Air compressor for home use?

[kccougar]

I've asked my wife for an air compressor for Christmas this year, but I'm not sure what she (I) should be looking for. What size is good for home/general use? Most units look the same without a lot of different bells and whistles, so maybe I don't need to put much thought into this purchase, but any opinions you have on air compressors would be appreciated.

[pellegrino]

what are you using it for? if you're just using it to fill tires and occasionally run a nailer or an airbrush then a basic pancake, 2.5 gallon compressor will be fine.

[kccougar]

what are you using it for? if you're just using it to fill tires and occasionally run a nailer or an airbrush then a basic pancake, 2.5 gallon compressor will be fine.

Tires, nail gun, blow out my sprinkler lines, etc.

[pellegrino]

Tires, nail gun, blow out my sprinkler lines, etc.

pancake, or other small compressor should do you fine.

[Shaka]

If you decide you need something a little bigger than a pancake yet still portable they sell an upright DeWalt on wheels at Home Depot. I have one and have been very satisfied with it. It handles everything I throw at it including spraying with an HVLP gun.

[kccougar]

If you decide you need something a little bigger than a pancake yet still portable they sell an upright DeWalt on wheels at Home Depot. I have one and have been very satisfied with it. It handles everything I throw at it including spraying with an HVLP gun.

I was just looking at that one yesterday. I like the wheels.

[FN Phat]

Make sure you get a bundle with a nail gun or two. There is a no reason why you can't capitalize on the competition. I agree that a pancake is the way to go for most projects around the house. Small, lightweight, compact.

[Surfah]

Make sure you get a bundle with a nail gun or two. There is a no reason why you can't capitalize on the competition. I agree that a pancake is the way to go for most projects around the house. Small, lightweight, compact.

Agreed. Get a combo deal and call it good. There is virtually no reason for having anything bigger than a pancake compressor for most homeowners. Unless you're a DIYer auto mechanic who uses air tools frequently the pancake or similar tube compressors will suffice. Even if you use it heavily for a project it will just cycle more often. Just put some earmuffs on.

[Shaka]

Agreed. Get a combo deal and call it good. There is virtually no reason for having anything bigger than a pancake compressor for most homeowners. Unless you're a DIYer auto mechanic who uses air tools frequently the pancake or similar tube compressors will suffice. Even if you use it heavily for a project it will just cycle more often. Just put some earmuffs on.

I like the pancake and am probably going to pick one up for my basement workshop. As a DIY'er I think that a pancake is only good for supplementing something larger. Granted I do weird stuff like spraying finishes with my compressor.

[FN Phat]

I like the pancake and am probably going to pick one up for my basement workshop. As a DIY'er I think that a pancake is only good for supplementing something larger. Granted I do weird stuff like spraying finishes with my compressor.

Such as guitars? Surely the pancake compressor can push enough for what you are spraying unless it is a rather large project. I have framed with mine as well install interior doors and trim throughout the house and have never had issues with it keeping it up. It will cycle more often, as Surfah said, but that is not a big deal. My dad has a large compressor and a pancake. The large compressor just sits in the shop and is only used when he works on vehicles or his tractor.

[Shaka]

Such as guitars? Surely the pancake compressor can push enough for what you are spraying unless it is a rather large project. I have framed with mine as well install interior doors and trim throughout the house and have never had issues with it keeping it up. It will cycle more often, as Surfah said, but that is not a big deal. My dad has a large compressor and a pancake. The large compressor just sits in the shop and is only used when he works on vehicles or his tractor.

Such as guitars. Pancake simply will not cut it. A lot depends on the gun but if for some reason you lose pressure you're screwed. I use a combination of HVLP and regular automotive jam guns. The bigger guns will test a pancake. My personal requirement is that a compressor will store enough air that the motor doesn't have to cycle to finish the job. I don't only spray guitars though. I'll spray virtually anything that needs paint with an air sprayer. I detest rattle cans.

[Surfah]

Here you go. Use coupon code Cyber82 at checkout. I believe these are reconditioned/refurbed. But they're grade A and carry full warranty.

http://bigskytool.com/bundle.aspx?id...BlowoutTopPage

Lots of other Cyber Monday deals on Hitachi tools as well. I really like Hitachi tools.

[FN Phat]

Such as guitars. Pancake simply will not cut it. A lot depends on the gun but if for some reason you lose pressure you're screwed. I use a combination of HVLP and regular automotive jam guns. The bigger guns will test a pancake. My personal requirement is that a compressor will store enough air that the motor doesn't have to cycle to finish the job. I don't only spray guitars though. I'll spray virtually anything that needs paint with an air sprayer. I detest rattle cans.

sweet. I wish that I could paint. I have never tried but I have a feeling that I wouldn't be any good at it. It takes a lot of patience and that is something that I am starting to have less and less of as I get older.

[FN Phat]

Here you go. Use coupon code Cyber82 at checkout. I believe these are reconditioned/refurbed. But they're grade A and carry full warranty.

http://bigskytool.com/bundle.aspx?id...BlowoutTopPage

Lots of other Cyber Monday deals on Hitachi tools as well. I really like Hitachi tools.

Hitachi has stepped up their game. My dad bought a Hitachi 12" sliding double compound miter saw with the laser. Best saw I have ever used.

[Surfah]

Hitachi has stepped up their game. My dad bought a Hitachi 12" sliding double compound miter saw with the laser. Best saw I have ever used.

My dad bought the same one when we remodeled the kitchen. I just used it and it is sweet. It almost eliminates the need for a table saw. Plus he got the rolling, folding Porter Cable universal stand for it. He's selling me the Makita for $50. Dads.