If you have ever considered buying an air compressor, you’ve probably asked yourself the question: Is an air compressor worth it? The short answer is yes, it is definitely worth adding an air compressor to your arsenal of tools. Air compressors are extremely useful for DIY or professional use.

7 Reasons Why You Need An Air Compressor

In this article we look at the reasons why you should get an air compressor for your home garage or tool shed. For any tool to be worth it, it should be useful. By this I mean that you will actually use it when working on DIY projects or performing tasks around the home.

The reason I say that an air compressor is definitely wort it is that few people are aware of just how versatile an air compressor is and how many applications it can be used for.

Before we go into the reasons why you should get an air compressor, let’s have a look at the advantages and disadvantages of air compressors. Please keep in mind that in this article we focus on portable air compressors for home use and not massive industrial models.

Advantages Of Air Compressors.

Let’s start by looking at the pros of owning an air compressor.

Versatility

An air compressor on its own is not very useful, you need air tools to get the job done. The beauty of an air compressors is that it can power a massive range of different air tools to perform almost any task imaginable.

The PSI on any air compressor can be adjusted to run any air tool, from the smallest Dremel tool to a heavy duty impact driver. There is a wide range of different air compressors to choose from in today’s market, making it possible to find one tailor made for you.

Power

Air tools are more powerful than their electric counterparts, making it the ideal choice for heavy duty jobs. Some pneumatic impact drivers can deliver up to 2500 ft.lbs of torque, something the electric models can’t dream of achieving.

Exclusivity

By this I mean that there are some tasks that can only be performed by using compressed air. This includes jobs like spray painting and all inflation applications.

Having an air compressor in your tool shed will enable you to tackle all these tasks with ease.

Disadvantages Of Using Compressed Air

Set Up Cost

To get started you will need to purchase an air compressor and air tools. This can be costly at the start but is wort it in the long run. Air compressors can cost anything from $100 up to $3000. It all depends on the type of work you want to do with it and what type of setup you want.

Another point to remember is that you need to purchase air hoses and couplers to complete the setup. Some brands sell hose and coupler kits included, something worth looking at.

Noise

Air compressors can be noisy. Most models run between 55db and 90db. Noise at the higher level of this scale will certainly wake up the neighbours and make you very unpopular. This kind of noise is also not good for your hearing and can do harm over a long period of time.

There are alternatives though. So called quiet air compressors run between 55db and 60db which is not much louder than normal conversation levels. This is a good choice if you live in a suburban area.

Reasons Why You Should Get An Air Compressor

1. Cost Effectiveness

Earlier in this article I have listed setup cost as one of the disadvantages. The good news is that the initial cost is probably the only downside. Air tools are cheaper than electric tools and last much longer, this means that over time it will work out cheaper to operate pneumatic tools.

2. Inflating Tyres And Other Inflatables

If you have ever had a flat tyre, you will know the frustration of having to change the wheel with the spare and taking it to the garage to get fixed. It is so much easier to just inflate the tyre and drive the car to the garage.

Compressed air allows you to inflate just about anything that needs inflating, from tyres to air beds. This is very handy in any emergency. You don’t need a big compressor for inflating, a small pancake air compressor will work fine.

3. Cleaning And Drying

Compressed air is great for cleaning and drying. Cleaning attachments can be used to blast soap water solution on to a surface, providing an effective way to clean parts or outdoor furniture.

Dirt stuck in hard to reach places? No problem, blast it away with air!

Air is an extremely effective way to clean power tools, air vents and air filters on cars. Almost anything can be cleaned with air.

4. Spray Painting

This is my favourite application and probably the most fun. There is no comparison between the finish you get from spray painting and a surface painted by hand.

Spray painting is not just for automotive use, but can be used to paint surfaces in and around the home. I recently upgraded my kitchen and decided to spray paint the kitchen units. I was in two minds whether to buy new units or paint the existing ones. Spray painting was definitely the right choice as the outcome was totally amazing. My kitchen now has that showroom look, something I would have paid a fortune for if I decided to purchase new units.

5. Carpentry

I prefer to use air tools for carpentry purely for the extra power. Pneumatic nail guns and staple guns are much more powerful than electric models and get the job done properly.

This is also where the cost factor comes in to play. Electric nail guns can cost around $200, while pneumatic models are less than half the price. You can get a whole set of carpentry air tools for the price of a single electric nail gun.

