craftsman air compressors - compare and contras

[Maximus96]

these here
is the only difference between the two the orientation of the tank? i've been wanting to get an air compressor and will probably get one of the two. any comments?

 

[redly]

join the craftsman tool club before you buy (if you aren't already a member)
you'll get a discount

 

[Maximus96]

where do i join?

 

[SkyBum]

I have the vertical. They are identical except for orientation. My god those oil-less compressors are so much LOUDER than oil-lubricated ones. Also for what its worth, my Craftsman has been in the repair shop twice totaling almost 200 bucks. Might wanna re-think your purchase if noise is of any concern. You should really try to hear one of those before you pull the trigger.

EDIT: the more I think about it, repairs were only about $70 each time (same problem)

 

[redly]

I think you may be able to join online (do a search)
otherwise, in store

 

[Maximus96]

what other compressors in the same price range do you guys recommend?

 

[SkyBum]

I'm trying to remember what my buddies was that was so quiet (oil-lubed). i'm so damn tired right now I cant think of the name but I'll try and post it here tomorrow.

 

[thedarkwolf]

Yeah I have the verticle one too and HATE IT!!!!! It works fine and I haven't had any problems with it but I would gladly go back and buy a more expensive oil-lubed one just to avoid the NOISE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Homedepot has a 26 gallon Husky that I am pretty sure is oiled for $377, just doesn't say one way or the other, or a 60 gallon for $429 that is oiled. Doesn't say what voltage they are though. Just go to http://www.homedepot.com/ and search for compressor.

 

[Maximus96]

bump, any other recommendations?

 

[TitanDiddly]

What are you using it for?

 

[Maximus96]

mostly in the garage, doing suspension, and other self-repairs on cars really.

 

[BadNewsBears]

Get a compressor with a better duty cycle. Im a die hard craftsman guy. But craftsmans power tools blow along with their compressors. SOOOOOOO loud. The best one I have found is a 95% duty cycle dual cyl cast iron pump unit by campbell housefield. REAL NICE!!!!!!

 

[Maximus96]

any links? i'm a noob to compressors

 

[KK]

I got the horizontal model, although I don't think the max PSI is 150. Anyways, I haven't had any trouble with it, although I don't use it awhole lot. It is kinda loud but not too bad.

 

[sharkeeper]

Quincy QR-25. Thing NEVER gets a break and has real pressure fed oil system like a car engine. Find one used - they run forever. You may need a phase converter as many have three phase motors.

 

[Maximus96]

Originally posted by: sharkeeper
Quincy QR-25. Thing NEVER gets a break and has real pressure fed oil system like a car engine. Find one used - they run forever. You may need a phase converter as many have three phase motors.

that sounds like a professional machinery and probably over my budget and needs.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: zaku
mostly in the garage, doing suspension, and other self-repairs on cars really.

I bought one about 6 years ago for exactly that reason. I actually rarely used it for more than filling tires with air until I bought a nailer to help me replace the base molding in my kitchen after a tiling job. Since then I've used it to do more molding (very handy, I highly recommend a good nailgun if you are doing any home improvement that requires nailing) and a few more auto repairs/upgrades.

I bought mine at Home Depot. It's a ProAir 5hp 20 gallon model and it works fine every time. Make sure you have a circuit breaker that can handle the power it draws though. Mine trips the 15 amp breakers in the garage. I need to plug it in where the washer and dryer plug in.

 

[Armitage]

I have the vertical. I never buy craftsman power tools (this was a gift), but this one has held up well for me so far. I've had it about 3 years now, used it hard one summer, off and on since with no trouble. As others have said though, it's damn loud.

 

[thedarkwolf]

I have a 20amp breaker to the garage and the crafsman one still trips it the first time it fires up about half the time. After that its good though.

 

[Vette73]

The oil-less ones are going to be louder, but they are also goign to be cheaper and weigh less.

Also look at Lowes and Home Depot sales flyers as they have some onsale from time to time as well. But look to spend upper $200 to low $300 range for soemthing decent. At least 30gallon and the highest SCFM Delivery At 40psi and 90psi.

 

[Maximus96]

are the sockets for impact wrenches different from regular sockets? they're both 1/2" drive

 

[Squisher]

Originally posted by: zaku
are the sockets for impact wrenches different from regular sockets? they're both 1/2" drive

Impact sockets are stronger.

 

[Maximus96]

Originally posted by: Squisher

Originally posted by: zaku
are the sockets for impact wrenches different from regular sockets? they're both 1/2" drive

Impact sockets are stronger.

that is the only difference? since i got craftsman sockets i really don't care about breaking them.

 

[sharkeeper]

that is the only difference? since i got craftsman sockets i really don't care about breaking them.

Yes but if a socket shatters explosively, you will change your mind quickly!

 

[Maximus96]

Originally posted by: sharkeeper

that is the only difference? since i got craftsman sockets i really don't care about breaking them.

Yes but if a socket shatters explosively, you will change your mind quickly!

oh, yea, you're right.