey, but really quiet. Beats the noisy piston stuff.
Good information and to the point. I personally like your reviews and analysis of the item.
please review the dual tank whisper quiet compressor fro harbor freight.
Nice compressor I got a harbor Freight 125psi using it for 5year now and it works great for small tool but I need something bigger for air impact tools 🔧
Thanks, I've been trying to figure out what to get for air compressors for a year or so. I want one that uses a belt. Mostly if the motor fails, i can repair it.
Nice job explaining compressors.
Great video on compressors.
My rule of thumb is get the biggest compressor that 1 can afford.
That 21gal HF compressor is a decent little compressor.
The thing to look at is duty cycle.
Craigslist or Facebook garage sale. Is a great place to look for them.
I've had two of the smaller Kobalt 4.3 gal Quiet Tech compressors recently. You can get them on sale for $150. They are super quiet and work really well for most tasks short of running an air sander or polisher or grinder. That's the good. The bad is both of them have had the regulators fail in them. They both started to leak air. They are a cast manifold and as far as I could tell there is no way to disassemble the regulator. The first one filed within 2 weeks of purchase and after a fight with the woman in customer service, I got them to replace it in the store. The second one lasted 8 or 9 months. I took the manifold off and put a new regulator and gauges on it from Harbor Freight. It's been running fine since. I was looking at a larger Kobalt but the failures in these two have made me hesitant to pull the trigger.
Thanks, really nice video, my HF 8 gal just died after 5 yr. Probably get another 20 gal. HF, best value for my shop.
Dude....you're fantastic. I love how thorough you are. Keep up the good work, my friend. Appreciate all the advice, reviews and knowledge.
Very helpful video Bear!
ingersoll rand 2475N7.5 for the win. 24cfm at 175psi, 80 gal tank, 7.5hp motor.
6:33
Do you have a copy of the harbor freight compressor schematic? I'd like to have that and I can't find it anywhere on their website nor on Google.
For 25 years now, I have had a 20 gallon Campbell Hausfeld with something like 4 SCFM. Over this quarter of a century, I have consistently run EVERY tool on that compressor that they say you can't run on it. I have painted two Jeeps and a Ram 1500 truck. I have run impact hammers, and ratchets. I have run orbital sanders. It has done absolutely fine.
Now I have that, and a DeWalt 6 gallon pancake for when I need t take air on the road with me and between the two...I can do every job I will ever need to do. The 20 gallon is getting old, so it will probably be replaced soon...but I am going to get a newer version of the same thing.
I have the 21 gallon hf compressor and I love it
LOVE my California Air, but the small tank was an issue - until I bought their add on 10 gallon tank, makes an awesome combo
What tools are you using with that setup?
@@sethlogan9724 None actually. I tested it with a couple of my air tools, but honestly I've got Milwaukee 18V brushless on everything now, so the air tools are basically retired. I'm mainly using it for changing motorcycle tires. But when I did try the air tool, without the extra tank I could barely run an impact, and it quickly stopped. With the extra tank, I was able to hold the trigger for quite awhile, but didn't test further
I just purchased a Fortress 4 gal which boast “300%” more run time. Can you give me some idea as to the reasoning behind this? Great and informative vid. Thanks!!
How about the Makita MAC 5200? It's a small job site compressor with a small tank and great performance (6.5 @ 90psi). I bet you could add an auxiliary tank set up in the shop to reduce wear tear but be able to disconnect it and throw it in the truck for portable use.
Good review for home use compressors. There is rigid pipe designed for compressed air but it's kind of pricey for a home shop.
Thanks, Bear! Good stuff.
The harbor freight 60 gallon is made by atlas copco who also makes the bellaire series of compressors. It’s a true two stage model. The whole thing is made up of quality parts. US made tank, European made pump (T29S, parts are all over the web) and century (Mexico) made true 5 HP motor. One hell of a good deal for what they sell it for. I bought one about 6 years ago. Used to be called US General, but now called Central Pneumatic. Will handle just about anything a home shop could ever throw at it.
