| 4 Horsepower 4 Gallon Oiled Twin Hot Dog Gas Compressor | Thomas TG-400HST | |
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by Thomas Compressors found in TG-400HST's description: Longer Life - With the patented LifeGuard™ dirt deflector that keeps job site dust and grit out of the compressor, the new Renegade® will perform year after year Engine - Cast iron cylinder sleeve extends life of engine Perma-lube oil-less design for maintenance-free operation and quick cold weather starts Designed for Maintenance-free operation with no belts, belt guards or pulleys, which also means less vulnerability to job site damage High performance overhead valve design for added power and high efficiency .found in TG-400HST's reviews: Air Cube 1 - This compressor is a contractor's dream. It can easily power up to three nail* (see note below) guns simultaneously with the 5.4 CFM @ 100 PSI air delivery. The unit weighing in at approximately seventy pounds can be easily moved, but I usually keep it locked on the truck and run hoses to the work area. The unit portability allows using tools like nail guns, impact wrenches, ratchets, sanders, drills, cutters and spray-painting in remote locations. This 1-1/2 foot cube gas compressor fits in the trunk of a midsize vehicle. The unit can be lifted using the well-placed handle on top. This is the only gas power compressor that I have worked with that a single average size person can move (alone). The engine optimizes fuel efficiency by automatically slowing to an ideal speed when the air tanks are full. The engine usually starts with one or two pulls. The engine, even while operating faster to fill the air tanks, is relatively quiet allowing a normal conversation a few feet away. It is quieter than the pancake compressors I have used. Each air tank has a separate moisture drain valve to keep the tanks from rusting on the inside. The unit is well painted with a durable paint that is standing up well to the daily abuse of our construction site. * The air regulator comes with two 1/4" female NPT thread connections. When I tried to remove the plug to add a hose coupler with an Allen wrench I stripped the head. The plug has some type of thread glue to lock it in place and keep it from vibrating off. Since I could not remove the stripped hex plug, I used the air gage connection to add a tee. |
| - Ingersoll Rand Electric Stationary Air Compressor - 3 HP, 10.3 CFM @ 135 PSI, 230 Volt, Model# SS3 | |
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by Ingersoll Rand found in SS3L3's description: Product Description Maximum air power! More delivered air (CFM) gives you the power to do the job right and in less time. Durable cast iron construction and precision-engineered quality components. found in SS3L3's reviews: A cheap way to get more CFM... but its still cheap. - This air compressor is identical to my Ingersoll Rand SS3L3 compressor that I purchased through Northern Tool in the early summer of 2005. This is the first air compressor that I have ever owned, so it was a learning experience from the start. It is recommended that you purchase the IR SS3L3 startup kit as the compressor is delivered to you without any oil in it. In some cases the warranty is not valid unless you have purchased the startup kit. One thing I immediately noticed was that the pressure switch was flimsy. When I plugged in the compressor to test it out, I found that the motor continued to run even as the gauge on the tank passed 130 psi. As it creeped closer to 135 psi (the limit printed on the tank), I pulled the plug. I ordered a new switch from Ingersoll Rand for ~ $35 and this fixed the problem. Perhaps I could have made a warranty claim, but it was easier to order the switch as there is an authorized IR dealer nearby and I had the switch within 2 days. I ran the compressor off and on for several months without any major issues. I used it for several things. a little bit of die grinding, I rotated the tires on my car using the impact wrench and air ratchet, I used it to blow dust off my work bench and check the air in my tires on a routine basis. I bought the compressor because I have several project cars, and I would like to begin the serious work of restoring them. Recently, I have been looking at plans for a sandblasting cabinet, and I am starting to doubt that this compressor will stand up to the task of sand blasting for extended periods. Things I have learned about the compressor since its purchase that have led me to this conclusion: 1. This unit uses a 3 HP "split phase" motor, which can be run on a standard 30A 230V household outlet - it draws about 15A during continuous duty. (I swap between my compressor and my dryer on the only 230V outlet in my house). At startup the motor may approach its 3 peak horsepower, but during normal operation it may only be outputting half that power, so in truth it is essentially a 1. This borderline false advertising is similar to peak and RMS power ratings in audio amplifiers, though it is fairly standard operating procedure to rate motors in this fashion. It is not a question of