Top 5 Air Compressors for your Shop

[@denoftools]

What buyers guide would you like to see next?

[@xephael3485]

Woman's underwear.

[@paul-ld9vh]

Table top planars (~13")

[@danrowley6934]

@@xephael3485 Great idea! Buuuuuut, I think you need some fresh air. 🤣🤣🤣🤣👍👍👍😜😜😜🆒🆒

[@Hero1117a]

Routers

[@MrMustang1973]

Tool Chests

[@LtDan-ni5rw]

Great video 👍! A side not though, for anyone interested in a larger compressor like the kobalt in the video. Do NOT bolt directly to a concrete floor. You need to bolt to isolator pads to prevent vibration from cracking the welds at the legs. I've seen too many really nice compressors fail prematurely because of that.

[@chrischapman276]

Fantastic advice. Thank you

[@TaintedMojo]

Good to know

[@walterk1221]

That is not what Quincy says. I realize Quincy is a super-premium piece of equipment but Quincy specifically states that vertical compressors are not to be mounted with isolators.

[@stepside2839]

@@halledwardb .. Yes .👍. I’ve had my vertical 5hp, 60gal, 240v, compressor on the pallet for 31 yrs. The pump is getting ready to poop. I’ll soon need a replacement.

[@behemothinferno]

You're the only bear I found to be informative. Others seem to all be mute!

[@TexasScout]

A word about maintenance, where I work we have three Ingersoll rand two stage air compressors. Two of them are over 20 years old. We change the oil once a year if you’re lucky. The reason they last so long is because they run a solid 10 hours every day. By doing that you cook all the water out of the oil you cook all the bad stuff out of the oil and that keeps him running.The only problem we had with them in the last 20 years is a broken read them and the occasional belt replacement.. We do change the oil every year or two but that’s it. I would recommend Ingersoll-Rand compressor is to anybody or not cheap, but check out the prices at tractor supply.

[@Wakeupdud3]

Tractor supply IR compressors are junk, motors are made in India, and IR made these compressors only for tractor supply, because they took off there quality parts and replaced them with junk for tractor supply too offer there deals.

[@antonio_simuncic]

Great video!, I personally don't recommend you use black iron piping because compressed air has a whole lot of moisture in itself and as you all know iron loves to rust so PEX is a great option, here in Europe where i come from we often use something called PPR plastic pipes, similar to PEX only its plastic welded not the screw connectors, rated to 20 or 25bar(360psi) and its third the price of PEX, copper is also a semi-decent option only it costs more, always use brass fittings not galvanized or black iron(rust problem, rust chuncks get in your tools and they do serious damage. Stay safe guys and keep on making!

[@stuman5572]

I agree 100% with you on the Kobalt. Mine was actually black but the same unit. It was surprisingly quiet, I bought mine for 499.00, and run any air tool commonly available. I left mine on the pallet that it came on. I could still scoot it around so I can clean around it. I typically used impacts, air ratchets, and a plasma cutter with it. Plenty of compressor for almost any job.

[@1pcfred]

The air compressor I bought off a widow for $50 is the top air compressor for my shop. It is an ANSI rated PAR model from 1944. When you're long dead and buried it'll still be going strong. They built stuff right for the military in the big one.

[@jayinmi3706]

I bought the same HF compressor as a temporary unit. It worked fine, and I've followed the oil change instructions, and everything. Now, if it has air pressure in it, and it kicks on, it trips the breaker. If it is empty, it works fine. Probably just mine, and it's way over 90 days, so it will continue to get me by until I get my 60 gal, 5hp, 2 stage unit.

[@Legoguy1979]

I personally use a 32 gallon 1980s sears oil less compressor. Bought it if my friend he needed a bigger compressor for his large farm operation. All I can say is that thing is great, those old ge motors that were made in the us are amazingly built well. If you can find one I recommend then but only if it's in good shape. The only problem is that it's louder than my hemi with just headers. Also, if you have menards in your area I recommend the sanborn compressors made in the us, that what my friend runs now.

