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Need to upgrade my compressor it just won't run any serious air tools. It has a 30gal tank but is only 2hp with a small twin piston pump which = next to no cfm for big air tools. I would like to jump up to 60gal tank and somewhere around 5hp if possible. The trick is I need to do it within a $500 budget. Both Home Depot and Lowes carry what look to be the same compressor at that budget price. They are both 60gal, 3.7 running hp, twin cyl cast iron with aluminum head units.Both kick out 11.6cfm@ 40psi and 10.2cfm @ 90psi which should be enought to run a DA or air file.

Any thoughts or suggestions on either of these units?

My thoughts on Compressor purchases are buy the most CFM for the dollars you have to spend. My initail searches haven't found anything better than these at this price point. It seems that there is a big price jump between about 10 CFM and 14. At 10 -12 CFM you can stay below a grand, to get 14 you almost have to spend 1500.

Pretty much what I was finding too Jeff.

I was more concerned with air storage when I built my setup. Tom I think you looked over my shop. I have yet to spray or d/a an entire car. But I have been using alot of air. I have room for expansion if needed. And I have yet to run low on air with a one man shop.
If i were you (as I did) I would monitor craigslist on a daily basis. And jump onthe first deal I ran across (as I did). Found a guy that had a good speedair in the exact size I wanted for less than I wanted to spend. It took about 2 weeks to get exactly what i was after.
The key is don't hesitate!!! If it's on there, contact them
Immediately. The good stuff goes fast. Sometimes within minutes of listing. Ask me how I know.

What size did you wind up with......tank size, HP and CFM at 40 & 90 psi?

Tim's right Tom, most home users will never wear out an air compressor.
I spent 5 minutes looking http://chicago.craigslist.org/sox/tls/2251719873.html

Yeah I looked at lunchtime and there were a few that caught my eye but I will keep looking at all options.

I'd do the craigslist thing too. As Tim said, you have to be able and willing to jump right on it.

Unfortunately up her there all the small old units that where too small for anything but airing up tires, or nail guns. And if one is listed that is a good size they want $1500-$2000. So at some point I will bite the bullet and get this IR from TSC.http://www.tractorsupply.com/tools/air- ... or-3301332 I'm assuming Tom your looking at this one. http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hardware ... ogId=10053 At that price I may change my mind and save $450. But as Jeff said, and the fact that I've have my current compressor for 16yrs now and it still works great I'm afraid to buy something that's too small again. Good luck on your decision. Although if your looking at a compressor at that price I don't think you'll find a used one for much less. At least not by me. If you do get it let us know how you like it and how well it works. Thanks

I agree Harley..........used for $500 maybe will get me close to what I am looking for but it is still used and no warranty. For the same money I can get new and a warranty. It looks to me like the Home Depot and Lowes units are the same ones except for paint and decals. THe difference is $499 for Home Depot and 2 year limited warranty and Lowes is $479 and 3 year limited warranty. If I go new the Lowes unit is gettomg the nod for the better warranty.