Air Compressor Recomendation
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,255
Likes: 82
From: Brampton Ont.
Air Compressor Recomendation
It would appear that my 220 V Sears 3 hp 25 gallon is on it's last legs and I'm getting tired of repairing it lately. The air delivery is 10 s.c.f.m. @ 40 psi and 8.2 s.c.f.m @ 90 psi. I'm not sure what functions require the most air delivery, eg. spray painting etc, but I don't want to go any less then what I presently have. I'd also like to go with the stand up model this time althought it's not really important.
Any recomendations or sales going on now or maybe before the end of the year, since I know some sales repeat themselves. I'd like to stick with a name brand (Sears, Husky, Campbell Hausfield etc) since this one lasted over 20 years. I'm already set up for 220 V 20 amp. but don't know if that's really important.
I've also heard about 2 stage although I'm not sure what that means exactly or whether I even need it.
Thanks
Any recomendations or sales going on now or maybe before the end of the year, since I know some sales repeat themselves. I'd like to stick with a name brand (Sears, Husky, Campbell Hausfield etc) since this one lasted over 20 years. I'm already set up for 220 V 20 amp. but don't know if that's really important.
I've also heard about 2 stage although I'm not sure what that means exactly or whether I even need it.
Thanks
Last edited by Maymyvetteliveforevr; Sep 16, 2010 at 08:40 AM.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Waterloo IL
I bought a 220V single stage upright (60gal) last year and it keeps up with all my air tools (even my DA and high speed sander which are real air hogs). It delivers about 11 cfm @90psi and if I had stepped up to a two stage it would have taken me up to the $750 - $1000 range. I bought it through our local farm supply store (Rural King) for about $500 I think it's a Porter Cable brand. Get the cast iron pump over the aluminum (cost about $50 more). Great value for the cost.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,865
Likes: 1
From: I may be getting old but I refuse to grow up
Depends on how much more you will be using it, check at the local Tractor Supply they have 60 Gal vert starting around $650 (same as HD or Lowes) and you can get a two stage if you want it will give you max pressure of 175 Psi and up to 18 SCFM(I don't think you will need it). THe compressors I have I assembled from parts from Princess Auto on tanks I bought used.
Stp
Stp
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Waterloo IL
http://www.ruralking.com/review/prod.../category/393/
Link to info on compressor. This is the one with the aluminum pump. the cast iron one costs a little more.
Link to info on compressor. This is the one with the aluminum pump. the cast iron one costs a little more.
Racer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
I have a harbor freight twin cylinder upright 60 or 80 gallon tank 6.5 hp....its performed excellent!!...not a issue one. Several friends of mine have them and have had same results. They actually have a smaller version now that packs a punch for i think...less then 400.00
GET A 20% OFF COUPON AND YOU HAVE IT MADE!
GET A 20% OFF COUPON AND YOU HAVE IT MADE!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,486
Likes: 71
From: Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
Two stage will also be quieter. I have a Snap-on 80gal two stage 7.5 HP 220V with a 50 amp breaker. It is awesome and the best thing I ever did for my garage was get a good compressor. I know one this big is not for everyone as even though it was a scratch and dent, it was pricey but you can buy a non-Snap-on for less.
Its is way quieter than my old Ingersol Rand 30 gal horizontal with a 1-1/2HP 115 volt single stage.
I would get as big a tank as you can, stay away from the Oil Free type pumps as they are very noisy.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
FWIW: I worked for a company which did contract assembly work for Wal-Mart. During that time (10-12 years ago), Wal-Mart had a lot of the Campbell-Hausfeld compressors returned following failure.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,092
Likes: 5
From: Fayetteville Arkansas
http://www.ruralking.com/review/prod.../category/393/
Link to info on compressor. This is the one with the aluminum pump. the cast iron one costs a little more.
Link to info on compressor. This is the one with the aluminum pump. the cast iron one costs a little more.
hth,
Sully
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,687
Likes: 833
From: WI
For paint work, ideally you would want something in the 11cfm @90-100 psi minimum. You need 90 psi at the tool minimum and each length of hose is going to drop the pressure by 10 lbs or so. So, if you add a couple hose lengths that drops you down, need to take that into account. The ideal compressor if you wanted to keep one for the rest of your days would be something along the lines of one of these:
http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/...ompressors.php
But on a more limited budget a Porter Cable style unit with about 11cfm would work ok. My brother has one and he's painted several cars using it. OTOH, most guys will go through a couple of those aluminum head single-stage compressors. My brothers' compressor is on the skids and he's had it about 10 years. Growing up, my dad had a cast-iron 2-stage DeVilbiss compressor that is still going strong and it's about 40 years old. My brother and I painted a lot of cars and trucks with that unit. An Ingersol Rand cast iron head 2-stage compressor will last a lifetime. You pay now or pay later..
Mark G
http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/...ompressors.php
But on a more limited budget a Porter Cable style unit with about 11cfm would work ok. My brother has one and he's painted several cars using it. OTOH, most guys will go through a couple of those aluminum head single-stage compressors. My brothers' compressor is on the skids and he's had it about 10 years. Growing up, my dad had a cast-iron 2-stage DeVilbiss compressor that is still going strong and it's about 40 years old. My brother and I painted a lot of cars and trucks with that unit. An Ingersol Rand cast iron head 2-stage compressor will last a lifetime. You pay now or pay later..
Mark G
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,255
Likes: 82
From: Brampton Ont.
No mention of hp or voltage?
