You need to weigh the options here. 1 I think that all in all 220V operation is going to be more efficient and necessary for any compressor thats really worth having. HOWEVER you're going to have to figure in the cost of the wiring for such an endeavor if you don't have 220V already in the garage. 2 I would not recommend anyone purchase a compressor with less than a 60 gallon tank. If you're willing to spend 50/50 time working/letting the compressor recover then maybe you'll be better off with a little 110V less than 60gal tank unit. 3 In the $500 and less range almost all of the compressors are aluminum or if your lucky aluminum with cast iron sleeve. It's your money but I'm a firm believer in iron. 4 Oil-less compressors make the most annoying sound you could put in a garage. 5. Whatever compressor you buy have the common sence to change the oil in it per the recommended interval. 6 Two stage is nice but not everyone needs 175 psi. Given the 2 stage comps. have a better recovery rate but they ususaly cost about $200 more than their single stage brethern. 7 I don't see why everyone is taking shots at Harbor Freight. Looks to me like they sell the same stuff everyone else does. I don't think I've ever seen one of their house brand air compressors. regards
couple comments (my total is now 3 cents) Ken, I would say that the bottom line is to buy what you need. (That's really what you're saying, if I read you correctly.) If you're just filling tires and running an occasional air ratchet, a 110V w/ 20 gallong tank will cycle more, but its small footprint (and lower cost) will be appreciated the 99.9% of the year it's not being used. Even with vertical tanks, those 60 gallon jobs are IMPOSING! But if you're going to be doing much bead or sand blasting, spray painting, etc., I would say you definitely need the BIG tank with the BIG pump (220V, of course). And they are more expensive, but the 2-stage pumps really loaf along. Regarding the wiring, some lucky folks have 220V dryer outlets in their garages or basements. These can easily be converted or adapted to a 220V compressor outlet. Paul, that sounds like one bad machine! It's kind of like having a 1980 F-250 with a 351 and seeing the 2003 Super Duty 6.0 PowerStroke for the first time!
absolutly right ! there all lots of dilemmas when looking at compressor applications , vendors , cost and elec/plumbing set up etc. and each guy and his garage is different. john that analogy is funny because iam a chebby truck guy and recently parted with my 89 3/4 T sivarado black which i had since new- for a 2001 2500HD 8.1 / allison tranny. a passenger car is to my old 89 as my old 89 is to my new 8.1 (well almost) :grin: :TU: seyalater paul
compressors guys: REMEMBER to purchase the hardware that will dry the air exitting the compressor tank as it enteres the air line . moisture will kill your air tools !!! and plug your blaster nozzle . gerry 72 gs 350 ht #s
