I searched this section and mostly found oil-free suggestions and I just blow through the Crafstman I have had for ~10years or so.

Now I need a new one and want to go with an oiled unit. I am in between these 2

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10155_1...ir+compressors

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=99925

Yes, the craftsman is more but I can get it for a little more off from what they are asking..10% more...what would you get?

 

i have the harbor freight one, been good for the past 7 years or so,

however the specs between the two don't jive.
the sears one says 1.8hp 15 amps, 7.4 scfm @ 40psi, 5.8 scfm @ 90psi
the harbor freight is 3.5hp 15 amps, 5.5 scfm @ 40psi, 4.2 scfm @ 90psi

and the harbor freight goes to 125 psi, and mine clicks off around 120psi,
the sears says max compressor psi is 150 but i would not be surprised if it shuts off
down around 120psi too.

if price isn't an issue then choose based on mobility and space it takes up, the HF is nice because it stands 4 ft tall and is less than 2ft wide, the sears is going to take up space but it looks like it might be easier to lug around rough terrain. I only wheel my HF around in the garage so it's fine. I also got my HF for $150 shipped way back when.

 

The Harbor Freight horsepower rating is wrong. You can't get 3.5 hp on a typical 120V circuit. At 120 volts, it takes about 8-10 amps per horsepower... and you will be plugging this in to a 15 amp circuit. Technically, the HF air compressor is a 1.5-1.8 horsepower unit. I had a Campbell-Hausfeld "5 Horsepower" air compressor that ran on 120 volts. C-H lost the class action lawsuit against them for these "ratings" (Google for air compressor lawsuit).

I'd go for the Sears one, myself...

 

the more I hear people the more seem like the sears one is he way to go...why would you choose the Sears over the HF? I have a vertical now and would like to stay with a vertical but I have plenty of room for the Sears unit also...

 

Do NOT get a direct drive compressor like the H.F. one you listed. They are too noisy.

You want a belt drive one like the Sears one you listed. Unfortunately the one you listed is low on output.

If you have 220 volts in your garage use a 220 volt one.

When comparing compressors, pay no attention to horsepower.
Look for how many c.f.m. are delivered at 90 psi.


PS. Harbor Freight has a 20% off coupon for in store purchases in my Popular Hot Rodding magazine.