Comments on: Thomas Compressors T-30

By: Michael

Michael — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 19:31:19 +0000

I’m surprised how few Thomas compressors I see in the hands of builders, as Thomas not only owns the patents for airless compressors, they’re one of the biggest and best compressor makers in the country. Thomas machines are the standard in applications like air brushing and medical compressors and aspirators.
I bought my Thomas after reading a comparitive review in Fine Homebuilding, and I wasn’t diasppointed. Build quality is top notch, and the machine is suprisingly quiet in operation. This pancake unit is ideal for a finish carpenter or two. Put it in the next room and you’ll hardly notice it kicking on and off.

By: VermontGuy

VermontGuy — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 19:32:24 +0000

I purchased the T-30HP after reading several reviews on a variety of brands. Believe what people say about these being quiet. I use this for home remodeling and needed a compressor that wouldn’t make the family (or myself) go deaf. Compared with other compressors used by various craftspeople in our house (Dewalt and Porter Cable, mostly) this is an exceptionally tame tool. It’s light enough to lug around one-handed. Doesn’t require oil. And it works fine on 15-amp circuits. It does cost more than some others, but I’m glad I spent the extra money.

By: Terse

Terse — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:30:55 +0000

Many times the difference in quality between two products is not in the broad strokes but in the minute details. The Thomas compressor is extraordinary. First off it is quiet. If you work in a home that is occupied, this compressor is a God-send. Second, the unit can run on any circuit I have found so far. Were talking about old 15 amp circuits with 200′ runs from the panel, with old poor condition wire and plugs. Not a problem.
The real key with this compressor is the fine details, the balance. The tank valve used to drain water from the tank turns clockwise to open. It doesn’t seal by tightening with pressure but by spinning the valve to it’s lower threads which seals up the tank. Anybody who has owned a compressor knows that after a short while you start to hear hissing and sure enough, you have to find a wrench or pair of pliers etc., to sinch down the valve. But after two years of near daily use, the valve on the Thomas still opens and closes easily by hand. It costs more because it is more. I give this largely unknown compressor my highest recommendation.

By: J. Collins

J. Collins — Sun, 24 May 2009 19:32:49 +0000

This is one neat little unit! Compact, QUIET, and very well made.

Let me first begin by addressing the ordering/shipping process. I decided after much review time to order the T-30 on 8/20/04. On 8/23/04, the unit arrived at my doorstep (Wisconsin to South Carolina). Keep in mind that there were two weekend days involved in this timeframe. It’s hard to fuss about a duration that short!

As for the unit itself, the package did arrive (FedEx) with the top of the box opened. All contents however were intact (no damage at all). After a quick review of the instructions, I twisted on an air filter (supplied with the unit), ran to the hardware store and installed a quick disconnect. I powered the unit up and turned a switch, in less than a minute the unit was fully pressurized at EXACTLY 125 psi as noted in the manual.

My wife was on the phone in the adjoining room (door open) and commented after ending her conversation on how quiet the unit was during the pressurizing process. After dinner, I noted that the gauge was resting steady on 125 psi. I connected an air nozzle to the end and bled the unit down. The motor kicked in at EXACTLY 100 psi (as noted in the manual). After 14 QUIET seconds, the unit was resting steady again at 125 psi. I tried it again, same story. I can’t wait to see how this unit performs in the shop!

As for first glance, this unit is well worth the extra $’s compared to any others I reviewed. And trust me, I think I checked out every comparable unit on the WEB. You won’t go wrong with this set-up. I spent $294 (shipping included) with Amazon and had the unit ready to go in 3 days. Now that’s tough to beat!

By: fishnfool

fishnfool — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 19:31:43 +0000

I bought the Thomas to replace an old Craftsman compressor. The Craftsman was very noisy and sucked up power like a vacuum gathering dust bunnies. The Thomas is soooo quite I almost enjoy hearing it run. It works just fine on the limited power in my home workshop and has plenty of air for all my needs. Only negatives are: (1) the price, a bit high in terms of cu.ft/min/dollar and (2) the pressure gauge for the tank is not visible from the output line pressure gauge. In order to see the tank gauge, you have to walk around the tank and bend over. The negatives are far outweighed by the positives and it seems to be a very well made unit. I like it.

By: A Customer

A Customer — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 19:32:03 +0000

This is the quietest operating air compressor I have ever been around. It is a well built sturdy piece of equipment. I use it for running two nail guns. A PC finish nailer and a PC brad nailer for cabinet and furniture making. It has been one of the best tool purchases I have made for my home shop. I would feel comfortable recommending this compressor to any home woodworking enthusiast like me.