I need a bigger air compressor for a couple of things I'm doing. Have a long run to the sub box in the workshop and don't want to draw more amps, or I'd lean towards bigger.

Think I've settled on buying one of the three 3.7HP/60 gallon/240V clones sold as Porter Cable/Husky/Kobalt by Tractor Supply/Home Depot/Lowes. Okay reviews. Seems like a 3rd party with really poor support makes all three, and support is always handled by 3rd party. Anybody like/dislike theirs? Recommendations among the 3? Other recommendations? Need at least 8 CFM at 90psi.

Buy the biggest you can afford. I have a 5hp, 80-gallon Speedaire that's been in service 10 years. It blew a head gasket about 5-years ago and the fix was an updated design head. Expensive somewhat but you get what you pay for.

I've got the 3.7hp 60 gallon Husky. It does the job I need it to. Been in service for six years now without an issue. For gun work mine doesn't usually run a lot (maybe kicks on twice a day) unless I'm bead blasting so I expect it to last a long time. My brother runs a garage and had to pick up one of these when he was in a bind getting his main compressor serviced. Surprisingly he said it kept up okay with three guys running air tools.

Don't buy a direct drive unit unless you plan on keeping it in a separate out building. The noise will drive you nuts and you will jump out of your shorts when in kicks on.

That's very true. I built a separate room with insulated walls just for the air compressor, bead blaster and dust collection system. When I run the bead blaster I wear ear protection anyways so the noise isn't an issue in there. If it was in the regular shop space the noise would be very bothersome and as Jim notes you'll jump out of your shorts in the middle of a checkering job when it kicks on leaving a gouge across your freshly finished stock

quote:

Originally posted by Jim Kobe:
Don't buy a direct drive unit unless you plan on keeping it in a separate out building. The noise will drive you nuts and you will jump out of your shorts when in kicks on.

Ihave two Ingersall Rand's 60 and 20 gal. (not the Chinese copy, but the US made) Of course,. both have motors made in Mexico and the larger appears to be a little temperature sensitive.

with a CNC machine, I really can't be without air, hence the back up.

I would not be inclined to recommend this brand despite the price that's right up there

Run plenty of pvc to have lots of convenient places to connect. The more you have, the more storage you have, like having a bigger tank.

PVC is not a real good choice and in most cases does not meet code. Here,it must be contained or at least 10 feet above the floor (bursting issue)

OK if you have no employees, I guess. Jurisdictions may differ

if you run pvc make sure it is sched 80 (gray stuff) it will work well for air

Had a friend plumb his shop with PVC
Minor fire from a torch melted the PVC
Instant furnace
Wasn't nice

Whatever you do don't use pvc. I used a 1000 or so feet of 3/4" per-al-pex for my shop. There are lots of kits out there that are a decent price with all the fittings and drops.