6. Sandblasting

Sandblasting is the best way to clean any metal surface before painting or any other treatment. Remove rust and old paint easily by sandblasting the surface.

One thing to remember is that you need sandblasting sand or blasting grit for sandblasting. Sand from the back garden will not work.

7. Automotive Repairs

Air tools are used in almost every automotive repair shop. The power and versatility air provides makes it ideal for this kind of application. If you are a petrolhead and likes fiddling with cars, you may want to invest in air tools to make your life a bit easier.

Popular Air Tools To Use With Your Air Compressor

Nail Gun – Makes driving nails quick and easy

Staple gun – Great for DIY and crafts.

Impact wrench – Effortlessly fasten and loosen bolts and nuts.

Pneumatic Angle Grinder – powerful grinder that will last a lifetime.

Air hammer – Bits can be changed to use it for different applications

Paint sprayer – Get the perfect paint job on any surface.

Blow Gun – For cleaning purposes.

Final Thoughts

I use an air compressor and air tools almost every day and don’t know how I would cope without it. Once you get used to using compressed air, it is hard to see how you you ever managed without it. Obviously it is not for everyone, you have to be someone that would from time to time do any of the jobs mentioned in the article above.

The initial setup cost is a bit of a drawback, but if you can get over that, your air tools will provide you with a lifetime of service.

Marc Smith

Marc is a seasoned expert in the DIY and power tool industries with a wealth of knowledge accumulated over three decades. He is an experienced tool reviewer and article writer.

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You’ve probably landed on this page because you just bought an air compressor and you want to know exactly how to use it. I am going to take you through all the steps you need to take to get you operational in no time.

I’m sure that by this time you know what an air compressor is used for, so I won’t go in to detail about what it is and how it works. The aim of this article is to give you a quick guide on how to get started with your new air compressor.

In this article I will mainly focus on electric air compressors that can be used in the home garage or workshop. I would never advise anyone to use a gas air compressor indoors, so that would be a discussion for another day.

How To Use An Air Compressor – Getting Started

Read The Instructions Manual!

This goes without saying, but you would be surprised how many people go straight to Youtube to watch a general instruction video on air compressors.

Every air compressor is different and may have different setup requirements. Read through the manual and make sure that you are familiar with all the setup procedures and requirements.

Setting Up Your Air Compressor

Position

So, you’ve bought the best air compressor for your specific needs and you want to get it set up as quickly as possible. The setup procedure starts with finding the best position for your compressor. This should be near an electric outlet and on a flat, level space.

Most portable air compressors do not have to be secured to the floor, so a flat, level surface is crucial in limiting vibration and movement.

Check Oil

Most electric air compressors are oil-lubricated and need to be filled with the correct oil to ensure smooth running and durability. 

Locate the dipstick and pull it out – check that the oil level reaches at least two thirds up the dipstick ( when there is no level mark on dipstick) If you need to fill the oil, refer to the instructions manual where you will find what type of oil to use.

Check The Drain

Before you start up, you should check the drain. This would be at the bottom of the air compressor tank. Open the drain to make sure no fluid is in the tank, then close the drain securely. Air will escape through the drain if not closed properly.

Operating Your Air Compressor

Switch On

Now that your air compressor is in place and you have done all the checks, it is time to switch it on and fill the air tank. First you have to plug in the electric cord ( I know this is obvious, but you never know..)

Set the PSI to 100 using the control valve and switch on your compressor. Let the air tank fill and make sure it shuts off when 100 PSI is reached. If this all happened, you are good to go and can start using your compressor to power air tools.

Another quick tip is to test the safety valve. This valve can be used when the pressure controls malfunction. It basically allows you to release air from the tank when needed.

Pull the safety valve and make sure that air is released when this valve is opened. Release the safety valve and make that air flow out the valve stops when released.

Connect Air Hose

My first tip here is to purchase an air hose that is long enough to reach most areas of your garage. It is extremely annoying to have to move the compressor when the hose doesn’t reach.

Nowadays most hoses are fitted with quick-couplers making it easy to connect and disconnect. 

Connect the air hose to the air compressor by inserting the male connector of the hose into the female connector of the compressor.

