Not that anyone here is predisposed to strong personal opinions but…………….?
What do you all think about oil free compressors such as Thomas for use at home rehabbing, DIY work etc. This is not for heavy commercial work.
i like the fact that they have a low amp draw, dont need to be level, and wont ever blow any oil on your work. Thomas seems to have the best rep for these and if i can find one for about $200 i would be happy. only need to run 1 tool at a time, only have 2 hands.
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Replies
Woody: Look at the Bostitch CAP1516 compressor, its a small unit very quite and fast recovery. It has a 1.6 gallon tank, may be too small , but worth looking at . Retails around $169. Good luck.
http://www.bostitch.com/default.asp?CATEGORY=BOS%5FCOMPRESSORS&TYPE=PRODUCT&PARTNUMBER=CAP1516&SDesc=Trim+Air+1%2E5+Peak+HP+Oil%2DFree+Contractor+Compressor
I have the Bostich, but would not reccomend it to someone without finding out what they need to do with it. It is a great compressor for brad and finish guns, but would be useless for someone looking for a general purpose compressor - as the original poster seemed to be doing.Just a few days ago, Amazon had a few Thomas compressors in their clearance section, one for right around $220 or so - normally $340 I think.I have an oil lube PC twin tank design that has served me well. It has an oil-scoop design that allows it to work even if it is not level and the fact that it is quieter than oilless models is a benefit. It hasn't often caused a breaker to pop either - I think it's rated for 12amps.JT
imho Thomas makes some of the best portable compressors on the market and was and would still be my first choice (I have the T-200ST) for the reasons you've mentioned plus others. If you're buying new I think you'll need to add some $ to your budget. The T-635HD might be what be what you're looking for; it will run a framer, it's light and portable, and less expensive than some of their other models. Rol-Air is the other brand I'd consider.
Amazon actually had the Thomas T100-st on sale yesterday for $224, with free shipping. I thought it was just a Fathers day sale or something cause they list for $400. Went back on early today and saw that it was still on sale, plus there is a 10% off deal savtenptjune so it is $202 delivered! Think i will buy it, though it will probably be gone by the time i get back.
hopefully it will arrive in one piece.
How come only the cheap compressors come with the combo kits? It almost seems worthwhile to buy a porter cable combo kit with the brad nailer and finish nailer for $239, then sell the compressor or keep as a backup. Have heard good things about the nailers but not the compressor, didnt want to rely on it to run a framing gun.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001VO1ZS/qid=1150727153/sr=1-6/ref=sr_1_6/104-0802374-9700708?%5Fencoding=UTF8&s=hi&v=glance&n=228013
Oil free are LOUD, if this matters to you.
not always true.
my Thomas st2820 has to lowest Db rating of any compressors anywhere near it's size ... bigger and smaller.
lowest noise on paper ... and definitely lowest noise in person on every site I've been on.
the low noise and high performance is exactly why I bought it.
certainly wasn't due to the light weight and low price!
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
I can second the Thomas T-635. I just got one and it's really nice, and it is surprisingly quiet esp for an oil-free (not that any of them are "quiet"-I had an oil-lube DeWalt/Emglo that was pretty loud). Good luck finding one for around $200 though.