where to find a good deal on an air compressor

[sonett43]

I'm ready to upgrade my 20 year old craftsman compressor.

Here's what I'm thinking, 2 stage, vertical 60-80 gallon, I have the budget in mind of $600 or so, can go higher, but would like to spend less.

I live in Northern NJ, but have had no luck finding what I'm looking for on ebay or craigslist.

anyone have suggestions on where to locate a good deal?

Lewis

 

[Hatman52]

You won't find what you're looking for new anywhere close to $600. There are some single-stage compressors near that. CH makess a 3.5 hp 60 gal. compressor in the low $400s, and Ingersol-Rand makes a popular 3.5 hp 60 gallon compressor that's $625 with free freight at Northern Tools.

You'll need to spend between $1,000 and $1,500 to get a two-stage, 5 hp, 60/80 gallon compressor. Eaton, Quincy, I-R, and many others make high-quality units in that price range.

 

[1320stang]

I think I spent about 700 on my 2 stage 80 gallon from Sam's Club.

 

[krooser]

Do a Google search for industrial auctions or industrial auctioneers/business auctioneers and get on their email list. There are lots of these going on every month... you can get some smoking deals on HD equipment that will live longer than you.

One note... if you DO buy a smaller hobby-style compressor do a little research on what style of motor is on the compressor. I heard a story recently of a guy who bought a IR unit a couple years ago for $600.00 and the motor died. Turns out they use a weird reverse rotation motor that sells for $400.00... ouch!

 

[rcozzo]

I recently picked up this compressor from Harbor Freight for $600.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=93274

5 HP, 60 Gallon, 165 PSI Two Stage Air Compressor
Air delivery: 13.5 CFM @ 165 PSI, 15.8 CFM @ 90 PSI, 16.4 CFM @ 40 PSI
Cast-iron cylinders and stainless steel valves
Automatic start/stop
ASME tank with safety valve
No mag starter required

230 volts, 22 amp, Single phase; Overall dimensions: 36" L x 24" Diameter x 69" H

It was on sale for $799. I had a rare 25% off coupon, so brought it home for $600. I'm very happy with it. I've been using it with an air hammer and cut-off tool. So far it's kept up with everything. I'll be hooking it up to a blast cabinet soon.

There was recently a 20% off coupon circulating on this site.

 

[Lyaec350]

Got my Porter Cable 80 gallon 5hp 2-stage (15.6 cfm) for $789 on sale @ Fleet Farm.

 

[Mr. D]

What you really should target is a 2 stage compressor that has a 5 hp 184-T frame motor that turns 1750 RPM, you do not want the cheap knock offs that turn 3450 RPM.

Cost a little more but a much better air compressor that will last a lifetime in a home garage setup.

 

[krooser]

What you really should target is a 2 stage compressor that has a 5 hp 184-T frame motor that turns 1750 RPM, you do not want the cheap knock offs that turn 3450 RPM.

Cost a little more but a much better air compressor that will last a lifetime in a home garage setup.

There are some like Cast-Air that run at 840 rpm... very quiet.

 

[olds70supreme]

There are some like Cast-Air that run at 840 rpm... very quiet

I can attest to that. My recommendation is that unless you need a compressor NOW (old one is broken, etc.), be patient and watch for a quality used one. That's what I did, and after watching ebay and local craigslist ads for a local deal I got my gently used Cast-Air. I bought used because I could get way more compressor than I could otherwise afford, and since it is a quality construction I believe it will outlast many new compressors anyways. Also, with the economy the way it is (and probably will be for awhile), there are bound to be good deals popping up for those with patience.

 

[buening]

I bought my Bel-Aire 318VLE on ebay for $650 used. I think it's around $2500 new (overpriced if you ask me). The pump speed is 1250 RPM and is very quiet. With isolated feet pads, I cannot tell it is running from inside the house. If you don't mind buying used, have patience and watch craigslist and ebay for a good name brand 2 stage.

 

[zbxb006]

I just saw Lowes has their $899 Cambell Hausfield 80 gal 2 stage compressor on clearance for $599. It's no Quincy, but it's a good deal for the money if you are looking for new.

 

[G-force]

Look at any local farm stores for specials.

Just last weekend my local farm and ranch store had a 25% off anything storewide (excluding gas powered equip.)

I ended up buying a 5hp 60 gallon 2 stage Quincy compressor for $899. Regular price was obviously $1199. I'm extremely happy.

 

[jkeyser14]

I just bought this IR compressor last night w/ free shipping from Northern Tool:

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_211720_211720

If anything ever breaks, IR is a great company and easy to deal with.

 

[G-force]

I would say that if you can get away with a single stage unit, the IR listed above is the one to get

 

[sonett43]

I just saw Lowes has their $899 Cambell Hausfield 80 gal 2 stage compressor on clearance for $599. It's no Quincy, but it's a good deal for the money if you are looking for new.

I just stopped in at my local lowes, and they have 1 of these left as well....am tempted, the price is right, but add in tax and transport, and I'm debating if I'd be happier with a deal from craigslist.

 

[buening]

What will you be using it for (general use or sandblasting) and how often will you be using it? If you plan on using it for lower CFM tools and don't use it a lot then the CH should be fine. If you are sandblasting and need a high CFM output, the CH may fall short.

 

[sonett43]

I do have a small blasting cabinet, but very seldom use it, mostly wrenching on old and new cars.

I'm sure I can get by with a smaller unit, but I'd like to get a compressor that will last me a long time.

