WYSpider wrote:So what would you recommend for a compressor that will let me fill tires, blow debris from around plugs, blow through hard lines? Not planning on doing any sandblasting.
For that all you need is about 2Hp, probably about a 5 gallon tank will be all you want. A separate cast iron pump (vee belt drive) is best for long life but the hermetic types where the motor bolts to the side of an alloy pump is how the cheapies are built these days.
A cast iron one should last for many years, the cheapies depend on how hard you work them but they have the advantage that you can pick them up and carry them- wheels and all, up stairs, around the shed/yard and they are cheap.
You will see the identical machine with different names, colors and labels depending which shop has it, and at all different prices !
If you can find it, look for one where the actual cylinder barrel is finned cast iron (like an old Harley) as the alloy barrel ones have an iron liner that can and do give problems.
Oh and do pay the extra for snap-on fittings, screw on ones on some cheap units get to be a pain in the butt. Rubber hoses cost about 3x the plastic ones but you do not have to "fight with them" in colder weather like some plastic ones.
If you are just topping up your tyres, you can fill a small compresser's tank, then carry it to your car- saving on long hoses or leads (which elec motors do not like).
in terms of pressure and volume for the gun. Most recently the air reed check valve broke and I found that the piston ring was shot as well. I replaced the check valve and piston ring/seal and it lasted about a half hour before it ate the seal again. So much for an oil-less unit. What are other folks using/or recommending. 
