Compressor for hobbyist?

[coug]

I have been shopping for a new compressor to replace a 1.3hp direct drive with am 8 gallon tank.  My current compressor is very loud so want something not as noisy.  I do not have 220, so with that in mind I am looking at belt drive models in the 2hp range with 20-30 gallon tanks.  I started out looking at the larger Rolairs, but also considering the Ingersoll Rands.  I checked one of the larger sites and they recommended a Chicago Pneumatic, and then I call a regional compressor store and that is also the one they recommended.  Anybody use this brand?  Thoughts?  Thanks in advance!

 

[zapdafish]

For larger compressors, most hobbyist I know put them in a closet / room to reduce the noise. And make sure not to attach it to something that will carry the vibrations into the house.

 

[Claimdude]

I associate Chicago Pneumatic with Harbor Freight (maybe incorrectly on my part). I have a Makita MAC2400 that I have been very happy with. It is remarkably quiet. CPO has a reconditioned Makita MAC5200 (3hp) next size up from mine for $289 and free shipping. These are big bore compressors that are designed to be quiet in operation.

Jack

 

[Sparktrician]

The Rolair JC-10 is very quiet and competent. 

 

[James Metcalf]

One trick to achieve quite is to plumb the intake air to the outside.
Amazing difference.

 

[jbasen]

The Rolair JC-10 is very quiet and competent.

+1 for the JC-10.  I had a Porter-Cable pancake compressor and it was incredibly loud.  I finally couldn't take it any more and replaced it with the JC-10.  What a huge difference.  My wife even approved of the purchase after I turned it on and we could continue a conversation without even having to raise our voices. [thumbs up]

The downside is it isn't close to as big as coug is looking for.

 

[GregBradley]

Harbor Freight's attempt to copy the name Chicago Pneumatic is CENTRAL Pneumatic.

I love my Makita MAC2400 and it is fairly quiet.
I love my MAC700 and it is quieter than MAC2400 and a bit lower frequency so sounds even quieter.
MAC5200 is similar pump as MAC2400 but run at twice the speed. NOT very quiet.

Chicago Pneumatic and Ingersoll Rand both make a range of qualities from low end to high end.

 

[coug]

Thanks for the comments thus far.  I was looking for a larger tank.  Here are the three I was looking at, but maybe I can get away with one of the smaller ones (cheaper too) mentioned above. 

Chicago Pneumatic RCP-226 VP:  http://www.cp.com/usen/whatwedo/us-stationarycompressors/pistoncompressors/singlestageelectric.aspx

Rolair 5520K17A:  http://www.rolair.net/air-compressors/spec_pages/wheeled_electric/5520K17.html#specs

IR garagemate: http://www.ingersollrandproducts.com/am-en/products/air/small-reciprocating-air-compressors/portable-air-compressors/garage-mate

 

[Godfather]

I use the MAC700 and really like it.  However, it has a small tank and will not keep up with air hungry tools. 

 

[Kev]

A cupboard is your friend !

There are cheap "quiet" compressors on the market, but my experience is they take longer to regain pressure compared to a traditional equivalent.

Buy quality and find appropriate ways to isolate the noise and displace the heat.

 

[live4ever]

Take a look at the Rolair VT20TB.  Hits a sweet spot in terms of price and size between the Rolair you linked and the JC10, and it's one of the quiet models with the low rpm motor.

I have the JC10, which is great for all my hobbyist/DIY nailing needs.  However, if I wasn't planning to transport it often, I'd go for something a bit larger.

 

[alkaline]

Compressor for hobbyist?

In my imagination something like this. I apologize for the joke. I could not resist.

Have a nice day.

[wink]

 

[GregBradley]

coug,

I also have the Garage Mate you linked to. It's an excellent compressor for some uses. Mine is used where you want it mostly sitting but need to be able to roll it to different places over a flat surface, in my case a different airplane hanger. Mine is older, when they were still made in the US.

 

[mike_aa]

I was at Costco last night and spotted a Snap-On 20 gallon, oil lubricated vertical compressor with 5.1 CFM @ 40 PSI.  The Costoco number is 917895 and the price is $229.99.  I usually take down the stock number and look these things up on their website for more info/specs, but unfortunately, they don't seem to have it listed on their website and I did not get a photo.  It seems like this is a rebadged unit, but does anyone have any idea if they are any good?

Thanks, Mike A.

 

[stillwaterBR]

I can't say enough good things about Rolair. We have killed a number of compressors over the years of different makes, sizes, and styles. Rolair is the one brand we can rely on all the time. Currently have our finish crews using jc-10s continuously with no issues. The framing crew uses a gas 4090hk17 until electricity is on site and then typically switch to one of our 2 VT25BIG unless they are in use on other jobs.

The VT25BIG is an impressive unit. Tons of capacity, two outlets, in a reasonable sized and priced package.