efficiency - it is an intended feature built into the windings of the motor. Though it is quieter than a direct drive unit like the 30 gallon compressors sold at most hardware stores, 3450 RPM is still quite fast. With the pulley ratios, the compressor crank spins at 1200 RPM. Heavier duty systems might have the AC motor running at 1200-1750 RPM with the compressor running at ~700 RPM or less, resulting in a much quieter setup. If I could do it over, I would consider a slower, beefier unit with a true power rating that runs at a slower, more quiet speed. There is apparently no available rebuild kit for the compressor itself, according to the local IR dealer, though they do sell gaskets and the oiling kit. It is a very simple design, consisting of essentially three parts; a cylinder head, cylinder block, and crankcase. It is a two cylinder, single stage compressor. The "valves" in the head are what I believe are called "reed valves", which are simply spring loaded "fingers" that cover holes in the cylinder head, and they move with the blowing/sucking of air as the pistons move in the cylinders (no mechanical actuation of the valves). The crankshaft is cast iron machined at the journals, and the aluminum rods rotate on the crank without any rod bearings. The compressor can run fairly hot, especially when pressurizing the tank from zero pressure. I would like to add an intercooler in line to the tank as the compressed air is quite hot, and I think the compressor itself could use some more cooling. I bought some copper to fab up a larger heat sink for the compressor housing, though I haven't made it yet. I think this will make the unit run much cooler, and therefore extend its life. The flywheel on the compressor is designed to move air over the unit, but I still think the design needs improvement. There is a flimsy petcock drain valve in the bottom of the tank that is difficult to access. It is irritatingly small, difficult to reach, and awfully flimsy. I would like to replace this drain valve, if possible, though I have been putting this off simply because I don't want to lay down on the floor and fiddle with it. (Note: Added 10/10/06 - I added a Swagelok right angle 1/4" male NPT to 1/4" tube adaptor to this drain orifice, then plumbed 1/4" tubing out from under the tank and connected this to a ball valve. This makes me want to install a condensor between the compressor and tank). I have made several trips to the hardware store to find the correct fittings to get the unit running properly, though most fittings were readily available. It seems to me that a lot of the fittings on the system are kind of cheap, though I am used to the Swagelok fittings that I use at work, which are expensive and well worth the price. Copper tubing is used to route compressed air from the compressor to the tank, and I think some improvements could be made there, as well. The oil reservoir drain plug is on the bottom of the crank case, however this is no practical way to drain the oil without spilling it all over the top of the tank. One could remove the compressor to change the oil, but a better soultion would be to insert a ball valve in the oil drain plug for easy draining. I have not yet done this, as I'm procrastinating over the necessary oil spill that will come with project. I suspect that the threading on the oil plug is standard NPT like all of the other fittings on the tank - possible 1/4" or 3/8". IR sells the SS5L5, which uses the same 60 gallon tank, but a 5 HP split phase 3450 RPM motor running a different two piston single stage compressor. For someone considering more power, this unit is still quite affordable, but it will still have some of the drawbacks of this system. It turns out that 5 HP is about the most one can get out of a 30A single phase 230V household circuit without flipping breakers. My biggest complaints are the use of the split phase motor, the relatively cheap design of the compressor (aluminum rods and lack of rod bearings), the flimsy pressure switch, and the cheap fittings used all over the machine. I will continue to use this unit for some time, but I am already considering either building my own low RPM, true 4-5 HP air compressor from various parts suppliers, or just purchasing a new one from a company like Eaton Compressor. Ingersoll Rand makes the Type 30 series which is a step above the SS series, and I have considered these units as well, but I would almost feel safer building the unit on my own so that I know exactly what is going into it. For someone that needs something better than the cheap 30 gallon direct drive units sold at most hardware stores, this unit is more than adequate. However, if you are considering something for medium-heavy duty, you might want to consider something with a little more quality, and therefore more cost. Like houses, I think good advice for someone looking to buy an air compressor is "buy the most you can afford". I for one like the idea of a compressor running at a quiet 750 RPM at a mere 73 dBa, as opposed to my high revving 1200 RPM SS3L3. (Note: Added 10/10/06 -- As far as safety