GOING screwy; pick a screw compressor for me...

[Bootybug]

I've decided, given I have an enclosed four garage, a screw compressor will better meet my needs for quiet, longevity and maintenance.

Observation; it isn't much to go from a 5 hp to a 7 hp so keep that in mind as you review the two CP and Quincy. CP has a 5 yr warranty and Quincy 2 yr. However, Quincy has a higher resale and value (not that I'll be selling, but it's nice to know you have a good unit).

1. Quincy, QGS-5
http://www.compressorworld.com/qgs-5quincyrotaryscrewaircompressoron60gallonairtank.aspx
Will need to be converted if they don't have a 1 phase unit

2. Chicago Pneumatic 320/1/60
http://www.compressorworld.com/5horsepowerrotaryscrewaircompressors230160.aspx

Again, for an extra $500 or so you can move from 5hp to 7hp so this is a strong possibility.

Please, your thoughts and comments.

 

[rodm1]

I believe they are both 3 phase. I also believe a commercial reciprocating compressor will out live you in a home shop and probable your grand kids. If noise is a problem put it into an enclosure but I don't believe it will. An enclosure is in fact what is atop of the Quincy.

You get more air with this at a lower cost and it's 1Ph.
http://www.888saybecks.com/parts/cart.php?target=product&product_id=490&category_id=68

 

[Thedroid]

I don't think that screws are that much quieter if at all. Also, I'm not sure if the smaller ones turn off when the reach their high limit. The ones I've worked with just unload, and stay running. Also would be harder to repair in the future. Screwws are definitely cool though.

 

[A_Pmech]

I wouldn't run a screw compressor for intermittent air usage, they're designed to run continuously to meet a constant air demand.

 

[bmwpower]

Dude, get a QR-25 if you're gonna spend that kind of coin.

 

[rayzor32]

We had a IR screw compressor installed in our shop after the giant green one bit the dust, the thing is WHISPER quiet, and the old one you had to yell over.

 

[Bootybug]

Great comments. Remember fellas, it has to go into my attached garage. That's why I really want a quiet unit, and I can say without hesitation that the scew drives are quieter, no doubt about it. However, the new QT series from Quincy is pretty quiet too and it's a piston drive.

I have been told countless times that the screw is very low maintenance given the number of moving parts. Also, since you don't have pistons banging back and forth, it is much quieter.

I was exploring verticles, but I just can't seem to find a quiet unit.

 

[Bootybug]

The PH is a single phase. I'm sure Quincy has a single phase but I have to speak with the rep first as all they have is a three phase on the site.

I believe they are both 3 phase. I also believe a commercial reciprocating compressor will out live you in a home shop and probable your grand kids. If noise is a problem put it into an enclosure but I don't believe it will. An enclosure is in fact what is atop of the Quincy.

You get more air with this at a lower cost and it's 1Ph.
http://www.888saybecks.com/parts/cart.php?target=product&product_id=490&category_id=68

 

[Bootybug]

I wouldn't run a screw compressor for intermittent air usage, they're designed to run continuously to meet a constant air demand.

I wasn't aware of this. Quiet and quality are the goals.

 

[Monte]

http://us.kaeser.com/

 

[wreckercologist]

I wasn't aware of this. Quiet and quality are the goals.

Depends on the compressor. The smaller Sullair ES machines are quiet and can be set up to shut down at max pressure rather than just unload, but, A_P is right, screws are really meant for 24/7 industrial operation.

The upside of a screw is more CFM per HP vs. a recip in a addition to much longer life. Keep the air filter, oil, oil filter, and separator changed regularly and they will almost run a lifetime without breakage.

 

[Bootybug]

 

[Theloniousmonk]

imo, overkill if yo go w/ a screw... efficiency actually decreases since you are not utilizing the full potential of the unit. The piston Quincy or MiTM or CP IR, etc... are good choices, at a fair savings too.

 

[Bootybug]

I was told it only runs when it's being used, so if the air is not being used it won't run.

Geting something quiet is key. The wife and I don't want a screaming compressor in the garage.

There is certainly a difference in price, that's for sure.

 

[Thedroid]

Buy that QT extreme, it looks like a great unit. I've worked around screw compressors for years, and I've always found them to be a lot louder than the one in that youtube video, especially when they are in unload. Big low speed recip comps are not very loud either, but then again, I'm more familiar with industrial units than homeowners models.

If quiet and quality are your goals than go with that Quincy, it sure does look nice. What were the specs on that unit?

