I've been researching air compressors for a while now that I can use with an impact wrench. I figure I'll need at least 6CFM@90psi. My budget is under $300, and I'd prefer a portable one that is also oil-less. As much as I've looked, I can't find a good option that meets that criteria, or really any portable one that is good for mechanic use. Does anyone have one they can recommend?

 

Not sure of the exact one, but I would definitely buy a Craftsman.

 

Oil type is generally preferable to oil-less. As long as you keep up with oil changes it will have longer life.

An impact wrench actually doesn't need a lot of air to do one bolt at a time, but it needs a quick burst of high flow. Look for a compressor with a moderately large tank. It's also important to use a large hose between the compressor and the impact. Forget that 1/4 inch hard plastic curly stuff. If you're changing all 4 tires in a pit stop then you would need a large compressor. The racing teams use bottled air or nitrogen under very high pressure for that.

 

I have a Craftsman 33Gal., 150psi max oil-less compressor. I bought it on sale for $319.99 (it was on sale and I also got a 10% Craftsman club discount so it ended up being $289.99) and it also came with a free 1/2" drive impact wrench, 3/8" drive air ratchet, and a .401" shank air hammer ($99 value). I have had it for three years and no problems.

Here is the 'new' model of the one I have (currently they aren't offering the $99 value air tool kit with it though).
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00916762000P

 

I don't know why I wrote oil-less. I meant I'd prefer oiled after reading the reviews. JGB the one you pointed out only puts out 4.9CFM@90psi. Most impact wrenches are at least 5, and sometimes 6, right?

 

I have the same one (the older model that you have), it's a great compressor.

 

I found this one on Amazon that looks good. Does anyone have any opinions on it?

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...etsreviews3-20

The reviews are mixed

 

it only has a 5 gallon tank. for that price i'd just go with the craftsman with the 33 gallon tank. works fine for my house & all my impact tools. for $300 there really isn't much options.