[@masonfamily6124]

I bought an old (1978) Sears 220 volt compressor at an estate sale auction still in the original box unused. Love that thing,

[@DLTJR1959]

Thanks again for the videos. I have purchased 2 really nice belt driven oil cooled units off Craigslist. The first one was a 30 gallon 220V unit that was stolen. My current one is a 60 gallon 220V vertical unit that had 50' of hose and regulators. Bought the first one for $150 and the second one for $200. Deals are out there but you have to jump really quick and stay on Craigslist daily.

[@Fireship1]

The harbor freight 60 gallon is made by atlas copco who also makes the bellaire series of compressors. It’s a true two stage model. The whole thing is made up of quality parts. US made tank, European made pump (T29S, parts are all over the web) and century (Mexico) made true 5 HP motor. One hell of a good deal for what they sell it for. I bought one about 6 years ago. Used to be called US General, but now called Central Pneumatic. Will handle just about anything a home shop could ever throw at it.

[@cordcd7]

This is the one I've had my eye on for a while. I knew I should have gone for it when the coupon was out for it at $749, since it's $829 now. The HF near me has a new display unit and it shows the Made in Italy stamp on the compressor pump. Quality unit that always gets praise and I think is worth the cash.

[@skimark8275]

They just discontinued it, I just got one for $425 floor model.

[@johnB-fj8eq]

They discontinued due to hassle from customers returning them when they break down! Alot of manpower to move around!!

[@skimark8275]

@@johnB-fj8eq Dufus

[@gungadinn]

Red Beard, I've got to go against your Harbor Freight recommendation for a compressor. First and foremost is the lack of replacement parts when the compressor dies. Not if it dies, but when. The oil-less compressors typically live between 50 and 75 hours of operation before the connecting rod cuts lose due to a lack of lubrication. The oiled compressors depending on size may or may not have a cast iron cylinder sleeve or a cast iron block. Cast iron blocks are good as they remain dimensionally stable for their lives. I needed a small compressor a few years back to run a nail gun. I was pushed towards the pancake compressors, but spoke with one of the tool rental companies and found numerous failures of the compressor head. A bit of digging, I found the quietest hot dog style oiled compressor was offered by Makita, called the Big Bore. Follow the break-in instructions. Fill with the supplied oil and run for 30 minutes with the tank valve open. This compressor besides being quiet is also the coolest running compressor I've ever been around. You can hold your hand on it during operation and won't get burnt. In a larger compressor, you named California Compressors, which appears to be a good company. Also look to Quincy as they have one of the best support and warranty programs in the business. Not cheap, but it's a life time compressor. I own an Ingersoll Rand 10 horse power three phase compressor that I use in my home shop, and a Quincy scroll compressor for my sandblast cabinet. The Makita Big Bore gets used in the carport to air up tires and quick small inflation jobs. You need to look at compressors this way, buy once, cry once. Rent one when the need arises until you can get your own.

[@kermitefrog64]

Totally agree with not using PVC pipe to use as a way to have compressed air run through your shop. I worked at a food production plant decades ago and they were using PVC to carry steam. It went off like a bomb. It is a wonder no one was injured. They finally replaced the section with heavy gauged pipe.

[@T6Tarek]

The kobalt is a cambell hausfield same as the husky for 60 bucks cheaper. You can also often times find the cambell hausfield on sale for 399. I love my IR 80 gallon 2 stage with after cooling and a refrigerated air dryer backed up with a van air desiccant dryer.

[@tccoggs]

Don't forget to check letgo and Craigslist. Got my 5HP 30 gallon Sanborn for $100. Little surface rust but in great shape. Brought it home and painted it up. Puts out 12cfm @90psi.

[@danbates6285]

Being a former owner operator of trucks I needed something that I could count on and Ingersoll Rand lived up to it's reputation. I've had mine for over twenty years and not a single problem ,

[@kennedymcgovern5413]

For 25 years now, I have had a 20 gallon Campbell Hausfeld with something like 4 SCFM. Over this quarter of a century, I have consistently run EVERY tool on that compressor that they say you can't run on it. I have painted two Jeeps and a Ram 1500 truck. I have run impact hammers, and ratchets. I have run orbital sanders. It has done absolutely fine. Now I have that, and a DeWalt 6 gallon pancake for when I need t take air on the road with me and between the two...I can do every job I will ever need to do. The 20 gallon is getting old, so it will probably be replaced soon...but I am going to get a newer version of the same thing.