is concerned, this item will never blow up and injure anyone - IR has installed safety valves all over this tank as the other reviewer mentioned. IR would never permit such a liability to pass into the hands of the consumer, of course. Meanwhile, my criticisms of this unit are based on what I'd like to see in a compressor, that is all. With authorized IR dealers all over the country, getting parts (like gaskets, pressure switches, and oiling kits) is pretty painless. Perfect - If it says this is a kids review just ignore it. I have owned this air compressor for about two years now and it was worth every penny. The compressor is excellent, So far I have run my compressor about 100 hours thus far. It has always supplied my with an ample amount of air when using air tools except if I run my impact for 10 minuets continuously then it drops to 70 psi. I would recommend this compressor to any one with out hesitation. I turned it on two years ago and it has been on ever sense it kicks on about every hour because there is a leak I have not fixed in my air system. And as to the allegations that it is cheap and would not hold up to extended runs I routinely run It for 3 to 8 hours at a time continuously and have done so at least a dozen times in the summer on 90+ days. Yes it puts of a lot of heat but if you do the math PV=nRt you will see that a lot of heat is given off compressing that much air. Yet with all this heat it has never caused it to malfunction, and the motor has a thermal over load/over heat button which has never tript on mine even after 8 hours in the summer. As well as the complaints as to the power of the motor if they were true that would mean that the motor was only 30% efficient thus it would be putting out 2320 watts of heat which it is not. It is drawing more than enough power for 4 HP even with efficiency factored in so it is putting out at least 3 HP. As well as the problem with the lack of rod bearings. They don't have them because there is no way to get a round ball bearing on to the crankshaft with out cutting them in half. As well as every small engine I have rebuilt and ever car engine I have seen they have had nothing more than the rod bolted around the crankshaft without any bearing of any kind. Finally the issue with the valves being cheap. Why do you need to make it more complicated if it works reliably with such a simple valve. Also in response to the allegations that the tank was going to over pressurize If the switch failed and it continued to run there is a spring loaded safety valve on the power switch on the compressor so it is not possible to over pressurize it, mine hits about 133 before it kicks off. It is an excellent piece of equipment I highly recommend it. |
| 6 Amp 3/4 Horsepower 2 Gallon Oil-Free Hot Dog Compressor | Thomas Compressors T-635HD | |
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by Thomas Compressors found in T-635HD's description: From the Manufacturer Thomas Industries T-635HD is a quiet running (69-decibel) 3/4 HP compressor that is both portable and versatile.7 cfm at 100 psi, it has plenty of power to support a framing gun when doing studwork, a roofing gun when shingling, or (2) finish guns at the same time. Weighing only 26 pounds it is easily transported and moved around the job-site. With it's low amp draw (6 amps) it can be used most anywhere without fear of fuse or circuit breaker problems. Other uses include, tire inflating, painting, airbrushing, small air tools, and winterizing water lines and RV's. found in T-635HD's reviews: Compressors/Thomas T-635HD - Light weight, dependable; and quiet! This is what I was looking for in a compressor.and this is why I specifically went looking for Thomas Compressors.Since then I have been waiting for my Emglo to get retired so I too can be a proud owner of a Thomas T-635HD One thing that I did not like when my Thomas T-635HD arrived was a real lack of directions to assemble the few parts that did need to be put on before operation, but anyone with common knowlege of compressors will figure it out. REMEMBER!!! to get a pressure control valve, and all the connections you will need to mount a hose coupler; because these items do not come with the tool. This compressor is not intended for HIGH-PRODUCTION ie. if you are in the market for a compressor that is small,light;and dependabley quiet. Your search has ended here ! Don't get fooled by tool packs that come with nail gun, air-hose and compressor in one deal you will be looking for a new compressor soon. Light weight professional grade compressor for small jobs - I was looking for a portable and not overly loud air compressor, for my low air-volume tools. I had a 4-gallon pancake compressor for several years, but at 70 lbs., it was just too heavy and bulky to lug around. Sold it and purchased the inexpensive Sears Craftsman model 15210, a 2 gallon, oil unit. The Sears unit came with numerous accessories and was only 40 lbs. -- much more portable than the pancake unit. Unfortunately, it was also VERY noisy, so it was returned. The Thomas 3/4 HP model, at 26 pounds, is so