Air Compressors -

[Treibenschnell]

Of these three, which would you pick and why? Any other brands I should be shopping for instead? Thanks!



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[Nails]

I would go to Home Depot and show them the Lowes offer for free tools. Then get the Husky with matching tool offer from them or walk. First thing I would want is highest SCFM rating. Then low maintenance, then added tools, then dB level.

I was under the impression that SCFM is a volume rating and is more important than PSI. It allows for better torque and if you intend to use impact tools this is important.

I would also compare whatever you lean towards to a comparable Craftsman just because Sears is good about generous free tool kits with comps that size.

[Radio-Active]

Of the three I see, only the Husky is belt driven. I would not want a direct drive as they are noisier and more of a trow away compressor when they break. They generally do not last as long, either.

The Husky, on the other hand, is belt driven. If you need a new compressor after the warenty is out, you can go to Habor freight and buy one for $80 to replace it. Also the heads are about $15-20 for the read valve plates and very simple to replace. Usually, the initial cost of belt drive compressors are $100 more than direct drive.

[MadMonkey]

The Husky; it's prettier.

[Titus]

Of the three I see, only the Husky is belt driven. I would not want a direct drive as they are noisier and more of a trow away compressor when they break. They generally do not last as long, either.

The Husky, on the other hand, is belt driven. If you need a new compressor after the warenty is out, you can go to Habor freight and buy one for $80 to replace it. Also the heads are about $15-20 for the read valve plates and very simple to replace. Usually, the initial cost of belt drive compressors are $100 more than direct drive.

Great point.

[POS Racing]

I got a at least 10 year oil direct drive unit run it pretty much every weekend, it's held up very nicely. It's a Craftsman BTW.

Be leary of the Harbor freight replacement compressors, tried one on the world headquarters compressor when it died and the thing wouldn't even pump up to 100psi, 2nd one worked better but I'm thinking life span on it will be limited. Offshore crap. YMMV

But if I was to get another one I'd swipe Onething's belt driven antique it's sweet and so so quite.

[HudsonHawk]

I agree the Husky for the belt ddrive feature the CFM rateing and the larger storage tank. I am constantly having to wait for my compressor to fill back up when I run my plasma or cut off wheel.

The one thing I don't see is the duty rating on any of those.

[Rogue]

I've had one like number 3 for ten years going strong.

The small one is useless unless your blowing up a tire, or airbrushing.
They will run out of air quickly, using air tools.
The big ones are not big enough to run, say a DA, but run an impact or air wrench nicely.

I also would go belt drive.

[sammm]

+1 for belt drive.

PS
My compressor floats!

[Dave04]

Bean,

Is there a reason you didn't look at this one for $15 more? Or did you not want a 220v one? It appears to move a lot more air.

[Treibenschnell]

Bean,

Is there a reason you didn't look at this one for $15 more? Or did you not want a 220v one? It appears to move a lot more air.

I was concerned about the sheer size of the thing... and how easily it would/could be moved if necessary.

[Dave04]

I was concerned about the sheer size of the thing... and how easily it would/could be moved if necessary.

That's what she said...

[tailchaser]

That's what she said...

You wish...

[Treibenschnell]

You wish...

No... it' pretty much true!

[tailchaser]

No... it' pretty much true!

I didn't realize you boys were intimate...

[Treibenschnell]

I didn't realize you boys were intimate...

[Radio-Active]

Bean,

Is there a reason you didn't look at this one for $15 more? Or did you not want a 220v one? It appears to move a lot more air.

That's the one I would get. You can always buy you some 3/4" pvc and run it around the garage if you want extra outlets. My father did that 15 years ago in his hangar and he hasn't had any issues with using th pvc lines. His compressors usually last between a year and a half to three years due to the continual use. It runs 24/7 cycling on and off every 10-15 minutes. He runs a salt spray chamber.

[flyin94m]

I've had a Husky for about 5 years now -- I'd buy another.

I don't know how true it is, but the rumor I've heard is that the company that makes Husky for Home Depot used to make Craftsman tools. Husky honors Craftsman warranties as well.

In general, I haven't been dissatisfied with any of my Husky products.

[onething]

Old sales guy at Lowes told me you would never find the same model of any tool at any other store. He said Lowes, Depot, Sears, HF all set their specs and went to manufacturers for bids. Well, maybe not HF.

Belt drive, and not oil less is what I'd want. Quiet is nice if you're going to try to work in the same room. Little bro has his in a lean-to shed just outside the shop.

[Nexus Flux]

Like other's have said, go belt drive and oil lubricated. I had a C&H 13 gal direct drive that was pretty noisy and couldn't keep up with sand blasting.

Last year I got a Craftsman



It's really quiet and fills up in a snap

Last time I looked the Husky and Kobalt ones were made by Campbell Hausfeld.