Connect Your Desired Air Tool

Now that the hose is connected, you can go ahead connect your tool of choice. Insert the coupler of the desired air tool into the hose. You are now almost ready to start using your air tool, just one more step.

Select The Correct PSI

All air tools have PSI and CFM requirements. PSI is short for pressure per square inch, so this is basically how much pressure a tool needs to function properly. To operate a specific tool, you need to know what the PSI rating is. This would be printed on the tool or can be found in the instructions manual.

Once you have determined what the PSI requirement is, set the PSI (using the control valve) on the air compressor to that mark. You can also read this article on how air compressors work.

You have now completed all the necessary steps to start using your air compressor to power air tools.

Using Different Air Tools With Your Air Compressor

How to Use An Air Compressor to Inflate Tires

Using an air compressor to inflate tires is very easy when you have the right equipment. You will need an tire inflator gauge to get the job done.

Connect the tire inflator gauge to the air hose to get started. Remove the valve cap from the tire and connect the end of the inflator to the valve. The gauge will now register how much air is in the tire and display the reading in PSI.

Make sure you know what the recommended PSI is for that specific tire and inflate until the desired PSI is reached. Replace the valve cap and you are done. Easy as that!

How to use An Air Compressor With A Nail Gun

A nail gun is great for speeding up any woodworking job. Before connecting a nail gun to your air compressor, make sure you set the correct outlet PSI for this tool. Allow the compressor to fill with air before using the nail gun.

Once the compressor has reached maximum pressure, double check that you have set the correct PSI as specified by the nail gun manufacturer.

Connect your nail gun to the air hose and set the nail depth to the desired setting. You are now ready to start using the nail gun. To drive a nail, push the nail gun down against the wood and pull the trigger. This will drive a nail from the cartridge into the wood at the pre-set depth.

How To Use An Air Compressor To Paint

A spray gun can be connected to an air compressor to do spray painting. This is the most effective way to paint any surface and produce the best results by far.

There are three parts to getting this job right. Firstly, the air compressor needs to be set to the correct pressure for your spray gun and the air needs to be moisture-free. Moisture will cause bubbles in the paint and ruin your spray job.

Secondly, your paint has to be mixed correctly. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer and make sure your measurements are spot on. Paint that is mixed too thin will cause runs when applied and paint mixed too thick will produce a rough surface and clog up your spray gun.

Thirdly, the spray gun needs to be set correctly. Set the spray gun to a wide spray beam and adjust the pressure until you get the desired spray. Always spray on a test surface first to check that all is well. Once you are happy with the outcome, you can go ahead and apply that beautiful coat of paint.

After Use Care

Best practise is to always drain the air tank after use. Locate the drain at the bottom of the tank and open it. Some models may require the use of a wrench, while other can be opened by hand.

Leave the drain open for a few minutes to ensure that all moisture drains from the tank. After draining, replace the drain valve (or close it) and your compressor is now ready for storage until you use it again.

To get more information, you can watch this video by the guys from Around The Home. This video takes you through all the steps on how to use an air compressor.

Conclusion

An air compressor is a very handy tool to have in the garage. You can use it to power a wide range of air tools from spray painters to tyre inflators. This article is a quick guide on how to get started, and as mentioned before – Always read the instructions manual of your specific model first!

The setup process is not difficult and once you know how to use an air compressor it will provide you with hundreds of hours of service. Please remember to always keep safety in mind when you use an air compressor.

Marc Smith

Marc is a seasoned expert in the DIY and power tool industries with a wealth of knowledge accumulated over three decades. He is an experienced tool reviewer and article writer.

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In this article we take a look at the very popular Makita MAC2400 Big Bore air compressor. Nearly 90% of consumers gave this model from Makita a 5 star rating. This is data taken from various consumer feedback platforms.  So, let’s dig a bit deeper and find out whether these reviews are a true reflection of this little beast from Makita.

Over the past decade Makita have established themselves as one of the leading manufacturers in the small industrial and home power tool market. This is largely due to the goal of the company to produce top quality tools at extremely competitive prices. As a result the company have gained a huge following in the construction industry.

The Makita MAC2400 air compressor made our list of the 10 best air compressors and is probably the best value air compressor on that list. Let’s take a closer look at this model.

Review Of The Makita MAC2400 Air Compressor

Makita have certainly raised the bar with this series of air compressors. When we look at the features, it is easy to see why the competitors are struggling to keep up.