This is the one I've had my eye on for a while. I knew I should have gone for it when the coupon was out for it at $749, since it's $829 now. The HF near me has a new display unit and it shows the Made in Italy stamp on the compressor pump. Quality unit that always gets praise and I think is worth the cash.
They just discontinued it, I just got one for $425 floor model.
They discontinued due to hassle from customers returning them when they break down! Alot of manpower to move around!!
@@johnB-fj8eq Dufus
I own the central pneumatic 21 gallon and have had it over 3 years with no issue besides it is loud, really loud!
I have had an oil less 20g Cambell Hausfeld compressor for 20 years and hated it the whole time. They are so damn loud! I cant wait for it to blow.
Would 6 gallon with 150 psi ve good for car. Bicycle tires a d paint gun for in door house painting?
hi bear! luv ur reviews. i know its not harbor frieght but any knowledge or experience with kobalt 26 gal. quiet tech?
Great video! Just funny to hear you talk about the Pinto. We had a Pinto race car. The next year they made the rules front wheel drive only!
Dude you must have been under a lot of pressure when making this video.
I would have loved to see bears riding around in a Pinto. Thanks for the compressor advice.
Would that first Harbor freight Compressor for around 150 bucks power a blast cabin? Or do we need to step up to the $300?
Small Tire shop husky 60 gallon single stage lasted 7 years. Replacing it now so looking for another.
Could you make a video on which compressors would work well with sandblasting?
Red Beard, I've got to go against your Harbor Freight recommendation for a compressor.
First and foremost is the lack of replacement parts when the compressor dies. Not if it dies, but when. The oil-less compressors typically live between 50 and 75 hours of operation before the connecting rod cuts lose due to a lack of lubrication.
The oiled compressors depending on size may or may not have a cast iron cylinder sleeve or a cast iron block. Cast iron blocks are good as they remain dimensionally stable for their lives.
I needed a small compressor a few years back to run a nail gun. I was pushed towards the pancake compressors, but spoke with one of the tool rental companies and found numerous failures of the compressor head. A bit of digging, I found the quietest hot dog style oiled compressor was offered by Makita, called the Big Bore. Follow the break-in instructions. Fill with the supplied oil and run for 30 minutes with the tank valve open. This compressor besides being quiet is also the coolest running compressor I've ever been around. You can hold your hand on it during operation and won't get burnt.
In a larger compressor, you named California Compressors, which appears to be a good company. Also look to Quincy as they have one of the best support and warranty programs in the business. Not cheap, but it's a life time compressor.
I own an Ingersoll Rand 10 horse power three phase compressor that I use in my home shop, and a Quincy scroll compressor for my sandblast cabinet. The Makita Big Bore gets used in the carport to air up tires and quick small inflation jobs.
You need to look at compressors this way, buy once, cry once. Rent one when the need arises until you can get your own.
If i didnt have a 5hp compressor coming from my grandparents, then the kobalt would definately have my money. I couldnt find hardly anything that can do over 11 cfm @ 90psi for under a grand. The kobalt can keep up with a devillbiss tekna pro lite on its most demanding setup. More than ill ever need.
Thanks for not discussing vacuums. They suck.
Yea did you know that jet engines suck even more?
Yeah but compressors blow!
My buddy gave me a little black 8 gallon compressor from harbor freight several years ago when my delta died, I don’t have any idea how old it is but that thing is a work horse! It puts my 21 gallon craftsman compressor to shame!
Hey, Nice channel, Subscribed. Any idea on the quality of the WEN 20 Gal portable compressor, oil lubricated? Home Reapo has them for a decent price, about $187, I'm torn between that and the Harbor Freight Central Pnuematic 20 gal oil lubricated for $149.
I have the 60 gal Kobalt and its awesome. And if anyone is looking to get one but dont want to pay over 500, then if the only one they have in stock is the floor model they'll take 10% off if you ask the right person and with a lowes credit card you get another 5% off that. I ran mine with black iron pipe and 3/4" RapidAir Maxline. And if anyone has a good compressor and still seems your tools are under power, make sure you're using atleast a 3/8 hose not 1/4 and high flow fittings will help a lot as well.
