I have the HF 27-gallon Fortress High-Performance air compressor. I love it. It allows me to use small pneumatic tools, such as a 3" random orbital sander or a 1/4" die grinder. It also has sufficient air in its tank that I can use compressed air to blow sanding dust off of my work between grits without the compressor coming on every time. It's a good size for my small shop.
I worked at one of the biggest air compressor manufacturers in the world, you where spot on with the CFM and quality of the smaller units, get a bigger unit or go cordless, the law of physics says you can get 4 CFM per HP. Or less depending on design, always look at CFM, and HP, anything approaching 2 HP or above will be 240V.
How big of a compressor will depend on what you're going to be doing. For spray painting either a 120 gallon single stage or 80 gallon 2 stage will work. There are so many different variables into which one you need
Excellent vid, Bear. I agree with everything you mentioned. I actually inherited one of those 20 gallon Craftsman compressors years ago, and ended up selling it. It did nothing my 6-gallon wouldn't do. (1 more CFM on the 20 gallon). And you are SO right about cordless/corded tech making these middle-grade compressors obsolete. Shine on, Big Bear!!!!
I feel like I need three or four different compressors. Yes, I need on for nailing and filling the tires on the cars and a compressor for such jobs is pretty easy to find. However, I also want to get into spray painting but a lot of folks on TH-cam push for the very large and very expensive, such as compressors of 60+ in gallons and 230 V in power. I fret too much as it is, but compressors are about the most difficult of tools that I have ever had to choose from.
I have the dewalt 30 gallon 175 psi oiled motor with the belt drive. It’s kicked ass so far. Runs my impact and my air tools no problem. For a diy guy like me. It’s great. And pretty quiet but I normally have music blasting or the tv on lol.
Late reply but you know what. Direct drive is great, oil free is great no maintenance feels great. Give me an oiled, belt driven compressor all day long. It is a hell of a lot easier to spend a couple hundred a year on maintenance than a brand new compressor in ten. Yes I do work in mechanical maintenance why do you ask
I totally agree. I have a 20 gallon craftsman that I am getting rid of. It is crazy loud. I'm switching to electric tools and one of the little 3 gallon harbor freight ones for filling tires and blowing dust off.
Even though I am looking at this 2023 video in 2024, it was extremely helpful, put things in great perspective, and you are a wonderfully personable and believable presenter. I am now much more confident what I need to look at for my uses.
Cordless or even corded tools have come so far. If all you just need to fill your tires or blow off something with air, you don’t need anything big. Good vid. Thanks.
some instances, you need volume for air, but for most people nope.. if you need added volume you can always add in a extra storage tank. and once you go really big your into rotary screw compressors. As for shop air lines, PEX seems like the a good solution for running shop air lines If you staying under 150psi. It doesn't shatter, cheap and somewhat flexible.
Great video, I was going to get the fortress 27 gallon and now I definitely am. At 12 years old my first compressor was a pvc vessel with a ball valve for a trigger and a shrader tire stem. Using a bike pump I would charge that baby up and shoot weighted darts across the house and dent the drywall. It's a good thing that never blew up in my hands... good times
I actually have 3 compressors and just gave a 4th one to a friend. The one I gave away is the old Central Pneumatic pancake unit that I did a "plumbing project" on in order to run my air brushes while still being able to inflate tires if needed. A friend borrowed that one because he was having an estate auction and needed to inflate a bunch of tires on his dads old vehicles. I replaced it with the Fortress super quiet unit and transfered my project to it. For inflating tires and other lower CFM work, I've had a CP 10 gallon oil compressor for years. The 3rd compressor, which I bought about a month ago, is a Quincy 80 gallon, 2 stage vertical unit. Once I get the shop plumbed, it'll be my pride and joy. It replaced a CP 29 gallon oil compressor that would do most of what I asked but, struggled to keep up with a few air tools that I use often.
DeWalt/Stanley & Decker absorbed a small but mighty air compressor manufacturer named Emglo. Shortly thereafter, the manufacturing was moved to Mexico. DeWalt compressors for a time after that had DeWalt made by Emglo on the tank. More recently, the by Emglo was removed. The original Emglo compressors were well made in the USA, lasted a long time, and made a lot of air with very little horsepower. I'm sure some of the Emglo technology is used today.
Hey Jeff, Thanks for a compressor update! I've been looking at the new McGraw 29 gallon oil lubed unit and the 30 gallon oil lubed Husky, DeWalt, Craftsman compressors. Those 3 are the same. Made in USA from global components, 6.3 scfm. at 90, 175 psi max all which beat the McGraw (5.3@90) The McGraw is currently $549 (down from $599) but with the usual HF 90 day warranty. Figure $150 more for the 2 year replacement plan. As Jeff mentioned, the Craftsman is currently on sale for $599 from Lowes. The Dewalt can be had from Tractor supply for $599. Both of those will cost at least $79 for delivery and carry a 2 year warranty but only a year on the pump and motor(read the fine print). The Husky from Home Depot carries a full 2 year warranty on everything and can be delivered free. Also, the Husky can be returned to any HD store for warranty. DeWalt and Craftsman have to go back to an Authorized repair center. The Husky is currently $699 but with free delivery and a better warranty its a no brainer for me. I'll wait for a sale and use the $50 new credit card deal HD offers.
The Makita MAC5200 is a 5.2 gallon compressor rated at 6.5 CFM. It will keep up with the 25-30 gallon compressors you showed, while being cheaper and more portable.
Agree 100% on the desirability of the 5 CFM @ 90 PSI 27 gallon unit (although that is still not quite enough for my paint sprayer) except... ...I can't afford one. So I bought a 3 CFM @ 90 PSI 20 gallon, plus a 10 gallon auxiliary tank, and still came in under under the cost of the better compressor. While I would never recommend this rig for commercial work, for my home shop it is adequate; I only have to resign myself to a less than 50% duty cycle. Work the tool for three minutes, inspect the work for a bit while the pressure comes up, repeat. The key is that the auxiliary tank comes after the pressure control valve.
