Anyone recommend a good air compressor

[MrC]

I'm looking for a small air compressor mainly to inflate tires and blow out seams. I would like a compact one that I can use a nailing gun for occasional crown molding. It does not have to be anything fancy. Can anyone recommend one? I was looking at the small Husky @ Home Depot but I'm not sure it can handle a nailing gun. Does anyone have this?

[the other pc]

Depot’s website gave me “gateway errors” when I tried to look it up so I can’t comment on its specs. In general you want to make sure the compressor meets the minimum recommended performance for any tools you plan to use.

For blowing out crevices my 1.5hp, 3gal “hotdog” compressor is barely adequate.

If you’re having trouble deciding on a machine that’s right on the edge remember; with compressors, chocolate and belt-fed ammunition, more is better.


PC.

[Hannibal]

I would get a craftsman with a #4 rating. You can use it for finish nailing, painting, inflating, etc.
This is the one I have:
Craftsman 15 gal. Air Compressor, 3 hp UMC, Horizontal Tank, Oil Free Pump
Sears item #00916724000 Mfr. model #16724
Its very light for its power and is very easy to move around. SOmetimes they throw in a hose kit for free which includes a slinky-type hose which retracts automatically, and a 25' 1/4" hose with all quick connect fittings etc. The compressor comes with a Air chuck for airing up tires, and a blower nozzle with rubber tip for inflating, dusting interior crevasses, etc. All for $189.99 And it has that great Craftsman warranty (no questions asked)

Good Luck!

[MrC]

I think I've narrowed it down to 3:


Craftsman 3 gal. Air Compressor, 1.5 hp, Horizontal Tank
Sears item #00915310000 Mfr. model #15310
Oil-lubricated compressor provides homeowners with a lightweight, portable source of air power for many do-it-yourself projects. Direct-drive, horizontal tank compressor delivers 2.4 SCFM at 90 psi.
$125



Makita MAC700 2 HP Air Compressor "The Hot Dog"
Roll bar handle for portability and added protection against harsh jobsite environments
High rated 3.3 CFM @ 90 PSI
The low 1720 rpm is half that of most competitive units, resulting in greater motor and pump life, and the substantially lower noise level makes it the quietest compressor in its class
Large cast iron pump with automotive style cylinder and piston deliver maximum performance
Oil lubricated for cooler running pump and an automotive style air filter for easy, low-cost maintenance
$153



Porter-Cable CPFAC2600P 2 HP, 6-Gallon Pancake Compressor
One-year warranty
2-horsepower motor provides 3.7 scfm at 90 psi and 2.7 scfm at 45 psi
High-pressure design keeps tank pressure between 120 and 150 psi
Higher tank pressure provides more usable air per tank re-charge
Six-gallon tank provides excellent reserve capacity
$160

What's the difference between scfm and CFM?
Should I go with a larger tank or are the hot dog style good enough for inflating tires and blowing out seams?

Thanks!!!

[Five Star]

scfm is "standard cubic feet per minute" which is a measure of air flow at a standard temperature and a standard pressure of 1 atmosphere.

There is also "acfm" which is "actual cubic feet per minute"

So to answer your question, it would be cfm or acfm unless the original liters per minute unit was stated as being measured at standard temperature and pressure, then it would be scfm.

[Hannibal]

some of my contractor friends use that porter cable "pancake" type compressor. They run it all day long over and over. Just thought I would share that.

[probegt]

From the ones you narrowed down to, I would choose the Makita. I have a Makita MAC2400 and it is quiet and runs smooth.
I also prefer oil lube because they last longer from my experience. Oh yeah. I am a carpenter too so I use these day in day out.