(Part 2) Best portable air compressors according to redditors

https://www.amazon.com/Tcisa-12V-Portable-Compressor-Pump/dp/B07GQQX6L2/ref=sr_1_13?crid=A7V5H8K6XU8C&keywords=tire+air+pump&qid=1554386146&s=gateway&sprefix=tire+a%2Cgarden%2C163&sr=8-13

> Not high end.

>Run a paint sprayer for a couple hours. Can take breaks if needed.


Your problem is these two conflict with each other. You need a good one with a large tank in order to spray anything more thank a quick burst. I just went through this recently. I have a small pancake compressor (This one, but the older model) and it doesn't work well for spraying. It doesn't push out the CFMs needed for a HVLP sprayer. Best bet to not spend a lot and have both is a small compressor like that then a all in one HVLP from Harbor Freight like this

Well, y'see, I rely on my tools for a living and for my hobbies so I tend to go to worst-case scenarios. I was picturing you doing large-scale automotive airbrushing and the like. My home shop, for instance, has a shed out back of the primary shop just for the compressor (to save space and reduce noise); it's piped in to a 3-way manifold, with each port having its own valve and dryer. One of them is shop air for the cutting table next to the manifold, one is for overhead air, and one is for air at my welding table (to run the plasma cutter and the pneumatic lift I built). The overhead line is plumbed to a spare 30-gallon reservoir tank strapped the joists; that itself is split 3 ways to go to 3 separate overhead air drops (welding table, automotive area, and mill/lathe area). I don't like having to walk to use an air line.

For models and the like you might be able to get away with a standard 19-gallon tank. However, I imagine that if you're running your tools continuously you are indeed going to be hitting the compressor every 5-10 minutes; make sure you get one with a 50% duty cycle or thereabouts. A larger tank would do you better if you can afford the outlay and space.

Also, I unequivocally recommend an oiled compressor versus oilless. The oilless ones sing the siren song of low maintenance but are much noisier and much less durable (but, on the other hand, they're a ready supply of spare tanks). You will also definitely have to add an air dryer for airbrushing.

If you can squeeze an extra hundred, something like this would probably do you very well. My primary air compressor is a Campbell-Hausfeld and it's been absolutely great to me, FWIW.

These yong Heng YONG HENG 4500PSI Air Compressor 110V PCP 30 MPa High Pressure System Rifle Inflator PCP Rifle Airgun Scuba Air Pump Portable Air Compressors (110V) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JNL9FJR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_flhWDbAFGTGBV are surprisingly decent. I'm going on 2 years with mine and other than oil changes it just runs. Build a gold filter for it and you're out about $350 for unlimited air. Getting my tank inspected this month after using it for 2 years, if they find any issues I'd definitely report it here.

I’ve had this one for over a year and it’s great :
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074QHNHVX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Ad0YBb9KAMYVJ

I use a home depot-bought Husky 2 gallon hotdog air compressor (https://www.amazon.com/Husky-0100211A-Electric-Hotdog-Compressor/dp/B071DMMTBC). Anything similar will work.

That compressor has a built in pressure gauge/adjuster. You Need finite control of your air pressure or you're going to have a bad time. Either buy a compressor with one built in, like that, or buy an in line one.

Make sure you purchase a moisture trap as well.

I'd recommend looking up some videos on YouTube before buying anything. Like this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nvso4uluxyU

Feel free to PM if you have any other questions.

A company called California Air Tools makes a super quiet compressor just like that one.



California Air Tools 8010 Ultra Quiet & Oil-Free 1.0 hp Steel Tank Air Compressor, 8 gal, Silver https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WM1VPKE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_UOESCb9DRWZMS

For tacking things together I like 18 gauge brads. You can find used brad nailers on craigslist all day long for under $50. Try to find one that can drive 5/8" to 2" nails and you should be covered.

You can also buy nail guns that will accept both staples and nails. I have this one from harbor freight, at $20 I can't fault it. http://www.harborfreight.com/18-gauge-2-in-1-air-nailerstapler-68019.html

Air compressors can also be found inexpensively on used markets. If you want new this kit looks nice and is quiet enough not to upset anyone nearby: http://www.amazon.com/Senco-PC0947-18-Gauge-Nailer-Compressor/dp/B00008PWW9

I've always used an actual compressor such as https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y2LQ5QJ/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_acatDbD4SWNQ7 which comes with the hose and kit containing the duster. The only thing I add is a desiccant dryer bulb to the line to trap any moisture. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G7ZP3S7/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_vfatDb7VRE5KV Also drain the tank after use and you won't have much moisture condensing in the tank anyway.

