Air Compressor Help - again

[schmee]

Hey all,

(admins forgive me is this is in the wrong spot.)

I have a couple of questions about air compressors for a 30x30 garage. I have been reading the reviews and have a better understanding due to the information on here. The most common conclusion is get the biggest you can at the time, and CFMs.

I work on personal autos, have a plasma cutter, grinder, etc. and would like the option for sandblasting cabinet in the future. I have been looking at 60/80 gal tanks in the 5hp area and would of course like to keep it under $800 range. (dreaming - )

I have been specifically looking at the two harbor freight compressors after the review from Venom2164. I am thinking one of these would be a good way to go, since they meet my requirements and cost. The only difference I can see is price and one is "factory refurb" the other is not?

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-hp-60-gallon-165-psi-two-stage-air-compressor-55391.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-hp-60-gallon-165-psi-two-stage-air-compressor-93274.html

As of last night, I located this Craftsman Pro 80 gal 2stage. 7hp max on CL - Thoughts? I am a little leery on purchasing used. I don't want to get it, then it **** out in 6mo. However, craftsman has usually worked out well for me.

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/tls/5156929860.html

Info I could find based on the model number>
Model No. 919,167802
Max. Developed HP 7
Running HP 5.5
Sore 4.134"
Stroke 2.165"
Voltage-Single Phase 240/60/1
Minimum Branch Circuit Requirement 30 amps
Fuse Type Time Delay
Air Tank Capacity 80
Approx. Cut-In 140
Approx. Cut-out 175
SCFM @ 100 psig 17.4
SCFM @ 175 psig 16.9


As always, thanks for the help!
-Josh

 

[tac]

The Craftsman looks brand new and you also get over a $100 worth of extras with it (filters and vibration dampers). If you can hear it run and build up pressure that would make be buy it if I hadn't just bought my Quincy. It will be easier to get parts and repair the Craftsman.

 

[schmee]

Makes sense, so is that a better compressor than the freight ones? I know that compressors little older but I haven't seen a whole lot of reviews on craftsman

 

[Keel]

Makes sense, so is that a better compressor than the freight ones? I know that compressors little older but I haven't seen a whole lot of reviews on craftsman

with stuff like this, being able to get service parts is king..
if nothing else sears is great in this regard .
H/F good luck..

 

[sberry]

My Bud give 400 25 yrs ago for a used one like the Cman. and we adjusted the belts a couple of times and worked on the start contacts as I recall and it worked every day.

 

[sberry]

8 large isn't a bad deal for the HF even. The 400$ single stage are great for the Jack Olsen crowd but they are or can be a bit problematic with air tools. Even if it isn't super windy its respectable and allows headroom to deliver full regulated pressures. Its turning on when a single is turning off and lets it deliver for 1/2 air guns.
It takes about 130 in to a 3/8 50 ft reel.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I would buy the Craftsman, but try to negotiate a lower price say $600-$700. Do they still sell that unit ?

Sanders, grinders and blasters all take a lot of air !


EDIT : New, a similar model from Sears is $1300 !

One reviewer wrote

With sears discounts, cc savings deals and shop your way points, I was able to get this unit for almost 40%off the advertised $1299 price and that is by far the best deal I was able to find for a 2 stage 80 gallon compressor.

That's a steal !!

 

[Garage_Junky]

I am new around, so please forgive me for jumping in. I have a 6-gallon Porter Cable compressor bought several years ago. I believe it is of the pancake type. It is so loud. Isn't there a type that is much quieter? Thanks!

 

[schmee]

Thanks for the help guys.. I am in the process of trying to get a hold of the craftsman guy but it is proving to be difficult. I have found a couple of others in the same range. What is the consensus on the these? Would like to stay in the 80gal 5+hp range but if the 3hp will work and I can pay less then it may be a better option.

https://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/tls/5232039027.html
https://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/tls/5173831440.html
https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/tld/5232121114.html

New Compressors
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200589588_200589588
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_211720_211720

Thinking this one might be good. -NEW
http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/ingersoll-rand-5hp-air-compressor-80-gal

 

[redmondjp]

Thanks for the help guys.. I am in the process of trying to get a hold of the craftsman guy but it is proving to be difficult. I have found a couple of others in the same range. What is the consensus on the these? Would like to stay in the 80gal 5+hp range but if the 3hp will work and I can pay less then it may be a better option.

https://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/tls/5232039027.html
https://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/tls/5173831440.html
https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/tld/5232121114.html

New Compressors
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200589588_200589588
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_211720_211720

Thinking this one might be good. -NEW
http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/ingersoll-rand-5hp-air-compressor-80-gal

For your stated needs, I like the IR at Tractor Supply the best. I'd keep watching for a used, industrial-duty 5HP 2-stage 80 gallon (Quincy, Curtis, Champion, Saylor-Beall) in good condition (even with a 3-phase motor, if the price is right) as that will provide more air, longer life, and longer run time. Plenty of other existing compressor threads on this site to read and learn from. Good luck on your search! I lucked out and came across a Quincy 325 almost a year ago that I'm working on now.

 

[schmee]

Awesome thanks

 

[nadogail]

Harbor Freight reconditioned, as sold at the store, should (in my opinion) be purchased with their extended warranty plan.

I have always had good luck purchasing "Factory Reconditioned". You can be ure that the bugs have been cleaned out.

 

[Richard D]

For your stated needs, I like the IR at Tractor Supply the best. I'd keep watching for a used, industrial-duty 5HP 2-stage 80 gallon (Quincy, Curtis, Champion, Saylor-Beall) in good condition (even with a 3-phase motor, if the price is right) as that will provide more air, longer life, and longer run time. Plenty of other existing compressor threads on this site to read and learn from. Good luck on your search! I lucked out and came across a Quincy 325 almost a year ago that I'm working on now.

I agree. I hate my Chinese oilless compressor, it's loud as Hell. I am almost done refurbishing a Quincy 325 that got knocked over and bent the crank. I'll post up when it's done.