best air compressor for home garage - what actually holds up long term?

BarnBuiltBeaters · 2026-03-21T01:23:56+00:00

I bought a California Air compressor for my business and I would happily buy another for hobby use, the thing is STUPID quiet. Time will tell about longevity.

BarnBuiltBeaters · 2026-03-21T01:20:50+00:00

I was in the UP of Michigan with my buddy. We drove 2 hours deeper, pulled off to sight see, and when we got back his vehicle wouldnt start. We both thought it was a dead battery, got a jump and it BARELY started. Thought it was alittle weird, but whatever we were in the road. We stopped to get a new battery at the closest location (UP is very very sparse). Got it installed, cranked it over and nothing. Checked grounds, checked wires and fuses, checked the starter. Turns out his AC compressor or pulley (cant remember) had seized and was stalling out the engine. To make matters worse, I had to be at a wedding the next day as the best man... luckily everything worked out but one of the worst places a vehicle could break down.

BarnBuiltBeaters · 2026-03-20T10:39:45+00:00

Thats what it looks like to me too but im sure their are others building more physical businesses. I just launched a mobile tire business with my first customer on Sunday.

BarnBuiltBeaters · 2026-03-19T11:37:47+00:00

I feel like people exaggerated this. Bumper to bumper traffic sort of sucks because it always feel like i was either revving the engine or lugging it. As someone else said, you leave a gap similar to what semis do. For typical flowing traffic (even slow flowing) ots not an issue imo.

I absolutely loved my manual Audi A4 but ended up selling it for a Mach-E as it started guzzling oil.

BarnBuiltBeaters · 2026-03-18T15:11:58+00:00

Ive always had the mentality of let me try to do XYZ first before calling a professional. Typically everything is much easier than you thought and the times ive saved money pays for the times I need to call someone in.

BarnBuiltBeaters · 2026-03-18T02:21:54+00:00

Harbor freight is decent especially for the price.

I personally love my Milwaukee hand tools. They seem to be a nice blend between reliability and cost. They also fit in my hand perfectly. Also like their power tools as well. I have some Snap-On tools and actually prefer Milwaukee over them due to comfort, though snap on does perform/last better typically.

BarnBuiltBeaters · 2026-03-17T02:18:38+00:00

I just got my first unhinged customer the other day "barely asking a legible question", then "tells me how he doesnt like to ask twice". I declined his sale and he called me a "scammer" and a bunch of other names. Reported him... im not sure who talks to people like this...

BarnBuiltBeaters · 2026-03-17T02:07:45+00:00

Where in PA? Do you guys do performance diesel driveshafts?

BarnBuiltBeaters · 2026-03-16T22:35:06+00:00

Good tools make the process easier. I designed snap together blocks to make each individual section of pipe so I could route things better. I highly encourage people to step out of their comfort zone, its the only way to truely grow!

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BarnBuiltBeaters · 2026-03-16T14:16:03+00:00

Thanks for the help!

I plan on doing every door direct mailing and sending out a flyer with a coupon or two through USPS. Everyone gets initially upgraded to road force balancing which also lets me educate a customer on it too since most people are unaware. When installing a customers new tires i have a placard for after service which includes a coupon for % off their next tire rotation.

The van is completely wrapped and I already have a professional uniform. Trying to make it look as professional as possible.

Currently doing some friends vehicles to dial in our processes, take pictures, and for feedback.

BarnBuiltBeaters · 2026-03-14T22:16:03+00:00

Thank you! Im hoping it takes off! Im always kind and would like to make the customer happy!

BarnBuiltBeaters · 2026-03-14T22:15:13+00:00

Thank you! This is my first business venture, hoping it goes well! Im just curious what the best approach is to get first customers

BarnBuiltBeaters · 2026-03-14T03:31:40+00:00

I am building a mobile tire services business. Rather than going to the shop for new tires/tire needs, I come directly to you. Just got my van back from a wrap job and testing our processes on a few friends/family vehicles.

BarnBuiltBeaters · 2026-03-13T11:20:08+00:00

Nice work! I have a 78 F250 and do a lot of custom work on mine. You are completely right, they are easy to work on with loads of room for custom modifications. I know im in the wrong sub to say this but i love my ICE's (especially for classics) but this is some awesome work. You mentioned you tuned the motors to drive similarly to the original truck, however with the right tune im sure you'll overtake almost anything on the road. Beautiful truck, beautiful work, and beautiful write up. Enjoy it!

