I have a Speedair Air Compressor like this one they are sold by Graingers and are a bit overpriced.

I have replaced the motor one time and when I bought parts to rebuild the pump I found it was made by Ingersoll Rand so they are good parts.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/SPE...237?Pid=search

My compressor runs at 175 PSI so my impact wrench works pretty good, and my die grinders scream.

For general use I have 2) 50' rolls of 3/8" air hose to work on my truck or reach anywhere around my driveway but for serious work with my impact I have 2) 50' rolls of 1/2" hose that I can drag out, On the end of the tank I installed a 3/4" ball valve and coupler specifically for the larger hose, it's just not fun to drag around (imagine your impact connected to your garden hose)

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/SPE...331?Pid=search

I would stay away from any direct drive oiless pumps, they have a lower service life, are LOUD run hot and they are loud.

Belt drives are quieter, run slower, last longer and the motor can be replaced or wired to high voltage, a 220-volt motor draws 1/2 as much current as on 120-volts.

Also hoses are like extension cords, get the largest diamter you can get for the distance to your work, nothing under 3/8" because pressure is not much good with out the SCFM.

A 10hp compressor would be just as useless with a 100' of 1/4" hose.

Not all direct drive pumps are bad, you can get a rotary screw compressor that will scream.

Jim

 

I was looking at the craftsman professional but they only had the floor model left and wouldnt sell it. Went to tractor supply and bought a cambell oil lubed model for around 300 bucks. works great, fils up fast, and its QUIET. trust me, after 20 years of listening to my old lube free compressor I definately had to get an oil lubed belt drive model this time around.

 

get the lube one and then go to a lp place and purchase a 250 gallon propane tank they can no longer certify. it will cost from free to scrap metal price. bleed the tank before starting to fill with air. propane has no smell they use a strong odor chemical to give it a smell for safety. the smell will disappear from your air in about a month.

 

How about two cheapo Harbor Fright units in parallel? They usually have 3 HP 20 gallon ones on sale for around $150.