shop-talk...air compressors

[augidog]

we have a $300 (total) budget for a compressor, & we're gonna pull the trigger this week.

i think i found a good one, but i'd like to know if anyone knows of anything better for the money.

Dewalt 1.8HP/200PSI/15Gal

i've read a lot of reviews on this unit...i know the CFM is a bit low, but everyone expounds on how quickly it recovers.

our intended uses: cutoff tool, die grinder, paint, powder coating, plastic welding.

we want new, and i don't have any wiggle-room on the price. reconditioned/full warranty for $280/free shipping...i'd sure like to hear about anything that can top this deal.

thanks

 

[mechcd]

That looks like a really nice unit!

the 5.4 CFM should be plenty for any tools.

Just watch out for the paint guns, CFM can really narrow your choices in guns. I think the HVLP ones run around 40-50 PSI and something like 7.5 CFM. You'll get more than 5.4 at a lower PSI. The big tank should help a lot if you use the gun in short sessions.

 

[arceeguy]

Augi,

I would stay away from any compressor that has an "oil less" pump. The are designed for the home owner that will rarely use it. The problem is that the teflon seals on the piston will wear out a lot quicker than a conventional oil lubricated pump and steel piston rings.

This Craftsman Compressor has been around for decades and will last for decades. (Check the voltage/current requirements though) Harbor Freight also has a decent selection of air compressors with oil lubricated pumps with cast iron cylinders.

 

[Mountainman]

I also have always liked the Craftsman
even better yet if you could find a bigger unit used for sale in the local newspaper
many gas stations, shops -- closing down these days
a lot of fine used tools around for a good price to be had

ride the motor bike

 

[RATRODER]

You might want to look in here http://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?UID=2009030109343729&item=4-1793&catname=air
louis

 

[augidog]

completely agree about oil-lubed vs oil-less

it's my hope the open/belt-drive design of the dewalt will make for easier (preventive) maintenance & therefore longer life.

we looked at exactly that craftsman as one of our choices...dang it, but the price. we need the extra c-note to buy our start-up air-tools/hose/fittings

finding a used compressor for sale in the boonies isn't easy, what's available is old & very "crusty"...

we also looked at this one...again, it's about the total cost: http://cgi.ebay.com/Industrial-Air-...653617QQihZ002QQcategoryZ106436QQcmdZViewItem

we need to be completely sure, we can't afford to keep buying stuff & experimenting. kevin & i talked last nite, maybe waiting a bit longer would be worth it, but it will also drive us bonkers

 

[arceeguy]

Wow, with that kind of capacity you don't need a large storage tank!
At $299 it is a steal, but I wonder how much the freight will cost. (250 lbs!)

 

[arceeguy]

it's my hope the open/belt-drive design of the dewalt will make for easier (preventive) maintenance & therefore longer life........

Check and see what the cost of a rebuild kit is. (piston/sleeve) If they are available and reasonably priced, then maybe the DeWalt is for you. The DeWalt also has a brush type universal motor, which means occasional brush changes (no big deal) - but the advantage to these motors is that they are highly efficient and do not require nearly as much current to start up as capacitor start induction motors.

 

[augidog]

the e-bay 60gal is $150 truck freight.

the dewalt ships free fedex...from what i've gleaned, cpo-outlets seems to be the place for great factory authorized service, it's where we bought the campbell hausfeld welder.

 

[graucho]

Im in construction. I swear by DeWalt Quality. This compressor does have good recovery.
The uses you stated...

Air grinder/cut off tool, bad. The rpms suck up air fast. The compressor will stay on and the grinder will slow unless you pause. (unless you have a 30 gallon) A good old cheap electric hand grinder from harbor freight (15.00) is the cats meow.

Paint, gun set to 35-45 painting bikes/parts very good. Airbrush pens excellent. Cars for extended use...medium (It will keep up)

Plastic welding ? never tried.

Good points, It comes with 60.00 worth of 2" gauges. And at your age (HA HA) it should last your lifetime.