Recommend me an Air Compressor

[ATC]

My compressor is on it's last leg. She's making funny noises, getting hotter, and is taking longer to pressurize. It's just an older 33-gal 110V SpeedAire. I have outgrown it's capabilities long ago.

80% of its use will be impact guns, blow guns, and filling tires.
The other 20% will be a sandblaster, paint guns, plasma cutter, and I hope to get a HF blast cabinet before the year is up.

Budget is around $1200.

60-gal/5HP minimum
Made in USA a plus
15CFM + if possible


The Quincy QT-54 (Model# 2V41C60VC) has been my #1 choice for weeks now. I know it's just a touch over budget...but it's my favorite color

So what else is out there that I need to look at?

 

[Todd.Brock]

Polar air or EAton compressors always gets a look. HF 2 stage is about 15 Cfm. Anything else made in us will quickly exceed the budget.

 

[EOC_Jason]

For that budget, I would go with Quincy too....

 

[IndyGarage]

I'd find a good used one for $500 or so, and buy the blast cabinet you want, rather than a harbor freight.

 

[Tronyadorable]

Here ya go. Go 7 1/2 HP if you're glass beading and your wallet can stand it
http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/

 

[Todd.Brock]

Used is always a gamble, but and option that netted me a free 80 gallon champion. I didn't price the Quincy out., but blue sure looks nice! There aren't a lot of US options in that price range. Belaire or Puma could be something to consider. I believe that Bendpack or Ranger has a line of air compressors. Air compressor direct.com is a good resource

 

[JDSV]

I third aircompressorsdirect. After doing a quick search, I pulled the following that match your requirements. Aside from the BelAire which is a bit over your budget the rest are well under, and all have free shipping. And all have 5 star ratings as far as reviews go.

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Campbell-Hausfeld-TQ3104-Air-Compressor/p7630.html

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Ingersoll-Rand-2340L5.230-1-Air-Compressor/p705.html

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/BelAire-318VN-Air-Compressor/p4841.html

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/MAXair-C5160V1-MAP-Air-Compressor/p5497.html

 

[IndyGarage]

Used is always a gamble, but and option that netted me a free 80 gallon champion. I didn't price the Quincy out., but blue sure looks nice! There aren't a lot of US options in that price range. Belaire or Puma could be something to consider. I believe that Bendpack or Ranger has a line of air compressors. Air compressor direct.com is a good resource

I must have won the gamble over and over again. I've bought two compressors used - one 7 hp Champion for $250, one 5hp Snap-on for $800. Both run like a top.

 

[Kevin54]

Eaton, Quincy, and IR seems to be the most popular from what I have seen on here, BUT.....The Eaton and Quincy seem to lean towards the more commercial guys. The IR, 80gal. 2-stage seems to be what a lot of the garage guys have.

Just my observation. I'm one of the IR guys.

 

[Hustler388]

quincy, if you can wait for black friday ,or around that time, northern took put on sale and order online spend over 1000 you get a 200 gift card,free shipping to a store

 

[ATC]

What's the preferred style of pump? Single stage or Two stage? I see the pro's and con's of each...but is it mainly just personal preference? Is one louder/quieter than another?

I'd find a good used one for $500 or so, and buy the blast cabinet you want, rather than a harbor freight.

I'd rather not buy used. I looked the other day and there is not much on there that interests me. Lots of old compressors, your standard craftsmans, and 110V units.

I third aircompressorsdirect. After doing a quick search, I pulled the following that match your requirements. Aside from the BelAire which is a bit over your budget the rest are well under, and all have free shipping. And all have 5 star ratings as far as reviews go.

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Campbell-Hausfeld-TQ3104-Air-Compressor/p7630.html

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Ingersoll-Rand-2340L5.230-1-Air-Compressor/p705.html

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/BelAire-318VN-Air-Compressor/p4841.html

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/MAXair-C5160V1-MAP-Air-Compressor/p5497.html

Thanks for that! I'm really liking that CH in the first link for the price...but that Belaire (which I've never even heard of before) looks pretty sweet. A little pricey...but maybe I can sell some things

I wish they would post the pump's operating RPM's and the brand of motor that's on it.

quincy, if you can wait for black friday ,or around that time, northern took put on sale and order online spend over 1000 you get a 200 gift card,free shipping to a store

I can wait for BF...in fact, that's why I started this thread now....so I can make up my mind and settle on one or two by the time BF comes around.

