I’ve got a couple of roof jobs coming up and my old cheapo compressor is just not up to the job. I’d like to get a quality compressor that’s not too loud and not too heavy but will run two roofing guns. Should I go Thomas (oil free) or Rol-air?
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What's your budget?
What's your budget?
Both good - comes down to how much cold weather work you do. Oil type need warmed up in the cold.
I checked out the Thomas website and they seem to make smaller, hand-carry compressors up to about 5 CFM. No doubt they are very nice, but I would go with Rol Air for roofing. There are 2HP and 3HP wheelbarrow models that go 7CFM and higher. I've been looking for a 6820K17 used for a while and they rarely come around, new one is probably about $800. http://rolair.com/products/wheeled_electric/index.html
Budget is secondary I plan on having this compressor for a long time. My thoughts:
Both have good reputations.
Thomas is oil-free so cold weather start-up should not be an issue.
Oil-free should at least theoretically not have to worry about being on a level surface like splash lubrication does.
Rol-air might/will last longer? before a rebuild needed?
Weight and noise are close in the units I'm looking at.
I have a Thomas.
I have had no problems in the 7 - 8 years I've had it. The oilless start is invaluable in cool weather - mine is designed to be able to be run off a 50 ft 12g. cord which is nice. I basically bought it for the 5 year warranty that was offered at the time.
That said, I think you would be happy with a Rolair as they are both good tools. I know Thomas makes pumps for a few different brands - don't know if they are OEM for Rolair or not.