[@MrDoeboy356]

Thanks for not discussing vacuums. They suck.

[@SidebandSamurai]

Yea did you know that jet engines suck even more?

[@richardsolomon5375]

Yeah but compressors blow!

[@matthewgibson6]

I 100% recommend any Industrial Air, air compressor, I have a 30 gallon one and I have had 0 problems with it and it works very good

[@mythril4]

I like to rate compressors based on free air CFM at pressure. This is the flow and pressure that exists without the tank. Truthfully the tank only has three jobs, to hold burst air availability, first stage moisture accumulator, and reduce cycle times on the pump. Once that is established, then next step is longevity. Finally and as you mentioned, loudness. It is important to know how well the compressor will keep up with heavy use of the tools you have.

[@wheelstandr]

I went to Lowes today and bought the 80 Gallon Kobalt. I was planning on the 60 but since there was a 18 months interest free special if I used our Lowe's card, I opted to get the Bigger one. To get the extra 6 months over the 12, you need to spend 999.00 so I tossed in a Kobalt 1/2 impact bare tool. Its the small one thats also offered in 3/8. I don't have any Kobalt power tools, but at only $69.00 yellow tag, I'm going to try it. I wanted the small M-12 stubby impact, but thats 179. bare tool! Batteries for these are 20 and 50 dollars. Charger is 43.00. If these Kobalt's work as good as my Miwaukee's have, I'm changing brands. I think Milwaukee is getting greedy on their pricing.

[@Dipperdap1]

Just purchased a Eaton 5hp 80 gal. man its the nicest compressor I've ever owned. Its quiet and provides 19 cfm@100psi. Its a beast and it was right at $2k but it was worth it.

[@gannon0432]

I have the 60 gal Kobalt and its awesome. And if anyone is looking to get one but dont want to pay over 500, then if the only one they have in stock is the floor model they'll take 10% off if you ask the right person and with a lowes credit card you get another 5% off that. I ran mine with black iron pipe and 3/4" RapidAir Maxline. And if anyone has a good compressor and still seems your tools are under power, make sure you're using atleast a 3/8 hose not 1/4 and high flow fittings will help a lot as well.

[@georgespangler1517]

I have the same compressor,,,I ran a 1/2 inch coil of copper tubing from my pump to my tank and it dropped my air temperature from 240 degrees at compressor to 62 degrees at tank,,,greatly reducing moisture in tank,,,,I found out that Campbell hushfeild makes the kobalt air compressor,,,,was glad to know, because of there quality.

[@ifitsnotbrokenfixit1193]

Great video on compressors. My rule of thumb is get the biggest compressor that 1 can afford. That 21gal HF compressor is a decent little compressor. The thing to look at is duty cycle. Craigslist or Facebook garage sale. Is a great place to look for them.

[@lucky15driver]

Mr. Bear, this is an outstanding video. Your explanation of the difference between CFM and PSI should be added to all the buyers guides.This is your best video

[@djf5065]

I picked up a central pneumatic 21 gallon 125psi compressor for 80 bucks from the local pawn shop that was brand new still, it's my 3rd one I've owned and I love them ive never had any issues, sold the other 2 ive had, couldn't beat that deal especially considering I didnt have to drive the 2 hours to the closest harbor freight and hope they even had it in stock cuz the last 3 times i went up there they were always sold out

[@congaronbo]

I bought an 80 gallon 2 stage 6.5hp magna force (coleman/Sanborn) in 1996. 24cfm@100psi 17cfm@175. Best 799 bucks (remember, 1996) I ever spent. There is literally nothing I need that it wont overdo. I run 1 inch iron line to my regulators and 3/8" automotive quick releases for high flow. I started on standard 1/4" and the difference is amazing. Not that it matters much with this compressor. Yes, it's 220. That's what you want. I never even saw an increase on my electric bill. I ran a solid waste disposal business with this for 10 years in my shop. Now it's my overkill home setup.

