Air Compressors

I own several air compressors including:

• 25 year old Ingersol-Rand 60 gal - 5 hp - 125 psi max - 240 volt unit (oil w/ belt drive)
• 3 year old Coleman BlackMax / Black Max 22 gal - 5 hp - 155 psi max - 120 volt unit (oil free / direct drive)
• 1 year old Craftsman 33 gal - 6 hp - 150 psi max - 120 volt unit (oil free / direct drive)
  

Why 3? I have two sons in their twentys and I've been waiting for them to buy a home so they can each have one. The two later units I got good deals on that I couldn't pass up. Buy a house guys, and you get a free air compressor...

Anyway, my favorite of the three happens to be the smallest; the Coleman unit. I bought this at Sam's Club several years ago on closeout for $198 and what an impressive unit. If you need an air compressor for around the house (I don't know how any man can not have one), this and likely similar Coleman units are recommended. Mine has exceeded my expectations. I don't remember the CFM specs off the top of my head, but they are admirable for a unit of this size able to run impact wrench, air ratchet, and just about anything except maybe an air grinder over an extended period of time. Although heavy, it is portable if you needed to take it onto your truck.

The Craftsman 33 gal unit is an impressive looking machine, but, it trips my 15 amp breakers on occasion and leaks down (this despite having taken off every fitting and resealing); I still haven't found the leak source. The controls on the Craftsman are not as nice as the Coleman; for example the pressure regulator knob has be turned 3 times as much as the Coleman. If you have large hands, your knuckles will feel it. This unit is also portable, but, heavier than the Coleman. I haven't used the unit enough to render a thumbs up or down yet. I think if I can figure out the leak down source and the unit remains problem free, I think it will get my endorsement. The only component on the Craftsman that appears supperior to the Coleman is the unloader valve line. Metal tubing on the Craftsman, plastic on the Coleman (and on the Ingersol Rand; in fact the tubing on the Ingersol broke and I took a chance and just eliminated the unloader valve by capping off the line and I have never had a problem with starting the unit under a load condition).

The Ingersol-Rand; well what can I say? Except for a few broken belts over 25 year, it has just kept running. I use this only around my house so it doesn't get the use it is intended for, but, it has served me well. Although you should change the oil once a year, I haven't changed it once in 25 years and have had no problems (not that I recommend you not change the oil).

So, which one will I keep? Well, the Ingersol only because it is bolted to the floor and runs on 240 volts. Who gets the Coleman? They'll have to flip for it, but, the one getting the Craftsman may smile the longest...

Tip: "Armor All" in a paint sprayer makes an easy job of applying it on tires and just about anywhere on a car. I've been doing it for years. Make sure you cut back the air pressure to about 35-40 psi. It goes on evenly and no need to wipe.