I've heard that HF 5hp compressor is actually made in America. Not sure how a quality tool slipped through the cracks and onto the HF shelf, but from what I've heard, it's not a bad compressor at all.

Alan, a small compressor and tank just won't keep up with painting or sanding. I would get a bigger compressor, and just buy a long hose for using outside. I have a 150' hose so I can air up my trailer tires without hooking up to it and backing it to the garage. You can get them cheap.

 

Im wanting a smaller unit probably for the same reason as Alan....I want to work on the car in the garage and not have a loud ass compressor running with in 3 feet of me. Pull the compessor outside and run a hose inside

 

I've got a coleman 5hp 60 gallon stand-up and i've had it for 12yrs or better. DA's, grinders and cutoff tool will work it to death, 60 gallon or don't waste your time.

Mine is in the garage and the noise isn't as bad as the tools your using. I'm going to put it out side soon and build a cover/shed for it and run the pipe through the wall.

john

 

This is a newer (but almost identical) version of the one I have and that I used to paint my 93 Conv as well as countless other projects around here. I have had it for about 6 years now and not a bit of trouble with it. Being 60gal like others have said is the way to go as it doesn't run that often which IMO it is fine mounted in the garage.

It is 3.2hp avg and runs on 220v single phase.

 

Good point with the longer hose. Plus I could always get a small portable tank to fill with the compressor if I want to use a nail gun or whatever inside the house, in the backyard, or even bring with me to a bike event for tires and whatnot.

That 3.5hp 60gal single stage looks like a winner for the money ($419.99 - 3.5 HP, 60 Gallon, 130 PSI Compressor). Only downside is paying an electrician to come install the proper outlet for the thing.

 

You're dryer isn't in the garage by any chance? You could just use the same plug on the welder and swap them out.

 

Unfortunately not. I'm not even sure if the one garage that will have all this stuff even has any electrical outlets in it (aside from the one for the garage door opener).

 

I aint no electricion,I hard wired mine strait to my fuse box with a 50amp double breaker.