Compressors - 2 good deals - Input anyone?

[Mr4]

Samsclub has a Coleman Powermate Black Max 6HP 21Gal compressor for $244
http://search.samsclub.com/eclub/search/search.do?simpleitemtype=0&action=search&searchtype=simple&simplesearchfor=coleman+black+max
I can't find specs at mfg website, but this one MIGHT be similar:
http://www.colemanpowermate.com/compressors/cl0552109.shtml

Checker (Partsamerica) has a 5HP 25Gal compressor for $180 (I think this is a promotion this month)
http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?categorycode=3483A&mfrcode=ALT&mfrpartnumber=835279
Alltrade Tools Trades Pro Compressor
Max pressure 125psi
5 SCFM output at 40PSI
3.2 SCFM output at 90PSI
50% duty cycle
Cast iron cylinder, Oil lubricated

Thoughts?

[Eagle]

Get the one from PartsAmerica. It has a crankcase. You have to maintain the oil level, but you get to maintain the oil level. The other one appears to be the permanent lube type ("oilless" is what they call them, which is a euphemism for "already wearing out"), and I don't trust those.

Also, be advised that neither one is what it claims to be. The PartsAmerica one says it's 5 HP "Peak". That's like radio speakers that advertise a capacity of 600 watts "Peak Music Power" and then in the fine print tell you they'll only handle 12 watts RMS. Years ago when I bought my compressor and the manufacturers were still moderately honest, I found that the largest compressor you can run on 115 volts is 3 HP. That's probably what both of these things are, for sustained HP. Forget the "peak" HP, it doesn't count.

Personally, if I were buying another compressor today (which I need to do), I would hold out for at least a 40 gallon tank (preferably 60) and 135 or 150 psi capacity, and as much CFM at 90 psi as possible. Mine is 3 HP and dims the lights all through the house when it kicks in, but it doesn't have enough output to keep up with a die grinder. Using a die grinder the duty cycle is about 20% -- because the air runs down, the grinder stalls, and I have to wait for the pressure to build up again before I can do any grinding.

You cannot have too much air or too much horsepower when buying a compressor.

[Mr4]

I was leaning toward the one at parts america.

Since all models I've seen that have a larger motor or tank are basically double the price, I think I'll stay with this one and deal with the low duty cycle when I use a die grinder.

If I decide to get another one later, I'm sure I can get most of my money back by selling this one if I take good care of it.

Thanks for the great info!

[Eagle]

Be sure to confirm that it has oil before firing it up. Dunno about these days, but my old Craftsman was shipped without oil in the crankcase. (Intentionally ... the instructions said to fill it, but who reads instructions?)

[Storydude]

Wow..this one
http://www.partsamerica.com/product_images/img/ALT/830238.jpg
Looks just like this one from HF
http://www.harborfreight.c.l/cpi/photos/47000-47099/47065.gif

My advice is to stay away from Direct Drive. Find a nice used belt drive compressor, in 2 stage flavor. You'll pax#about 100 bucks more than those, but you'll pass it to your kids.

[Citat3962]

You cannot have too much air or too much horsepower when buying a compressor.

Aint that the truth..

I've been using a little pancake carpenters compressor for my Air powered needs... I bought tools and the compressor.. only to get them home and find the tools barely run with the current compressor..

I'm finding......Much like buying a welder.. overbuilt is always better than just enough..

[RichP]

Aint that the truth..

I've been using a little pancake carpenters compressor for my Air powered needs... I bought tools and the compressor.. only to get them home and find the tools barely run with the current compressor..

I'm finding......Much like buying a welder.. overbuilt is always better than just enough..

Yup, over built allways applies from our XJ's to women :laugh3:

[ErikL]

go craftsman..... i got mine proffesional series for around $225 same size as what youre looking for

[casm]

Get the one from PartsAmerica. It has a crankcase. You have to maintain the oil level, but you get to maintain the oil level.

Question: I recently bought one of the small oilless types (http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?categorycode=3185&mfrcode=QIN&mfrpartnumber=MV50) for use as an OBA compressor, and wondered about this myself. Basically, I figured that I would end up having to oil it at some point and was wondering how to best go about it (if it's possible). Any recommendations?

FWIW, that particular unit isn't too bad for what it's capable of - airflow is 72l/minute, which worked out at around 2.5cfm IIRC - comparable to Viair's 400C (http://www.viaircorp.com/product.html) model (and judging from the similarity in looks and specs, they probably both come from the same factory). The Kragen unit was $160 less, though.

[Citat3962]

Yup, over built allways applies from our XJ's to women :laugh3:

:laugh2:
yeah my lady is overbuilt in certain ways... though I'd catch a whippin if I told her that!
:laugh2: