I need help getting a 'new' compressor.

[The Alchemist]

Well, I used new in quotes because I'm not opposed to picking up a used one either.

I currently have a 30 gallon 150psi craftsman that is just rediculously loud. This wasn't an issue until the kids arrived, and now it's just way too loud.

I keep looking at the oiled 60 gallon models at Lowes and Home Depot and that's kind of the price point I'd like to be in at ~$400 - $500. I don't need crazy cfm's as I've learned to manage with the 6cfm at 90psi of the craftsman. I'm usually just using it for an impact, ratchet, and a grinder/rotary tool.

I'm leaning toward the Husky and CH compressors because it's logistically easier to get them, but don't want to buy a headache either. I've got an extra 220 line so that's not an issue either.

Any suggestions would be great.
Thanks guys.

 

[krusty the clown]

i have the husky 5hp 60 gal compressor (it's made by CH) and i'm happy with it. IIRC i paid $389 for it.

 

[goodfellow]

Well, you're probably going to get a slew of good information on this forum. Barring a good used commercial model, then the choice comes down to single vs. dual stage, tank size, and CFM.

By far the most popular compressor for the non-commercial market has been the Campbell Hausfeld 60 gal. single stage vertical. That model has outsold any other homeowner grade 60 gal unit.

http://www.cpocampbellhausfeld.com/air_compressors/professional_air_compressors/vt6275.html

Many other retailers sell this compressor under their own brand name (i.e., Home Depot, Tractor Supply) so getting parts and service is fairly easy since it's been in production for many years. The HD version is always a good buy.

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...3&productId=100083906&N=10000003+90043+524403


Also, don't forget to check Lowes and HF. They have similar units that are either manufactured, or assembled in the US and often show up on sale under $400.

With Thanksgiving sales coming up, look to HF to discount their 60 gal unit well under $400.

Good luck!

 

[The Alchemist]

Yeah, I've been going back and forth with the husky vs. CH model, but if it's the same, it really comes down to red vs. blue for tank color I guess, and since I plan to put it in the basement, then it really doesn't matter. I guess it's simply who runs the better holiday sale price.

 

[Titus]

My local Tractor Supply has discounted their version (painted yellow) of the Campbell Hausfeld 60 gal. single stage vertical to $399. There is a $5 off coupon printable from the Tractor Supply website, making it $394. I am not sure if all Tractor supplies are offering this price. In my area, this price is a cheaper than the red version at HD or the blue version at Lowes.

 

[chrisexv6]

I picked up the HD version a while ago, at the time it was only 338, and I used a Lowes 10% off coupon.

WELL worth it IMHO. Good SCFM @ 90 psi, cast iron, oil lube so its quiet(er) at least. Only issue is that its large and 220V. For me those were non-issues but for others they might be.

 

[Brad54]

So what's the difference between a single stage and a dual stage compressor?

And while more horsepower is ALWASY good, at least for things with spark plugs, what's the advantage--or more importantly, the disadvantage--between say a 2hp versus a 5hp compressor? I've seen that even in the 220v/60 gallon offerings, there is often a big difference in motors.

This has also probably been asked a dozen times before, but it fits this thread too: what's going to fail on an older compressor, what do you look for when evaluating one, and what's about the oldest you'd buy without worrying too much? For instance, I've got a line on a 80 gallon CH compressor: 5horse, 21amps, 13.5 SCFM @90psi, built in 1996. I don't remember if the owner said it's had a new motor or not, but what about the other things? I don't think 1996 is too long ago, but that's because I'm getting old! It's 12 years old by now. On the other hand, a good compressor should last 40 years, if well maintained, shouldn't it?
Buyer wants $400obo. That puts it in direct competition with a smaller 60-gallon but brand new compressor from Home Depot.

-Brad

 

[The Alchemist]

Yeah, I've got to look at all of my options and just pull the trigger.

