• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

thoughts on oil-free air compressor pumps

zixxer

Diamond Member
I bought a 15 gallon 3hp air compressor from sears... it was $169.99.. the next model up is a vertical standing compressor... and is NOT oil free.... mine IS oil-free (I never have to change the oil..)


Is the type of compressor where you NEVER change the oil okay?? It seems like a bad idea to me... reliablity? I'm okay with changing the oil every 20-30 hours of use if it will prolong the life of the motor
 
Oiled ones do last longer but the most noticable difference is noise. The oil-free ones are loud as hell. Mine is oil free and I would gladly spend the extra $100 or so to replace it with an oiled one just for that reason if I could do it over again.
 
i believe oil-lubricated belt driven compressors are the quietest kinds, though i may be wrong

my friend is looking to buy a compressor, and he is looking for that kind for the main reason of noise/power/life. Just makes more sense in his opinion to invest in it, *shrugs*.
A coworker who has an oilfree compressor at home and claims it can get difficult to work with just because it is so loud. He now keeps the thing in a totally different area of his work place, and just runs a longer hose so he can kinda avoid the noise. depending how long you plan on working, what your doing etc... swapping it though if you can does seem like a good option 🙂

btw: what model were you looking at for oilfree ?
 
The one I have is the only horizontal 3hp 15gallon compressor sears sells. It's so loud that I really shouldn't be running it (I live in a townhouse)
 
Oilless compressors are crap.

Well, I am sure they make decent ones, but I doubt they compare to a well made wet sump compressor.

It all depends on your needs. If you need to pump up bike tires, beach balls, and the occasional car tire.. a small oilless would probably be fine.

If you're going to be running the compressor everyday, do yourself a favor and pay the extra $ for a wet sump compressor.

And CHANGE THE OIL & AIR FILTERS!

heh.
 
Back
Top