Welder here! Looking to branch off and start my own business along with getting better home tools. This video is so useful! Glad I found this channel! Thank you!
Exactly... be surprised how many bad reviews there are saying "my compressor only fills to 60psi and cuts off" or "it won't turn on any more" or "it starts and stops immediately "... yeah because it's full of water genius lol...
I largely went without air compressors until I started sand blasting. Then, I got a big boy compressor… Harbor Freight’s Central Pneumatic 5hp 17cfm. I slapped it on an old air tank with a Merlin air filter and for $300 I have a highly competitive air compressor.
I bought one of those $50 Harbor Freight hot dog air compressors and it is one of my biggest regrets, not because it doesn't work, it does but it is so DAMN loud.
I had one of those. No more. I got a bigger compressor but missed the easy portability of the small one. Now my little compressor is a 1 gallon "quiet series" from metabo HPT (from lowes). No problem with a normal voice conversation standing beside that thing while it is running. It sounds like a refrigerator. It's my basement air compressor. I use it to blow dust and etc down there, and it is small enough to carry upstairs if needed. Quiet is definitely worth paying for IMO.
I bought a Craftsman 25 gal. oil free compressor over 20 yrs ago. I rebuilt it twice since I purchased it used from Sears. It has only one problem. The noise. IT’S LOUD! Without ear plugs or noise reducing ear gear, a person will develop go deaf or develop tinnitus in no time. I have to say it’s a fairly good compressor. I believe Devilbiss made it. It was made in the USA.
I bought a Husky 8gal oil lube compressor about 8 years ago, I drain the tank after each use, the last time I used it & drained the tank their was oil & water coming out. I decided not to use it didn’t want to ruin my nail gun. I bought the Ridgid 6 gallon pancake compressor for $99.00 on last years BlackFriday, gonna put it to use soon. I’m with you on the cordless air compressors, I have two of the small Ryobi 18v compressors smallest for my mower tires the other one stays in my pickup truck tool box. Keep’m coming
For a professional shop, a rotary screw compressor is the only way to go? They put out twice the CFM, and at half the decibels? As far as regular reciprocating air compressors go, IR (Ingersoll Rand), Quincy, and Rol-Air are excellent? Keaser is the company I serviced for when I was a shop mechanic? They are the highest quality rotary compressors on the market?
My Campbell Hausfield 26gal has been very good. I've used it almost daily for 25years and even neglected draining and emptying at times. Ive only recently decieded it's time to recycle it due to age even though it still works fine. Think im gonna replace it with HF Fortress for $399. Thanks for the video. very helpfull
Good show with lots of useful information. He's right about the 20 gal. I got a Craftsman years ago and still have it but for what I do it was way over kill. I'm looking to get a small one because this one is so old and tank concerns me. I like my limbs, they come in handy
Thank you.I thought about a 20 gal compressor.but I only need the 3 gal. for what I need.Mainly to blow out dust or run an air nailer.This will be my first compressor and you saved me some money.Thanks for your videos
I got a makita mac700 and its been great for me as a casual homeowner. 2.6 gallon, 3.3 cfm @ 90psi, 130 max psi. Quiet enough you can easily talk over with normal conversation volume. Great power, great durability. Dont mind the oil at all, its an easy set up and easy maintenance. It will probably last me forever. I grabbed it on sale for $225.
Too true about the used compressors. I bought a shop from a gentleman in his 80's who threw in the compressor because it was piped into the rest of the building. I swear I got about 2 gallons of water out of that thing and then it crapped out right when I needed it for a big job. Just ordered a new 7.5 horse 80 gallon.
Great, wish more people would warn about PVC pipe! About 35 years ago I did not think it through and installed pvc in the attic the length of my house to my garage. Hey it is cheap and it said it can handle the pressure. Shortly after that I started thinking. Not used it again. Now copper, black pipe or the special airline stuff. I got lucky nothing let go. Water does not compress so pipe failure is just a mess. Air...I don't want to be around if it lets go.
I got the 200 psi fortress and love it. Unless i was running a DA for a while or painting for a living it should do me fine..that being said i would love the eastwood rotary plus its super quiet
I like the idea of a quiet air compressor, but I wear hearing protection 100% of the time while using one. That started the time I was installing trim in a small closet and accidentally bumped the pressure relief valve on my quiet compressor. It immediately dumped all the air in the tank, and because of the enclosed space it was extremely loud. My ears were ringing for days after that. I re-created the event with a decibel meter nearby, and I think it hit 115dB.
Lowes just happened to stop carrying Kobolt compressors right when the second stimulus checks were paid. I got a 80gallon/5hp-220v/2-stage/175psi compressor for $599. It has allowed me to bring all my Dynabrade and 3m pneumatic sanders to my retirement shop. I run the air assist for my co2 laser, the ATC spindle for my cnc router and all the other other pneumatic tools off of the same shop air. The compressor itself is outside under a shed-roof which keeps the noise levels to practically nothing. A big air compressor even at 4 or 5x the cost I paid is worth every penny.
Campbell Hausfeld Pancake yellow compressor for the past 25+ years... Weekend mechanic.. Always works, never let me down, no maintenance. Packs a punch for little guy.
Thank you for explaining all this... I recently bought an air compressor jack.... wanted to know what was a good air compressor to use and also keep in my truck. I have a VEVOR Air Jack, 3 Ton/6600 lbs Triple Bag Air Jack, Air Bag Jack Lift Up to 15.75 Inch, 3-5S Fast Lifting Air Bag Jack. Please lmk your thoughts. Thank you in advance.