 

[durallymax]

What's the preferred style of pump? Single stage or Two stage?

My choice would be a rotary screw. Much much quieter and smoother plus they have a much longer duty cycle.

I like Kaeser but unless you are buying used they are out of your price range.

 

[kazlx]

No brainer to go used at your price range. I picked up an 80gal 5hp Champion for $300 and put another $150ish into it. Runs great now.

 

[ATC]

Found this Curtis
Anyone know how to find spec's on it? Their website doesn't list a 60-gal...
Model 5E2VT6-A2

 

[chris142]

i bought a smaller quincy. its a pos.

 

[bcradio]

Snap on

 

[ATC]

Oh man...look what I found. I can get US made 7.5hp and 26 SCFM...hmmmm

http://www.eatoncompressor.com/fr.html

 

[C96]

Oh man...look what I found. I can get US made 7.5hp and 26 SCFM...hmmmm

http://www.eatoncompressor.com/fr.html

Lol…Your getting a little out of your price range now with the Eaton. Oh, by the way, it’s not all made in the US. The most important component (the pump) is not manufactured in the US but is made internationally offshore. Here’s another secret, the pump is actually a Saylor- Beall clone, that’s right, a copy of a true 100% USA made compressor.

 

[ATC]

Lol…Your getting a little out of your price range now with the Eaton. Oh, by the way, it’s not all made in the US. The most important component (the pump) is not manufactured in the US but is made internationally offshore. Here’s another secret, the pump is actually a Saylor- Beall clone, that’s right, a copy of a true 100% USA made compressor.

I know! I hate budgets!

I found a cheaper one:
http://www.eatoncompressor.com/catalog/item/8165853/8847322.htm

Interesting about the pump and motor. I thought I read that they were made here...somewhere. I just dug around their website and found this:

Product Disclosure Form,

To compare "apples to apples" on where a product is made can be very challenging. We have attached a Product Disclosure Form that you can print off and take to your air compressor providers to have them complete so you will know where the product and its components are manufactured. Just because you see the American Flag sticker on the front of the unit does not mean it was actually made in the USA. There are many factors that you need to be aware of before purchasing a unit. 1. Where the parts were manufactured? 2. Warranty? 3. What are the replacement parts going to cost for the unit you are purchasing? We have seen 5 HP compressor pumps that are over $1,000.00 for a rebuild kit. We use international compressor pumps built in one of our own factories. This is why you see "EATON" in our castings. One out of every 100 compressors is built in the USA. We strive to give Americans jobs (the majority of our piston-type unit's components are made here in the USA) but have to also keep PREMIUM quality at a reasonable price with a 5-YEAR BUMPER-TO BUMPER Warranty on all parts - NOT PRO-RATED!!! Our quality and price is the best on the market. Our goal is to beat our competition name-brand and non-name brand. Have your compressor company complete this form and if you have any questions about what they have filled out on the form, you can call me personally.

Starting October 28th, 2008, We are putting an American flag sticker on the items that are made in the USA. For example, our tanks are made in the USA, So we have placed an American Flag Sticker on the tank that states this tank is manufactured in the USA. These stickers will be placed on every item that is made in the USA. This gives the consumer a clear direction when purchasing our compressor on how much of the complete unit is made in the USA.

I can only think of 2 companies that build compressors here in the USA.

Ultimately, we encourage our customers and potential customers to compare our product to any product in the industry. You the buyer, should know exactly what you are buying and from whom you are buying it from.

Sincere Regards,



Matt Cain

President/CEO

But either way...they've got a 5-year warranty

I love how they actually list the spec's of the compressor. CFM, pump RPM, motor RPM, motor amperage, and even dB levels!

 

[FatBeagle]

What's the difference between Eaton's Industrial (black) line and the Premium line that lists all the detailed specs? Is the warranty the same?

I'm torn between this: http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Quincy-2V41C60VC-Air-Compressor/p855.html

And this:http://www.eatoncompressor.com/catalog/item/504747/9379899.htm

Eaton: longer advertised life at 50,000 hours, lower rpm so probably quieter, 2 year longer warranty, but no free shipping. $1477.31+freight

Quincy: 30,000 advertised pump life, higher rpm, aluminum head not cast iron, must buy $170 maintenance kit to extend warranty 1 year on unit, 2 on pump. Has free shipping. $1566.98 (with warranty kit)

$91.67 difference

Don't mean to hijack your thread but we are in the same boat I think or close to it. I'm going to call Eaton and ask about Industrial vs. Premium and I'll post what I find out.