[@cliffwill]

ingersoll rand 2475N7.5 for the win. 24cfm at 175psi, 80 gal tank, 7.5hp motor.

[@ericeglish3948]

I've been running my semi pro shop for 3 years on two of the cheap black harbor freight 21 gallon compressors with check valves, plumbed into the shop. Except eating reed valves, that take 10 min to fix and cost 6 bucks, they have run flawlessly.

[@ripntearslayer9101]

If i didnt have a 5hp compressor coming from my grandparents, then the kobalt would definately have my money. I couldnt find hardly anything that can do over 11 cfm @ 90psi for under a grand. The kobalt can keep up with a devillbiss tekna pro lite on its most demanding setup. More than ill ever need.

[@jamesf9610]

Take it from me don't even think about starting with that Campbell hausfeld 3 gallon. It takes about 15 minutes to air up one tire on a car. Now I have an oiled 20 gallon Campbell hausfeld 5.5 cfm at 90 psi and 135 psi max and it works great for airing up tires running an impact things like that. It does struggle a bit with the die grinder tho just so you know.

[@AaaaandYerDhem]

Dude....you're fantastic. I love how thorough you are. Keep up the good work, my friend. Appreciate all the advice, reviews and knowledge.

[@popacap21]

20:28 Hot explosive sharp shrapnel Sounds like me after Taco Tuesday

[@duperfastEUC]

But there's no beans in taco.

[@tanker242]

Should definitely do a remake for 2023. I just bought a Hulk Power (by EMAX) 20gal 14.5amp (120v) compressor. It has 5.77 at 90 and 8.3 at 40. It's been like $768 for months since the last couple years. It finally dropped in price today so I picked one up for almost half that which is similar to pre pandemic.

[@kiyosenl.3889]

Im a hobbyist but i have an impact wrench that needs some powah (a lot of cfm), plus i move a decent amount so that California compressor sounds really nice

[@robthewaywardwoodworker9956]

Maybe I have just been lucky, but I've run PVC irrigation line with 300PIS rating for the last 40 years on my 5hp 80 gallon DeVilbiss compressor and never had so much as a leak. I just moved shops and dismantled the system, and now you've got me nervous to reinstall it. LOL

[@eizzle78]

My buddy gave me a little black 8 gallon compressor from harbor freight several years ago when my delta died, I don’t have any idea how old it is but that thing is a work horse! It puts my 21 gallon craftsman compressor to shame!

[@toolinhand]

I knew someone that found one of the 21 gallon HFT oil compressors in the trash. Someone threw it out, in new condition, and he brought it home to see what happened. All it was, was the power switch. He replaced it and he got a brand new compressor.

[@happycat0411]

Stick with oiled air compressors as they are will need a bit more maintenance but are much more robust in the long scheme of things. Oil-free rely on internal friction-less coatings that are subject to wear over time. Personally, I like Makita as Japanese manufactured tools are typically much more robust than domestic tools and will stand the test of time.

[@LANTHENS]

I bought the CP21 gal ten 10 years ago. Painted many cars and run my nail guns. Still going.

[@dilutedverm]

Atm my little 8gal Kobalt I purchased four years ago, the day after black friday for 79$ is still doing all I need. Couple years out though after a shop is built, and I have room a larger one would be nice to have.

[@kimchee94112]

I have the 60 gal Kobalt compressor. If you need parts and warranty from Lowe's, forget about it. Lowe's don't have parts or service for some of the Kobalt stuff even under warranty. Got burned a few times.

[@jonz2951]

Hey, Bear! Has enough changed to consider an update on this? Sure would appreciate it!

[@czenkusm]

I have the 29 gal 2 hp, Harbor freight Compressor, it's amazing

[@Dialysisforever]

I have had an oil less 20g Cambell Hausfeld compressor for 20 years and hated it the whole time. They are so damn loud! I cant wait for it to blow.

