I'd really like to replace my 5 year old Harbor Fright compressor before we moveat the end of the year..It's their 2 hp, 5 gallon, 110v model... works ok, but it's loud and cheaplybuilt..I'd like something that size or a bit larger... but as quiet as possible, whichI'm hoping is available with new technology and/or more money...110v or 220, doesn't matter as the new shop will have both...Most common use besides blowing dust around are a couple of small brad driversand the possible addition of an air drill and sander...Any suggestions/recommendatons appreciated..Mac

Small compressores are inherently louder than the larger all cast iron oil lubed versions. Until you get into belt driven vs the direct drive models you are going to have to deal with loud. That said many newer small compressors are better than others but still are pretty loud by comparison to the type mentioned above.Have the store demo the compressor to you so that you can hear it before buying. Also have them compare the small ones to a larger belt driven one for a comparison. IMHO a lot of the noise is due to the fact that the smaller direct drive units run at a much higher speed.Basically you have listed uses that go from one extreme to the other. Blowing air for short periods and running nail guns up to framing nailers do not require a high volume compressor. Drills and sanders on the other hand are pretty high volume users and would be better matched with a bare minimum 20 gal style compressor IMHO.

> > That would be for a small one. A decent 5HP 60 or 80 gal unit is going to > run $1200 and up.Usually, HD has or had a pretty decent price.Haven't looked lately.$1200 sounds a bit much.Lew

Suggestions on new compressor?

Jun 19, 2006 22 Replies

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Joe Brophy 20 years ago

Compressors, pressure washers and a few other things in life in my experience are alike in that it is EASY to get one that is 'just a little bit smaller that I would have liked', but almost impossible to buy one that results in the owner's commenting 'Gosh, this is just too big, I wish I would have gotten one a little smaller....'

I have a 11 hp pressure washer and a 7hp air compressor. I have asked myself ' I wonder what a little more HP would be like...' although I am very happy with the performance of both units. In both cases I bought the biggest one I could afford at the time and have never regretted it a bit. regards, Joe.

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Mike Marlow 20 years ago

That would be for a small one. A decent 5HP 60 or 80 gal unit is going to run $1200 and up.

When I had to replace my compressor I went on the hunt for a two stage. Long story short, I ended up with a commercial duty single stage, but it has two of the biggest pistons I've ever seen. You might say it has a nice pair of jugs. I was a bit nervous at first, but I've long since gotten over that. This thing just flat out puts out air. MSRP on these is around $1500-$1600.

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Lew Hodgett 20 years ago

Usually, HD has or had a pretty decent price.

Haven't looked lately.

$1200 sounds a bit much.

Lew

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