Greetings all!

I am going to purchase a new air compressor in the next 2 days.

This compressor will be used in the home for filling tires, and small air tools like a brad nailer.

My question is should I go with a vertical or horizontal tank? Is there a performance difference or just how much floor space it will take up?

Second question - oil free pump - or oiled pump? It seems the oiled ones are cheaper, any thoughts?

This is a Sears brand, 33 gallon tank, 120 volt that comes with a starter air tool kit that includes an impact wrench, a standard ratchet, an air hammer, and a coiled hose.

Its on sale right now for $30 off and I have a coupon as well so its a good deal - but I would like to hear back on my 2 questions to choose between 4 models.

Any opinions?

Jim K

 

I got one of those Sears kits last Christmas for their smaller household type compressor. The compressor has been great but most of the pieces from the kit were pretty cheap and had to be replaced within the year.

bone

 

The Craftsman oilless compressors are good and put out some air for the price, but be warned, they are LOUD. I can here my mine down the block with the garage door open, rips through the house so don't expect any late night work.

You may want to considered building a separate sound-deadening enclosure for it.

As for horizontal vs vertical, whichever you have room for.

Where in Central NJ are you located? Shoot me an email (dontblameme@yahoo.com) if you want to swing by and check mine out. I may even sell it because I've been eyeing some 220v ones.

 

chknbone,

I will take a good hard look at the accessories kit before making the decision - thanks!


captainoblivious,

I am in South River - but noise IS a factor. I wouldn't be using it late at night, but I would rather not wake the dead. I was told the oiled types are quieter, but require more maintenance.

My house does have an old coal cellar, about an 8x7 foot room - not easy to get into or out of, but you make a good point, maybe I can install it in there and run air lines to the bench and outside that would cut the noise considerably.

I have a Sears gift certificate and a percent off coupon so I am looking to buy new at Sears.

Thanks for the replys!

Jim K

 

I've utilized Sears units on two of my environmental sites that I manage. These compressors run FREQUENTLY and have stood the test of time as they are utilized to operate Hammerhead pumps (similar to air bladder pumps) to remove various pure solvents from atop the groundwater table.

Craftsman is the way to go...

RP

 

I too have a Craftsman 5.5hp 30gal vertical compressor and love it. We also have a couple of others, a 220v unit (huge) and a hot dog (small) compressor. The Craftsman is a hell of a unit and works great. I personally like the vertical as it takes up less wall space (unless you are going to put yours under a work bench or something like that).

 

Monkey-1,

Is yours an oil-less model? Sears has both, I'm not sure if one has an advantage over the other or not. I'm leaning toward the vertical/oiled version.

Thanks for the reply!

Jim K

 

It is an oil-less model. I guess its personal preference.

Kind of a funny story. I bought mine on sale and paid for the 5HP 25 gallon model, but when I drove around to load it, the guy gave me 5.5/30gal. I didnt even know it for about 3 months as I was living in an apartment and found out when I moved in my house and got a garage.

 

Well, not to beat a dead horse - but I didn't want to be one of the ones who asks for opinions or help, and then doesn't post the results and leaves us hanging.

I made my purchase - Craftsman 33 gallon vertical tank - 120v oil-less model. I am impressed so far. It's not as loud as the shop vac, and the tank is big enough that it doesn't run very often, and even then, it re-cycles in under 3 minutes.

The before mentioned tool kit is of average quality. I would rate it as homeowner level, light use, but as a freebie I'll take it. I would have rather had a brad nailer, but they wouldn't trade me!

Thank you again for your responses.

Jim

 

jimk-nj,
If you need a brad nailer, email me.

 

Just last week, I got an Impact Wrench from a nation Wide Store (Canadian Tire) that said it was 300 ft/lbs. Turns out I had to remove 5 of the 16 lug nuts on my Nissan Altima by hand. So I brought it back. This week, I bought an Ingersoll-Rand Impact wrench: WOW, what a difference. I allready knew that you get what you pay for, I just needed to be reminded

I just have a Direct Drive Oiled 2hp motor, 5gal Pancake style compressor Very portable. It runs my impact long enough to remove 1 tire, then it cycles on for about 30 seconds, then by the time I'm ready for the next Tire, so is the compressor.

D(Mechanic Wanabe)postman

 

Don't forget to get an oil lubricator for it. Also, pick up one of those hoses on a reel, you will really enjoy it every time you have to wind up the hose. I know I curse whenever I roll it up by hand.

Also, if you plan on doing any painting get a filter.