Some advice from an actual air compressor mechanic, the oil-free air compressors are disposable, if your not concerned about long term reliability? CFM is everything and PSI, is not? Anything over 120 PSI is a bonus, but not necessary, since all air tools are only rated at 90PSI? The receiver(tank) is the second most important factor in determining it's usefulness? If you are going to be running air nailers, a pancake portable compressor will suffice? Die grinders and air drills will use a very high CFM, like over 20 CFM while operating, so your little couple gallon tank, will not work, even with the pump constantly running? A size of 30 gallons min. and a 5+ CFM rating at 90 PSI or more would be recommended?
When budget will allow, I’d like to upgrade my 40 year old 2hp 20 gal Craftsman to an Eastwood Scroll Compressor. Scroll compressors are supposed to be super quiet and 109% duty cycle or there about with great CFM. Is like to see you do a video on them. The Eastwood one goes on sale for about $2,000 so would be in the range if your higher end.
I don't need a huge tank on my air compressor. But I do need up to 20-40 psi at 50+ cfm with 100% duty cycle for an hour or so at a time. I also need 120 psi at 10-20 CFM for short bursts like a 20 gallon tank (3/4in impact wrench). I thought about building my own with suitable head and a small tank but in the end I picked up a 60 gallon tank with a 5hp continuous duty compressor. It mostly does okay at both the above tasks but I could use higher CFM down low. And it is time to change the oil...
A buddy of mine uses a HF little pancake air compressor as a pond aerator. Burns out like once every 2 years, so he takes it in and gets it replaced under the warranty. Think hes on like his 4th compressor for this.
I have an 80 gal speedaire from the 80’s in my shop 3phase 220v, it’s a beast and it’s loud! Thinking about taking it off line and getting something much smaller. I just need air guns for the lathe, mill and maybe 1 or 2 other things. I keep it at about 140psi. and it’s regulated down to 40 on a small bead blaster. So maybe one of the small 110v models will work. That should keep osha off my back as well. They ultrasound my tank every 5 years.
Buy the biggest one you can afford and have room for. I have an 80gal IR 7.5hp in my main house garage shop. It's a beast. Runs my sandblast cabinet nicely, along with any air tool I hook up to it. In the basement shop, I have the 2gal, HF Fortress Ultra quiet compressor. Runs all my nail guns without a problem. I even had it on the second floor of the house when I installed new baseboard and shoe mouldings. At my lake house, I have a 29 gallon HF. Works great for airing up tires, tubes, water toys, etc.
Thanks for the education. My old 8 gallon finally died and I'm looking for a decent garage compressor to do the usual. I'm thinking for the money I will go to Harbor Freight. I'd like to run my air rachet, grease gun etc. I bought the old 8 gallon years before Harbor Freight and I think it was a Campbell H. It would fill tires or run a nail gun but forget anything else. I will be wiser this time , thanks to you.......
I have a large Craftsman that's 15 years old. I rarely use it. I worry because of the youtube videos of exploding tanks. I have done very little maintenance on it. And you address this as I am writing. Lol. I keep it below 80psi now. If I ever need it higher, I will set it outside.
I think air compressors are something the used market is very good for particularly if you want a bigger compressors. Buy one with the right sized tank and you can upgrade your motor and pump yourself. Obviously check the tank out on the inside, huge difference between a well maintained compressor and one that never had the water drained out of it once.
I bought a 8 gallon Campbell hausfeld and it’s not half bad 🤷🏻♂️. I can run a mini die grinder that I got for 15 bucks and it can keep up to some degree.
I'd argue most folks only need a 2 gallon ish pancake or hotdog for nailers...the rest can be battery powered. Only paint would drive me to get a large expensive compressor.
Thanks for the video I almost buy an use compressor until watch your video I did not know too much about the compressor I did learn a lot thanks I did share an subscribe to your channel Very clear with pictures easy to understand thank you thank you
Painting, sandblasting, and certain air tools will eat a lot of air. If you're a hobbyist, or weekend-warrior, my advice is to go buy two 20-30 gallon compressors and hook them up in tandem. There are a lot of reasons why this is the way to go for the DIY/hobbyist person. 1) A large pro compressor will be EXPENSIVE. 2) A large compressor will require 220v at a minimum and more likely 3-phase. Most residential garages are not wired for 3-phase. 3) A large compressor can't be handled by one person. You'll need help to install a large compressor. 4) Firing up a large compressor to fill tires or run an impact is wasteful. There are lots of advantages for the hobbyist in purchasing 2 or more 20-30 gal compressors. Smaller compressors can be run off a 110v/20amp line, standard stuff in most garages. My garage has four 20amp/110 lines, I could run a smaller compress on each line simultaneously. 2) On sale 20-30 gal compressors can be quite cheap. 3) 20-30 gal compressors can be handled easily by one person. 4) With judicious use of valves in the air lines, you can fire up only a single compressor if all you need to do is fill tires or run small air tools. If you're a hobbyist buy a couple of smaller compressor and hook them up in tandem. Leave the big boys for the pros.
@@pedrog5846 I used HF. Before you buy any compressors, check out the tutorials on TH-cam and online. Do a search for 'Tandem compressor'. Consider what it is that you want to do, and then select your compressors accordingly. You can also hook up extra air tanks in the system to extend run times.
