Looking for a basic home DIY air compressor to run finish/framing nailer and possibly a detail spray gun, so im looking at around 4-5SCFM…found two models, one is a Ridgid, the other is Central Pneumatic from harbor freight. Cost aside, what is everyones opinion between the two brands? The ridgid is fancier, but (at least on paper) the CP has better specs for a small twin-tank compressor, and im lost trying to pick the winner. Thoughts?
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My vote goes with the ridgid. They are good compressors from what I have heard.
Just in case you just looked at the price when choosing two machines you mentioned, cheaper compressors probably will be heavy and loud, both factors become annoying fast. The weight of my old compressor led me to sort of impulse buying Paslode few years ago, although I don't regret the decision and light weight compressors were not available.
I did some research and it seems only compressor, light, dependable and fair price, is Dewalt. It is under $300 at Amazon. Thomson is also mentioned and many people favor it in this site, but its price had doubled to $600 since its review in the FHB some years ago. Hope this helps.
Get the Ridgid.
Anything from Harbor Freight with a motor is garbage, in my opinion.
The trouble with cheapie compressors is the gauges, regulators and fittings are often junk.
In my case, I couldn't pass up the great price when I needed a compressor in a hurry. By the time I replaced the regulator, etc. any savings I made vanished, and I still had a crappy little compressor.
Which 8 years later, still happens to be in my basement and works (even though the carrying handle snapped off at the weld).
you guys are all wet. I have a Rigid and want to throw it out the window.
The one from HF is fine. I have seen it run and no problems, besides he can buy 2 for the price of equivalent Rigid.
By the way, if you are really concerned HF has extended warrantees on their motor tools for 1/2 of what extended warrantees are other places. If it breaks they will give you a new one right off the shelf. I know because it has happened to me!!
That being said, for a pro I would buy the other, but a DYI, no question buy the HF tool!
Another thought = Craigslist. I just picked up a shop grade compressor (10CFM)for $250
Tu stultus es
Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
Look, just send me to my drawer. This whole talking-to-you thing is like double punishment.
Thanks for all of the replies, my brother was in town and I had the forum open on my PC and......
I've forwarded your responses to him, still don't know what he's going to do. Probably something capable of running an automotive service station :-)
BTW, that $250 industrial compressor I got is great (needed a little work to make it fit in with my space), and it replaced a CH compressor (the blue brand you see most places) that retailed for $200 to $250 that I used intermittently for 7 years.
Tu stultus esRebuilding my home in Cypress, CAAlso a CRX fanatic!
Look, just send me to my drawer. This whole talking-to-you thing is like double punishment.
Our Costco has a good looking oil twin mini hot dog with very good specs for $139. If I didnt have a couple of compressors already I'd buy it.