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Choosing My First Shop Compressor

Ridge Runner

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 8, 2012
Messages
214
Location
East Tennessee
OK, this is embarrassing to ask because I've tried searching, but when the search function brings back basically every topic involving compressors, it becomes hard to sift through them.

I'm working on setting up a hot rod shop, but other than buying Quincy, I'm up in the air about what air compressor to buy. Bigger is better to an extent, but I don't want to buy so big that I'm wasting money. Obviously, I don't need a screw compressor in a one-man shop, and correct me if I'm wrong, but I've heard those are designed to be run continuously anyways.

I don't anticipate ever using a spray gun (while running this compressor), but lots of regular use running pneumatic tools and a plasma cutter. It will just be me using the compressor to start off with, but I'd like for it to be able to handle at least three people working simultaneously, which I believe is quite a ways off for me.

The other issue I have is mobility. I'll be doing one frame-off build where I'm at now at the end of the year, and then will be moving anywhere from three hours to several states away. If I'm not able to use a shop here that already has a compressor, I'll be having to buy one for use here and then contend with transporting it to wherever I move to. As bad as I hate to buy twice, I may just get a cheaper compressor to use here, sell it on Craigslist/to a friend, and buy a Quincy when I get where I'm going. I just don't want to deal with wrestling a 600-800+ lb. compressor into place more than once.

I'd rather spend as close to $2500 as I can, but am prepared to spend up to $4000 on one if necessary.
 
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sberry

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Joined
Jun 18, 2005
Messages
35,747
Location
Brethren, Michigan
I see an Ir in a small shop the other day, said 18 cfm maybe on the side and I believe the guy said 1400, maybe less. You will wear out before the comp.
 

NOZZLEMAN

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 10, 2010
Messages
143
Location
San Antonio, TX
I just bought a IR 15cfm, 80gallon tank for $999 (before tax) for my shop and we work on firetrucks, fab (mostly aluminum), run the plasma & table, blast cabinet etc etc etc and this thing is the bomb.

Tractor Supply... check it out
 

930dreamer

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Staff member
Joined
Oct 7, 2009
Messages
22,984
Location
Amarillo,TX and Stinnett,TX
I don't buy new very often, so CL/Ebay has been my friend. Your can't go wrong with an older American made 5hp compressor i.e. Champion, Quincy, IR, Curtis, Saylor Beale, Kellogg American.:)
 

firebox40dash5

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Joined
Mar 19, 2012
Messages
4,185
I don't buy new very often, so CL/Ebay has been my friend. Your can't go wrong with an older American made 5hp compressor i.e. Champion, Quincy, IR, Curtis, Saylor Beale, Kellogg American.:)

I agree with this guy. Especially since you're going to want to ditch it and move in the near future. Buy good old American iron that's already depreciated, enjoy it for a while, and sell it for most of (maybe even more than) what you paid for it. Not much sense buying new if you're not even keeping it for a year.
 
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larry_g

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Joined
Apr 28, 2007
Messages
16,893
Location
oregon
Do not discount that you can have two smaller compressors on the same system. Start with a good 5hp 18cfm or so and if you find that it does not keep up with the demand then add a second compressor online. Very simple to Tee in a second compressor.

lg
no neat sig line
 

mayday0017

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 20, 2010
Messages
1,715
Location
Houston Texas
Um... you might want to cancel that order if you don't have 3 phase power, I will guess most likely you don't... Motor says 3 phase on it
 

PT Doc

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Joined
Nov 12, 2010
Messages
3,197
Gold motor means 3 phase. I'm sure he saw that on the motor plate.
 
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