Think he might be wrong about one thing, as long as your air compressor hasnt turned on while u are using say....an impact, the tool should still be running at full power. So for a home user cfm isnt as much of an issue for something like an impact. A grinder or something running non stop is a different animal however
Advice was don’t buy used because tank can fail. Two thoughts on that. 1) the photo was of a nice (very expensive compressor continuously run unloader unit like a Saylor Beall. The head could cost new a couple thousand dollars or more. Hell, if you can buy fo,less than $500 then just buy a new tank and problem solved with over $1000 in you pocket. 2.) if it’s a cheap lower pressure compressor does the safety of the tank matter as much, I’ve bought those for $15 or got a head unit (auto unloader, nice but old) for free
Quincy is fine when they work. when they fail you are rebuilding an engine. at work i have 3 of them and 2 work and it is 10K to rebuild the dead one. now they supply air for 10 sq blocks for my boiler plant and the university it serves. you may be better off building one from scratch to meet the needs you have. it won't be cheaper but it might fit you better.
as a biker, thanks for the informative video on products I dont plan on using. Great Vid by the way. I'm just planning on buying a battery power inflator since I plan on doing bike trails. but it's cool to know how deep the rabbit hole goes for air compression.
A suggestion is a short video about how to get rid of an old compressor (out of date tank). The compressor itself is probably still good, as is the electric motor if belt-driven.
Thank you. I found this video very insightful. I need an air compressor to run a paint gun. Nothing fancy. Something for the gravity and syphon type guns. Its for a DIY home garage work shop. I'm not going to be using it all the time so I don't mind waiting a minute for the machine to reload itself. I will most probably use it for power tools too since I will have the tank. But it's main purpose is for paint guns. I would like it to be semi portable too so that I can through it in the back of my long Hatch back or short wagon if you will, and take it to a mates place on the rear occasion. Whats the smallest, and cheapest one for this application that I can get away with that you would recommend? Something around the 20 to 30max gallon range?
Don’t cheap out on tyre inflators. It may say it’ll do 2-3 tyre on a charge. But also look at how long a unit can charge at a time, before the safety cut-off kicks in, and how long the thing needs to rest before it can safely used again. No good having a unit that can inflate numerous tyres, if it takes 12mins. of actual pumping to inflate one tyre. But the unit overheats after 8mins. and must be rested for 15-30mins. before recommencing. Instead 12mins. per one tyre, it’s now 8+15/30+4mins. And two tyres takes 8+15/30+4+4+15/30+8mins.
To be totally honest I carry the Milwaukee compressor for tires but for anything else I use an industrial compressor I bought used a couple years ago so I never have air supply issues and it’s easy to move around when I need to
I always like refering to cfm vs flow as how much you can tow at what speed. Like I can force my little truck to tow 1,000lb over rating but I can't safely/comfortably do it at 80mph I can at 65.
I inherited one.of those Campbell 20 gals and I gotta say that little thing has gotten the absolute piss beat out of it and it.just keeps running..I'm literally to the point where we are trying to get that thing to blow.up. this things has ran for 2 and a half days with the line open just continuously running. Someone left it it on Friday and nobody was back in the shop until Monday. You could cook a frozen dinner on it and the plastic casing was melting. I unplugged it and the cord burnt my hand to the touch. The next day I put new oil in it put a tiny brass filter in where the air filter should be and it's been about a year since and it's still running I can't believe it.
thanks for the content. I'm opening a one bay small shop to repair vehicles, just using impact to loosen lug nuts and stuff, and wrenches also with air hammer to tackle stubborn things not coming off. It's only me, using one tool at a time, not all day long at all. Ultimate question: is 30 gallon enough for me? or I need bigger? Thanks
Excellent information. Thanks for talking about the advances in technology, particularly the oil-free models. It's time for me to replace my Sanborn Black Max that has to be 25-30 years old (guessing).
what about a 26 gallon 155 psi main tank with the addition of a 20 gallon secondary tank... 5.2 CFM 2.5hp main unit. is this a decent supply of air for a DIY home shop running all sorts of different of air tools? (not all at once of course)
This is one of those videos that you don’t realise you need until you need it
So true with the older compressors are bombs
Very much so. I'm here because I'm about to get a compressor for my brad nailer
Yep
Z 😮💨😹🤡
Absolutely.
"25% quieter than something, I'm not sure what" lmao excellent
I like this guy lol
~80d+/- is the staple of a typical normal compressor...
I have the HF 27-gallon Fortress High-Performance air compressor. I love it. It allows me to use small pneumatic tools, such as a 3" random orbital sander or a 1/4" die grinder. It also has sufficient air in its tank that I can use compressed air to blow sanding dust off of my work between grits without the compressor coming on every time. It's a good size for my small shop.
I worked at one of the biggest air compressor manufacturers in the world, you where spot on with the CFM and quality of the smaller units, get a bigger unit or go cordless, the law of physics says you can get 4 CFM per HP. Or less depending on design, always look at CFM, and HP, anything approaching 2 HP or above will be 240V.
Please help.
4 CFM at 1 hp at what psi
How big of a compressor will depend on what you're going to be doing. For spray painting either a 120 gallon single stage or 80 gallon 2 stage will work. There are so many different variables into which one you need
I have the McGaw 21gal that I bought 3yrs ago. I use it for nail guns and spraying finish on woodworking projects. Its been a great compressor.
Excellent vid, Bear. I agree with everything you mentioned.
I actually inherited one of those 20 gallon Craftsman compressors years ago, and ended up selling it. It did nothing my 6-gallon wouldn't do. (1 more CFM on the 20 gallon).
And you are SO right about cordless/corded tech making these middle-grade compressors obsolete.
Shine on, Big Bear!!!!
God bless
I feel like I need three or four different compressors. Yes, I need on for nailing and filling the tires on the cars and a compressor for such jobs is pretty easy to find. However, I also want to get into spray painting but a lot of folks on TH-cam push for the very large and very expensive, such as compressors of 60+ in gallons and 230 V in power. I fret too much as it is, but compressors are about the most difficult of tools that I have ever had to choose from.
I have a 20 gallon McGraw. You are absolutely right! I turn it on maybe 4 times a year. It looks pretty though
LMAO, " IT LOOKS PRETTY THOUGH " NICE.