[@mattdavis7260]

I have the 29 gal central pneumatic compressor been 4 years it’s been solid running air guns and cut off tools running 3/8 hose and fittings makes a big difference. But I’m getting ready to to upgrade to the 60 gal compressor because my shop is out growing the 29gal compressor

[@paulsmith9341]

I had a Husky oil less 33gallon upright. I couldn't hear myself think when that damn thing kicked in. I just took a break when it started up. I couldn't afford a new compressor so I started looking for a solution. I found a old Speedaire 20gallon horizontal with better specs than the screamer. I took the motor and pump off the Speedaire and put it on the 33 gallon upright. I can now have a conversation standing right next to the "new" setup. I gave the 20 gallon tank to my buddy and he doubled his storage capacity on his compressor. Win/win and it only cost me 60 bucks plus time for the mod!

[@Erutan409]

Came here specifically for @17:09 Thank you 👍

[@dezarmstrong5975]

I've used the same harbor freight unit twice now. The first one lasted me about 6 years, the second is going out now. My seal went out of the first, the switch and a leaky seal is killing the second right now after 8 years. I'm actually on this video to find a new one, looking to upgrade to a better unit. I use it at least once a week but never more than 2 hours consecutively in a night.

[@torowazup1]

A Bear 🐻 😂 knows more than the average joe 😂👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@1947froggy]

Thanks, really nice video, my HF 8 gal just died after 5 yr. Probably get another 20 gal. HF, best value for my shop.

[@dustinpomeroy8817]

somehow I managed to score two overflow tanks in an auction at work for 125 combined,ones a 100 gallon and the other is around 300 or so.i don't plan on keeping the big one but I figure the 100 gallon will be real nice and I should never run out of air.

[@sparkysurvivalist9507]

For autoBody work 80 gallons are the must while 60 works ok there will be psi drops and you should also have a valve on your painting gun to check as you go. Too little and you risk spraying some globs keep in mind this might also be how you mix the paint and always keep your clear coat gun separate same with your premier clean them in paint cleaner with a soft metal brush and sometimes picks are needed. Anyways yeah make sure to check filters every two to weeks or monthly. Draining liquid from the compressors are also a must “ usually found at the bottom or side of air compressors. We usually used husky at the shop and had two separate one for painting to insure good and consistent psi pressure and one for tools about 60 gallon for the tools . We also had two employees usually working with sanders, impact ratchets but yeah. BONUS : if you want a clean and extra sleek and durable look you can water sand with 2000 or 3000 and then polish afterwards. This A. Gets rid of a bumpy surface we call it orange peel B. Insured the paint is covered with a wax coating that makes cleaning the car a breeze.

[@stevegorkowski3246]

Great video! Just funny to hear you talk about the Pinto. We had a Pinto race car. The next year they made the rules front wheel drive only!

[@BrewCityRider]

Good info. You skipped right over the 8-10 pounders though. I think those are a great size for a diy'er garage. Good combination of power, capacity, size, and low cost.

[@karenstein8261]

A few things to consider, maybe even worth their own video: 1) Noise. Why I bought my California compressor. 2) CFM, rather than PSI. I sized my compressor after learning the requirements of my framing nailer. 3) Bigger tank vs. bigger compressor. My use I intermittent, so a big tank is what I need. If I was painting, a large pump is called for. 4) Water in air. KZbin has many videos showing how to get the water out of your compressed air 5) Piping materials. Did you know there’s rated PEX? A lot fewer joints to leak. Iron adds rust to your air - bad for tools. Copper- lots of joints to sweat

[@parkershaw8529]

I have the 21gal compressor, I use it lightly to pump car tires, winterize sprinklers, it's great, just too laud indeed. Have you ever heard tank explodes due to rust? I thought they will just leak.

[@wheelstandr]

Parker Shaw Yes, my buddy J.D. had just walked past his when it went boom! Internal rust was the cause.

[@jims348]

please review the dual tank whisper quiet compressor fro harbor freight.

[@thelaneman5334]

I own the central pneumatic 21 gallon and have had it over 3 years with no issue besides it is loud, really loud!

[@JoseHernandez-hx3rs]

Nice compressor I got a harbor Freight 125psi using it for 5year now and it works great for small tool but I need something bigger for air impact tools 🔧

[@jarrod-smith]

Looks like they discontinued the 60gallon Kobalt? Can't find it. Too bad, that was a helluva deal. I'm having a hard time finding a good deal on a solid compressor. I *just* missed out on the 15% coupon at HF that was good on compressors. It expired yesterday or I probably would have done the 30 gallon belt drive one.

