Suitable air compressor for painting?

[Klutch]

1. Don't buy a Craftsman power tool of any kind. All but a tiny few are absolute junk. (Known as "Crapsman" to those who found out the hard way.) And if you ever need parts for a Craftsman power tool, you'll have to order them from Sears online and get absolutely SOAKED with shipping charges.

2. Don't buy an oilless air compressor. They're less expensive, but that's all they've got going for them. They make a lot of noise and don't last nearly as long as an oil-filled compressor. Oilless compressors should be viewed as disposable tools.

3. Get the biggest compressor your budget will allow. I may get flamed, but I'm thinking you'd be better off getting a large, oil-filled compressor from Harbor Freight than a small, oilless compressor elsewhere.

[Klutch]

Originally Posted by C Kent

Modern Craftsman tools my be crap as you say, but my dad has a 40 year old 1 HP Craftsman air compressor that is rated at 6.4 cfm @40 psi and 5.4 cfm @ 90 psi and he painted several cars with it and they looked pretty good, IMO. Just thought I would add my 2 cents worth.

Yes, you are spot-on. Many people buy Craftsman power tools because their dads and grandfathers had them and they were great. Alas, no more. About 20 years ago, Sears started selling lousy power tools with the Craftsman name slapped on them and cashed in on the name. (FYI, even the Craftsman hand tools, with the exception of their "Professional Line", are now low-quality Chinese.)

Old Craftsman power tools are now coveted and sought after. New Craftsman power tools are typically thrown away shortly after purchase. It's also a common misconception that Craftsman power tools have a lifetime warranty. This is not, and has never been, the case. Only Craftsman hand tools have a lifetime warranty.

[C Kent]

Sorry I deleted while trying to make an edit, my bad.

[Bucket Lister]

Re: Crapsman. Sadly true. Even their hand tools are not what they were. Their rachets break all the time. If you take your broken ratchet back, they give you a Chinese made insert that, once again, breaks.
I stopped buying anything engine driven from Sears. I'll spare you the long story on that.

[wareagle]

Have been meaning to take my 1/4" Craftsman ratchet back... Thanks for the reminder.

[Titus_RacerX]

Yep guys, I'm only two weeks into this project and am already over-thinking it. Steps are to do mechanical things I can do first. Starting with the garage floor and working up. #1 Brakes totally rebuilt, #2 Fuel totally rebuilt, #3 Engine running, #4 Suspension totally rebuilt, Rust/undercarriage repairs...

I've kinda forgotten what I learned while building Cobras.

[JohnnyK]

Originally Posted by jdub

Here's the compressor I want:
FREE SHIPPING — Ingersoll Rand Electric Stationary Air Compressor — 3 HP, 10.3 CFM @ 135 PSI, 230 Volt, Model# SS3L3 | 10 - 20 CFM| Northern Tool + Equipment

That Harbor freight compressor I posted is a far better compressor for just slightly more money. Don't let the store that sells it skew your thoughts.

[Klutch]

Originally Posted by JohnnyK

That Harbor freight compressor I posted is a far better compressor for just slightly more money. Don't let the store that sells it skew your thoughts.

I would agree. When it comes to compressors, all but a tiny few are actually made in China. And they probably use the same components as those on a Harbor Freight example, only with a higher markup.

If you want an actual, no kidding, Made in the U.S.A. compressor, it's going to be very expensive.

[wareagle]

On my Kobalt compressor there is a big made in America sticker on the side of the tank.

Thinking the tank was made here, definitely not the motor...

[jdub]

I rarely buy anything with moving parts from Harbor Freight. You can argue with me on this until I want to drink a bucket of bleach and I'm not going to take you seriously during any of it, for even a millisecond. Sorry.

Here's what I found out about where Ingersoll Rand compressors are made:

Emerson motors are made in Mexico, compressor pumps are made in India, air tank made in USA, pressure switch made in USA, and on the portable units with a regulator that is made in Mexico. They are assembled in the USA.

[Klutch]

Originally Posted by jdub

I rarely buy anything with moving parts from Harbor Freight. You can argue with me on this until I want to drink a bucket of bleach and I'm not going to take you seriously during any of it, for even a millisecond. Sorry.

No need to apologize. I would usually agree with you. But again, I'm thinking the compressor assemblies on HF compressors are probably the same hardware that's on almost every other compressor out there. Dollars to doughnuts, there are only one or two factories overseas cranking out compressor units. Then those are just mated to assorted tanks and sold under different brands.

[Greg'66 5.0]

Originally Posted by jdub

I rarely buy anything with moving parts from Harbor Freight. You can argue with me on this until I want to drink a bucket of bleach and I'm not going to take you seriously during any of it, for even a millisecond. Sorry.

Here's what I found out about where Ingersoll Rand compressors are made:

That sounds all correct for the I-R compressors. I've got one and all that seems right. With the exception of the motor, it has been a good compressor. The Made-in-Meheeco Emerson motor is a complete piece of crap - they are notorious for catching on fire. One time when mine started up, I noticed that the motor didn't sound right. I was able to shut it off as smoke was pouring out of the motor. I have since replaced the motor with a heavy duty Baldor motor that is Made in the USA. It's been a beast ever since - too bad I-R didn't use that motor to begin with. I think their reasoning is simple enough to figure out - the Emerson motor probably costs about $200 versus the Baldor motor which was about $500. It's worth every penny of that extra $300.

[jdub]

I agree with you, Klutch, but the fact that final assembly on the Ingersol Rand is done U.S. means something to me. That means they are QC/QA'd here, and we do that pretty well still. Anyway, the compressor I posted can do most things people need to do with compressors. The bump in specs on the Harbor Freight is not worth the anxiety. Gut instinct isn't always rational but peace of mind on a $700 purchase is important to me.

I'd be interested in hearing how the HF does over the longterm. I still love Harbor Freight even though I find that this requires a special understanding/agreement with the universe. That agreement is that even their simple hand tools can be ticking time bombs but the occasional $1.99 isn't going to make or break me.

That's cool that you can replace the motor with a better one.

[j persons]

I have a 60 gal Campbell Hausfield that I bought at HF about 20 years ago. The only thing it has needed is a replacement drive belt. I did replace the air filter assembly for a more efficient one. I use it to sand blast, run my air tools and to paint a motorcycle trailer. It doesn't have the flow or air capacity to finish paint. IMO, the bare minimum would be a 80 gallon tank with at least 11 CFM.

BTW, most of the IR 60gal or less 2 stage compressors are made in India.

[JohnnyK]

jdub: I won't argue with you and you don't have to take my seriously. But please don't read the next part of my post. I'd hate to waste some of my knowledge on you.


The HF compressor I bought (as shown, although they changed the 'brand name' on it), is identical to Belaire compressors.

My motor is made in Mexico (AO Smith). It used to be a Baldor that came with them, and on the 7.5 hp it still is/was, but they discontinued that model it seems. It draws 22-25ish amps at 220-240. (As in, it's actually 5 horsepower).

The pump is made in Italy by abac/imc (I pulled it off to double check). Tank I believe is US, but I'd have to check. Pressure switch and gauge were crap. I can live with that.

No, it's not the slowest compressor. the motor is 3450 rpm, and the pump turns decently fast. It might not last me 60+ years. I can also live with that. I bought it when they accepted 20% off coupons for compressors. Best $550ish I've ever spent on a tool. They won't take the coupons anymore. jdub, enjoy your IR.