What do I need in a air compressor? Do not want to spend to much but dont want to be under powered. I would like to use air tools and nail guns. Thanks, and buy the way where are their good deals?

 

There are two kinds of compressors, the cheap ones and the ones that will last. Price is almost directly corrolated to quality with these machines. Make sure you get enough HP and a tank big enough that the pump isn't running all the time, it will burn out the motor and cause it to go quicker.

If you want the top of the line or near top of the line go with Ingersoll Rand, if you don't use it a lot then you can go with almost any from the Depot or Lowes.

Remember to get a 10% off coupon before buying, they can be had on ebay for like $3 and can save you big bucks.

 

I have a Craftsman 15 gallon compressor. Sometimes I wish I would have gone bigger, like a 33 gallon one. I don't remember how much it cost, but I'm pretty sure it was under $200.

 

I have a Craftsman 30 gallon compressor 115vac, somewhat portable. it will do what you need. i have been using it for a few years w/o problems. if you are doing the lower pulley for a timing belt this compressor may be only a little underpowered but for the other 99.9999% tasks its just fine.

sears has a tool club discount, see if this is coming up in their ads or go online.

 

Link to my compressor.

I have this one. Its been great for me. I don't know about long term cause I've only had it a few months. Its nice and quite too. Remember oil compressors are quite and oiless is usually loud. This compressor has a smaller tank 25 gal. but it holds air at a much higher pressure (150psi), so there is a lot more air in there compaired to compressors with larger tanks at 100psi. Also figure out if you want a vertical or horizontal tank. I choose horizontal cause I didn't like to think that a vertical might turn over if you get to pulling on the hose. I think I paid just a tad over 300 for this (100 dollars off) because I waited for a good sale. I think the compressor was on sale and they had a sale going that was 20% or so off that sale price if you spent over 300-350 bucks. So I bought the compressor and a wet dry vac and got a hell of a deal.

 

do you plan to use it to spray anything?

make sure you don't get oil less system, they dont seems to last nearly as long as oil system.

 

Ive been doing well with my craftsman 33 gallon. Served me well for over 3 years so far, and counting. If you are planning on using anything that requires continuous air (grinders, sanders, spray guns, etc) youll need AT LEAST 30 gallons. The 1000+ dollar compressors usually require a special power line run to them. For regular home use, the 33 gallon craftsman will do you fine. Two points though....

a)They HATE, especially in the summer, when you leave the air in the tank after you finished working. That air will turn to moisture, and will make it a real PITA for the motor to start.

b)Get a REAL rubber hose. Those dinky crappy ones that come with them are pure sh!t.