[@thebull5099]

I got a craftsman oil running. 1 hp. 3 gallon. It has ran for 4 years. It does tires great, but not for painting

[@journeyquest1]

IR are among the best. I have a Craftsman Professional oil that is still doing great after 15 yrs.

[@marbleman52]

Thanks...it's nice to know what is available in air compressors...and the prices... and to get your thoughts on them...I appreciate that...Shine On..!! Oh, I had never heard of that California air compressor...I'll have to go check one out...just to look at.

[@WolfsHaven]

The California air ones are awesome. It's been on my wishlist for a while now. However Harbor Freight came out with the new Fortress compressors for a fraction of the price. They are so quiet, I've heard one first hand. In a previous video I think Red said that they are supposed to have some larger ones coming out later this year.

[@drfalcon4102]

arent the California compressor the ones with a dark tan?

[@greggc8088]

I would have loved to see bears riding around in a Pinto. Thanks for the compressor advice.

[@josephcirelli9642]

Great video! Thanks for all you do to make sure it is a great video! I’ve been on the fence about air tools for a while. And the compressor is first on my list! Thanks again!

[@0509kj]

Do it! When I finally took the plunge the only thing I could say was I should have a lot sooner 😉. The only thing that might give me pause these days is how much better cordless tools have gotten (e.g. cordless impacts). They pretty much weren't a real option then. They still can't beat air on tool variety and cost of tools IMO though. Good luck!

[@CrimFerret]

Good review for home use compressors. There is rigid pipe designed for compressed air but it's kind of pricey for a home shop.

[@ryanparrish23]

I know this is a 4 and a half year old video, but it is one of the best educational videos that I have seen on KZbin! I would like to see you tweak it somehow, maybe talk about water traps or something and re-post it for your newer fans. This is excellent information that people need to know! I worked in 2 different auto shops and they both used schedule 80 PVC in areas for air lines.

[@Zombiereaper1]

Dude you must have been under a lot of pressure when making this video.

[@jnichols3]

I have the 21 gallon HF compressor. Will not run below 50 degrees, just hums and trips. Think the oil gets too thick.

[@Greybeardmedic]

How about the Makita MAC 5200? It's a small job site compressor with a small tank and great performance (6.5 @ 90psi). I bet you could add an auxiliary tank set up in the shop to reduce wear tear but be able to disconnect it and throw it in the truck for portable use.

[@2wrdr]

Dang, I was all sold on the $330 one, then I searched HF and found nothing remotely close. I came back to this video and noticed it is 4 years old and that answers that.

[@paulbritton1436]

LOVE my California Air, but the small tank was an issue - until I bought their add on 10 gallon tank, makes an awesome combo

[@sethlogan9724]

What tools are you using with that setup?

[@paulbritton1436]

@@sethlogan9724 None actually. I tested it with a couple of my air tools, but honestly I've got Milwaukee 18V brushless on everything now, so the air tools are basically retired. I'm mainly using it for changing motorcycle tires. But when I did try the air tool, without the extra tank I could barely run an impact, and it quickly stopped. With the extra tank, I was able to hold the trigger for quite awhile, but didn't test further

[@edwarddavis507]

Very helpful video Bear!

[@traviswieser]

C-Aire Compressors makes really quiet compressors with the same or higher CFM than the other brands.

[@gregbo4964]

You do a great job for us. I hope you are feeling better after your covid-19 bout...

[@tunafish3216]

Bear I ran sc 80 300 p.s.i. PVC in my 40 ft garage for 30 years and had no problems.

[@WolfsHaven]

You've been lucky. I've seen the aftermath of a PVC explosion. Not pretty. It's literally a pipe bomb waiting to happen.

[@christophernewton2579]

@@WolfsHaven I have to but the company tried to cheap out and ran sech20 PVC sech80 PVC I rated for airline pressures can get larger sizes up to sech120

[@EDesigns_FL]

PVC is a very poor choice for air lines. Between temperature and pressure cycling, the stuff is notorious for failing. Many years ago, I used to set-up large offset printing presses and saw numerous instances where PVC lines had failed, often with serious consequences.

