I'm looking for a good compressor to use as a learing device for painting my car. This will be a first for me, but I'm going to learn and put my money into tools instead of labor. So:

- Need something cost effective ($400/less).
- Works well for first timers and experienced painters.
- Will be used with all different air tools.
- Don't want to have to upgrade later down the road.

Here's the one I was looking at: Industrial Air (http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=6970&productId=200311707&R=200311707)

The problem is it is a 220V and I would prefer 110V for simplicity. Does anyone have a better suggestion?

SPECS:
125–155 PSI working pressure
Oil level sight glass
2 solid cast iron cylinders
3.6 running HP/7 peak HP
60-gallon tank
208V or 230V operation without wiring changes
15 Amps
13.1 CFM @ 40 PSI
11.2 CFM @ 90 PSI

I would not recomend a 110 air compressor. You said you did not want to upgrade. Go with a 220v.
Cast iron cylinders is important, and a good quality. You get what you pay for and in this case with out seeing the unit the motor may be the only weak link. It is new to see two hp ratings on compressors. I have just started seeing that and I seem to only see it on the lower cost units.
Stay with a 220 unit and try to find a 2 stage unit as well. I have a single stage 2 cyl and like it but would buy a 2 stage if I have to do it again.

Mags right My 5hp 60 gallon is always chasing my air tools its also a 230v ya need that double squish 175lb to be serious

That's too bad...not sure where I'm going to find a dual stage for $400!

Try to find a air compressor repair place sometimes people will not pick stuff up. If u are lucky might find one. But like everyone said I have a 6 HP 60 gallon. 220v it works ok but when I use a cut off wheel or my big mud hug sander I have to stop every 10 mins or so and let it fill back up.And its so loud.Dual stage are alot quiter

Spend the money, I just bought a new t-30 ingersoll-rand 7.5hp-80 gallon tank. I hand ingersoll-rand 5hp-60 gallon tank. You can get the t-30 in 220 volts single phase. If you don't spend the money know, you will wish you did later.

So right now spending $1200 is not an option, so I can forgo the big air tools until I win the lottery...

That said what's my best option for a compressor to paint with and maybe inflate the occasional tire?

sorry to say, even though a spray gun really isn't a "big air tool", painting an entire car requires "big air". a good compressor is worth the money, so save up for a little while and then buy it. save yourself the frustration almost every one in the world has felt when we've bought too small of compressors and then had to buy the one we should have bought from the beginning.

IMO, the smallest compressor you should consider if you want to paint a whole car is 5hp (true running HP, not peak) with a two stage pump and 80 gallon tank. Figure on spending at least $1000 for such a unit.