 

[ATC]

What's the difference between Eaton's Industrial (black) line and the Premium line that lists all the detailed specs? Is the warranty the same?

I'm torn between this: http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Quincy-2V41C60VC-Air-Compressor/p855.html

And this:http://www.eatoncompressor.com/catalog/item/504747/9379899.htm

Eaton: longer advertised life at 50,000 hours, lower rpm so probably quieter, 2 year longer warranty, but no free shipping. $1477.31+freight

Quincy: 30,000 advertised pump life, higher rpm, aluminum head not cast iron, must buy $170 maintenance kit to extend warranty 1 year on unit, 2 on pump. Has free shipping. $1566.98 (with warranty kit)

$91.67 difference

Don't mean to hijack your thread but we are in the same boat I think or close to it. I'm going to call Eaton and ask about Industrial vs. Premium and I'll post what I find out.

No problem. I was also wondering what the difference was.
The Eaton is rated at 3.1CFM more than the Quincy, along with a 2-3 year longer warranty without buying a kit. Also, 80gal vs 60gal. Lower RPM & quieter. The Eaton also weighs 200lbs more FWIW!

I just shot an Email to BelAire a few minutes ago asking about their model 318VN. I wanted to know the COO of their motor, pump, and tank, and also the RPM of the motor and pump.

 

[IndyGarage]

Found this Curtis
Anyone know how to find spec's on it? Their website doesn't list a 60-gal...
Model 5E2VT6-A2

I'd go for that over anything you could buy new for $1200. That 5 hp Baldor is probably $750 alone.

 

[ATC]

I'd go for that over anything you could buy new for $1200. That 5 hp Baldor is probably $750 alone.

I Emailed the guy, but haven't heard back yet. I want to know more information on it...specifically CFM's. I searched Curtis' web site, but they list nothing smaller than an 80gal unit (the one pictured is a 60). I think it is an older discontinued model (5E2VT6-A2). It comes with an auto-drain installed too...

 

[durallymax]

If looking at the rotary screw remember that you can usually get by with a much smaller machine than you could with a piston style. Piston style duty cycle is about 50", rotary screws can run in the 90s. You need a good filtration system to remove the oil they inject though.

I thought Eaton had a decent selection of them. Otherwise Kaeser would be my pick. German engineered partially German and USA built. I priced a 7.5hp airtower(comes with drier, filter, tanks) for around 7k IIRC.

 

[Davefr]

Eaton pumps are Chinese and the CEO is a ***** about admitting it:
http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/eat...e-over-made-china-compressor-post-143953.html

 

[IndyGarage]

If looking at the rotary screw remember that you can usually get by with a much smaller machine than you could with a piston style. Piston style duty cycle is about 50", rotary screws can run in the 90s. You need a good filtration system to remove the oil they inject though.

I thought Eaton had a decent selection of them. Otherwise Kaeser would be my pick. German engineered partially German and USA built. I priced a 7.5hp airtower(comes with drier, filter, tanks) for around 7k IIRC.

When I was researching, I read you don't want a rotary screw compressor for DIY or hobby use. They are designed for continuous industrial use. They are not as good at starting and stopping all the time.

 

[IndyGarage]

I Emailed the guy, but haven't heard back yet. I want to know more information on it...specifically CFM's. I searched Curtis' web site, but they list nothing smaller than an 80gal unit (the one pictured is a 60). I think it is an older discontinued model (5E2VT6-A2). It comes with an auto-drain installed too...

Looks exactly like this one, except a 60 gallon tank instead of 80. Also it's got a start kit and a drain kit on it.

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/FS-Curtis-05E57V8SX-A2D-Air-Compressor/p9716.html

Looks like it's in a home or a light duty environment. If it runs well and you can get it for less than $1000, jump on it.

 

[FatBeagle]

Just got off the phone with Eaton. The Industrial models don't have an auto drain or the bracket that gets the pump higher off the tank for added cooling.

I was quoted between $480-560 for lift gate shipping to VT. That is a deal breaker. Too bad because they appear to be great units.

I'll probably go with the Quincy and see if I can get a black Friday deal next month.

 

[ATC]

Looks exactly like this one, except a 60 gallon tank instead of 80. Also it's got a start kit and a drain kit on it.

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/FS-Curtis-05E57V8SX-A2D-Air-Compressor/p9716.html

Looks like it's in a home or a light duty environment. If it runs well and you can get it for less than $1000, jump on it.