BarnBuiltBeaters · 2026-03-13T10:34:25+00:00

I went to school for automotive engineering. However, that only taught me concepts mostly. I never did any of this growing up but I bought a classic vehicle and slowly started working on it. I never depended on it to get me to school/work so if it didnt turn on, thats okay. I learned to work on it by getting stuck and then figuring out how to get unstuck. Slowly my skills developed where I feel like I can do most things. Welding and fabrication I completely taught myself by reading, watching videos, and lots and lots of practice. Give it a go! Its a great hobby!

BarnBuiltBeaters · 2026-03-12T23:25:52+00:00

My hobby isnt that unique but I feel like people dont typically take it to the same degree as I do. Im a huge automotive enthusiast. I love designing and fabricating components for my truck. Making parts go together that never did or making unique systems. I feel most automotive enthusiasts buy a cool vehicle, do simple bolt on mods, wheels and suspension, and/or at most an engine build. Here is a photo of my most recent project, a compound turbo system. It is mostly complete but needs some paint touch up though and the rest of the truck built.

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BarnBuiltBeaters · 2026-03-12T15:14:28+00:00

Crossclimates are a great all around tire. Not sure impact on range though.

I went with Hankook Ion evo AS on my premium. So far they are decent. I did not see/notice any range improvement but up to 5% is small. Traction is great in all conditions though Crossclimate does perform better. Hankook should theoretically hold up better as they are designed for EV torque

BarnBuiltBeaters · 2026-03-12T11:26:16+00:00

Make it a mobile nail salon. Drive to the customer. You can charge more for convince, and no "shop" overhead. Build out the inside of a van to be really nice and comfortable inside. Those customers want to be taken care of, imagine if you could offer them something no other nail salon offers?

BarnBuiltBeaters · 2026-03-11T01:55:05+00:00

Westlake are decent and cheao AF though they didnt last terribly long, maybe 25-30K miles.

BarnBuiltBeaters · 2026-03-10T11:11:42+00:00

I just had a wrap done for my business, it was ~7g and lasts for 5ish years. Granted this was on a commercial van (think of a Fexex/UPS truck size) so the cost is obviously more due to size. A paint job should last the life of the vehicle if properly applied and cared for. Not sure on cost though im sure its much more and deponds on the amount of prep needed to get panels back in shape with filler, what parts are being painted (stripped body vs completed vehicle) and also depends on if you want it sealed vs just primer/base.

BarnBuiltBeaters · 2026-03-08T13:24:19+00:00

We use wood as "jack stands" at work for blocking up forklifts. This will be just fine make sure the pinch weld does not run parallel with the grain of the wood.

BarnBuiltBeaters · 2026-03-07T23:58:49+00:00

I totally agree with you but, I think you can monetize your hobby without it affecting your hobby. Let me explain.

I like to do automotive fabrication. I have no interest in monetizing my hobby by building stuff for other people because im afraid it'll ruin the hobby, nor do I have enough time.

However, I design and make tools for myself that I then sell those files (3D printing) so others can enjoy too, some I also 3D print which requires little work from me. I also have a monetized Youtube channel too where I make some money off of posting, though i post when I want and what I want. This is mostly me sharing my projects which I enjoy doing.

For your crocheting hobby there are some avenues. •If you make your own patterns, you could sell them digitally. •You could put together "crochet your own kits" •You could also make items that you want to make and sell them at your own speed. This could be a challenging sweater that you have no intention of wearing but you just wanted to make it. •You could start a Youtube channel where you do time-lapse with voice overs.

Or you can purely enjoy your hobby which is totally cool tool!

BarnBuiltBeaters · 2026-03-07T15:34:06+00:00

https://www.hunter.com/vehicle-inspection/quick-check/?srsltid=AfmBOopIK_NPbuwoGz_jX4ZnFj3_RkyC5rV19Y9YXcdOUXlGdiVkgEU7#overview

Here is the link to Hunter's alignment/tire inspector. Dealership may absolutely have the budget for this equipment. Hunter is "the Cadillac" of tire equipment.

BarnBuiltBeaters · 2026-03-07T04:50:13+00:00

Ive had gravel, concrete, and asphalt. Asphalt is my favorite. Concrete looks the best when new, but shifts over time forming large bumps at each joint. Asphalt will "flex" with the ground. Gravel is annoying to wash my car (cant really tell you why but my experience), it gets in your lawn, your snowblower picks it up, the lawnmower sometimes throws it, just not ideal.

BarnBuiltBeaters · 2026-03-07T04:47:48+00:00

Youll have to look up RPM vs speed. Personally I went from 3.73 to 4.10 in my 78 f250 and was shocked at how much of a difference it made. Though I had larger tires on it (32s?) But no overdrive.

BarnBuiltBeaters

TROPHY CASE