I have the dewalt 30 gallon 175 psi oiled motor with the belt drive. It’s kicked ass so far. Runs my impact and my air tools no problem. For a diy guy like me. It’s great. And pretty quiet but I normally have music blasting or the tv on lol.
Late reply but you know what. Direct drive is great, oil free is great no maintenance feels great. Give me an oiled, belt driven compressor all day long. It is a hell of a lot easier to spend a couple hundred a year on maintenance than a brand new compressor in ten.
Yes I do work in mechanical maintenance why do you ask
I totally agree. I have a 20 gallon craftsman that I am getting rid of. It is crazy loud. I'm switching to electric tools and one of the little 3 gallon harbor freight ones for filling tires and blowing dust off.
Thank you for telling me what I need and what I don’t coming for a person who just wants to inflate stuff. Thank you
Even though I am looking at this 2023 video in 2024, it was extremely helpful, put things in great perspective, and you are a wonderfully personable and believable presenter. I am now much more confident what I need to look at for my uses.
Cordless or even corded tools have come so far. If all you just need to fill your tires or blow off something with air, you don’t need anything big. Good vid. Thanks.
I have a 8 gal Emglo from the late 90s and it still runs flawless for me 25+ years later.
I have a Craftsman 25 gallon 5.5 hp
that I have been using for 25 years also.
I have an RV with 110 PSI cold rated tires and have been looking for an air compressor that will air them up without struggling. Recommendations?
some instances, you need volume for air, but for most people nope.. if you need added volume you can always add in a extra storage tank. and once you go really big your into rotary screw compressors. As for shop air lines, PEX seems like the a good solution for running shop air lines If you staying under 150psi. It doesn't shatter, cheap and somewhat flexible.
Great video, I was going to get the fortress 27 gallon and now I definitely am. At 12 years old my first compressor was a pvc vessel with a ball valve for a trigger and a shrader tire stem. Using a bike pump I would charge that baby up and shoot weighted darts across the house and dent the drywall. It's a good thing that never blew up in my hands... good times
I actually have 3 compressors and just gave a 4th one to a friend. The one I gave away is the old Central Pneumatic pancake unit that I did a "plumbing project" on in order to run my air brushes while still being able to inflate tires if needed. A friend borrowed that one because he was having an estate auction and needed to inflate a bunch of tires on his dads old vehicles. I replaced it with the Fortress super quiet unit and transfered my project to it. For inflating tires and other lower CFM work, I've had a CP 10 gallon oil compressor for years. The 3rd compressor, which I bought about a month ago, is a Quincy 80 gallon, 2 stage vertical unit. Once I get the shop plumbed, it'll be my pride and joy. It replaced a CP 29 gallon oil compressor that would do most of what I asked but, struggled to keep up with a few air tools that I use often.
Iam a middle mechanic I do air gun , grinders,but paint and sanding iam not sure which one if the 27 fortress
DeWalt/Stanley & Decker absorbed a small but mighty air compressor manufacturer named Emglo. Shortly thereafter, the manufacturing was moved to Mexico. DeWalt compressors for a time after that had DeWalt made by Emglo on the tank. More recently, the by Emglo was removed. The original Emglo compressors were well made in the USA, lasted a long time, and made a lot of air with very little horsepower. I'm sure some of the Emglo technology is used today.
This is one of the most useful videos I've seen in the past several years.
Thanks man. I watch a lot of reviews and most of them are half nonsense. This is a good one! Good info
Dang, I learned so much from this video. It really was a "I don't know what I don't know" situation about air compressors for me. Thank you so much
Hey Jeff, Thanks for a compressor update! I've been looking at the new McGraw 29 gallon oil lubed unit and the 30 gallon oil lubed Husky, DeWalt, Craftsman compressors. Those 3 are the same. Made in USA from global components, 6.3 scfm. at 90, 175 psi max all which beat the McGraw (5.3@90) The McGraw is currently $549 (down from $599) but with the usual HF 90 day warranty. Figure $150 more for the 2 year replacement plan. As Jeff mentioned, the Craftsman is currently on sale for $599 from Lowes. The Dewalt can be had from Tractor supply for $599. Both of those will cost at least $79 for delivery and carry a 2 year warranty but only a year on the pump and motor(read the fine print). The Husky from Home Depot carries a full 2 year warranty on everything and can be delivered free. Also, the Husky can be returned to any HD store for warranty. DeWalt and Craftsman have to go back to an Authorized repair center. The Husky is currently $699 but with free delivery and a better warranty its a no brainer for me. I'll wait for a sale and use the $50 new credit card deal HD offers.
You'd take that Husky over the DeWalt ultra quiet 26 gal (2.0 HP, 4.0 CFM & 90 PSI) ?
The Makita MAC5200 is a 5.2 gallon compressor rated at 6.5 CFM. It will keep up with the 25-30 gallon compressors you showed, while being cheaper and more portable.
Thanks!
Agree 100% on the desirability of the 5 CFM @ 90 PSI 27 gallon unit (although that is still not quite enough for my paint sprayer) except... ...I can't afford one. So I bought a 3 CFM @ 90 PSI 20 gallon, plus a 10 gallon auxiliary tank, and still came in under under the cost of the better compressor. While I would never recommend this rig for commercial work, for my home shop it is adequate; I only have to resign myself to a less than 50% duty cycle. Work the tool for three minutes, inspect the work for a bit while the pressure comes up, repeat. The key is that the auxiliary tank comes after the pressure control valve.
Welder here! Looking to branch off and start my own business along with getting better home tools. This video is so useful! Glad I found this channel! Thank you!
If I might add, make sure you drain the air every time you're done with the air compressor for the day.
I was gonna ask this. It seems like it would reduce the stress of the inside of the tank. Makes sense.
@@FatNebraskaMom its for moisture build up
Exactly... be surprised how many bad reviews there are saying "my compressor only fills to 60psi and cuts off" or "it won't turn on any more" or "it starts and stops immediately "... yeah because it's full of water genius lol...