lightweight that I can comfortably pick it up with TWO fingers. It's also very small: 16" long, 17. Quality is first rate. Although it hardly qualifies as "quiet", it isn't nearly as noisy as other compressors I've heard. I installed a 16" stainless steel braided faucet plumbing hose on the compressor's air-outlet port; routed the hose out the back under the motor support, and screwed on a quick disconnect coupling. First thing that gets plugged into the quick-disconnect is a regulator, since none comes with the unit. This setup works fine. Because the tank is only 2 gallons (to keep weight/bulk down), the pump comes on more often than on larger units, but when it does, it's only on for about 12 seconds (if you're not using air). The unit comes on when pressure drops below 100 PSI and goes off at 125 PSI. Translation: the compressor can be used continuously, without letup. Some compressors have only a 50% duty cycle, which means you shouldn't run it more than 30 minutes for every hour used, as that could cause excessive wear on the pump and/or motor. You'd want a bigger unit if you had two roofing or stud-nailers going, but for low-air-volume requirements such as trim work, this little Thomas unit is just about perfect. If you can afford the best and need a truly portable machine, this is it. September 2006 update: While working on a home renovation project, the compressor's low air pressure switch clicked, but the motor didn't start. By the time I got to the compressor, the motor was smoking, literally. In any case, the little Thomas had sat there for a few minutes just humming; and overheated. Am wondering if the motor would have burned out had I not gotten to it in time. As hot as it was, it should have shut off by itself, but maybe it lacks over-heating circuitry. After it cooled, I plugged it into an outlet on another circuit and it worked fine. |
| 10 Amp 1 Horsepower 3 Gallon Oil-Free Single Hot Dog Compressor | Thomas Compressors T-35HD | |
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by Thomas Compressors found in T-35HD's description: PERMA-LUBE™ DESIGN - Oil-Less design for maintenance free operation and quick cold weather starts HIGH-QUALITY COMPONENTS - By using high-quality fittings, gauges and other components, the Renegade® Pro-Series provides the ultimate integrity of a long, service-free life N-CLINE DESIGN™ - Offers multi-angle worksite compatibility ELECTRICALLY FRIENDLY - Low current draw won't blow standard 15 AMP house circuits and extension cords can be used whenever and wherever you need one . |
| 8 HP Wheelbarrow Compressor | Emglo MG8HGA-8P | |
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by Emglo |
| 5.5 HP Wheelbarrow Compressor with Bracket & Regulator | Emglo MK5HGA-8P | |
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by Emglo found in MK5HGA-8P's reviews: Dependible - I own a construction business and have had this compressor for a couple of years and it works non-stop without flaw. It has the power to run many nail guns simaltaneously without a drop in power and has never failed to start. As soon as you take it out of the box you can see the quality and precision that went into the manufacturing. Dependible - I own a construction business and have had this compressor for a couple of years and it works non-stop without flaw. It has the power to run many nail guns simaltaneously without a drop in power and has never failed to start. As soon as you take it out of the box you can see the quality and precision that went into the manufacturing. |
| 1-1/2 Horsepower Dual Control Wheelbarrow Compressor with Bracket and Regulator | Emglo MK15A8P-DVS | |
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by Emglo |
| 2 Horsepower Wheelbarrow Compressor (with Dual Control/Voltage) | Emglo MK2A8P-DVS | |
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by Emglo |
| 2 HP 14.1 Amp Electric Master Series Compressor | Emglo M800-HC4V | |
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by Emglo found in M800-HC4V's reviews: Handy little machine! - I bought this little guy to occasionally run my finish nailer, blow some sawdust around, and pump up a low tire every now and then. My review may not give you the info you need if you plan on using it hard. I will say it does appear to be built pretty well. My only problem with it when it arrived was a leak in the plastic line that equalizes the pressure between the tanks. It was easy to fix. Because the fittings use air pressure to seal themselves, you can pull the line right out of the fitting when there is no pressure in the tanks. It just slips out of the O-ring in the fitting. There was a tiny chip of metal in the fitting causing the leak, so I just wiped it off and pushed the plastic line back in. Works fine and the leak is no more! The controls are nice and easy to use, and the single handle makes it easy to carry the Emglo in one hand and the hose in the other when changing locations. |
| 13 Amp 2-1/2 Horsepower 4 Gallon Oiled Twin Hot Dog Compressor | Makita MAC2400 | |
