While I don't disagree with anything in this post, it would be more helpful to also make a recommendation on what IS a good compressor. Im personally using an ancient oversized POS that is powered by a 5hp briggs and stratton and a belt drive. It works, flows great and fast but it will die. And I wont pay to rebuild this monster. This is actually a question I have been pondering for some time. IR makes somee good models, but I have also looked at some industrial 3 phase models that are way cheap (comparatively. they are still $600) bt then you need a zig zag xfmr or anoter power solution