The MAC2400 have a host of built-in features to make it more efficient and reliable – from lower operating rpm to lower amp usage. The lower operating speed makes the Makita quieter than most of its competitors.

Main Features Of The MAC2400

As mentioned earlier, this air compressor is loaded with features to make it more efficient. Here are some of the features Makita introduced with this range:

• Lower operating speed – The MAC 2400 runs at 1720 rpm. The lower rpm have obvious advantages like a longer life span and lower noise levels. The quiet operation makes it much more suitable for suburban use.
• Low amp draw – Makita have lowered the amp draw of this compressor to ensure more stability and longer motor life. The lower amps reduce the risk of tripping breakers at start up and voltage drops which can shorten the lifespan of the motor.
• 2.5 HP motor – A very powerful motor for such a small unit. The improved power is a result of using a 4 pole design in the motor. This allow the motor to produce more CFM while being more efficient.
• Fast recovery time – This is achieved by using a cast iron pump with a big bore cylinder and piston. More air is produced in less time. The pump is oil lubricated for cooler running temperature and less wear.
• Improved air filtration system – The company spent a lot of time and money to improve this aspect of the MAC 2400. Poor air filtration can lead to premature failure, and this is why Makita moved to an automotive style air filter.
• Built in thermal overload protection – This basically means that the motor will shut down when a certain temperature is reached, to protect the motor from heat damage.

Specifications

• Weight: 77 lbs. This is on the heavy side, but not overly so.
• Dimensions: 19.38″ D x 18.75″ W. Quite compact for a unit with this amount of power.
• Operating pressure of 130 psi. Deliver 4.8 cfm @ 40 psi and 4.2 cfm @ 90 psi. Dual outlets to run two ait tools simultaneously. 
• 4.2 gallon twin stack air tank system.
• 12.3 amps at full load. This is a reduction from previous models.
• Average pump life is estimated to be around 2,000 hours. This can obviously be extended by taking good care of your air compressor.
• Noise – 79 dBA from 3 feet away. The lower noise levels make this model suitable for most jobsites.

Conclusion

It is hard to fault this air compressor from Makita. It basically does what it says on the box and it does that very efficiently. The MAC2400 is built to withstand the toughest jobsite conditions. This sturdy, reliable power makes it a huge favourite with contractors and DIYers. Makita have introduced a range of new features in this range to improve power output and durability.

There are many reasons to buy an air compressor and Makita seem to cover all the angles with this product.

Three massive plus points are the longer life span, increased power and lower noise levels. What more can you ask for?

The Makita MAC2400 is a compact, powerful and reliable air compressor. Thousands of online reviews tell the story of many satisfied customers.

Marc Smith

Marc is a seasoned expert in the DIY and power tool industries with a wealth of knowledge accumulated over three decades. He is an experienced tool reviewer and article writer.

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Compact And Reliable Air Compressor

The Porter Cable PCFP02003 is a great compact air compressor. It is the best seller in the pancake compressor class, and with good reason. An impressive 135 psi maximum pressure allows for longer run times and quicker recovery. Good build quality and durability are two of the main advantages of this compressor.

The PCFP02003 is small and very portable, probably one of the best budget portable air compressors. Weighing in at just 26lbs, this compressor can be moved around easily by anyone and will store in the smallest spaces. This is ideal when you work on a site that requires you to move the compressor around. The factory fitted quick coupler is great when moving around and allows you to snap-off and snap-on any air tools that you are using.

This compressor excellently provides power to nailers and smaller SCFM air tools. The PCFP02003 is electric powered and features an oil free pump that requires no maintenance. This is a huge plus point in the long run. When running, the motor produces a noise level of 82db. This is average for a motor of this size, certainly suitable for indoor use. Cold weather start-up seems to be no problem for this compressor.

Product Features And Specifications:

• Weight: 26lbs
• Power: 10 Amp
• Max Pressure: 135psi
• Tank size: 3.5 Gallon
• Air flow capacity: 2.0 SCFM
• Noise level: 82db
• Electric powered
• Oil-free pump design
• Voltage: 120V
• Warranty: 1 year limited warranty

The Reviews:

When researching consumers reviews on the Porter Cable it becomes clear why it’s the best seller in portable compressors. Consumers that bought this product rate it very high and are on average very pleased with purchasing this product. Customers on Amazon rated this compressor at an average of 4.6 stars out of a possible 5 stars. Very impressive!

