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My garage is finaly getting done and I am about to start fitting it out. I just picked up a lift that will let me work on my 72 rebuild a lot easier! Now I need to pick up my compressor.
I was into Sears and they have a Ingersol Rand 60 gal 5 hp that puts out 15cfm at 90psi. The floor model can be had for $600 (normal price is $999), the only damage I see is the cage around the belts has some damage but nothing that would interfere with operations.
They also have an "oilless" compressor that puts out 11cfm at 90psi. It looks a lot less impressive as the motor/pump is half the size. Sales guy says the oilless is better as it is less maintence and I can pick up the floor model for $400?
There are piston pumps and I believe there are reed valves [oiless]. The piston pump is similar to the engine in your car with crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons,cylinder heads and etc. The oiless are a lot more noisy and I think cheap [quality]. I think the piston one will outlast it. If the sales person has small versions of both [which Sears should have] have them plug them in and run them for noise. I think you will see the difference. The price for the piston pump will be higher for the given cfm, but I think it will outlast the oiless and be quieter doing it.
Last edited by tigers123; Jun 18, 2005 at 08:09 PM.
Get a 2 stage cast iron with some good cfm numbers. That way when you later get your HVLP gun and sandblast cabinet (and you know you will ), you will be covered. The oilless compressors won't hold up.
Thanks, actually checked out a sandblast cabinet today Sounds like the way to go - any thoughts on Ingersol Rand? looks like much higher quality than the sears - heat fins on the motor and lines, much cleaner casting on the pump etc.
Thanks, actually checked out a sandblast cabinet today Sounds like the way to go - any thoughts on Ingersol Rand? looks like much higher quality than the sears - heat fins on the motor and lines, much cleaner casting on the pump etc.
I have five IR compressors in my various shops. The oldest is 15 years. The only maintenance that we have done on any of them is air filter and oil changes. No repairs to date on any of them. Need I say more? I would stand behind an Ingersoll Rand any day.