Thread: Recommend High Quality Small Air Compressor

Originally Posted by yvan

I have been looking at this model:

https://sydneytools.com.au/chicago-h...air-compressor

I have one of these compressors, very happy with it. Primarily purchased this model about 5 years ago because of the low noise rating and physical size. I can have a conversation quite easily with it running a couple of metres away from it. I believe the aluminium tanks are a bonus, and I always drain the tank after each use.
I also bought a retractable hose unit, well worth considering for your workshop.

Alan...

Originally Posted by thumbsucker

I am looking to purchase a high quality small air compressor - I need small because I do not have much space (I have seen units that fit on walls) also I need it only for light work such as blowing out dust from inside machines and for light work with a small brad nailer.

My budget is in the $400 to $600 range. Prefer something durable and long lasting. German, EU, Japanese made is also preferred.

Any suggestions?

I suggest you read this https://www.kmstools.com/assets/cate...uyingGuide.pdf before making a decision.

To run a 18 or 16 ga brad nailer, or stapler, or a 23 ga pinner, and the occasional blast of compressed air (although vacuum cleaning of machines is better for your health than a blast of compressed air which will just spread the accumulated fine dust into the shed air) almost any small compressor will do.

Air tools and spray finishing require compressors much bigger than the space you say is available.

I emailed Rolair asking about their manufacturing this was the response:

Thank you for your interest in ROLAIR. Although most of our hand-carry portable compressors are manufactured overseas by our partner companies, every unit is shipped to our factory here in Wisconsin and each one is inspected for quality before it is shipped to our distributors. An exception is our Model D2002HPV5 which has a Chinese motor/pump but is assembled in our factory in Wisconsin. All of our portable wheelbarrow style belt-drive compressors, both electric and gas are assembled in our factory in Wisconsin. So is the GD4000PV5H and all of our vertical and horizontal stationary models. Although the majority of components on these models are from the USA, some items are global. For instance, the pumps are made to our specifications from another partner company of ours in Italy.

Originally Posted by ian

the occasional blast of compressed air (although vacuum cleaning of machines is better for your health than a blast of compressed air which will just spread the accumulated fine dust into the shed air) almost any small compressor will do.

I totally agree I want to blow out stuff like routers and hand tools that accumulate dirt, were I can step outside and blow of the dust from those hard to reach and tight spaces.

Currently I am brushing them down but it is not as easy as air.

Thanks for the PDF.

If you after air for the sole purpose of blowing out machines tools.
And yes I noted you also want to run a small brader.
Another idea is the portable air blowers.
I think mine cost me $80 for the skin Mikita (main tool)
Yes you need a battery and charger, that would be more.
I personally would prefer air in my shop(air compressor)
But that is because I want to spray paint.
But I can also install my air compressor on the outside wall of my workshop and not have to worry about it taking a room.

Cheers Matt

Originally Posted by thumbsucker

I totally agree I want to blow out stuff like routers and hand tools that accumulate dirt, were I can step outside and blow of the dust from those hard to reach and tight spaces. Currently I am brushing them down but it is not as easy as air.

If I want to blow out dust from a power or hand tool I turn on the DC and blow out in front of and in the direction a Bell mouth hood , usually the one in front of the Wood lathe. Particle counts may rise slightly for about a minute but then its back to low levels.

Originally Posted by Regdop

I just bought this for the very reasons you quote.....
https://sydneytools.com.au/ferrua-fifty-50l-oil-free-air-compressor

How noisy is that one? They don't say, which makes me think it must be fairly noisy. Then again, ST are known for their lack of, or inaccurate info on their website.

Did a bit of research on that one last night FF, was around 92db IIRC

Oilless compressors are generally super noisy. I have one (Porter Cable branded 135 PSI pancake) and, while it works well and is robust, it'll rattle your teeth indoors.

But if it's only cutting in once or twice per day, is the noise that much of an issue.

Originally Posted by rob streeper

Oilless compressors are generally super noisy. I have one (Porter Cable branded 135 PSI pancake) and, while it works well and is robust, it'll rattle your teeth indoors.

The one TS is referring to is only 55dB so it can't be that bad.

If you want a Rolair you'd better act soon, sounds like the US is imposing a 25% tariff on such machines, given that they're first imported to Wisconsin and then exported.

Most people like the super quiet units but a few have had catastrophic failures.

https://www.amazon.com/California-Ai...E6AS9BPZVYZRA4

Originally Posted by rob streeper

If you want a Rolair you'd better act soon, sounds like the US is imposing a 25% tariff on such machines, given that they're first imported to Wisconsin and then exported.

Call call Rob - well picked up!