Consumers like the fact that it is very light and can be carried around easily. The fact that it runs quiet enough to be used indoors is a big plus for a lot of users. The excellent build quality and durability impressed the consumers, some have been using this compressor for a few years.

One user said: “I bought this one three years ago with a set of pneumatic nailers, and this compressor is a real workhorse. I did all the house trim, the deck and even redid all of my daughter’s house from scratch. This compressor is the best I’ve ever own for woodwork, tire inflation and smaller power tools.”

The reviews on the Porter cable PCFP02003 tell a story of many happy customers. From DIY enthusiasts to contractors, all rate this compressor highly for general inflating and powering smaller air tools.

The Verdict:

A great little compressor at a great price. Perfect for smaller air tools and very portable. This model is definitely one of the best buys for the first time buyer or for someone in the market for a compressor for light duty applications. The bonus with a compressor of this size is that it can easily be stored away and be out of sight. On our main reviews page we have more reviews to help you find the best portable air compressor. Visit our best air compressor page to find a guide to all the top air compressors.

Rating:

This air compressor received a 4.5 star rating from our panel of experts.

Video Review:

Have a look at this video review by RVer Frank where he takes a look at this model:

Marc Smith

Marc is a seasoned expert in the DIY and power tool industries with a wealth of knowledge accumulated over three decades. He is an experienced tool reviewer and article writer.

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Let’s Take a Closer Look At This Air Compressor

The Dewalt D55146 is rated high on our best air compressor buying guide for a number of reasons. This model is a powerhouse in a compact package and is a favourite with DIYers and contractors alike. It is a heavy duty compressor that produces enough air to power most air tools. The dual outlet connectors let you run two nail guns simultaneously and the compressor won’t struggle to keep up. Being able to run two air tools at the same time is a huge bonus and can cut working time in half.

The D55146 features Dewalt’s High Efficiency motor and oil-free pump which ensures durability and maintenance free operation. The build quality is very good and all components work properly. Weighing in at 83lbs, it is a bit heavier than the average compressor in this class, but is still very portable and the fitted wheels make it easy to pull around.

This compressor is definitely built to handle tough jobsite conditions and the lower noise level of 78db makes it suitable for indoor use. The Dewalt produces a maximum of 200psi and produces much more air than the industry leader. The air flow capacity is rated at an excellent 5.2 SCFM. This allows you to tackle almost any job with this compressor.

Product Features And Specifications:

• Weight: 83lbs
• Power: 1.8Hp
• Max Pressure: 200psi
• Tank Size: 4.5 Gallon
• Air Flow Capacity: 5.2 SCFM
• Noise level: 78db
• Electric powered
• Oil free pump design
• Voltage 120Volt
• 1 Year Warranty

The Reviews:

The Dewalt D55146 received good reviews from consumers that bought this product. The vast majority of customers are very happy with their purchase. On Amazon customers rated this compressor at an average of 4.1 stars out of a possible 5 stars. This compressor impressed most customers that bought it and this explains the good reviews it received on various consumer discussion forums.

Most users were more than happy with the amount of air supplied and the refill speed of this compressor. Some reports suggest that running three air tools simultaneously are no problem for this machine.

When we researched reviews on the build quality of this unit, it was clear that this compressor is solidly built and made to withstand the toughest working conditions. The air flow capacity (5.2SCFM) is very impressive and all users found that it meets all their demands. Consumers reported that the noise level was low enough to be used indoors. One consumer noted: “Surprisingly quiet and well built”

Another consumer said the following: “A must have for contractors. It’s much bigger than what I thought it would be, but still light enough to pick up and carry around. Provides a ton of air. It’s not loud as far as compressors go. I love it!”

The reviews suggest that consumers are happy with the amount of air supplied by this compressor, satisfied with the quality and happy with the portability of this unit.

The Verdict:

Another quality product from Dewalt. This model produces loads of air at good speed. which will meet the demands of DIYers and contractors. Great product for professionals on the job site and for home owners that want to run air tools at home. This is one of the best selling portable air compressors around today.  The Dewalt D55146 is very popular in the carpentry industry and loved by thousands of tradesmen. Read our air compressor reviews for more information on how to find a good air compressor your your specific needs.

