Decent Compressor
 

Hi,
I'm in the market for a new compressor. I currently have a Testors AC500, and I need something with more power :D I need more power because the AC500 can't keep up with my touch up gun. So I was looking on the Home Depot web site and found this:

Brand Campbell Hausfeld
Model # WL504355AJ
Air Delivery 4.3/3.1 SCFM @ 40/90 Psi
Carrying System Yes
Engine Horsepower 2 HP
Fuel Tank Capacity 4 gal.
Full Roll Cage No
Max Air Pressure Delivery 125 Lb.
Motor 2 Peak
Regulator Yes
Tank Pressure Gauge Yes
Type Compressors
Weight 63 Lb.
Wheels/Portability No
How does that sound? Any other recomendations would be appreciated. My budget for this item is $200.00
Thanks!
Joe

RE: Decent Compressor
 

Check this one out. Much better, in my opinion:

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...id=00916725000

RE: Decent Compressor
 

Looking Good :D That's the kinda help I'm talking about... any more??
Thanks!
Joe

RE: Decent Compressor
 

I had a craftsman compressor and it kept eating the flutter valve. Cost more to keep it running than it did to buy it. I'm using a Campbell Hausfield compressor now and it's given me no problems. It's only a little over a year old though. I don't remember the specs, but I think it's a 20 gal tank and 5 hp?

RE: Decent Compressor
 

I'd make sure that the compressor is not a direct drive model. You want one that has belts. That way if the motor dies, you can relace it. Otherwise you replace the whole thing.

RE: Decent Compressor
 

I got a good one from Harbor Freight Tools in Camarillo, CA ; they carry Campbell Hausfeld among others. Mine is 2 hp/4.24 cfm @ 60 psi and it runs my hvlp touch-up gun fine, but at 60lbs ship wt my mail man hates me now. At the time I ordered, I paid 79.99 and got free shipping! Their phone # is 1-800-423-2567 or go harborfreight.com. They take a couple of weeks to get it to you, but I am happy with their service...JIM

RE: Decent Compressor
 

The trouble with those diaphragm compressors is they seem to make so darn much noise. Jim

RE: Decent Compressor
 

Thanks to everyone so far with your recommendations and advice. Its greatly appreciated!
Joe
PS I've had good dealings with Harbor Freight also ;)

RE: Decent Compressor
 

I purchased this same compressor (from Lowes) for my wife but it cost me $250.
Is it still on sale for $200?

RE: Decent Compressor
 

The oil-less compressors are very loud! I'm about to buy a compressor my self and plan to get one with a oil filled crank case. They are much quieter and seam to last longer. As another bonus, most of them use a belt to connect the motor. Like someone said, much easier to replace the motor in needed.

RE: Decent Compressor
 

Interesting. I just replaced the Campbell-Hausfeld compressor you show with the Sears Craftsman that Steve Collins shows in his posts. Don't waste your money on the C-H compressor. It's relatively expensive and poorly made, in my opinion. After less than a year's occasional use it can no longer bring the tank pressure up to cutoff, even after an hour.

OTOH, the Craftsman unit I'm very pleased with. While not necessarily a "professional" grade compressor it is very well made and will serve my needs for many years. Sears puts them on sale every so often (I got mine for ~$200) and comes with a very nice tool kit including a Craftsman air ratchet.

RE: Decent Compressor
 

CurtD,

I have an old Craftsman Compressor, around 17 years old, diaphragm type, 1HP, 7 gallon tank. It has always performed perfectly. I have never heard of the problems some of these other posters have talked about.

The only reason I upgraded from the old one (still have/use) to another Craftsman, 6hp-30gal tank, is I recently acquired an HVLP automotive paint gun and needed a lot more air volume than the old compressor is capable of delivering. Going cheap isn't always the best way.

RE: Decent Compressor
 

I think I might go for the 30 gal 6 hp Craftsman. [link=http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00 916555000&tab=description#tablink]Craftsman 6 HP 30 gal[/link]
I am going to be purchasing a detail gun too, so I want to make sure I get something that can handle a decent automotive gun. Is it very loud? I know I said my budget was $200, but I figure for a hundred bucks more, what the heck... I am still open to ideas.
Thanks again to everyone for their comments!
Joe

RE: Decent Compressor
 

Yes, It is very loud. Mine is in my garage. A side benefit of the 30 gallon tank is that the compressor doesn't have to cycle on/off as often as one with a smaller tank. I am currently using a DeVilbiss FinishLine II HVLP automotive gun. With the type spraying we do on our planes, this compressor keeps up with the air volume demand quite nicely.

RE: Decent Compressor
 

How much SCFM do you need for the touch up gun.

Just purchased a small 2 gal. 2.4 SCFM @ 90 PSI Sears compressor for $90.00 for the shop.
Fairly quiet ... oil type. It fits under my work "bench". They are on sale now (this area) and if you have/apply for a Sears Club card, you get 10% OFF THE $99.00 SALE PRICE.

Most of my use will be air-brush ... but I think I'll try my touch-up gun tonight.
It was a lot less than a good air-brush compressor that doesn't have a tank.

I will pump this thing up and get 10-15 minutes of air brush time before it cycles.

Works for me;)

Good Hunting !

RE: Decent Compressor
 

The one I'm looking at says 11.4 CFM at 23 PSI inlet pressure. Here's the gun I'm looking at: [link=http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/DEV-FLG635316.html]FinishLine II™ HVLP Gravity Feed Spray Gun [/link] Steve Collins mentioned that one. I've been looking at a lot of those too, and that one looks very nice. I'm taking my time with this and mulling over the compressor and spray gun because I want to buy something nice, that works very well, and that will last a long time. I know I can get a touch up gun for around $40, but I want something a little better than that. I've looked and you could spend over $500 on a gun alone, but I'm not going that far ;)
Thanks again to everyone for their opinions and advice. I'll be making a descision very soon. I hope :eek:
Joe