 

[TheToolMan]

I would look at auctions for companys going out of business, I just went to one in Baltimore yesterday and cleaned up shop. I got an Ingersoll Rand 80gal 7.5hp 25cfm Compressor for $200, Yes there is no mistake it was $200. This compressor had to be at least $2500 new

 

[The Alchemist]

Well, I just found and bought a compressor off of Craigslist. It is a 60 gallon, 5hp that appears from the picture to be 11+ cfm at 90 psi. The model number is listed as 919.176500, but I haven't found it online yet to fully check the stats. I negotiated with the guy and ended up getting it for $200. Considering my current craftsman is only rated at ~6cfm at 90psi, this should be a huge difference. I already have the 220 (40amp) in the basement, so I'm going to just put the compressor in the basement and plumb it to the garage.

Here's what it looks like with the picture of the stats:

 

[The Alchemist]

Well, I did a parts search on www.craftsman.com and put in the model number and it looks like it's a two-stage compressor with a max psi of 170psi.

Not sure if that's good or bad, but for $200, it's a good buy in my oppinion.

 

[billymade]

It really comes down to what kind of tools that you are using and how you expect them to run while hooked to your compressor; many compressors can't keep up with certain air tools, especially... die grinders, sanders, etc. they require allot of cfms...

 

[The Alchemist]

So what are the thoughts on the two stage craftsman 60 gallon? It's probably going to see 4-5 hours of runtime a month powering an impact, air ratchet blow gun etc.

 

[The Alchemist]

Well, I picked it up this morning, and I think I got a freaking sweet deal. The manual lists it at 12.0scfm @ 100 psi and it's a 175 psi two stage compressor. I need to change the plug on the 220v line, and I'll be able to crank it up and see how it does.

Not bad for $200.

 

[goodfellow]

Not bad at all. That is a great deal on a mid-size piston compressor. That unit should last a long time. Congratulations!!

 

[The Alchemist]

The way I look at it, considering I was looking at the box store 60 gallon compressors, and they are only 135psi units. This one at 175psi is a lot more reserve considering I usually set the regulator at 90psi most of the time for the impacts and ratchets.

One thing I did overlook is the 220 line. I'm using the line that was originally run for our old stove, and it's a 40amp 220v line, 2 wire line which is 8 gauge. How the heck do you wire 8 gauge wire (it's actually several wires in one) to an outlet?

Maybe I'll just call in the brother in law who has his own commmercial electrical company and have him do it for me. I know it's overkill using the 40 amp line, but hell, it's already there and you know how expensive 40 amp 220v line is these days....

 

[Charles (in GA)]

One thing I did overlook is the 220 line. I'm using the line that was originally run for our old stove, and it's a 40amp 220v line, 2 wire line which is 8 gauge. How the heck do you wire 8 gauge wire (it's actually several wires in one) to an outlet?

Maybe I'll just call in the brother in law who has his own commmercial electrical company and have him do it for me. I know it's overkill using the 40 amp line, but hell, it's already there and you know how expensive 40 amp 220v line is these days....

From the sound of it, you lack basic knowledge of electrical work and I certainly would offer to either pay the BIL or grill out dinner or something to get it done RIGHT.

The 5 hp is rather bogus, it is a starting hp number that means nothing. Probably about 3 actual running hp based on the CFM output.

Charles

 

[The Alchemist]

Hey Charles.... I understand electrical work perfectly fine, I just picked up the wrong recepticle when I was out. I need to pick up a 40amp/220 outlet tomorrow and then change the plug on the compressor. But trust me, I have no issue with taking a step back and letting the pro's do their thing, especially when it can kill you. The breaker has been off on the line since the day we moved in, so there's no safety issues here.

As for the 5hp claim, it is what it is. For the limited use, it is plenty sufficient for me. Comparing apples to apples, my current 30 gallon Craftsman oilless compressor states it as a 6cfm @ 90psi, and the new 60 gallon claims 12.0 cfm at 100psi. So the compressor is double the storage capacity, double the output claim, and actually 25psi higher storage psi.