For paint work, ideally you would want something in the 11cfm @90-100 psi minimum. You need 90 psi at the tool minimum and each length of hose is going to drop the pressure by 10 lbs or so. So, if you add a couple hose lengths that drops you down, need to take that into account. An Ingersol Rand cast iron head 2-stage compressor will last a lifetime. Mark G
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Tractor Supply and Home Depot both (I think) can get Ingersoll Rand compressors. That is what I would get-and have. If you buy a good compressor, you can give it to your son some day. In almost 20 years all I have ever done was 1 motor, 1 head gasket and change the oil. When I got it (used) I bought a cheap motor and it didn't last. Now I have the correct motor and it has been over 10 years. You might look around and find a used industrial one. IR is the only way I would go on a compressor.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
Alrighty then, I'll get a cast iron pump.
The v design is much better than the siamesed design
I think mine is too old (over 20 years) to keep repairing hence the reason for this thread. Pm has been sent.
Indusrial units can be rebuilt cost effectively forever
From the sounds of it, it's worth the extra money for the cast iron?
Yes, v design
Sounds as though people have mixed feelings about single vs two stage.
2 stage is always a better compressor.
No mention of hp or voltage?
5HP 2 stage gets you a very decent one.
I wish I could afford a snap on unit. Upon doing a google search I've read the two stage is somewhat louder. Hmmm
You can do a lot better for the money usually. Their big deal is they have easy payment terms.
The noise is determined by the pump rpm, better ones are 2 stage and cast iron with 600 rpm, and the least noisey.
What about Ingersol Rand?
One of the best, but find a used industrial one, not the Homey Depot junk.
I've seen a few Ingersol units, but the price is quite high. I never thought about checking craigslist or kijiji, I guess it's worth a try.
There are some real steals on ebay regularily.
The v design is much better than the siamesed design
I think mine is too old (over 20 years) to keep repairing hence the reason for this thread. Pm has been sent.
Indusrial units can be rebuilt cost effectively forever
From the sounds of it, it's worth the extra money for the cast iron?
Yes, v design
Sounds as though people have mixed feelings about single vs two stage.
2 stage is always a better compressor.
No mention of hp or voltage?
5HP 2 stage gets you a very decent one.
I wish I could afford a snap on unit. Upon doing a google search I've read the two stage is somewhat louder. Hmmm
You can do a lot better for the money usually. Their big deal is they have easy payment terms.
The noise is determined by the pump rpm, better ones are 2 stage and cast iron with 600 rpm, and the least noisey.
What about Ingersol Rand?
One of the best, but find a used industrial one, not the Homey Depot junk.
I've seen a few Ingersol units, but the price is quite high. I never thought about checking craigslist or kijiji, I guess it's worth a try.
There are some real steals on ebay regularily.
This is the best pump design.
http://cgi.ebay.com/7-5-HP-TWO-STAGE...item27ae926fdb
Here are some examples of good compressors and what to look for. Ignore the prices and 3phase motors.
It all depends on what you want it for etc, but keep in mind if you buy used, at bottom prices, you can always get your money back for quality. I can sell mine for more than I have in it after using it for 20 years.
This one is an absolute gift.
http://cgi.ebay.com/10-HP-air-compre...item4152ca8985
Frend of mine sold one like this 2 years old for under 400 bucks
http://cgi.ebay.com/INGERSOLL-RAND-I...item45f5225c57
Similar to my 7.5 hp.
http://cgi.ebay.com/5-HP-Ingersoll-R...item483b287d3c
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 201
Likes: 31
From: warrenton virginia
If you call eaton air compressor in Ohio,they can make one for you. I have bought two from them. They work great. you cant beat it for the price. their number is 877 283 7614.they also make air dryers which will stop all water in your lines. JBL
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,687
Likes: 833
From: WI
If you call eaton air compressor in Ohio,they can make one for you.
Mark G
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Boise Idaho
My two cents on this........
Be sure you check what the intended duty cycle of the compressor is. Is it designed to run continuous at the rated CFM or have a suggested cool down time between cycles. Also as others have stated would stick with an oiled unit with a cast iron pump. These can generally be rebuilt if needed.
I got a great deal on my compressor from a local farm store and am pretty happy with it. Did some searching and couldn't find any poor reports on them along with looked like most of their products were industrial use.
Ended up with a PUMA compressor single stage, 60 gallon unit on sale for $412.49. Single Phase 208v/230v, 6hp max 3hp running, 13.5cfm@40psi and 12cfm@90psi. Max rated air pressure is 150psi but have it set to shut down at 125psi. Oiled unit cast iron pump with all copper air lines all being finned. It's a low RPM unit and much quieter than my neighbor's compressor. (Can have a conversation next to it while running)
Good Luck with your purchase!
Be sure you check what the intended duty cycle of the compressor is. Is it designed to run continuous at the rated CFM or have a suggested cool down time between cycles. Also as others have stated would stick with an oiled unit with a cast iron pump. These can generally be rebuilt if needed.
I got a great deal on my compressor from a local farm store and am pretty happy with it. Did some searching and couldn't find any poor reports on them along with looked like most of their products were industrial use.
Ended up with a PUMA compressor single stage, 60 gallon unit on sale for $412.49. Single Phase 208v/230v, 6hp max 3hp running, 13.5cfm@40psi and 12cfm@90psi. Max rated air pressure is 150psi but have it set to shut down at 125psi. Oiled unit cast iron pump with all copper air lines all being finned. It's a low RPM unit and much quieter than my neighbor's compressor. (Can have a conversation next to it while running)
Good Luck with your purchase!
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,255
Likes: 82
From: Brampton Ont.
Thanks for all the information people, the compressor is up and running again and the cause of the problem was the overload switch kept tripping out. I found a temporary fix but in the meantime it buys me time to wait for a sale. Luck for me I don't use it much during the winter so it should buy me a considerable amount of time. Who knows, maybe during boxing day, but what are the chances?
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