 

[Bootybug]

You think the 5hp unit would be enough?

 

[Bootybug]

I am going with the 5 hp QT Extreme Quincy unit. I'll order it on Monday. Thank all of you for your help.

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Quincy-251CS80HCBX-Air-Compressor/p3333.html

 

[fordbroncodave]

my vote is on the CP.

we have one at work with 500 hours on it. it will run circles around that old 80 gallon snap on performance compressor anyday.

i think CP claims it is as loud as a dishwasher. i would say that is false. a little louder but not much. more like a paper shredder or electric pressure washer.

that same compressor at my work runs 3 hoists, oil and grease pressure system and 5 air hose reels. not to mention it is hooked into the kleen burn oil recycling furnace as the feed pump.

 

[kams1973]

I dunno...everybody complains about compressor noise. I actually enjoy the sound of a quality recip compressor in operation.

 

[bmwpower]

I am going with the 5 hp QT Extreme Quincy unit. I'll order it on Monday. Thank all of you for your help.

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Quincy-251CS80HCBX-Air-Compressor/p3333.html

You do realize that compressor is essentially a QT-5 with soundproofing, right?

 

[Spareparts]

I put a muffler on the air intake of mine ans can talk on the phone 5' away

 

[Bootybug]

my vote is on the CP.

that same compressor at my work runs 3 hoists, oil and grease pressure system and 5 air hose reels. not to mention it is hooked into the kleen burn oil recycling furnace as the feed pump.

I would only add that from what I am reading, it is meant for constant use, not what I'll be doing--once a week stuff.

I dunno...everybody complains about compressor noise. I actually enjoy the sound of a quality recip compressor in operation.

Not I. My Ferrari is the only noise I enjoy.

You do realize that compressor is essentially a QT-5 with soundproofing, right?

Yeah, and it's expensive at that.

 

[Bootybug]

I put a muffler on the air intake of mine ans can talk on the phone 5' away

Most of the high end ones have a silincer intak muffler on them.

 

[bmwpower]

Yeah, and it's expensive at that.

So why not build your own enclosure and save $2k? You could build a 2x4 insulated closet and you wouldn't even have to see the compressor nor hear the auto drain.

 

[930dreamer]

That's a lot of coin for either compressor. For $99 I found a Champion 5 hp 3 phase and built a rotary phase converter.

 

[Bootybug]

I can't build it in the garage, it would be strange as it'a nice garage and I don't want to leave anything extensive as I plan to move next year.

Yeah, it's not cheap. If I can find a used one, and nice one at that, I'd do it.

 

[vette]

I'm getting the Bel Aire QT model .69db on line with the screws for less coin.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Dude, get a QR-25 if you're gonna spend that kind of coin.

+1-----For that much money, get a QR-25 series. They will surprise you how quiet they are due to the low rpm.

 

[Bootybug]

Where? I can't find that unit anywhere with pricing.

 

[930dreamer]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/quincy-QR-25-air-compressor-/220669380543

You should have no problem finding a great used compressor in your area.

 

[Bootybug]

Ok. That thing is a disaster, but your point is well taken; there are great compressors out there for very good prices. Here's the problem; I don't have the time or truck to get one home from a remote location. I would have to wait for one to come up by scouring the internet every week for hours looking for the "right" compressor. So it's time or money, and right now I less time than money.

What do they run new? I can't find any pricing information anywhere.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Booty,

You will need to call a few dealers in your area to find out the price. Right now, a LOT of them are willing to deal to reduce inventory. You are still looking at the +/- $3,000 dollar range for new though. A rebuilt or used pump from a dealer will be much cheaper.

 

[A_Pmech]

Ok. That thing is a disaster, but your point is well taken;

Why?

Not meaning to be an ******* here but if you're worried about what it looks like and how much noise it makes, I get the general impression you're not going to be needing much in the way of air. Air tools are noisy, many just as noisy as the compressor that runs them, that's inescapable. Worrying about a noisy air compressor is about like worrying about a noisy drag racing car - not very productive in regards to producing the end result.

Maybe you need to re-evaluate your air requirements. You've gone all over the map from 7.5HP 3-phase screw compressors to 5HP home-grade recip compressors to 5HP and up industrial recip compressors. That tends to suggest to me that you really don't have an idea of your air supply needs.

Maybe if you tell us what you intend to do with compressed air we can provide a more directed response.

