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General Topics/Tech TipsDiscussion on break in periods, rider comfort, seats and pad suggestions. Tech tips as they become available will be posted here.
Well, my Craftsman air compressor finally died today. No warning, just a lot of noise, which is easy to understand looking at the broken rod. It was one of those god awful noisy oil free direct drive units, the kind you can hear running a block away from your home. It gave me good service for over 25 years though.
I’m thinking it’s not cost effective to repair it and parts aren’t likely available for something this old anyway so I’m looking to buy another compressor with a similar output.
The one that died was labeled as a 240v 6 HP with an 11.5 scfm @ 90 psi delivery compressor sitting on a 60 gallon tank.
Who can recommend a reliable brand or model with a similar output and tank? When I look online at the big box stores it seems they start at 900 and go up from there. I don’t want to spend more than 1200. Like so many things these days, when I look at the negative reviews it makes my head want to explode. Everything seems like junk and brands that were good years ago are often crap now. If you've got some good experience with a similar model please share some info as I need to replace this thing soon. Thanks.
If you have a Tractor Supply near you they have various Air Compressors.
I have one of these and it works just fine, 30 gal tank, 155 psi 6.2 CFM @ 40 PSI, 5.3 CFM @ 90 PSI
Not as noisy as an oil free but still makes some noise. Not as powerful as what you had and it is 120VAC, can be converted to 240VAC. Depends on if you are using it for home use or business use.
They have other more powerful ones also.
Look in to California Air. I installed one of these in my buddies shop last year. Unbelievably quiet! Many different models but this is the one we used. 4 bay garage, commercial shop.
I've repaired the compressor that you have and it's a relatively quick and easy repair ... A broken rod is a common problem with them ... Parts might still be available ... Yes they are noisy but they deliver the air
spoiler alert!
craftsman did not make the compressor, probably a devilbliss or other compressor mfg. mine was made by campbell and was made in the 70's. it is oil filled and i run aeroshell 500 in it and still kicking.
kolbalt from lowes isn't bad. i have 4 compressors and use according to the need, media blasting requires 3 of them.
figure your air cfm requirements and go 20% above.
I've repaired the compressor that you have and it's a relatively quick and easy repair ... A broken rod is a common problem with them ... Parts might still be available ... Yes they are noisy but they deliver the air
Craftsman doesn't show any parts available. I've found lots of rod kits online, they all look to be made by the same manufacturer. Biggest complaint with them is that they don't last. I've ordered kits to replace both for about $160. Hope it lasts a little while, better than the cost of a new compressor. I feel lucky the thing has lasted this long. It's incredible how many 1 star reviews there are for compressors costing 1200-1500 dollars. Really poor QC these days regardless of brand and cost, ugh.
spoiler alert!
craftsman did not make the compressor, probably a devilbliss or other compressor mfg. mine was made by campbell and was made in the 70's. it is oil filled and i run aeroshell 500 in it and still kicking.
kolbalt from lowes isn't bad. i have 4 compressors and use according to the need, media blasting requires 3 of them.
figure your air cfm requirements and go 20% above.
I don't think that anyone said that it was built by Craftsman ... FWIW I bought mine new in 1986 ... No belts to replace, no oil to change, no mess to be made ... Would I buy another one? Probably not but I sure have gotten my moneys worth out of the one I have ... At the shop I had two Kellogg 5 hp Two stage compressors purchased new in 1974 and they have both required parts, maintenance and repairs ... Ride safe :>)
I bought a Craftman 60 gallon 120v unit about a year ago from Lowes and it does everything I am doing with it. Currently rehabbing a 71 Chevelle so I use it frequently. I bought the floor model for about $725
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Help! Need replacement air compressor advice.