[@christophernewton2579]

@@EDesigns_FL What size pipe and what was the schedule of the pipe?as pipe sizes go up in diameter the pressure ratings drop

[@EDesigns_FL]

@@christophernewton2579 All of the PVC airlines I've encountered were schedule 40 and ranged in size for 1/2" to 1". The big problem with PVC airlines is fatigue. Even when they are in a temperature controlled environment, the temperature of the air they carry can vary by more then 100°. PVC has a high rate of thermal expansion. In long runs, the lines are going to move a lot. When movement is combined with expansion from pressure fluctuation, the PVC work hardens and cracks. Another issue is that pressure ratings for PVC are base on specific temperatures, and the ratings fail rapidly as temperatures rise.

[@davidcorbin6489]

Great info bear as always.

[@coherantbliss3483]

You said not to use PVC pipe...I've been using my 5hp 60 gallon compressor with approximately 200 feet of 1" thick walled PVC pipe in my shop since 2005 and not one break or leak ever. In fact my compressor motor just went south after 15 years of use. The key to making it last long is keep the pump oiled, keep the tank drained of water and install a valve around 25 feet from the compressor because the 1st 25 feet is where the air is hot and condenses into water. I have about 9 valves (at all air inlets) throughout the shop and drain them all periodically but the 1st 3 or 4 are the ones which get the most water in them. Using 1" PVC pipe adds to your compressor tank capacity and longevity of air flow too. Also it's important to clean the pumps air filter often and clean the heads and motor often too (spray air inside and outside of the motor and pump. My compressor was set in a corner with an open air vent through the outside wall allowing fresh air for the pump. It also has a removable "box" around it to prevent dust and keep the noise down. In the summer when it's real hot I remove the box. If you used PVC pipe in the past and had it break you probably used 1/2" thin wall....if any of you people want good advice...watch at least 3 different videos before you decide what to do and stop believing everything you hear. Go visit a few shops and ask them...you'll get more and better information. peace

[@denoftools]

Or you could just read on the side of the PVC where it says "Not for pressure" or talk to the people who make PVC who will also tell you "Please do NOT use this with airlines". Or you could just google PVC airline problems. It has nothing to do with water or anything else you can do to prevent it, it has to do with how PVC is made. As to your "I've used it for years and never had a problem" I respond with... and my family had a Ford Pinto and it never exploded, doesn't make it a safe or reliable car.

[@coherantbliss3483]

@@denoftools you're just angry because I proved you wrong...grow up.

[@raiderzilla3882]

first one is good for bike tires👌. The second one I have at home and no complaints. great car tires and nail guns😃. Third, never had one🤔. fourth, I would love to buy one but no space 😫. last one, more power is better 😛

[@bonivuselderheart2716]

It's also good for blowing the dust out of equipment, like larger laser printers. I carried one in my car when I did field tech service, and while it wasn't happy running off an inverter, it did work 'well enough' for what I did with it. I wouldn't dream of using it to run a nailer, though. I replaced it with a 6 gallon pancake compressor the big orange store had on sale, and it's served me well. (just don't ask it to run an impact wrench.)

[@alext8828]

Do tanks actually explode? All I ever heard about it is that they start to leak and cycle too often.

[@Kelbroden336]

Smart Bear!

[@Solar2go]

Nice job explaining compressors.

[@voltage80x]

I’ve used the 21 gallon. It’s a work horse but it runs often if you use it with say a Tornador tool. It is loud as HECK

[@rickwashek478]

Sounds like a lot of air to me.

[@WolfsHaven]

LOL

[@bigrobntexas1720]

Thanks for the 4 minute laughing/coughing fit Rick. Your dry comment was Hilarious

[@roberymcgoff1904]

PVC is rated for 300 psi when put together with primer n the correct glue

[@SgtJoeSmith]

Hey Mr Bear! There are 3 stage too! I know cause I got 1!

[@rickwashek478]

Thanks Tex Rob, I like to drop a 1 liner now and then

[@olveramelinda]

Small Tire shop husky 60 gallon single stage lasted 7 years. Replacing it now so looking for another.

