Hi folks,
I’m in the market for an air compressor for occasional use. I want something portable, not particularly expensive. Am considering the Ridgid OF45150 from HD. It’s the twin tank, 4.5 gal model, oiless pump, direct drive with induction motor (1.8 hp, 6.25 SCFM @90 lbs).
Does anyone have experience with this model who cares to offer an opinion? Or suggest a better alternative? Intended uses would be to blow off parts, inflate tires, and air tools that are not heavy air consumers (eg, small nailer, etc). How noisy is this compressor, how reliable, etc?
Thanks!
Replies
There is a great review article in the Journal of Light Construction August Issue, I usually look at this and Fine Homebuilding reviews then look at the tool reviews at amazon.com based on the overall top 3-4 best models. If you know someone that gets that mag, you can get a repro, or maybe online article.
Ill try to cap it here- Reviewed-Bostitch,Dewalt,Hitatchi, Makita, Porter, Rol Air, Senco, Campbell Haus, Ridgid, Thomas.
Ridgid-heavy, bulky, loud 88db, and high center of gravity if you need to transport, but big tank and big air.
The authors favorites were The Thomas Renagade T-200ST which cost a little more but well made, more air then all but one, 12 sec recovery, well protected filter. Small package for easy carry. 83db
Favorite features- Hitachi EC 119-low profile, 2 air fittings,cord wrap, comfortable well placed handle, mid range noise 85db
Dewalt DW55152 tucked petcock, 2 air fittings, cord wrap, low pro and multi grab points. 83db
You can look at the specs of these at amazon or the article but I think thats a pretty good overview of the tops.
Like Zendo said Journal of Light construction liked it for job site use in construction. Post your question on Break Time (look at the link on the top of this page) they will have the most experience on these tools. I have the PC oiless model that has the wheels and a pull out handle. I think they call it the job boss. It is a great compressor for the money. It wont last as long as a Renegede or one of the oiled models, but for occasional use it should last for years.
Mike
don't rely on a compressor with this small of a tank to inflate automobile tires. You may want to consider something iwth a larger tank for this purpose.
I don't have much to add, except that I think most people seem to buy a larger compressor than they really need the first time around.
I would buy a compressor based on weight and db rating. Get one that is just big enough to do what you want to do. And remember that smaller tanks just mean the compressor will have to cycle on more frequently when using a lot of air (e.g. blowing off your shelves in the garage).
Smaller is also better since they are easy to carry around where you might need it.
These things can be really loud and irritating (especially the cheaper compressors). When I had to buy a job site compressor a while back I checked all the db ratings, and made sure I got one that was quiet. Maybe noise is not a factor for you, however.
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