CH belt drive 2.0hp compressor vs CAT 2.0hp compressor

[Justin8888]

I have a project that will require blasting some small plastic parts. I picked up a very small redline blast cabinet with a fixed nozzle that only requires 5 cfm. Now I need to pick a compressor to run it. I'm looking at the California air tools 15gal 2.0hp rated 6.4 scfm and the cambell 20gal 2.0hp rated 6.5cfm at 40psi.

Now I know the CH has a more robust design that will likely last longer. The issue is I'll be doing this work at nights in my basement shop with two kids sleeping on the second floor and a wife watching TV just above the shop. The CAT is rated 70db while the CH is 84db. I'm used to running a pancake which is way too loud, but I understand the belt driven models are quieter.

The CH is about $50 more so that's not a big impact on the decision. The compressor will not see heavy use. Maybe 30-60minutes intermittent use with the blast cabinet per night. I'm thinking the CAT will be adequate, but the CH would have ultimately keep up a little better. My concern with the CH is the noise and to a lesser extent the maintenance (oil changes and such). The compressor would be mounted on a concrete floor with block walls on two sides. My concern with the CAT is that the motor would be running more often.

I only plan to run the cabinet around 60psi.

The other option would be to get a belt drive from harbor freight.

What do you guys think?

 

[larry_g]

I think you need to provide a link to the compressors your considering, also the blaster. Not all specs are equal.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[healey]

I found a 3hp belt driven 20gallon compressor on seattle craigslistfor 100 bucks a few weeks ago and replaced an older direct drive compressor. The noise difference is amazing. I used to have to carefully time when I'd run the compressor, now it's a non issue.

I debated the 2 hp CAT model, but I'm really glad i ended up with a 3hp model.

My advice:
1) Look for a 3hp model
2) Don't worry much about the noise once you go belt driven, assuming it'll be located in a garage or something.

 

[Justin8888]

I think you need to provide a link to the compressors your considering, also the blaster. Not all specs are equal.

lg
no neat sig line

Cabinet:

http://www.redlinestands.com/catalo...enchtop-abrasive-sand-blasting-cabinet-p-1690

CH:

http://m.homedepot.com/p/Campbell-H...YObOm40L7yjUC098VH6uh-AY8pTRDUnQkNBoClbLw_wcB

CAT:

http://m.homedepot.com/p/California...-and-Oil-Free-Air-Compressor-15020C/205773204

 

[Justin8888]

I found a 3hp belt driven 20gallon compressor on seattle craigslistfor 100 bucks a few weeks ago and replaced an older direct drive compressor. The noise difference is amazing. I used to have to carefully time when I'd run the compressor, now it's a non issue.

I debated the 2 hp CAT model, but I'm really glad i ended up with a 3hp model.

My advice:
1) Look for a 3hp model
2) Don't worry much about the noise once you go belt driven, assuming it'll be located in a garage or something.

Basement shop, absolute worst case I could set it up in my detached garage, but it's unconditioned and it's cold out there right now

 

[American Locomotive]

Compressor maintenance is not something I'd worry about at all. On a lightly used compressor, it's something you'd only have to do every 1000 operating hours or so, which for something that only gets used a little bit every week, could be years.

I'd be more concerned about the long-term durability of an oil-free compressor, honestly. Many of them have poor cooling and cheesy teflon piston rings.

 

[healey]

Basement shop, absolute worst case I could set it up in my detached garage, but it's unconditioned and it's cold out there right now

I still would strongly consider the belt driven models. Atleast try to find a good one on CL and hear it run. I think you'll be surprised how comparably quiet they are.

 

[Citation]

Though call. I've got a CH model similar to that one but it's been at a friend's house for a while since I don't currently have the space. I've also got a cat 5510a which is reportedly quieter than the 2hp model. I've found the CH isn't bad in terms of noise but it's not as good as the CAT. If you were to add a length of rubber house to the inlet of the CH I suspect it would be even quieter than the claims.

Were noise not a concern I would get the CH or even better a 30 gallon version. I like the CH pump and that type of screw on air filter (not the type that looks like a filter built into the head). When I loved in a cheap apartment I could hear the CH in the garage directly below the living room.

I would suggest an experiment. Get a sound level app for your phone. Get a loud tv or speaker then find a YouTube video of compressor noise, set the volume until your app says the noise level is correct then go up stairs and take a listen.