Air Compressors

ryan68bug · 04-11-2007, 02:22 AM

Anybody out there have recommendations on what to look for in a good air compressor for the shop? "good" is kind of a relative term, as I cannot necessarily afford a top-notch compressor, but I'm mainly looking to get something that will serve me well for my small engine/mini bike projects as well as my work on my VW projects (three Bugs--stock '68 daily driver, '70 street custom project and a vintage stock '63 sunroof Beetle), so multipurpose would be good.

Any advice would be great! :-)

minidragbike · 04-11-2007, 02:26 AM

I have just came back from a monthly swap meet. There are a lot of clone Honda compressors at cheap prices. There were some even with a 2 year warranty.

Maybe in your area you can find one at the same deal?
My friend has had one for about 3 years now. Joe's the minibike shop to be exact.

ryan68bug · 04-11-2007, 02:31 AM

Forgot to mention I live in a mighty rural area, Lakeview, Oregon, to be exact, so finding stuff retail is tough...I think I may start hitting up yard sales and hope that I may luck out...thanks for the quick reply though! :-)
Any advice and tips on what to look for would be greatly appreciated, as well...

minidragbike · 04-11-2007, 02:37 AM

I can't recommend a web site because the shipping would be killer on something like that. You better try your local recycler classifieds, craigslist, or ebay. Basically anything that's a local classifieds.

RuppParts · 04-12-2007, 03:32 AM

if you have a Sears around, you can order online and Sears will deliver to your local store free of charge

jscap99 · 04-12-2007, 02:03 PM

If you get the newspaper, sears has them 125psi for about $100. wait for the sale.

**Yellowhand** · 04-12-2007, 06:47 PM

I'm a big fan of Sears, too...have one of their compressors...works great/good value.

ryan68bug · 04-15-2007, 09:56 PM

As an update, I just found an older Sears, oil-lubricated 125 psi unit (portable) with 20-gallon tank for $75... only thing is its se tup for 220 volts, rather than 110V. Is it possible to use an inverter to up the garage's power from 110 to 220?

**Yellowhand** · 04-16-2007, 12:27 PM

You could rewire the motor for 110v, but they work more efficiently and last longer when wired for 220v.

Most garages where power tools are used need a 220v circuit in the panel...welders also work much better as 220v.

Any electrician can add a 220v circuit to the panel in your garage...it's a simple conversion...two live 110's without a neutral.

ryan68bug · 04-16-2007, 01:13 PM

If I owned the place, I wouldn't think twice about it...but I'm renting, and on top of that not sure how long I'll be here. I suppose I could use the washer/dryer plug in inside the house with an extension court, but then my back door to the garage won't close...lol. A bit of a quandary for me, here, you see...maybe I'd best keep a-lookin'...