Here is a video review of the Dewalt D55146 by Your Hunting Buddy:

Marc Smith

Marc is a seasoned expert in the DIY and power tool industries with a wealth of knowledge accumulated over three decades. He is an experienced tool reviewer and article writer.

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Quiet, Effortless Air

The California Air Tools 6010 LFC was designed to be the quietest air compressor in its class. Producing a noise level of only 60db, it certainly achieved that. Standing next to this compressor, you won’t believe how quiet it is. This is the quietest compressor we have ever tested. While this machine is running at full speed it is possible to have a normal conversation whilst standing next to it.

California air tools got a lot of things right with this compressor. The team at California addressed and solved a lot of problems that consumers had with compressors in general. After solving the noise issue, they tackled the weight problem and produced this model that weighs only 49lbs. One of the lightest compressors over the 6 Gallon mark. This makes it very portable and easy to move around, it doesn’t take much effort to pick it up.

The compressor motor deliver a peak of 2.0Hp and produce 125psi. The air flow capacity is 4.0 CFM at 40psi, which will power most air tools with ease. The motor runs at only 1680 RPM, creating less wear. The CAT-6010 uses an oil free pump that is virtually maintenance free and very durable.

This compressor is absolutely great when working in your garage in the evening or any place where noise is a major issue. You won’t have to switch this compressor off when the kids go to bed.

Product Features And Specifications:

• Weight: 49lbs
• Power: 1.0Hp running/ 2.0Hp peak
• Max Pressure: 125psi
• Tank size: 6.0 Gallon
• Air flow capacity: 4.0 SCFM
• Noise level: 60db
• Electric powered
• Oil free pump design
• Voltage: 120Volt
• 1 Year warranty

The Reviews:

When we researched consumer reviews on the California Air Tools 6010, we found that it received excellent reviews and ratings on all the major consumer forums. On Amazon, customers rated this compressor at an average of 4.6 stars out of a possible 5 stars. This is one of the highest ratings in the air compressor category.

The main talking point among consumers seems to be the noise, or lack of it! Most users are astonished by how quiet this unit runs. There are a few consumers that would like to see it have a bit more power, but overall the users are happy with the power and air supply. A carpenter said in his review that this compressor keeps up beautifully while he uses his air tools. Heavy nailer work is no problem for the CAT-6010.

Another customer said: “Now I can check my tire pressure in the morning without waking the neighbours and giving myself compressor noise shock syndrome! The most quiet compressor I’ve ever owned. My compressor took 2 minutes and 45 seconds to hit maximum pressure without a hose on.”

The reviews show that most consumers are very pleased with their purchase and would recommend this compressor to others.

The Verdict:

One of the best portable air compressors on the market today. Surprisingly quiet and enough power for the home garage. Another quality product from CAT. We think that this is one of the most underrated compressors around and is a very good investment for anyone looking for a compressor that runs smooth and quiet. Read our page on air compressor reviews and consumer reports to find more reviews of air compressors.

Marc Smith

Marc is a seasoned expert in the DIY and power tool industries with a wealth of knowledge accumulated over three decades. He is an experienced tool reviewer and article writer.

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The WEN 2276 air compressor is a good air compressor for the home workshop. It has enough power to drive most air tools that the DIYer uses at home. Considering the low price the WEN is selling at, the build quality is surprisingly good. The gauges, switches and valves all work properly and makes this unit very easy to use. Weighing in at just 50lbs, it is one of the lighter compressors in its class and thus very portable. The fitted wheels make it easy to move around the home.

This compressor is electric powered and plugs in to a normal 120 Volt outlet. The motor delivers 2Hp and produces an air flow capacity of 4.2 SCFM. This is ample for the home garage. The WEN2276 is oil lubricated and comes with a bottle of oil.

The 2276 produces a noise level of 63db, and is definitely suitable for indoor use. The price of the WEN is a big plus point, and makes it one of the cheapest 6-gallon air compressors on the market. This compressor is a prefect match for the DIYer looking for a cheap but well built compressor that will run all his tools.

