Garage compressor
 

Finished my shop and looking at a new compressor. Currently looking at the following

Dewalt - 60 Gallon

or

Dewalt - 27 Gallon

Mainly the smaller unit I can get a smoking deal on a floor model for $229. I already ran a 220v circuit in anticipation of a 60 gallon unit but realize that may be oversize for my needs.

I'd like to be able to use a 1/2" wrench and long term do some abrasive blasting and low volume paint spray. Hobby type volumes...

My plan is to place it permanent so wheels aren't a requirement for me.

While I understand that this unit is probably just a rebadged unit from another manufacturer, I would stay away from DeWalt. Their quality is on par with harbor freight as far as I am concerned.

I personally wouldn't buy something new. Look at auctions, marketplace, eBay. Find something used and beefy.

There is no such thing as too large of a compressor. Especially if you plan on EVER painting or using any type of continuous-duty air tools (saw, cutoff wheel, grinder, etc.).

1000% agree. I've got one of these in my garage currently and it is sooooo inadequate for any tipe of drilling, sanding, cutting, or grinding with air tools. Probably a duty cycle of 30 sec on 3 min of waiting for the compressor.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-20...01H/206189626?

If you've got the room bigger is better, but more importantly I'd probably put a compressor with a proper electric motor/vbelt setup in the buy once cry once category. This seems like a decent deal but buying one new is also $$$. Craigslist/marketplace can be a great resource for nice older compressors.

https://www.harborfreight.com/air-to...sor-93274.html

I have one of the small 4.5gal 200psi Dewalts that we retired at work (have to kick it to start it and needs new brushes). It's rated at 5SCFM@90psi. It is juuuuust enough for my small husky die grinder and that is it. It can hold 55psi running the grinder continuously. Spraying fluid film with the pro gun islt can keep up ok, but I have to let it catch up sometimes.

If you can get the bigger one, do it. The 11.5scfm@90psi should be just enough to keep up with spraying and grinders/drills.


As a note on dewalt compressor quality. This one ran at leadt 5 times a day, every day, for 7 years. Only issue we had was the regulator went out once.

My luck on 60 gallon used within 75 miles hasn't been good. Realizing listed price doesn't equal selling the used I've seen has been around 75-80% of a new unit. Most can't be bothered to answer the basic questions. But thanks for the input.

Dewalt compressors are made by IR. Sort of their budget models. That said, if you can afford IR, go for it.

And, as stated before, you can never buy too big.

I would definitely get the 60 gal. I picked the HF 60 gal single stage 10 years ago when i complete my shop and it hasn't failed me. I suspect it's similar t that deWalt and likely similar to all the other 60 gal $500 compressors out there. But I had a 27 gal prior and am definitely glad I went to the big tank. That little deWalt is also an "all-in-one" sealed pump/motor unit. It's louder, less serviceable and slower than the big deWalt.