I'm even happier that a buddy wants to buy my 30 gallon from me for $200 so I basically upgraded for the cost of the gas to go get it.

 

[The Alchemist]

And here's a funny point to make about the hp claim... my 30 gallon oilless 110v compressor actually claims to be a 6hp motor. So I find it humerous that a 110v/15amp motor claims 6hp where the older, 220v/20amp motor claims to be 5hp.

I guess it's like horsepower ratings between the camaros/firebirds and corvettes. From 98-2002, GM alsways claimed the corvette's made anywhere from 15-20hp more than the fbodies because GM couldn't let the vette guys get mad that they spent more and got the same amount of power.

However you slice it, when I get it hooked up and running, I'll let you know how I feel.

 

[evintho]

You sir.............scored! A 2-stage 5 hp Craftsman with 12 cfm for $200, sorry $0 seems like a pretty decent deal too me! It looks to be fairly well taken care of also. Air tools like cfm. 12cfm is probably more than enough for your needs. My I/R is a 5 hp single stage with 18cfm and handles anything I throw at it.

My suggestions are clean it up, change the oil, add an hour meter and drain valve extension. I wired mine with 10 ga wire and installed a 50 amp breaker. Take care of it and it'll last you a long, long time.

 

[The Alchemist]

Well, I picked up a drain valve extension and put a ball valve on it. I should have it wired and running today. First thing I did was drain the oil since I didn't know the last time it was done.

 

[The Alchemist]

In addition to the compressor, there was a dryer/filter connected as well. Turns out it is a Milton 1120-8 filter which I just found online goes for $50-$70 new. This deal is getting sweeter and sweeter.

 

[Hardware]

Great deal. The 2 stage from what I understand compresses air on both strokes. wayyy better than a single stage (compresses air on one stoke).

 

[johnny1290]

Wow that's fantastic!

I paid $150 for my "4 HP" CH 110v 20 gal tank compressor, sounds like you got a sweet deal!

That's one of the reasons I prefer buying durable used tools. Sure, you pay your money and you take your chances, but compared to what some of this stuff costs new it's well worth it to me. I love getting screaming deals!

 

[The Alchemist]

That's the thing, this compresser needed a little tlc, the head bolts needed to be re-torqued, the manifold is leaking a little and needs to be pulled, have pipe dope put on the threads and reseated, but other than that, it's a damn good compressor.

 

[becket]

Hi all , new to this board ( been on JJ board for awhile), and I was wondering if a Husky 60-gal. compressor had to be run on 220, or can it be run from the standard house current wall socket in my shed? Just running single tools at a time, basic medium-duty air ratchet and impact, grinder, nothing heavy; but I want a strong unit if I get more serious tools down the road. I can come off the dryer for 220 if need be. Thanks, killer to be here!

 

[goodfellow]

Hi all , new to this board ( been on JJ board for awhile), and I was wondering if a Husky 60-gal. compressor had to be run on 220, or can it be run from the standard house current wall socket in my shed? Just running single tools at a time, basic medium-duty air ratchet and impact, grinder, nothing heavy; but I want a strong unit if I get more serious tools down the road. I can come off the dryer for 220 if need be. Thanks, killer to be here!

220v volt service on those 60 gal units -- there is no 110v switchover.

The biggest 110v compressors are in the 20-30 gal range from Campbell Hausfeld (Husky), Sears, Lowes and Tractor Supply (also CH)




Alchemist -- Is that an aluminum pump with cast iron sleeves? If so, be careful retorquing the heads -- they warp at the drop of a hat.

 

[buening]

Hey Alchemist, make sure the filter and regulators are quality units (which I assume are) since your compressor is a 175psi unit. I made the mistake of buying one of the cheapo combo units for my 175psi unit till I had the money to buy a nice one, and the bowl on the filter unit exploded! I looked up the specs and it had a max psi of 125, oops!