 

[Kevin54]

I paid $999 for my 80gal. 2-stage at TSC. For the money you want to spend, (everyone always wants to spend less) I'd save up a little more coin and go for new. But if you absolutely don't want to go over $600, then shop wisely and shop locally. Craigslist would probably be your best bet, but you'd have to be patient. Don't always jump on the first shiny one that comes up. Ask a lot of questions. Mainly question would be as to why they are getting rid of a larger 2 stage. They do pop up on Craigslist quite frequently, but you don't want to drive a couple of hundred miles for something that is 5-10 years old and has only been drained twice in that time. One thing to consider also, with new, you have the warranty.

 

[bb1970]

Look at any local farm stores for specials.

Just last weekend my local farm and ranch store had a 25% off anything storewide (excluding gas powered equip.)

I ended up buying a 5hp 60 gallon 2 stage Quincy compressor for $899. Regular price was obviously $1199. I'm extremely happy.

Where do you live? And Where is this store?

 

[sonett43]

so, my loving family bought me the lowe's compressor for an upcoming birthday, upon delivery, one of the tabs where the compressor head mounts to the body was snapped off. this is a cast part, I doubt I'd be happy with any kind of repair.

the store has offered me a full refund, including shipping, or will give me 10% off the new model CH compressor.

funny thing, this one used to be $899, and is down to $599, the new model, with slightly higher CFM, I believe, is $799, so an extra $120 would get me the new model.

they checked every nearby store, 3-4 stores indicated an inventory of 1 of the discounted model, but when the driver got to the store, he claims it was not the correct unit.

my gut tells me I should push them harder to find one for me. I'd rather not spend the additional money. For $800, I feel I could get a great deal on CL. Or find a deal online for a unit that would be shipped in.

thoughts?

Lewis

 

[mrsleeve]

Get a Quincy
will cost about 1200 maybe a bit less, and you will never ever have to get another one.
a good Air Compressor will cost way more than 600 for what you want.
again Quincy is the only way to go.
end thread/

Look at any local farm stores for specials.

Just last weekend my local farm and ranch store had a 25% off anything storewide (excluding gas powered equip.)

I ended up buying a 5hp 60 gallon 2 stage Quincy compressor for $899. Regular price was obviously $1199. I'm extremely happy.

I bet you are!!!!!!!!!!!

Where did you find that and where is this store I cant get a new compressor yet but I can make an exception.

 

[G-force]

Where do you live? And Where is this store?

Where did you find that and where is this store I cant get a new compressor yet but I can make an exception.

The name of the store is Coastal Farm and Ranch and I think the only locations are in Oregon. I love this store. It's huge and has alot of goodies for the property owner. If it wasn't for the fact that gas powered equipment didn't qualify for the 25% off I probably would have spent a few grand. They carry the full line of Honda generators, pressure washers, Husky chainsaws. They also carry Dewault tools which would have qualified for the 25% off.

 

[alkemyst]

I wanted to add, make sure the compressor you are getting can do what you want. SCFM/CFM are the specs you really want to look at...the tank is a reserve system more than anything after that.

I picked up the sears 160psi 26 gallon vertical compressor. It does what I need and was about $250 with a 50' 3/8" hose reel as a freebie and misc. tools. I am not looking to sand or blast so it's going to do well just blowing off stuff, trim nailing and inflating tires.

 

[JerseyJim]

I'm a little late on this topic, but I've been looking for a compressor as well. What can anyone tell me about Bel Aire compressors? I have found their model 216V, 5 HP, 60 Gal, 2 Stage for $899 including shipping at a couple of places on the web. Doesn't seem like a bad price these days. I'm not going to bang this thing all that hard. Just run it on the odd weekend here and there.

Any comments appreciated.

Jim

 

[ws6formula]

Jim

I can give you a little feedback...

Belaire was one of the compressors I considered for my home garage. The Belaire prices seemed to be decent and I think most? Belaire piston compressors use ABAC (made in Italy) pumps.
.
I debated for a while between many so called 'consumer grade' compressors (ie. Belaire, Speedaire, Husky-Home Depot, Kobalt-Lowes, US General -Harbor Freight, etc etc ). The prices for the air specs I needed (light sand blasting, general auto air tools, painting etc) was generally around $800-$1200. After a lot of debate, I decided I should bite the bullet and up my budget to $1500-$2000 and get a better quality , more commercial grade compressor -I started looking at names brands like Quincy, Champion, etc. I liked the Champion Advantage VR5-8 Compressor , http://www.masterwholesale.com/details/1108932193, price was $2000.

Just when I was getting ready to pull the trigger on a higher end, more commerical grade compressor, I found a local guy that builds/rebuilds old compressors. I was able to get an 80 gallon vertical Campbell Hausfeld air tank that was in excellent condition, a brand new US Electric 22amp 5hp motor, and a brand new ABAC (Italy made) 2 Stage Pump - approx 23cfm@90 psi, if I recall. The guy assembled everything and tested. Included new air regulator, magnetic stater switch for $1200. I thought the price was reasonable. I have not had any issues with my compressor and/or ABAC pump.

If you decide on the Belaire...the local compressor guy told me the ABAC pump is medium duty pump...not shop/commercial quality, but better than most store consumer grade pumps. ABAC pumps are made in Italy and generally seem to be used more in Europe. I read that ABAC makes the compressors and pumps for many other brands (ie. BelAire, Mac Tool, and Rockworth). Also, I think Kobalt (ie.Lowes) compressors are made by ABAC and possibly also the US General brand you see at Harbor Freight. Rol-Air also seems to use ABAC pumps too. It is possible ABAC makes Belaire (this site would seem to confirm that) http://www.abacamerican.com/belaire_home.html. It looks like abacamerican
is part of http://www.abac.co.uk/about-us.htm

Anyway, I think the 216V Belaire seems to be a decent compressor for the price.