I largely went without air compressors until I started sand blasting. Then, I got a big boy compressor… Harbor Freight’s Central Pneumatic 5hp 17cfm. I slapped it on an old air tank with a Merlin air filter and for $300 I have a highly competitive air compressor.
I bought one of those $50 Harbor Freight hot dog air compressors and it is one of my biggest regrets, not because it doesn't work, it does but it is so DAMN loud.
I had one of those. No more. I got a bigger compressor but missed the easy portability of the small one. Now my little compressor is a 1 gallon "quiet series" from metabo HPT (from lowes). No problem with a normal voice conversation standing beside that thing while it is running. It sounds like a refrigerator. It's my basement air compressor. I use it to blow dust and etc down there, and it is small enough to carry upstairs if needed. Quiet is definitely worth paying for IMO.
I bought a Craftsman 25 gal. oil free compressor over 20 yrs ago. I rebuilt it twice since I purchased it used from Sears. It has only one problem. The noise. IT’S LOUD! Without ear plugs or noise reducing ear gear, a person will develop go deaf or develop tinnitus in no time. I have to say it’s a fairly good compressor. I believe Devilbiss made it. It was made in the USA.
I got the dewalt 200psi 20gallon 5cfm from Lowe’s yesterday 12-9-24 it’s basically the 27 gallon harbor freight you recommended
I bought a Husky 8gal oil lube compressor about 8 years ago, I drain the tank after each use, the last time I used it & drained the tank their was oil & water coming out. I decided not to use it didn’t want to ruin my nail gun. I bought the Ridgid 6 gallon pancake compressor for $99.00 on last years BlackFriday, gonna put it to use soon. I’m with you on the cordless air compressors, I have two of the small Ryobi 18v compressors smallest for my mower tires the other one stays in my pickup truck tool box. Keep’m coming
For a professional shop, a rotary screw compressor is the only way to go? They put out twice the CFM, and at half the decibels? As far as regular reciprocating air compressors go, IR (Ingersoll Rand), Quincy, and Rol-Air are excellent? Keaser is the company I serviced for when I was a shop mechanic? They are the highest quality rotary compressors on the market?
My Campbell Hausfield 26gal has been very good. I've used it almost daily for 25years and even neglected draining and emptying at times. Ive only recently decieded it's time to recycle it due to age even though it still works fine.
Think im gonna replace it with HF Fortress for $399.
Thanks for the video. very helpfull
5:39 I’m a big fan of the Kobalt Quiet Tech stuff. I have the 26 gallon at work but need to replace my porter cable 6 gallon compressor.
Thanks for the video. Helped me out a lot
I just got the fortress 26 gallon i upgraded from a husky 8 gallon definitely needed this vid for the push
I have that Quincy and it is awesome. If you have an auto shop this is what you need. the others will not last.
Good show with lots of useful information. He's right about the 20 gal. I got a Craftsman years ago and still have it but for what I do it was way over kill. I'm looking to get a small one because this one is so old and tank concerns me. I like my limbs, they come in handy
Thank you.I thought about a 20 gal compressor.but I only need the 3 gal. for what I need.Mainly to blow out dust or run an air nailer.This will be my first compressor and you saved me some money.Thanks for your videos
I got a makita mac700 and its been great for me as a casual homeowner. 2.6 gallon, 3.3 cfm @ 90psi, 130 max psi.
Quiet enough you can easily talk over with normal conversation volume.
Great power, great durability. Dont mind the oil at all, its an easy set up and easy maintenance. It will probably last me forever.
I grabbed it on sale for $225.
Just wanted to say this was a hell of a breakdown. Thanks man.
First time I touched the topic. You made it easy. Thank you.
Too true about the used compressors. I bought a shop from a gentleman in his 80's who threw in the compressor because it was piped into the rest of the building. I swear I got about 2 gallons of water out of that thing and then it crapped out right when I needed it for a big job. Just ordered a new 7.5 horse 80 gallon.
I picked up a Husky 33 gal for about $300, six or seven years ago. It's been a good compressor and runs all my air tools.
For those in UK/Europe check out Einhell's compressors
36v portable 6Litre
And their oil-free silent 24Litre looks amazing
The worst thing I ever did was spaying popcorn ceiling. They don’t require much psi but the cfm is off the charts
Great, wish more people would warn about PVC pipe! About 35 years ago I did not think it through and installed pvc in the attic the length of my house to my garage. Hey it is cheap and it said it can handle the pressure. Shortly after that I started thinking. Not used it again. Now copper, black pipe or the special airline stuff. I got lucky nothing let go. Water does not compress so pipe failure is just a mess. Air...I don't want to be around if it lets go.
I got the 200 psi fortress and love it. Unless i was running a DA for a while or painting for a living it should do me fine..that being said i would love the eastwood rotary plus its super quiet
I like the idea of a quiet air compressor, but I wear hearing protection 100% of the time while using one. That started the time I was installing trim in a small closet and accidentally bumped the pressure relief valve on my quiet compressor. It immediately dumped all the air in the tank, and because of the enclosed space it was extremely loud. My ears were ringing for days after that. I re-created the event with a decibel meter nearby, and I think it hit 115dB.
Lowes just happened to stop carrying Kobolt compressors right when the second stimulus checks were paid. I got a 80gallon/5hp-220v/2-stage/175psi compressor for $599. It has allowed me to bring all my Dynabrade and 3m pneumatic sanders to my retirement shop. I run the air assist for my co2 laser, the ATC spindle for my cnc router and all the other other pneumatic tools off of the same shop air. The compressor itself is outside under a shed-roof which keeps the noise levels to practically nothing. A big air compressor even at 4 or 5x the cost I paid is worth every penny.
