Air compressor- renovate or new ?

I have an older Campbell Hausfield AC that is pretty tired. When I painted Rusty it wouldn't keep up so I ran this one and a small portable together and kept tripping breakers in the house. The Campbell Hausfield is a direct drive oil less aluminum model. Since I'm pretty tight with the pennies I'm trying to figure if it would be better to save my tank and controls and fab a cast iron/belt drive compressor or spring for a new one. It's an 11 gal tank with a 3.5 hp motor. I think the motor is good but the aluminum oil less compressor is worn out. I guess I have 2 options first to convert to a belt drive the other is to remain direct drive and find a better compressor possibly a cast iron unit or a aluminum with a sleeve. I don't use a lot of air but it would be nice to have more volume and pressure.

 

Get this, oil less compressors suck and have no place in a serious work environment.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/tools/...eg-60-gallon-cast-iron-air-compressor-3310006

Or this one

http://www.tractorsupply.com/tools/...le-20-gallon-cast-iron-air-compressor-3301586

 

I ran a small compressor for years, finally sold it, and bought a real compressor. they are expensive, but its a one shot deal if you get a good one. i believe my quincy will out last me and once you have the compressor that will keep up, you find yourself with a few more new tools in the box that make life so much eaiser

 

Agreed the oil less is a hobby shop or air up a flat tire type of a tool. No Tractor supply any where close by. I do like the price especially for a 220v rig.

 

I just moved over to my mom's house and my stepdad and I got out the old 220v craftsman he had sitting outside for ten years. It wouldn't turn over so I pulled the head and soaked the cylinders in some PB blaster, now it turns over easily and pumps air. Hopefully it will last a good while, the specs say 8.5 cfm at 90 PSI so I hope it should run some air tools. The compressor has two pistons and is horizontal and on wheels, I've never seen one like it since most 220 compressors are vertical.

 

Look anything like this? (internet pic)




My father sold all his wood working tools and gave me this when my oilless craftsman died. It's about 25 years old, I painted cars with it when I was a teen, and I'm 43. I have it plumbed into my 30 gallon tank from my old compressor. 240V, 20 gallon tank. I see this one is 120V.

 

It looks similar but there is no plastic guard on it anymore. I'll get a picture of it in a little.

 

I install & service automotive shop equipment (i.e., compressors, lifts, bulk lube systems & tire machines). I hate working on oil-less compressors, most cost more to repair then to replace.
Spend the extra $$$ & invest in a good oiled compressor. Pretty sure Harbour Freight has Campbell Hausfield oiled compressors. They can be found on sale at decent price from time to time. Good units for a home shop. I have had to do some warranty calls on them & CB is pretty good at getting problems fixed.

 

Hey! Thats what my dad's business does. We also do gas station work.

 

The company I work for does gas stations as well. I mainly work in the lube department (we cover the lifts, lube equipment & compressors) but occassionaly I help out in the fuel dept (changing filters, hoses & nozzles or pumping water from inground tanks) and sometimes even get talked into doing some work in the construction area of the biz (when they need an extra equipment operator or help setting & piping in pumps).