what to use for a solenoid?!

im running a aim compressor for now, ive got a wire running from the battery to a ford style starter solenoid to the compressor. then i ran a wire from my fuse panel to a toggle switch to the solenoid. sometimes the solenoid wont activate but ussually it works fine. then the soleniod got real hot and started smoking. i just wanted to know what people used for solenoids or if anyone else has had this problem. thanks