Of course I use my compressor for a lot more than this. There are much lower powered ones for much less money that I wouldn't buy for anything serious, but will work well for a lower pressure application such as this.

You should never vacuum a computer. Vacuums create a static discharge that can fry the machine. Even Data-Vac devices are not actual vacuums, but blowers.

Looks like they couldn't even buy good reviews. What's worse is that the good and the bad reviews are suspect.

Yup, you’ve got the burn rate and replenishment rate correct. It’s ok if your burn rate is higher than your replenishment rate, that just means you’ll need to take breaks.

Harbor Freight says you need 6 CFM at 40 psi. I’ll assume that’s for continuous spraying with the normal pauses for start & stop of each pass.

6 CFM is ~ 48 gallons, so you need 48 gallons of air at 40 psi to operate this paint gun. Pressure is inversely proportional to volume: If you double the pressure in your tank, you can squeeze twice as much air in, so you fit twice as many gallons. So a 24 gallon tank at 80 psi would let you spray continuously for a minute before being totally empty.

A little compressor like this should be OK for you: https://www.amazon.com/Bostitch-BTFP02012-Gallon-Oil-Free-Compressor/dp/B00UHNM1R0

It’s rated to 150 psi, so you can run it at 120 psi or so, and it’ll hold the equivalent of 18 gallons of air at 40 psi, which is about 22 seconds of continuous operation. The pump delivers 2.6 CFM at 90 psi, which is approx 5.2 CFM at 40 psi, which should nearly allow continuous operation. You’ll need to pause now and then to let the tank refill, but it should provide plenty of air to paint one panel at a time, and it’s not too expensive ($100).

For a little more money ($288), something like this (20 gallon, 4 CFM @ 90 psi) would let you paint continuously: https://www.amazon.com/Compressor-Horizontal-Campbell-Hausfeld-DC200000/dp/B01M7Q5RUO

Small pry bar http://www.stanleytools.com/default.asp?CATEGORY=HT+BARS&TYPE=PRODUCT&PARTNUMBER=55-045&SDesc=7%26%2334%3B+Wonder+Bar%26%23174%3B+II+Pry+Bar

Drill (Wired is way more powerful)

http://www.makita.com/en-us/Modules/Tools/ToolDetails.aspx?ID=341

Dremal

http://www.amazon.com/Dremel-4000-6-50-120-Volt-Variable-Speed/dp/B002L3RUW0/ref=sr_1_3?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1299171220&sr=1-3

http://www.amazon.com/Dremel-710-02-160-Piece-Accessory/dp/B002L3RUWA/ref=sr_1_8?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1299171330&sr=1-8

Yes you need this many bits.

Miter box

http://stanleytools.com/default.asp?CATEGORY=MITRE+BOX&TYPE=PRODUCT&PARTNUMBER=20-800&SDesc=Adjustable+Angle+Clamping+Mitre+Box

And

http://stanleytools.com/default.asp?CATEGORY=MITRE+BOX&TYPE=PRODUCT&PARTNUMBER=20-112&SDesc=Clamping+Mitre+Box

Jig saw

http://www.makita.com/en-us/Modules/Tools/ToolDetails.aspx?ID=1131

Alan keys

Pipe cutters

Staple gun

http://stanleytools.com/default.asp?CATEGORY=HT%5FCONS%5FFAST&TYPE=PRODUCT&PARTNUMBER=CT10X&SDesc=Stanley%26%23169%3B+Heavy+Duty+1%2F4%22+Cable+Tacker

Nail gun

http://www.amazon.com/Factory-Reconditioned-Bostitch-CPACK1850BN-18-Gauge-Compressor/dp/B0031ZDYTU/ref=sr_1_27?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1299171945&sr=1-27

Have a look. I pick cheapest ones for part time work.

http://www.makita.com/en-us/Modules/Home/

http://stanleytools.com

Edit: Links

Your welcome

I've always used something like this.

https://www.amazon.com/CENTRAL-PNEUMATIC-Neighborhood-Corner-Store/dp/B01LWUJZQ4

With a with a blower
https://www.amazon.com/Neiko-31112-Interchangeable-Nozzles-Over-Sized/dp/B000FVUO4G

Been using them for years in IT, makes quick work of dust bunnies.

The 125 max PSI can be limiting for air tools (if you add a regular, not enough pressure/volume) , and the CFM will probably not keep up to a lot of pounding with an air tool. If you intend to seriously use air tools, you won't be happy with the performance. For small jobs, it'll work. I have a one similar to this (Husky 8 gal. Oil Lubricated Air Compressor, 1.5 HP 4CFM https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01LW1RQ0I/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_Dy9JDbCZBHQQD), and I get enough air to remove two lug nuts before the compressor starts running.