Jeff, this got my attention! When you said there is an expiration date, I realized I'd never heard of one. I'll be checking mine tomorrow.
That was really interesting about the 10-20 gallon compressors. I ended up with cordless because like you said they evolved. I like this video.
Campbell Hausfeld Pancake yellow compressor for the past 25+ years... Weekend mechanic.. Always works, never let me down, no maintenance. Packs a punch for little guy.
Will it run a 1/2 inch impact wrench?
@@850CANE i have an IR 231c and it will run it at near full strength per its CFM rating . Ideally need something bigger but packs a punch for the size
I bought a QRS10 with dryer for under 3000$. It’s my dream compressor. I can even sandblast.
Grateful these tool-video resources exist.
I enjoy this channel. I always learn something new and the presentation is wonderful.
Thanks! 👍
Thank you for explaining all this... I recently bought an air compressor jack.... wanted to know what was a good air compressor to use and also keep in my truck. I have a VEVOR Air Jack, 3 Ton/6600 lbs Triple Bag Air Jack, Air Bag Jack Lift Up to 15.75 Inch, 3-5S Fast Lifting Air Bag Jack. Please lmk your thoughts. Thank you in advance.
Some advice from an actual air compressor mechanic, the oil-free air compressors are disposable, if your not concerned about long term reliability? CFM is everything and PSI, is not? Anything over 120 PSI is a bonus, but not necessary, since all air tools are only rated at 90PSI? The receiver(tank) is the second most important factor in determining it's usefulness? If you are going to be running air nailers, a pancake portable compressor will suffice? Die grinders and air drills will use a very high CFM, like over 20 CFM while operating, so your little couple gallon tank, will not work, even with the pump constantly running? A size of 30 gallons min. and a 5+ CFM rating at 90 PSI or more would be recommended?
Concise and informative. Thank you.
Thanks for the comprehensive list. This was very helpful
Love my 7 gallon California Air.
When budget will allow, I’d like to upgrade my 40 year old 2hp 20 gal Craftsman to an Eastwood Scroll Compressor. Scroll compressors are supposed to be super quiet and 109% duty cycle or there about with great CFM. Is like to see you do a video on them. The Eastwood one goes on sale for about $2,000 so would be in the range if your higher end.
I don't need a huge tank on my air compressor. But I do need up to 20-40 psi at 50+ cfm with 100% duty cycle for an hour or so at a time. I also need 120 psi at 10-20 CFM for short bursts like a 20 gallon tank (3/4in impact wrench). I thought about building my own with suitable head and a small tank but in the end I picked up a 60 gallon tank with a 5hp continuous duty compressor. It mostly does okay at both the above tasks but I could use higher CFM down low. And it is time to change the oil...
A buddy of mine uses a HF little pancake air compressor as a pond aerator. Burns out like once every 2 years, so he takes it in and gets it replaced under the warranty. Think hes on like his 4th compressor for this.
hey, thats the american way.
I bought the 60 gallon dewalt from tractor supply a few years ago on a great sale. I think it was 600 bucks. Been great.
youll find magic in 1/2 fittings an hoses... friconal losses are no joke!
I have an 80 gal speedaire from the 80’s in my shop 3phase 220v, it’s a beast and it’s loud! Thinking about taking it off line and getting something much smaller. I just need air guns for the lathe, mill and maybe 1 or 2 other things. I keep it at about 140psi. and it’s regulated down to 40 on a small bead blaster. So maybe one of the small 110v models will work. That should keep osha off my back as well. They ultrasound my tank every 5 years.
Great presentation, this helped me so much to make the correct choice regarding compressors and tools
Hell yeah man I appreciate you taking the time to inform people I know I needed this info thanks buddy
Buy the biggest one you can afford and have room for. I have an 80gal IR 7.5hp in my main house garage shop. It's a beast. Runs my sandblast cabinet nicely, along with any air tool I hook up to it. In the basement shop, I have the 2gal, HF Fortress Ultra quiet compressor. Runs all my nail guns without a problem. I even had it on the second floor of the house when I installed new baseboard and shoe mouldings. At my lake house, I have a 29 gallon HF. Works great for airing up tires, tubes, water toys, etc.
This was the exact video I needed.
Thanks for the education. My old 8 gallon finally died and I'm looking for a decent garage compressor to do the usual. I'm thinking for the money I will go to Harbor Freight. I'd like to run my air rachet, grease gun etc. I bought the old 8 gallon years before Harbor Freight and I think it was a Campbell H. It would fill tires or run a nail gun but forget anything else. I will be wiser this time , thanks to you.......
I have a large Craftsman that's 15 years old. I rarely use it. I worry because of the youtube videos of exploding tanks. I have done very little maintenance on it. And you address this as I am writing. Lol. I keep it below 80psi now. If I ever need it higher, I will set it outside.
I think air compressors are something the used market is very good for particularly if you want a bigger compressors. Buy one with the right sized tank and you can upgrade your motor and pump yourself. Obviously check the tank out on the inside, huge difference between a well maintained compressor and one that never had the water drained out of it once.
What would be a good size for blowing out pool lines and a sprinkler system?
I bought a 8 gallon Campbell hausfeld and it’s not half bad 🤷🏻♂️. I can run a mini die grinder that I got for 15 bucks and it can keep up to some degree.
I'd argue most folks only need a 2 gallon ish pancake or hotdog for nailers...the rest can be battery powered. Only paint would drive me to get a large expensive compressor.
