recommendations on new air compressor, pancake Y or N ?

[nova3930]

Don't know that I've seen the question asked but any particular reason you want one you carry instead of one that rolls? Older I get the less I like to tote stuff.....

That said I've got one of these that's giving good service. I personally like mechanical things to be lubricated....

20 gallon 1.6 HP 135 PSI Oil-lube Vertical Air Compressor

Amazing deals on this 20Gal 135Psi Vertical Air Compressor at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[Cycledude]

I suspect the newer oil free compressors have greatly improved over what they were years ago.

 

[Bob in RVA]

I bought a California Air compressor from Amazon. It is powerful and very quiet. Also have a very quiet compressor from Harbor Freight which is very good.

 

[mikester]

I bought one of these ultra-quiet portable compressors a couple of years ago and am pleased with my purchase

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/husky-2-gallon-125-psi-1-hp-ultra-quiet-oil-free-electric-air-compressor/1001542914

It is very quiet, very fast recharge times, good CFM - can fill tires, run air tools no problem. On the negative side it's heavy to lug around but it won't fall over if you reach the end of your hose.

Replaced an older Campbell-Hausfield POS noisy pump unit that screamed 110db during operation every 10 seconds for 5 minutes at a time and struggled to keep up with a finishing air nailer. Deafening when used in a house.

 

[WilliamTO-35]

My big ( and very old) air compressor spits out a small amount of crankcase oil, which ruined a couple of paint jobs. I had to restrict it to nail guns and other uses. I wound up buying two 6 gal. Harbor Freight oilless diaphram compressors, and hooking them up in parallel . Together, they can run a spray gun , or by disconnecting one I can use it as a portable compressor. Having bought them on sale, my investment was low. I'm also careful not to use old air hoses for painting use, as they can contain some oil from the old compressor. I do recommend that the HF compressors be used with an inline air filter , as the 6 gal. tanks have a lot of welding crud inside of them.

 

[ROUSTABOUT]

I had a Chinese compressor that I had to park when the planes hit the towers. That very day. Had it in an aisle between shelves in my shop. My Porter Cable recently went out. Cylinder was bad. Got the Chinese one out, maybe I could use it. Amazingly it did work, but, I noticed it was just like PC beside it. Took piston and cylinder head off Chinese and bolted right on PC. Bought all my compressors at harbor freight since that very moment.

 

[tstex]

Thank you guys...I will probably be picking out one very soon....really appreciate the feedback !!

 

[jonathansfather]

If you're dead set on a pancake comp, and you are OK with its limitations and happy with it's portability, a Craftsman is a safe choice. I bought one back in the early 1990s and it's still working-- at a relatives house!

 

[tstex]

If you're dead set on a pancake comp, and you are OK with its limitations and happy with it's portability, a Craftsman is a safe choice. I bought one back in the early 1990s and it's still working-- at a relatives house!

A pancake was my initial thought. However, I am still open to the best solution. Also, what was made in the 90's is a far cry from what is being made today. Technology has indeed increased, but quality plummeted and planned obsolescence increased. Therefore, looking for anything that will last we proper care....thanks

 

[two_bit_score]

A pancake was my initial thought. However, I am still open to the best solution. Also, what was made in the 90's is a far cry from what is being made today. Technology has indeed increased, but quality plummeted and planned obsolescence increased. Therefore, looking for anything that will last we proper care....thanks

Then RolAir or Jenny are your best options.

 

[MESSMAKER]

I would not worry about oil less. I have 3 and they all work great. You get a little better performance and a bit less maintenance.

 

[tstex]

Just as an update. I bought a Pancake compressor from HD on a really great special. In the meantime, I ordered a regulator for the 15gal PC that was broken/leaking. The replacement regulator worked perfect, so I returned the new one which I never used....

As an FYI, I bought the pancake w a $500 HD gift certificate my wife gave me for Christmas. in early January, I was informed by my Power COOP that I will need to upgrade me Meter Loop pole/Service panel to the tune of about $2000 out of pocket costs....W the gift card, I bought 90 ft of 2" sch 40 gray conduit and still have more to go...hope everyone is having a great week - tstex