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by Makita found in MAC2400's description: From the Manufacturer The new MAC2400 - Twin Stack air compressor by Makita is blowing away the competition. With built-in features such as a super quiet motor that draws only 12.3 amps to operate, a lower 1720 RPM rating and a heavy duty Intake Air Filter system like no other, its easy to see how this unit will out last and outperform everyone else. It delivers 4.2CFM @ 90PSI and is equipped with a lever handled ball valve drain system to get rid of condensation build up in the tank . High quality, maximum performance - just what you expect from Makita. Product Description Low Noise - Substantially lower noise levels with a large 1,720 - RPM pump-enabling greater displacement at lower RPM. Roll-Cage Construction - Complete protection to withstand extreme jobsite environments. Large automotive style industrial air filter for increased air intake and greater efficiency. Lever handle ball valve - tank drain valve improves upon standard petcock design for easier maintenance. Built-in thermal overload for additional motor protection. found in MAC2400's reviews: works great - works great for the job I got it for, running a air powered log splitter. Quitest air compressor I've ever had! - If you need an air compressor to use indoors, this is it. Very quiet and works great. Looks and runs like a quality product. Excellent Air Compressor - I had previously made the LOUD mistake of getting a "maintenance-free" air compressor. Although not silent, this air compressor is MUCH more tolerable. This compressor is also of good quality and very sturdy (heavy) construction. It works great for all of my nail guns, even running two framing nailers. TO HEAVY - I owne several Makita tools and have been quite pleased with there LS 1412 compound miter was and 12v impact driver. So when my old compressor quit I compared new ones and chose this one. It works great, looks good and is quieter but its a lot heavier than the others out there. I sent it back and recieved the Dewalt D55155 compressor and am very pleaded with it. I do not recomend the Makita for those who move a compressor around a lot but if your a weekend warrior it a excellant choice. Good compressor but bad packing - I bought this compressor and when I got it there was a crack in the actual compressor housing. I got on Amazon and returned it and they promptly sent another one out to me. When I got this one it had damage to the front air gauge area from the loose air cleaner banging around free in the box. Also, the frame of the unit was tweaked a bit. Everything worked fine on this one so I just decided to keep it instead of waiting a week for another to arrive. The unit works really great I have to say! Pumps up quick, its very very quiet and has really good connections and gauges on the front panel. The only drawback to it is the weight. I think they should include a set of wheels or make a cart for it. Overall im happy with the purchase, it just sucks that they have such poor packing. The other Reviews are Correct, this is a great compressor - This is a quality compressor. The handle is in the center, so carrying it is well balanced. The compressor is just as quiet as others report. I have it in the corner of my workshop about 10 from me. Why did I get this compressor? In sum, (1) I wanted a GOOD quality tool that was not Chineese junk, (2) I wanted at least 4 cfm for tools and (2) I did not want to spend a fortune. There seems to be several classes or levels of compressor in the lower price range. Unless you are getting a specialized mini-compressor just for a small brad gun, the $125-175 compressors are mostly junk: loud and rough. This Makita is in the next step up, with compressors in the $225 to 325 range. Most of this second tier are either made for just for job sites or are just bigger cheaply made compressors. I chose the Makita over the Dewalt for one reason: quiet. The Dewalt is an excellent compressor, but you cannot use it next to you in an exclosed shop -- its too loud. So, I wanted a quality tool and one that could live in the shop next to me. The Makita does both in spades. It is a very well made little compressor. The fit and finish is great. It has a dual personality: it works and looks great in the corner of the shop AND is perfect for taking to a job site or the back yard. The compressor seems to live up to its specs. I have easily run 3/8 and 1/2 inch impact wrenches, a brad gun and a finish nail gun, along with blow guns, etc. When I went to use a Snap-On 7200 3/8" air ratchet, the performance was just adequate. Then I read the spec for the ratchet and it calls for 4. The Makita is rated at 4. SO, you do have to watch the cfm ratings on tools: I am sure a 8 cfm jitterbug sander will not work. I have not owned a compressor is many years. I looked long and hard for the best of all worlds: quality, size, price, and cfm. As an advanced and serious home workshop dude, this review is not written for the pros. But for a serious homeowner that appreciates quality tools and needs a general purpose compressor, I believe I found the perfect compressor. |