 

[Bootybug]

You aren't an *******, just rude. There are many ways to phrase things and you chose your words, not I.

I am not seeking a 3 phrase unit, and if you read the the WHOLE thread you would have known that. What it looks like isn't really that important, other than the fact I don't have the time to clean-up an old one, but prefer a newer unit.

My needs have been spelled-out clearly; 5-7hp unit that is quiet as I don't want a loud compressor in my 4 car garage. Input has helped me narrow the field, and there has been some great suggestions. The QR came in late in the game, but I'm happy to consider it before I drop $4 grand.

If you want to contribute to the thread, I'm grateful. Otherwise ignore it, and move on.

I plan to place my order tomorrow as I want it sooner than later. Once I think I've decided, another experienced and sharing member posts a great idea worth considering. That's what I'm doing.

I'll be done tomorrow so it's all down hill from here.

 

[Bootybug]

Booty,

You will need to call a few dealers in your area to find out the price. Right now, a LOT of them are willing to deal to reduce inventory. You are still looking at the +/- $3,000 dollar range for new though. A rebuilt or used pump from a dealer will be much cheaper.

I'll call a few locals tomorrow to feel them out. Sadly, just about everything in the Dallas area is overpriced for absolutely no reason. I buy my cars and other expensive items out of state as they tend to be far more negotiable on price.

I enjoy working on my cars and suffer from headaches so getting a quiet unit helps me enjoy my hobby without paint. I'll have to get a bead on its noise parameters. A good friend of mine has one in PHX and he loves it. His is outside under a small building structure---something I can't do where I am now.

 

[nismomans13]

Why?

Not meaning to be an ******* here but if you're worried about what it looks like and how much noise it makes, I get the general impression you're not going to be needing much in the way of air. Air tools are noisy, many just as noisy as the compressor that runs them, that's inescapable. Worrying about a noisy air compressor is about like worrying about a noisy drag racing car - not very productive in regards to producing the end result.

Maybe you need to re-evaluate your air requirements. You've gone all over the map from 7.5HP 3-phase screw compressors to 5HP home-grade recip compressors to 5HP and up industrial recip compressors. That tends to suggest to me that you really don't have an idea of your air supply needs.

Maybe if you tell us what you intend to do with compressed air we can provide a more directed response.

not sure what was rude about this statement, but for the most part it was true. You're worried about having a whisper quiet compressor to run 90db air tools. Don't get me wrong,I get it. I bought a new comp for that same reason my old one was to loud. But you really would be surprised how quite a quality air comp with a silencer on it is. I can easily have a conversation 5 feet from mine, and can only hear it in the house right above the garge and you really have to listen for it.

 

[A_Pmech]

One man's brevity is another man's rudeness, thus the fair warning at the beginning of my post.

As I said earlier, I think you'll find that with 5HP to 7HP of air consumption, the noise of the compressor will only be a small part of the equation.

 

[Bootybug]

My air tools are not loud, my electrical tools are loud. That said, I don't know how loud a 5hp Quincy is (not the QT Extreme Series). I can't make a mistake and one that is too loud. You see, my oiless runs at 75 DB's (so it says on the compressor). I tend to believe it's louder. I wish I had a db meter to measure it.

It must be 65 or less. And I know the QT Extreme can get me there, and that was the main reason I was considering the screw. But I've learned the screw is for more constant use, not a weekly guy like myself running tools by myself. So the thread has helped me eliminate that decision. While it certainly wouldn't be a mistake, the piston units are more appropriate given the needs.

So that leaves the very quietest piston units out there. And Quincy is at the top--everyone has recommended them. I really can't go wrong with Quincy, but knowing how loud a normal 5hp unit is compared to the QT Extreme series would be helpful. I don't know the answer to this and can't find one local to hear. So the decision must be rendered based upon comments from users like yourself, and reviews.

I had one old guy tell me on the phone that they are very quiet, yet he couldn't hear a word I was saying since his hearing was gone from being in the military for twenty years. Funny guy.

I'm pretty confident the 5hp unit will do the job--as long as I can run a paint gun when I need to along with my tools, and the Quincy can do it. QT Extreme or the QT 5.

 

[Theloniousmonk]

Depending on whether the garage door is open or closed? You might be at 65ish db (yea right), but your intensity level will be increased w/ the door closed. I've been around these types of compressors in small 20x30 rooms and it is loud! the sound pressure is obnoxious, regardless of what shrouding is on the unit.

 

[Bootybug]

The QT Extreme?