Need Assist shopping Air Compressor

[SARGE..g-47]

I have been on the operational end of air compressors for many years. The larger Campbell Haus.. Thomas's.. etc. But.. never on the purchasing end!

I am considering (that means I'm going to according to my lovely) purchase a small air compressor for my shop. Mainly for adding pressure to tires without what has become the $.50-$.75 charge at the now pay for it at the station, blowing grit from machine crevices and mainly for cleaning DC air cannisters.

So.. I'm looking for something dependable but not over-baord in price as it will only do small jobs and not depended upon for "dialy bread". Would love to keep it under $200 if possible. If not.. whatever it takes to get one that when I go to sleep I don't worry about seeing it in the morning obituary! :>)

Was looking at the Hitachi EC79 at Lowes for $149 (Amazon @ $179) which only had 1 review which was good. Anyone have one or have any knowledge of this one. If not.. any suggestions on what you have or know to be good in that price range would be appreciated.

I would love to hear the "good-bad-and ugly" before I write the check...

[LCHIEN]

There's probably lots of small compressors under $200 that will do you well for modest duty work.

I suggest in addition to the uses you have stated, that having a brad nailer and possibly a finish nailer or stapler will make your world a lot more convenient if you do much woodworking. If you watch the TV woodworking guys then you will have seen them pop a brad into an assembly being glued of assembled. The brad nailers really make life nice compared to using three or four hands to hold a nail, align the workpieces and swing the hammer. With the nailer it takes one shot while you hold the pieces together. No more moving about as you hit it repeatedly and try to keep aligned.

Your main thought should be oiled or oil-less. Probably the oilless will be OK, despite the higher noise levels it will be more or less maintenance free (but you still have to drain the moisture from either type). A 4-5-6 gallon tank will give some reserve for using the nozzle to clean up your tools. 1.5 to 2 HP will run on 15A 120V service and have enough flow for your needs.

you might look for those porter cable combo deals with a 18 ga brad nailer (I recommend getting 2" max 18 ga brad nailer, not a 1.25 or 1.5" max) and a pancake compressor.

[Ken Massingale]

Sarge,
I've had a small dual tank 5 gallon compressor from HF for several years and never had a problem with it. Pleanty of air for tires, pin nailers, etc. It was less than $100. I just picked up a 22 gallon unit at HF for bigger stuff.
Your description of your needs sounds like one of the small HF units would serve you well.
ken

[Copper]

I just got the Craftsman 3 gal 1 HP compressor for Christmas. It's currently on sale for $100 here. I've been using it to run my framing nailer in my basement refinishing project. I haven't had a problem. It's an oiled pump, so it's relatively quiet and it keeps up with my work. It's small and fairly easy to tote from one place to another. I haven't tried using any other air tools with it yet (ratchet, spray painting, etc.).

[LarryG]

I have the little P-C six-gallon pancake, which does indeed compress air, but it also stampedes all the livestock in a three-county area every time it kicks on.

As Loring says, you've lots of choices, so I'll only add that I just noticed that amazon.com currently has free shipping on all air compressors ... if that happens to expand your shopping options any.

[radhak]

I have the PC. It is Loud.

I also recall earlier threads where the Hitachi was compared to be less loud.

Check out this and then this.

[SARGE..g-47]

Morning All...

First... thanks to Loring.. Ken.. Copper.. Larry and radhak for your in-sight into this. And that was a great "this" and "this" you posted radhak. About everything that could be discussed was discussed in that first "this". A tribute to the computer age as when I started WW in 1972, that much in formation would have taken years to acquire. But now.. instant info that saves much time and frustration.

I also gave my BIL (machine shop foreman at Delta AL and former BMW mechanic..still does it on the side at his home shop) a call on his cell phone for his opinion also. He was at Delta at work.. so I got to hear the opinions of several in his shop that have home units, most of which have larger belt driven, oil types with larger tanks and needs.

From info gathered and my personal needs which are not great.. I am leaning on the Hitachi EC 79 at Lowe's for $149. I have a Lowe's and across the street a Home Depot within 7 minutes of my home (quick and convenient).

I know most of the guys at the Hitachi National Service center desk (also Hitachi National HQ) here in Atlanta as I have a drill and 12" SCMS from them. They are only 8 miles away, so.... that along with several on the "this" attachment (and one of the Delta machinist who has one along with his "big boy") mentioning quieter for an oil free with an induction motor very well may sway me to Hitachi.

Thanks to eveyone that contributed as I just got an jump-start education on air compressors. Hope to be able to re-ciprocate with information that I know more about!

Regards...