Product Features And Specifications:

• Weight: 50lbs
• Power: 2HP
• Max Pressure: 125psi
• Tank Size: 6.0 Gallon
• Air Flow Capacity: 4.2 SCFM
• Noise Level: 63db
• Electric Powered
• Oil Lubricated
• Voltage: 120 Volt
• 1 Year Warranty

The Reviews:

The WEN 2276 received excellent reviews from consumers that bought this product. Customers on Amazon rated this compressor at an average of 4.7 stars out of a possible 5 stars. A very high average indeed. This shows a lot of happy customers.

When researching the reviews on the WEN, the main advantage that customers mention is the value for money. Most consumers feel that this compressor is a bargain and is of better quality than what the selling price suggests.

Some consumers feel that it runs a bit louder than the 63db the manufacturer listed. The real noise level is close to the 80db mark but still suitable for indoor use. An important tip from the consumer reviews is to make sure you purchase the accessories as well. The WEN doesn’t come with any accessories.

Overall consumers are very happy with this product and this explains the good rating it received. Value for money and ease of use are two advantages that are mentioned a lot by the consumer.

Conclusion:

A good compressor at a good price. Perfect for the home garage. Is a bit noisier than what the manufacturer suggests. All things considered, this is still a good buy and a reliable air compressor.  This would not be our top pick for a portable model but at the low selling price, will make a good purchase for someone looking for good value for money. Where most of the top brands have move to oil free operation, the Wen still uses the traditional oil lubricated method. Something to take in to consideration if you want a maintenance free compressor. Read more reviews on the best air compressors to find all the top models. This will help you find the best tool for your needs.

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Last Updated on February 18, 2021 by Marc Smith

Ideal Compressor For The Home Garage

The Ingersoll-Rand SS3F2 is built for the serious DIYer or professional looking for a compressor that will meet all their demands. This compressor has a 100% duty cycle, ensuring an uninterrupted working experience. It is a heavy duty air compressor produces enough air to run most air tools. The SS3F2 is one of the best air compressors for a home shop or garage, hence the name Garage Mate.

This compressor is powered by a 2Hp electric motor that runs smooth and quiet. The pump is oil lubricated and made from cast iron for durability. The pump is belt driven. The SS3F2 is one of the most powerful and biggest compressors on the market that uses standard 120Volt.

The air flow capacity of the Ingersoll-Rand is an impressive 5.2 SCFM at 90psi. This will run almost any tool you will come across. At 185lbs it is not the lightest but the fitted wheels make it easy to push around. When running the garage mate produces a noise level of 75-80db. This is quite acceptable for indoor use. The 30 Gallon tank stores tons of air, providing longer work time before the pump has to start up again.

Product Features And Specifications:

• Weight: 185lbs
• Power: 2Hp
• Max Pressure: 135psi
• Tank Size: 30 Gallon
• Air Flow Capacity: 5.2 SCFM
• Noise level: 75-80db
• Electric powered
• Oil lubricated pump
• Voltage: 120Volt
• 1 Year warranty

The Reviews:

The Ingersoll-Rand received excellent reviews on all the consumer platforms that we researched. Most consumers found this compressor to be powerful and reliable. On Amazon customers that bought this product rated it at an average of 4.3 stars out of a possible 5 stars.

Consumers found this compressor to be surprisingly quiet and, once the 30 Gallon tank has filled, there was a good length of time before motor start-up was needed again. A lot of users that use this unit for bigger applications said the 100% duty cycle was a huge plus point.

Some consumer comments:

“I picked this compressor because it was the most powerful and largest I could find without going to 220Volt. It runs very quiet and will take only a few minutes to fill the tank.”

“This is a great compressor. Quiet, pumps up fast and has enough air to handle all I need as a home owner/hobbyist.”

Overall consumers are very happy with purchasing this air compressor. A good tip that we found in the reviews was that this unit doesn’t come with the oil and filter included, so make sure you buy the start up kit as well.

Verdict:

A good quality air compressor from Ingersoll-Rand. Will meet all the demands of any DIYer. This trusted brand has been around for a long time and produce top quality products. All Ingersoll Rand air compressors are fully assembled in the USA, giving you the peace of mind that it wont die after a few hours of operation and that if anything does go wrong, Ingersoll Rand will back their product fully. We can confidently recommend this product and brand. The garage mate is the ideal compressor for someone looking for a bit bigger model for the home workshop or garage.

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