Well, the Missus is a little saint and she looked deep into my eyes last week and said, "Your birthday is coming up and I want to get you a...COMPRESSOR."

I just about fell over backward when I heard her say that, but I composed myself and said, "That's sweet, Honey. I'll let you know which one."

I think I need:

220V
60 gallons or more
oil-lubed

I was planning on using it with the usual impact wrench and inflation duties, but eventually will need it for an angle grinder and plasma cutter and maybe a blasting cabinet. I will be mostly using it for only one task at a time, so I don't think I will get close to 100% duty cycle.

My 220v service is only 50A right now and I was thinking about getting a 30-40 amp plasma down the line, so I'd like the compressor to draw 15 amps or less.

What's a good CFM? Maker? Gallon size?

Thanks in advance!

I have a husky 60 gal compressor from Home Depot. 100% duty cycle, 15 amp draw, oiled crankcase. I like mine. No problems with it at all. I think it was under $400.

Definately go with a belt driven, oiled compressor. I hate my direct drive oiless noisy assed leaky reed valve having POS.

I have heard of people having problems with aluminum compressor housings....but no first hand experience with them.

Make sure you get one with cast iron heads not the aluminum

Jm, if you need a good electrician to hook it up, just yell, I can get there in a week or two

for payment get those two in your gallery to kiss me