OK....I have an 11 year old Sears Craftsman 5HP 15Gal compressor. It is blowing oil on the outside of the tube going down to the tank, oil is on the outside of the tank and there is oil (milky white) in the condensation that I drain from the tank. It still works.....and I see evidence of rust in the water drained from the tank. I use the compressor quiet a bit and especially when I am spraying finishes and cleaning tools, and cleaning the shop. The new HD (opened today) has two "Husky" compressors that I have considered.
1. Single Stage 7HP 60 Gal vertical tank, duty rating of 5,000 hours.
2. Two Stage 7 HP 80 Gal vertical tank, duty rating of 10,000 hours.
Item #1 is $400
Item #2 is $800
Both have a 10% off.....
My real question? Is my old Craftsman becoming a safety concern, wearing out and if so, is two stage the way to go. I only want to have to buy ONE more time.....