Topic: $100 15gal air compressor

[Vintagelover]

It always seems like a good thing to have around, but as someone who enjoys turning wrenches and has never owned an air compressor, I've got to ask: Is this a good deal?!? It's a 15 gal (5 CFM) electric compressor (I get the impression it's intended for home garage use) that comes with an impact wrench. Air compressor is Briggs & Stratton Brute, and impact drill is Campbel Hausfield. I don't know these brands, but even if they're not the best the question is the same: Should I drive all morning to get this or can I find better?

Any advice is appreciated.

[fmctm1sw]

It definitely is a good thing to have around.  It's one of those things I had no idea how I lived without.  I have a $80 HF 5 gallon job that has worked fione for light duty use.  One thing I will say regarding the size is find one you think is big enough, then double it...  I just never seem to have enough air....

[70CB750]

Is the compressor oilless?

[Vintagelover]

No. It's an 'oil lubed compressor' which the guy selling it claims makes it quieter, though I'm starting to connect the dots. I take it oilless tanks req. less maintenance? Part of the appeal is that it comes with a drill. I've already found larger tanks for less money, but I was in a pawn shop the other day and drills seem expensive. 

[fmctm1sw]

Mine is oiled too.  And if it's quieter that oiless, I'd sure hate to hear one of them!

[70CB750]

Oiled compressors are generally better quality and are supposed to last longer.  Campbel Hausfield is a good brand for an air tool, I never heard of Briggs making compressors but that does not mean anything.

Here is CFM by tool, just to get an idea:

http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/air-consumption-tools-d_847.html

you dont want the compressor to cycle too much - noise and life span.

If you want it for tires and the drill, go for it.  If you plan to use it for wrenching, you should find a bigger compressor. 

[Kong]

Oil bath compressors (they have an oil sump just like most car engines) are indeed quieter, much quieter, and they last a lot longer.  You have to change the oil in them about once a year, but that's all.  The price you cite for a compressor of that size is a very good price.  Around here it would sell used for $150~maybe $200.  There is one problem with oil bath compressors.  Its the oil.  It gets into your air.  Now if you plan to just use air tools that's no problem at all, in fact its a good thing.  But if you paint then you have to filter it out or suffer the consequences.  Now I don't mean they squirt out oil, no , nothing like that - but they do fling out enough to put fish-eyes in paint jobs, and that can be a very expensive problem to fix.

As for the oilless compressors, they are real good if you're a carpenter and are running a nail gun off of it, but if you plan to do any serious mechanicing, even now and then, then oil bath is what you want.