Decent Affordable Air Compressor, For a DIY'r Options

[beemie96]

Okay, I am planning to try to do as much work on this car as possible by myself (and beer-bribable friends (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer.gif) ). With that in mind, I am thinking I should get an air compressor that can help me with grinding rust, removing stuck lug-bolts, and all the other great things air compressors do (like filling up tires for one).

I really don't need anything too fancy, but I want something that can run the guns effectively.

I've seen some compressors for around $200.

Example:

This one had good reviews: (oil - less)
Porter-Cable CPF23400S 3 HP, 4-Gallon Side Stack Compressor $192

And this one: (oil)
Hitachi EC12 2-Horsepower Air Compressor - $239

Any pros / cons on the oil thing?

What else am I going to need? I figure I'll need an air wrench and I want whatever kind of tool that Gint was using (pic attached) is that a grinder with a wire-cup brush? Looks like an electric actually... can I just run out and get one of those?

[TonyAKAVW]

I got this compressor
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Disp...temnumber=47065

in February and I have used i for a bunch of stuff, and so far its worked well. I have an air body saw which is great for removing rusty metal (as in your other thread), a 1/2 inch impact wrench, and a powder coating setup.

For $200 or so you won't be able to get a huge or high horsepower compressor. So you will have to make do with a smaller one, which is fine if you don't mind waiting occasionally for a refill. In my case, with the tools I mentioned I basically don't have to wait. The duty cycle of my tool use is low enoguh that I sually happen to be done by the time it needs to refill. If I were using a grinder, or a sander I would expect that it wouldn't last long.

I think Pep Boys has some good deals on compressors too. If you can afford to go up to the $300 or so mark there are plenty of nicer compressors.