Oil Free compressors - Woodworking Talk

arcscarpa · 05-20-2009, 03:56 AM

Question about oil free air compressors. I'm looking at buying a DeVilbiss oil free air compressor to use with an HVLP gun. I have read some of the posts on here about tool CFM requirements, HP and tank size. It is a 30gal tank, 125 PSI and 4hp. I'll have to look at the available CFM at 'x' psi. Mainly I am curious about opinions on oil free compressors. I don't anticipate doing any heavy spraying. I am mainly building small tables as a hobby and am looking to get into spraying finishes. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

GeorgeC · 05-20-2009, 06:19 AM

Do not get me started on oil free compressors. I HATE THEM.

They are too noisy comparred to a conventional oiled unit. I have a 5hp(rated, not true) on top of a 30 gal tank. I did out my portable for use whenever I can get by with less air just because the noise is so objectionable.

Maybe it is just this one unit, but I have heard others and believe they are also too loud.

George

mdlbldrmatt135 · 05-20-2009, 07:45 AM

I hate mine........... When it dies it's gonna be replaced by an oiled one....

dbhost · 05-20-2009, 11:03 AM

Oilless compressors are notoriously cheap, and loud...

Wood4Fun · 05-20-2009, 11:27 AM

I'm hoping my oiless will die soon so I can justify to the LOML a real compressor... just like everyone else.... TOO LOUD

rrbrown · 05-20-2009, 11:30 AM

I found that aircooled is quite a bit louder and don't last a long as the oil cooled. If those specs you gave are right it should be good enough for HVLP with no problem but Check the cfm @ psi rating to be sure.

GeorgeC · 05-20-2009, 01:18 PM

I have had no problem with life of the compressor, I have had it well over 15 years. Just noise problem.

G

sweensdv · 05-20-2009, 01:48 PM

I always find it curious that people rant about the noise of oilless compressors but are perfectly content with and seldom complain about the noise of table saws, planers, circular saws, etc. I've had an oilless compressor for more years than I can recall and have never had a problem with it. Does it make more noise than an oil cooled compressor? Sure it does but it doesn't make so much that I go running from the shop with my hands over my ears every time it recharges. If you use your compressor only a few times a week, an oilless model will give you many years of trouble free service and cost you less than an oil cooled model.

arcscarpa · 05-20-2009, 03:28 PM

i can also get a 29 gal central pnuematic compressor 4HP 120 PSI with pretty good scfm ratings. this unit is a V-twin pump oil cooled unit. it is a little more and doesn't have hoses or regulators yet, at least i don't believe it does. it also is a 220 volt versus the 110 but that is not a problem for now. what are thoughts on central pnuematic Vs DeVilbiss???
Thanks again everyone.

TS3660 · 05-20-2009, 04:10 PM

My opinion of Central is stay away.

rrbrown · 05-20-2009, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arcscarpa

i can also get a 29 gal central pnuematic compressor 4HP 120 PSI with pretty good scfm ratings. this unit is a V-twin pump oil cooled unit. it is a little more and doesn't have hoses or regulators yet, at least i don't believe it does. it also is a 220 volt versus the 110 but that is not a problem for now. what are thoughts on central pnuematic Vs DeVilbiss???
Thanks again everyone.

That is the compresor I have. I am very happy with one exception.
The rgulator can not be adjusted to kick on at 90 psi I hate using a nail gun and it not working properly.I'm pretty sure it may be min but I am not graging it back to get it replaced. I plan on buying a new regulator and changing it out. I have the warranty but they only replace the unit not parts.

rrbrown · 05-20-2009, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TS3660

My opinion of Central is stay away.

It depends on what you get. if you go buy a hand electric tool it shouldn't be for heavy duty work and you should get the heavy duty model if possible. I have the 20" drill press 1 1/2 hp motor, the 29 gal 4hp twin v cylinder compressor, biscuit joiner, 4" side grinder, 6" vise and a ton of clamps and have no problems. I bought the heavy duty saws all and it works good but I need a screw for the front gaurd, there router bits are ok but I brought back the 3 hp router because of vibration problems. Same goes for other manufactures some make good things and bad things. It's all made in china.

GeorgeC · 05-21-2009, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweensdv

I always find it curious that people rant about the noise of oilless compressors but are perfectly content with and seldom complain about the noise of table saws, planers, circular saws, etc. I've had an oilless compressor for more years than I can recall and have never had a problem with it. Does it make more noise than an oil cooled compressor? Sure it does but it doesn't make so much that I go running from the shop with my hands over my ears every time it recharges. If you use your compressor only a few times a week, an oilless model will give you many years of trouble free service and cost you less than an oil cooled model.

I do not gripe about the noise of the other tools because they make FAR LESS noise than the oill free compressor. Regardless of how many times I use it the noise is VERY irritating.

G

daxinarian · 05-21-2009, 02:41 PM

I alsways hate the fact that just as I am about to make a precise/delicate cut with a chisel the compressor suddenly kicks on and scares the snot outa me.

Verndog · 05-23-2009, 12:01 AM

I would not have one. My son has one and it is so loud and irritating you have to put it outside and attempt to close the door around the air hose to continue to work. I think with a table saw, circular saw etc. you are prepared for the noise and wear appropriate ear protection. The only way I would consider an oil less if I could put it outside the shop and pipe the air in. I am glad to hear that others have good life out of theirs. I have often wondered about that. I once walked down the block 3 or 4 houses to see what the hell that noise was an, Oil less! Just my opinion.
Vern

Jordy3738 · 05-23-2009, 12:10 AM

I had an oil free one, a Cambell and Hausefield once and it was a piece of junk. What ever size you think you need go one step bigger. Get an industrial compressor with a cast iron head. I always prefer ones that have the big pulley and belt drive. Get an Ingersoll Rand, that should do it.