Building a Multi-Purpose Air System for the Workshop

The first Christmas that my wife and I spent together 26 years ago was a special one for many reasons, but one unusual one that stands out is that it was the first time that someone gave me a tool. That tool was a Craftsman portable air compressor. That air compressor continues to work to this day. Several years ago, I needed something with a little more “power,” so I purchased a Central Pneumatic from Harbor Freight. Between the two, over the last few years, I have had the power and portability that I have needed.

Over the last several months, there have been a few breakdowns in these two compressor system. On the larger Central Pneumatic unit, the air valve for the primary system no longer holds air and continuously leaks. There was a considerable amount of oil that has gathered outside the tank, although I can’t find a leak. On the Craftsman pancake unit, all works fine, except for the regulator indicator, and take indicators no longer display correctly. The last time I drained the tank, much rust came out, and now it jingles when it moves. I see this as an indication to me that the take may be compromised.

So, I started the search for a new compressor. I was hoping to find a single unit to replace both. I would like it to be portable and quiet, yet powerful enough to handle a spray gun. I could find small, portable, and quiet, but none had enough to do an excellent job spaying. After searching to no avail, I decided to take a closer look at the Central Pneumatic unit. I was able to fix the air valve for very little money (mostly parts I had lying around). I cleaned up the tank and changed the oil along with some general maintenance. The result is a correctly working air compressor. This unit has a max of 115 PSI and an airflow of 4.9 CSM at 90 PSI. It also has a 15-gallon tank for continuous use—this reduced one primary requirement on my new system.

Now, just in need of a portable and quiet solution, my search got a lot easier. The best reviews I saw online are, surprisingly, for the Harbor Freight Fortress 2 gallon air compressor. It gets excellent reviews for being robust and well built and seems to be one of the quietest units on the market. At only $150.00, it also is a great deal. With a max of 135 psi and a CFM of 2.2 @90 PSI, it has the power for most of my assembly tools like brad nailers and small grinders. At only 60 dba, it can run almost continuously, and I wouldn’t even notice.

By fixing one compressor and buying the Fortress, I now have a convenient air system. One leg of the system is for high CFM loads, which can be handled by the Central Pneumatic. Although this unit is still very loud, I plan to put it in a separate room or a far corner out of the way. I may even turn the back room of the shop into a paint room.

The Fortress has earned its spot under my assembly table, where it will be centrally located to be used for nailing and airbrushing. It can also now be used with my pressure take. If I need air in another location, the Fortress is small and light enough to take into the house or out to the pool at pool closing time.

BuilI’ve only had this system for a few days, but it has already been useful, and so far I am thrilled with it.