Yes, it was in a home garage with light use. I'm really liking it...but if the owner doesn't email me back, I can't do anything about it
$1k is close to what he's asking.

Edit:
He just emailed me. Said he thinks it's 17.5cfm at 175psi, 900rpm pump, 2-stage.

 

[ATC]

I got a return Email on the BelAire 318VN this morning.

Pump is made in Italy
Motor is an AO Smith (the email said "headquartered" in St. Louis...not "made in")
Tank is US made
Motor RPM 3450
Pump RPM 960

They attached a PDF of the pump.

 

[C96]

I too recommend the Curtis, the one in your picture looks very well kept. It has all the good parts too, Baldor 184T frame motor running 1725rpm. A Square D mag starter all factory wired with steel flex and armored cable. Hell, it doesn’t get much better than this.

Curtis makes a great compressor, definitely a high quality machine. I just talked myself into it and I’m not even in the market for one…Lol.

If I were you, Id pursue that Curtis. Make him an offer that works for you. All he can say is no.

It’s to bad crazy eyed kams1973 hasn’t entered this thread. He’s a compressor guy, I’m sure he would give you a thumbs-up on the Curtis as well.

Good Luck!

 

[A_Pmech]

Piston style duty cycle is about 50", rotary screws can run in the 90s.

Only the homeowner compressors have such restrictions. All the commercial recip. compressors ate 100% duty cycle.

 

[PT Doc]

Buy the Curtis.

 

[ATC]

Buy the Curtis.

I'm gonna try!

I wasn't planning on buying used...so I didn't have time to get the necessary cash needed

 

[PBCampbell]

That Curtiss looks like one heck of a compressor. I'd be all over that.

 

[TK LP]

Buy the Curtis.

2nd.

 

[PT Doc]

If not then look looks at the Quincy QT5. Should do more than than you would ever need.

 

[wild cowboy]

i bought a smaller quincy. its a pos.

same with the smaller IR's

that is the problem, some compressor brands with fantastic reputations, i.e. Quincy, IR, etc. made those reputations on their more serious $3000 and up compressors, and now they have started making these $1500 and less compressors and they are junky unreliable ****, but the industrial grade ones are still great!

so unless you are spending the big bucks, I don't see the point of paying for the big name, since you aren't gonna get the compressor that gave them the great name. - Might as well get a Kobalt or a Craftsman or a Husky etc and save the money, or better yet, a great compressor bought used!

and I agree, that Curtis looks well made! (and that is one of the series with the great reputation, unlike the small Quincy's, IR's, etc.)

 

[wild cowboy]

and for quietness and reliability, find a compressor with a 1725 RPM motor

 

[ATC]

The owner said the Curtis is about 10 years old. He bought it new and has only been used for hobby work.

Eaton pumps are Chinese and the CEO is a ***** about admitting it:
http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/eat...e-over-made-china-compressor-post-143953.html

Thanks for that info. I can cross them off the list for good now!

If not then look looks at the Quincy QT5. Should do more than than you would ever need.

I have. But at $2k, it's way over the line. I've been drooling over the floor model at Northern Tool for the past couple years

same with the smaller IR's

that is the problem, some compressor brands with fantastic reputations, i.e. Quincy, IR, etc. made those reputations on their more serious $3000 and up compressors, and now they have started making these $1500 and less compressors and they are junky unreliable ****, but the industrial grade ones are still great!

so unless you are spending the big bucks, I don't see the point of paying for the big name, since you aren't gonna get the compressor that gave them the great name. - Might as well get a Kobalt or a Craftsman or a Husky etc and save the money, or better yet, a great compressor bought used!

and I agree, that Curtis looks well made! (and that is one of the series with the great reputation, unlike the small Quincy's, IR's, etc.)

So true! I haven't even laid eyes on a Kobalt, Husky, HF, CP, etc...
I haven't even looked at IR's because of what I've heard about their quality lately.
Although....we have cheaper 60-gal IR's at work. One compressor runs air lines to 10 dock doors in the warehouse. It's only use is to blow up those large airbags that we put in the trailers to help hold the load from shifting. We probably blow up 4-6 bags per truck...30 trucks a day...6 days a week. Each air bag will cycle the compressor. It has been going strong for 6 years now

and for quietness and reliability, find a compressor with a 1725 RPM motor

The motor runs at 1725RPM and the pump is between 900-1000RPM.