Decent Affordable Air Compressor, For a DIY'r Options

[beemie96]

Okay, I am planning to try to do as much work on this car as possible by myself (and beer-bribable friends (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif) ). With that in mind, I am thinking I should get an air compressor that can help me with grinding rust, removing stuck lug-bolts, and all the other great things air compressors do (like filling up tires for one).

I really don't need anything too fancy, but I want something that can run the guns effectively.

I've seen some compressors for around $200.

Example:

This one had good reviews: (oil - less)
Porter-Cable CPF23400S 3 HP, 4-Gallon Side Stack Compressor $192

And this one: (oil)
Hitachi EC12 2-Horsepower Air Compressor - $239

Any pros / cons on the oil thing?

What else am I going to need? I figure I'll need an air wrench and I want whatever kind of tool that Gint was using (pic attached) is that a grinder with a wire-cup brush? Looks like an electric actually... can I just run out and get one of those?

[anthony]

You want the highest cfm you can afford and the biggest tank that is practical for your space and portability needs. For home garage use I think a 20-30 gallon tank is a good size. It's big enough to do lots of thing and still be a little portable. I think I like the hot dog style horizontal tank too. It takes up more floor space but it's easier to move around than a vertical tank.

The portable 'job site' compressors with small tanks are good for air nailers and things with low air requirements.

I ended up with this compressor which I bought used from another club member:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Disp...temnumber=36967

It's worked out great for me. Originally I thought 20 gallons might be too small but it's what I'd call a high performance 20 gallon compressor with 5.8cfm at 90psi.

My understanding is that the direct drive oil free compressors will have a shorter life span than the ones with a separate belt driven motor. Oil free compressors are also noisier.

Do you have a Harbor Freight near you? When they have sales you can get air tools for less than $10 each. In many cases they are the same stuff that Sears sells for $75. If you regularly oil the cheap tools they will last a long long time for home use. You can also get all the connectors and hoses there for cheap.

For accesories, I'd also recommend a air line filter. It will catch a lot of water and make your tools live a lot longer.