Thanks for the video I almost buy an use compressor until watch your video I did not know too much about the compressor I did learn a lot thanks I did share an subscribe to your channel
Very clear with pictures easy to understand thank you thank you
Painting, sandblasting, and certain air tools will eat a lot of air. If you're a hobbyist, or weekend-warrior, my advice is to go buy two 20-30 gallon compressors and hook them up in tandem. There are a lot of reasons why this is the way to go for the DIY/hobbyist person. 1) A large pro compressor will be EXPENSIVE. 2) A large compressor will require 220v at a minimum and more likely 3-phase. Most residential garages are not wired for 3-phase. 3) A large compressor can't be handled by one person. You'll need help to install a large compressor. 4) Firing up a large compressor to fill tires or run an impact is wasteful. There are lots of advantages for the hobbyist in purchasing 2 or more 20-30 gal compressors. Smaller compressors can be run off a 110v/20amp line, standard stuff in most garages. My garage has four 20amp/110 lines, I could run a smaller compress on each line simultaneously. 2) On sale 20-30 gal compressors can be quite cheap. 3) 20-30 gal compressors can be handled easily by one person. 4) With judicious use of valves in the air lines, you can fire up only a single compressor if all you need to do is fill tires or run small air tools. If you're a hobbyist buy a couple of smaller compressor and hook them up in tandem. Leave the big boys for the pros.
What brand did you use for each compressor?
@@pedrog5846 I used HF. Before you buy any compressors, check out the tutorials on TH-cam and online. Do a search for 'Tandem compressor'. Consider what it is that you want to do, and then select your compressors accordingly. You can also hook up extra air tanks in the system to extend run times.
Think he might be wrong about one thing, as long as your air compressor hasnt turned on while u are using say....an impact, the tool should still be running at full power. So for a home user cfm isnt as much of an issue for something like an impact. A grinder or something running non stop is a different animal however
Advice was don’t buy used because tank can fail. Two thoughts on that. 1) the photo was of a nice (very expensive compressor continuously run unloader unit like a Saylor Beall. The head could cost new a couple thousand dollars or more. Hell, if you can buy fo,less than $500 then just buy a new tank and problem solved with over $1000 in you pocket. 2.) if it’s a cheap lower pressure compressor does the safety of the tank matter as much, I’ve bought those for $15 or got a head unit (auto unloader, nice but old) for free
Thank You for informative video What size do you reccomend for thses Chinese tire changers??.
Quincy is fine when they work. when they fail you are rebuilding an engine. at work i have 3 of them and 2 work and it is 10K to rebuild the dead one. now they supply air for 10 sq blocks for my boiler plant and the university it serves.
you may be better off building one from scratch to meet the needs you have. it won't be cheaper but it might fit you better.
as a biker, thanks for the informative video on products I dont plan on using.
Great Vid by the way.
I'm just planning on buying a battery power inflator since I plan on doing bike trails. but it's cool to know how deep the rabbit hole goes for air compression.
Brother love your video thanks for explaining keep up the good work............God Bless
Thank you sir, you helped shave a week off my decision making.
I just looked at my air compressor small tag and your right 20gal. Cfm 5.1 at 90psi. Holy cow.
A suggestion is a short video about how to get rid of an old compressor (out of date tank). The compressor itself is probably still good, as is the electric motor if belt-driven.
Thank you. I found this video very insightful.
I need an air compressor to run a paint gun. Nothing fancy. Something for the gravity and syphon type guns.
Its for a DIY home garage work shop. I'm not going to be using it all the time so I don't mind waiting a minute for the machine to reload itself. I will most probably use it for power tools too since I will have the tank. But it's main purpose is for paint guns. I would like it to be semi portable too so that I can through it in the back of my long Hatch back or short wagon if you will, and take it to a mates place on the rear occasion.
Whats the smallest, and cheapest one for this application that I can get away with that you would recommend?
Something around the 20 to 30max gallon range?
Don’t cheap out on tyre inflators. It may say it’ll do 2-3 tyre on a charge. But also look at how long a unit can charge at a time, before the safety cut-off kicks in, and how long the thing needs to rest before it can safely used again.
No good having a unit that can inflate numerous tyres, if it takes 12mins. of actual pumping to inflate one tyre. But the unit overheats after 8mins. and must be rested for 15-30mins. before recommencing. Instead 12mins. per one tyre, it’s now 8+15/30+4mins. And two tyres takes 8+15/30+4+4+15/30+8mins.
To be totally honest I carry the Milwaukee compressor for tires but for anything else I use an industrial compressor I bought used a couple years ago so I never have air supply issues and it’s easy to move around when I need to
Thank you for valuing our time (speaking quickly, not wasting time). I appreciate it.
I just need something for basic cleaning and winterizing my RV and water pipes outside for winter months. What would be best now? Two years later.
I always like refering to cfm vs flow as how much you can tow at what speed. Like I can force my little truck to tow 1,000lb over rating but I can't safely/comfortably do it at 80mph I can at 65.
I inherited one.of those Campbell 20 gals and I gotta say that little thing has gotten the absolute piss beat out of it and it.just keeps running..I'm literally to the point where we are trying to get that thing to blow.up. this things has ran for 2 and a half days with the line open just continuously running. Someone left it it on Friday and nobody was back in the shop until Monday. You could cook a frozen dinner on it and the plastic casing was melting. I unplugged it and the cord burnt my hand to the touch. The next day I put new oil in it put a tiny brass filter in where the air filter should be and it's been about a year since and it's still running I can't believe it.
thanks for the content. I'm opening a one bay small shop to repair vehicles, just using impact to loosen lug nuts and stuff, and wrenches also with air hammer to tackle stubborn things not coming off. It's only me, using one tool at a time, not all day long at all. Ultimate question: is 30 gallon enough for me? or I need bigger? Thanks
Excellent information. Thanks for talking about the advances in technology, particularly the oil-free models. It's time for me to replace my Sanborn Black Max that has to be 25-30 years old (guessing).
what about a 26 gallon 155 psi main tank with the addition of a 20 gallon secondary tank... 5.2 CFM 2.5hp main unit. is this a decent supply of air for a DIY home shop running all sorts of different of air tools? (not all at once of course)