I have the same compressor,,,I ran a 1/2 inch coil of copper tubing from my pump to my tank and it dropped my air temperature from 240 degrees at compressor to 62 degrees at tank,,,greatly reducing moisture in tank,,,,I found out that Campbell hushfeild makes the kobalt air compressor,,,,was glad to know, because of there quality.
Good info. You skipped right over the 8-10 pounders though. I think those are a great size for a diy'er garage. Good combination of power, capacity, size, and low cost.
Take it from me don't even think about starting with that Campbell hausfeld 3 gallon. It takes about 15 minutes to air up one tire on a car. Now I have an oiled 20 gallon Campbell hausfeld 5.5 cfm at 90 psi and 135 psi max and it works great for airing up tires running an impact things like that. It does struggle a bit with the die grinder tho just so you know.
Have the Central Pneumatic (harbor Freight- $149) compressor for over 4 years, it gets used at least 2 times a week, and at least 1 or 2 weekends a month it gets used for a few hours. Been OK for the price, as mentioned its got its drawbacks. I re- plumbed some of it, the gauge and outlet, release valve is a bit restrictive.. about $20 for better parts and you will have better luck with impacts. Its LOUD as mentioned, i have the HUSKY (Home depot?) match to it, its not as loud, but takes longer to pump up. For the price the HF one is best, but I need a upgrade with more lasting power. My be looking into the Kobalt.. its hard to find one for $500.
I have the 21gal compressor, I use it lightly to pump car tires, winterize sprinklers, it's great, just too laud indeed.
Have you ever heard tank explodes due to rust? I thought they will just leak.
Parker Shaw Yes, my buddy J.D. had just walked past his when it went boom! Internal rust was the cause.
Dude .... Awesome video. Wish i would have caught this video months ago.
I want to paint furniture with an HVLP SPRAY GUN at 4CFM 40PSI. What compressor do I need please.
Well done.
I went to Lowes today and bought the 80 Gallon Kobalt. I was planning on the 60 but since there was a 18 months interest free special if I used our Lowe's card, I opted to get the Bigger one. To get the extra 6 months over the 12, you need to spend 999.00 so I tossed in a Kobalt 1/2 impact bare tool. Its the small one thats also offered in 3/8. I don't have any Kobalt power tools, but at only $69.00 yellow tag, I'm going to try it. I wanted the small M-12 stubby impact, but thats 179. bare tool! Batteries for these are 20 and 50 dollars. Charger is 43.00. If these Kobalt's work as good as my Miwaukee's have, I'm changing brands. I think Milwaukee is getting greedy on their pricing.
The bear is sick man! Like your looks!
I am looking to get an Ingersoll rand because of painting and sand blasting but they are very pricey
Thanks for the video
My shop had pvc air lines when i got it 25 years ago im still using it must be a better grade or something 150 psi on it all the time now you've got me wondering
Id replace. I think you are just lucky. My friends shop had pvc and exploded long daggers of the pipe. Could have killed someone if they were open at the time.
Has anyone added a bigger tank? To get longer cycle times. Is there enough advantage to doing this?
I have the 29 gal 2 hp, Harbor freight Compressor, it's amazing
I bought an 80 gallon 2 stage 6.5hp magna force (coleman/Sanborn) in 1996. 24cfm@100psi
17cfm@175.
Best 799 bucks (remember, 1996) I ever spent. There is literally nothing I need that it wont overdo. I run 1 inch iron line to my regulators and 3/8" automotive quick releases for high flow. I started on standard 1/4" and the difference is amazing. Not that it matters much with this compressor. Yes, it's 220. That's what you want. I never even saw an increase on my electric bill. I ran a solid waste disposal business with this for 10 years in my shop. Now it's my overkill home setup.
How do you do the talking bear , I’m interested in trying to do a talking deer,great videos
You do a great job for us. I hope you are feeling better after your covid-19 bout...