Need air compressor recommendations

Well, I've decided to buy an air compressor to aid in my shade tree mechanic activities. I've been researching for a couple of months but I can't make up my mind. I'd like to stay under $400 and be portable.

Most of the air tools (impact wrench) seem to need at least 5 CFM at 90psi. Is there a big diff in single stage or dual stage?


What do you guys use?

i've got a 15 gallon, 150psi craftsman. i scored it for 179$. it runs an impact pretty good, and an air ratchet good, but it struggles to keep up when running a die grinder/cutoff wheel. you have to stop and wait for it to build back up. i don't mind waiting because i don't use it every day for a living. i just use it for my shadtree projects.

if you wait for a sale you can pick up a 33 gallon model at sears for 279$.

p.s how is the rebuilt tranny? every find a solution to the check trans light?

Thanks for the recommendation, but looks like I'm going to have to wait on the compressor. I just replaced both rear calipers and the brake master cylinder on my Acura. Took half a day and a lot of brake fluid.

Are you talking about 1870? I haven't received the code in couple of months. I honestly think its an electrical issue. It seems there's a dip in power at certain speeds. Oddly enough, after I got my serpentine belt idler replaced I haven't gotten the code even at speeds over 65mph. I would usually get it between 60-65. Besides all that,my rebuild is doing well.