[@mrmidnight32]

Kolbolt or craftsmen 60 gallon?

[@markashlock9017]

I just purchased a Fortress 4 gal which boast “300%” more run time. Can you give me some idea as to the reasoning behind this? Great and informative vid. Thanks!!

[@wheelstandr]

This compressor is $559 at my store. I think I'm going to buy it tomorrow. Looking at the Harbor Freight 60 Gallon on sale for $750 as of today. Not really in my budget. It has really good SCFM flow though.

[@darrenporsch]

Got a 30 gallon Kobalt one from Lowe's on a super sale it's convertible to 240 v if you want. runs 155 max PSI 2hp motor it's also made in America by Campbell Hausfeld cuz when you got the box you could see on the box it said made for Lowes by Campbell Hausfeld. Was for my dad for last Father's Day replacing a 30 year old Craftsman 1 that finally went bad He has the black HF one u like but said it's wasn't quite enough when Using his impact wrench

[@HoursFreeAOLsp]

Thanks for keeping bs politics out of your content. HF 4 life the belt drive last way longer than the direct also!

[@SolarMillUSA]

PEX all the way. Cheap, safe, fast, long seamless runs, and no corrosion/rust particles flaking off inside. PEX is king.

[@markluxton3402]

Has anyone added a bigger tank? To get longer cycle times. Is there enough advantage to doing this?

[@mickymopar]

My shop had pvc air lines when i got it 25 years ago im still using it must be a better grade or something 150 psi on it all the time now you've got me wondering

[@mcroteau91]

Id replace. I think you are just lucky. My friends shop had pvc and exploded long daggers of the pipe. Could have killed someone if they were open at the time.

[@leroy4065]

Well i have a 3 gallon oil lubricated twin tank compressor (pro model for contractors) and i run my small engine shop with it but all i do is pump tires and blow crap off of stuff

[@mcdonaldsmaniac]

Hey red, according to that HF graphic the smaller compressors don't have the capacity or CFM to do nailing? I am confused? I was maybe looking at buying the new fortress compressors for small stuff around the shop, like brad nailing. I might try bump up to the mcgraw oiled one, but Idk anything about how to maintain an oiled compressor.

[@denoftools]

Ok, don't worry about tank capacity when you are looking at stuff that small. The Fortress will do 0.7 cfm at 90 psi which will do brad nails just fine. That said, and I'm sorry to have to say this but don't buy the Fortress. You can get the California Air, which is a well known and solid compressor for just over $100. HF needs to really come down on these prices.

[@dustinpomeroy8817]

ronnie sexton dude there are always 20 gallon craftsmans for under a hundred on Craigslist

[@mcdonaldsmaniac]

@@dustinpomeroy8817 maybe in nonrural areas.

[@dustinpomeroy8817]

ronnie sexton nah I see em all over,on Facebook market place too

[@lorrinbarth1969]

Bought a little Sears 12 gallon oiled compressor in 1986. It had a large compressor that required 240 meaning I had to rewire the garage. Other than that there it sat leaking a little and kicking on about every half hour for 30 years until finally the tank rusted through. When I found a 30 gallon unit with that same compressor I bought it.

[@WolfsHaven]

Those older craftsmen compressors are tanks. I got a 10 gal oil less that we bought for my dad over 20yrs ago and it's still going strong. It's loud but it's held up to every task we've thrown at it.

[@johnhandcock3242]

it kicked on every half hour?

[@lorrinbarth1969]

@@johnhandcock3242 I never timed it but it wasn't unusual to hear it run when entering or working in the garage. Maybe that's the secret of long compressor life - keep a little oil on the cylinder wall. I think I changed oil in it once in those many years. If thirty minutes is anywhere near accurate it pumped up about half a million times.

[@johnc8910]

I would be willing to bet that if you had drained the airtank periodically, you would still be using it.

[@lorrinbarth1969]

@@johnc8910 I agree. T he Sears unit's petcock (probably the leak source) was difficult to use and hence I neglected it. Having learned a lesson I upgraded its replacement's drain with an elbow and pipe out from under the tank to a ball valve .