I've been in the market for a home-use air compressor recently. I'm not looking for anything fancy, just something that'll run an impact wrench, ratchet, etc., without breaking the bank. I don't have a lot of room either so something smaller/portable is good.

Today I stumbled across this Craftsman 6hp 25 gallon compressor on a closeout sale at Sears for $280. Its listed as used, but has never left the store. Carries the full warranty, etc.



http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...ab=des#tablink

I like the fact that its oiled. 25 gallon is kinda smallish, but it seems like a great deal (retail is $399) and I think it'll be fine for my needs. I asked them to hold it for me so I have until tomorrow to make a decision.

Does this look like a good deal?

 

I have an upright 30 gal. Craftsman compressor that has served me well for a couple years now. I think I paid about the same as the one you're considering, and that one looks like it's definitely a step up with its "Professional" designation, 150psi too.

It looks like a really good deal to me.

I just used mine to remove my crank pulley bolt, and in combination with a Craftsman 1/2" air wrench, it broke free like nothing. I've painted a vehicle, and I use it to blow-dry my motorcycle.

JMHO

 

Not a bad deal. I have their 30 gallon 6hp oil-less tank. I think I paid around $330, but that also came with an air ratchet, impact wrench, and hammer. I got the upright model, which I have to say, I really love. It has a small footprint in the garage. The only thing I dislike about it is the oil-free design, because that sucker is L-O-U-D!

Typically, what I'll do is fill the tank then use the tools, mostly because it's just too loud to think when the motor is running. 25 gallons should be PLENTY for most jobs.

Bear in mind, there are some "hidden" costs. You'll need tools, hose, and couplings. Hose and couplings are relatively cheap (do yourself a favor and get a hose reel that comes with a hose), and tool prices vary. What I'm getting at is, get a good deal on a compressor (or buy one that comes with the tools you think you'll need), because you're going to be spending more money before you can use it.


-Mike

 

id go to homedepot
you can find a bigger one for not that much more. like shop big. husky pro series is like 420

 

Thanks for the inputs.

Well, I think for $280 this is too good of a deal for me to pass up, so I'm probably going to be picking it up this afternoon. I know that a couple of you guys are using this compressor, so if anyone who has one has had problems with it or otherwise wasn't happy with it please let me know.

 

Thats the one I have works great. No problems so far. Had it about a year. I thought I got a steal at $300.

 

I have the exact same one and it has worked flawlessly for the past year. I've used it quite a bit while building my '69, as well as changing tires in the driveway. I think I paid $350 for mine. Its not as loud as the oil-less type also.

I like the black Pro series too, because it matches my Sears tool chest and work bench:

http://users.ev1.net/~ynot_dv8/shop01.jpg

 

Cool. Thanks for the feedback, whitez and Tony. Looks like I have a new air compressor in my future

 

Well, I ended up buying it and after close inspection the thing looks like brand new.

I swear they only hire idiots to work at Sears, though. It took 'em 20 minutes to round up a "tool specialist" to try and find me an owners manual, which they couldn't find. Then he tried to charge me $5 to order a new one. Finally he told me that since it was an oil-lubed compressor I couldn't spray or anything with it

Now, I just need to get me some accessories

 

just come up with something creative in keeping water out of your tools.
should be plenty of compressor for the weekend racer.

 

Oil-less compressors sux the noise will give u a brain cramp . Sounds like a good a good choice to me just a little more maintenance cuz of the oil changes well worth the extra effort though.

 

i got a craftsman 30gal 6hp 150psi upright tank with all the hoses, impact gun, air wrench, air hammer, etc for $299 back in december.

 

I bought a craftsmutt 30 gal 150lbs unit....it is oil-less - very noisy but so far it works well....

If I had to do it again I would buy a bigger oil unit from Depo.... or harbor freight has some great deals too....

 

take it from someone who works on compressor for a living, ill never own another oilless, major headache, i would get a 3-5 hp 50-80 gal belt drive with a small refridgerated dryer. you will have cool dry air garunteed, your tools will love it. if you need any accessories let me know, i have a huge distributor i get deals through, ill try to help you out.

 

I am looking for a good refrigerated dryer as well, but haven't found anything close to what I need in the big chain stores.

Drop me a link if you could... Thanks

:EDIT: I just the price of a refrigerated dryer doing a search, and I think I'll be happy with just a dryer...lol... Any links would help.

 

a refridgerated dryer will cost about 900 bucks for a 25cfm dryer, to know what size dryer you need i have to know about the compressor it goes on, the 25 cfm is good for the average 5hp 120gal tank recip oiled compressor.

i never told you to do what im telling you cause this is redneck style, but if you have a large box freezer in you shop that is worth say 100 bucks or so, drill 2 holes in the side and run you some thin flexible cooper tubbin inside it against the back wall. make each run about 1/2 inch appart and go top to bottom, an bam, you just mad a 100 dryer that works better than a 1000 dollar one if your not using a huge compressor. and it does work. but those lil inline filter dryers suck, if the air isnt being cooled the moisture isnt droping out of it.

 

Here's a line dryer link.


http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...522&pricetype=

 

i had a similar compressor, i used it to paint and run air tools. i wouldnt keep up with a d/a for an extended period of time, or air board sander though but for general use it worked great. i ended up getting a craftsman floor model with 40 gallon tank that works great also and gave the other to my father.