I'm looking to pickup a shop compressor and tool set in the near future and I'm looking for recommendations. I am occasional DIY'er so I don't need a top of the line professional set, but something durable and of good quality. Not sure what "features" I would need either, but ideally something that would allow me to set torque. Any other thoughts or specific recommendations?

<center><img src="http://s7.sears.com/is/image/Sears/00916734000?layer=comp&amp;wid=190&amp;hei=190&amp;fmt=jpeg&amp;ql t=75,0&amp;op_sharpen=0&amp;resMode=norm&amp;op_usm=0.5,1.0,0. 0,0"></center><p>you don't need the full 6 foot standing tank version, but something of a decent size. You won't ever regret getting a larger compressor, but if you get one of the small "handyman" sizes, you can quickly outgrow it.

I have one like this at home. 33 gal. Plenty of capacity for various tools and tasks. I've used it for painting a car. This version I can also charge it up, then unplug and drag over to fill the tires on my tractor or trailer, etc. Can also throw it in the trailer to take to the track.<ul><li><a href="http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?vertical=TOOL&amp;bidsite=&amp;pid=00916734000&amp; BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&amp;subcat=Air%20Compressors%20&amp;%20 Inflators">Craftsman 33 Gal. Compressor</a></li></ul>

... I am not going to build a house or anything but would like it to run a nail/brad gun now and again. (in addition to filling all the tires w/air). Anything wrong with those ~$100-150 ones at Lowes etc?

TIA,

Joe

<ul><li><a href="http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&amp;productId=101693-354-CPACK%201850&amp;lpage=none">Clicky</a></li></ul>

For shop compressors, it helps if you can estimate the kinds of tools you hope to run. Air tools usually state the desired or maximum PSI (lbs of air pressure per square inch) and most compressors allow you to regulate this, but make sure the parameters for both static pressure and estimated volume match.
Home compressors need to be drained after each use, unless they are in continuous daily use, so that the water that condenses in the bottom doesn't rust out the tank, or make its way into your tools. Small compressors are cheap, portable and have a quick cycle time to build up pressure, and are fine for nail guns, etc., and other tools that require high pressure but low volume, and therefore don't really use much air. Some tools take a lot of air; an single orbital sander can keep a 5 hp compressor with a 40 gal tank busy. Older style paint guns require moderate pressure and dry, clean air. Some of the newer HVLP (high volume, low pressure) paint guns are much more efficient.
If you don't feel that you are getting good advice at the local Home Depot or Lowe's, try one of the online tool sellers; they often have a good knowlege base.

<ul><li><a href="http://www.porter-cable.com/index.asp?e=547&amp;p=4794">PC Link</a></li></ul>

that's about all you'll run with it. If you want to run something like an air chisel or you pick up a bead blasting cabinet for refinishing metal work (auto parts or antique fixtures, etc) then you'll be out of range of the small ones. You could possibly make due, but it'll run constantly trying to keep a charge.

I bought that same compressor 4 years ago. Seems to go on sale every year.
It's great for all the reasons BlueDog says.

It's 110V electric powered, doesn't need oil lube (though might not last as long as one that does), includes built-in regulator. Plenty of capacity. You can charge it then wheel it around. I'm glad I didn't get a portable small pancake compressor, and I didn't buy a huge tank that would take up too much garage space.

My original intent and justification for buying it was to blow the water out the irrigation sprinklers before winter, instead of paying a sprinkler company $100 a year. I broke even last year. The other priority was to fill car and bike tires in the privacy of my own garage. Any time relatives visit, I check their tires and fill them.

I gradually added extension hose reel, impact air wrenches (Hausfield), sockets/bits, 2 different sized nailers (excellent for finish work). I picked up an "accessories" kit at Costco that came with a ton of stuff.

I haven't found the impact wrenches to be any better at freeing stuck nuts than good old fashioned ratched/socket wrench with cheater bar. I haven't tried to validate the torque setttings on the tools yet. Some of my wrenching is of the midnight variety that would wake the family and neighbors. But I'm sure I'll get better acquanted with these tools eventually.

I filled the pockets of the gadget apron with all kinds of attachments and quick connect NPT fittings of various sizes. Don't forget a role of teflon tape to wrap threads before screwing on a fitting.

So I recommend you go big if you have the space.

If your going to use a impact wrench or air ratchet a 20 gallon tank is nice. This setup works great for me..<ul><li><a href="http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg/itemDetailsRender.shtml?ItemId=1611769006">http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg/itemDetailsRender.shtml?ItemId=1611769006</a</li></ul>

but I now regret buying a DIY'er level compressor(cambell-hausfield). I wish I bought a heavier duty compressor with a higher tank pressure. I can't even fill one tire before the thing kicks on, and it takes forever and a day for the thing to build back up to pressure.

My recomendation is if you are a DIY'er around the home and car, invest in a upper end compressor.

if you have a lawn sprinkler system that needs to be blown out in the late fall, get a compressor that will support a high enough flow rate to clean out your sprinkler system, then you can stop paying someone to come do that every year.