Well, they didn't lie. It can create a pressure of up to 100 PSI and it can output up to 4 CFM.

However, what we need to know is how much throughput it can maintain at a given pressure level.

E.g. this one can do:

> 1.60 CFM @ 40 PSI
> 1.20 CFM @ 90 PSI

So, at 30 PSI, it can probably output around 1.8 CFM.

And this one can do:

> 3.00 CFM at 40 PSI
> 2.20 CFM at 90 PSI

Which means it would be an excellent choice.

I recently bought an Amazon cheapo texture sprayer based on a Youtube endorsement of that Kilted Guy. It worked really really well. Not sure if the small hopper would be a problem for your job. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUiSeoOP2bk

I already had a basic pancake compressor (6gallon) combo and it worked fine. amazon link

i have:
http://www.amazon.com/Factory-Reconditioned-Bostitch-CPACK1850BN-18-Gauge-Compressor/dp/B0031ZDYTU/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1331692261&sr=8-8

basically the same as the first one you listed, except with a nail gun and cheaper. everything came looking and working brand new.

I use it for all the same things you have listed and also to power an impact wrench and air ratchet. works awesome.

This Rolair has good reviews and might be worth considering.

I’d recommend this one because it fits his needs but it’s so much quieter. I had a similar air compressor from harbor freight but I stopped using it because it’s so loud.
https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Compressor-Gallon-HP01P006SS-EMAX/dp/B0771K753L/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=hulk+air+compressor&qid=1567719970&s=gateway&sprefix=hulk+air&sr=8-3

Thanks. This one seems decently better, right? Just needs a moisture trap added to it. Slightly bigger tank and much longer motor/pump rated lifespan, plus higher horsepower so it should fill back up quicker.

I’ve read the suggestion and if it just tires or inflatable stuff... agree with the Costco recommendation or something similar on Amazon. Example: link

These are fairly simple and fast to use that can be kept in the car. Sure it has a runtime limit before it needs rest like most.


M12 inflator: can confirm its awesome. Small, simple to use, crazy portable. Downside is it’s not cheap... you need inflator, charger, and 2 batteries minimum. 10 minute runtime with 10 minutes rest. Not great for totally flat tires.

Pancake compressors: these are awesome too but loud and bulky. Does what the others do but better and has other uses like now you can use with air nozzle to blow things off, pump up tires with longer duty cycles and other stuff that I doubt most retirees care about unless they are wood working.

Long and short... all three are great options but if it was me you were buying for... the $20-30 one that was first mentioned. Say that because if your dad has cordless tools then it make sense to go with that platform or perhaps your dad doesn’t want to fuss with charging batteries. Then perhaps your dad would never use the amount of air that pancake compressor stores... don’t forget about draining the tank... if he like my dad, it will never happen. Then the space it will take. People that are into gadgets are typically picky... I know I am. Unless you are buying exactly what I want then it’s best to go with something fairly cheap but decent.



Another thought just in case you like the the pancake model... they make small hotdog compressors that don’t have the same capacity of the typical pancake compressors but they are lot smaller foot print and typically easier to move but they are still heavy. Guessing those are typically 2 to 3 gallon tanks.

I have a Rolair compressor. It's not the exact model you are looking at, but it is similar -- model FC2002. I like it. It's reliable and very well made. However, I was hoping that it would be a little more quiet than it is. It's not as loud as the HF compressors I've heard, but it is not a "quiet" compressor, IMHO. That being said, I'm mostly pleased with the purchase. -- Perhaps the model you are looking at is supposed to be more quiet than the one I have.

https://www.amazon.com/Pressure-Compressor-30Mpa-Electric-Airgun/dp/B07QP121DC/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=Hpa+Compressor&qid=1572911414&refinements=p_n_srvg_3007398011%3A9060579011&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyTlFMVTBETE45NzRHJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTg0MDM1MUJVWERaRVlVUUtTNCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNzk5MDk0OUxWSURDMlFFMkFZJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

GANZTON Airbrush Compressor Kit Dual Action Airbrush Suit with Adjustable Pressure Compressor 0.4mm Nozzle and Needle and 2CC Dual Action Spray Airbrush Gun for Makeup,Tattoos,Cake Decorating,Crafts https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07SYVFGKV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_FZZRDb30FFXTX


Doesn't have to be expensive or take up alot of room :)