Air compressor for the new shop

[beemerphile]

...But if you run your compressor to run an impact gun its not gonna need to turn on much if you have a nice storage tank. 80 to 100 gallons. You can have a small pump and a nice big tank you should be all set for intermittent use tools.

You have to be careful oversizing tanks with a small compressor. Because of the time required to fill the reservoir (especially from empty), the duty cycle can go way up. A small compressor with a less than continuous duty cycle may kill itself trying to fill the tank.

 

[Maxcustody]

You have to be careful oversizing tanks with a small compressor. Because of the time required to fill the reservoir (especially from empty), the duty cycle can go way up. A small compressor with a less than continuous duty cycle may kill itself trying to fill the tank.

Thank you, good to know.

 

[RAS61]

For current and future needs, it seems a 3.5 or a 5HP, 60 gallon vertical will fit the bill and hopefully taken care of, will outlast me.........

My current garage has an 80 gallon compressor which is plumbed throughout the garage. Here is the current one.

Ok, what am I missing? Seems like you already have a more than adequate compressor, are you looking to upgrade from a Ford to a Mercedes?

 

[Maxcustody]

Ok, what am I missing? Seems like you already have a more than adequate compressor, are you looking to upgrade from a Ford to a Mercedes?

Building a new 40x60 shop................

 

[EngineerNate]

Are you keeping the old shop?

 

[RAS61]

Building a new 40x60 shop................

Got ya, but why isn't your current 80 gal 2 stage compressor adequate? Is it staying behind and not going to the new shop? Does it not meet your current needs?

 

[Maxcustody]

Are you keeping the old shop?

@EngineerNate Yes. Old shop and new shop location.

 

[Maxcustody]

Got ya, but why isn't your current 80 gal 2 stage compressor adequate? Is it staying behind and not going to the new shop? Does it not meet your current needs?

See post #47. Keeping old shop and the compressor is not being moved. It is definitely great for the current garage.

Current garage and new shop location.

 

[EngineerNate]

You have a very nice property there.

My in-laws are in the Lewisburg area. Looks similar.

 

[EngineerNate]

One thing to consider, is if you're planning on moving your primary air use to the new building, you could move the existing compressor out there and get a smaller unit for your garage for airing tires etc.

Personally, I'd be loathe to have less capability in the new building than the old but I fully admit I have problems.

In any case, the QT54 is on par with what you have, so if the price is right and you're happy with the existing unit you'll probably be happy with it.

I don't know what the best deal is in the sub $2k range new. I'd see if any of them turn the pump slower than 1000rpm and go with that, all else equal.

 

[Maxcustody]

You have a very nice property there.

My in-laws are in the Lewisburg area. Looks similar.

Thanks Nate!

 

[Maxcustody]

One thing to consider, is if you're planning on moving your primary air use to the new building, you could move the existing compressor out there and get a smaller unit for your garage for airing tires etc.

Personally, I'd be loathe to have less capability in the new building than the old but I fully admit I have problems.

In any case, the QT54 is on par with what you have, so if the price is right and you're happy with the existing unit you'll probably be happy with it.

I don't know what the best deal is in the sub $2k range new. I'd see if any of them turn the pump slower than 1000rpm and go with that, all else equal.

I like the QT54 from videos, reviews I have seen. Plus it is Blue and will match my new tool box

What do you mean by this? It will be more efficient, last longer?
I'd see if any of them turn the pump slower than 1000rpm and go with that, all else equal.

 

[EngineerNate]

I like the QT54 from videos, reviews I have seen. Plus it is Blue and will match my new tool box

What do you mean by this? It will be more efficient, last longer?
I'd see if any of them turn the pump slower than 1000rpm and go with that, all else equal.

I just like things that go chugga-chugga more than things that go BRRRRRR when I have to be in the same room.

 

[EngineerNate]

Here's a video of an r15 champion pump running for reference.

 

[Maxcustody]

I just like things that go chugga-chugga more than things that go BRRRRRR when I have to be in the same room.

Ah, gotcha. Yeah I plan on having it in the corner, not enclosed. Close to my 4 post then run lines down one side for quick access so I have it throughout the shop.

 

[Maxcustody]

Here's a video of an r15 champion pump running for reference.

SOOOO quiet!

 

[Sumboodie]

Based on the pressure rating that Kobalt is a two stage unit and likely close to an actual 5 hp unit based off the CFM rating.

I like the bigger belt drive units because they're less obnoxious on the noise side of things. A 1750 rpm motor turning a pump at ~800 is less acoustically irritating from a sound spectrum standpoint, if not in absolute volume, than a 3450 rpm motor turning a pump at twice the speed or one of the direct drive units.

That is true. Mine is out in my shed about 80ft from the garage, so I don't notice the noise.

 

[EngineerNate]

That is true. Mine is out in my shed about 80ft from the garage, so I don't notice the noise.

Yeah I say all that while planning out how to run conduit to my shed/garage to power my compressor that's going to live in a separate building from my shop.

But that's mostly because I fell into a 120 gallon horizontal tank model for cheap.

 

[sabinoerc]

Ah, the which air compressor to buy question. I went down that rabbit hole a year ago and am now in recovery, going to my meetings regularly, and don’t think about it every day anymore.
So many options, so many opinions, so dependent on anticipated use - not to mention the debate on where it’s made.

I’m a 2 car garage hobby - metal work, working on cars sort of use case. I made a spreadsheet with every compressor, features, specs, price, source I could find as an option to buy ( I think I posted at least a portion of it on this forum at some point) to make an "informed" decision and though it helped a bit to find equivalent models based on specs it still drove me crazy.

FWIW - I was set on either a Emax EI05V080I1 which I could get from Home Depot (would have rather go to Eaton for same unit but their shipping was too high) or the Quincy QT-5. I was about to pull the trigger on one of them and saw a Tractor Supply sale for the IR TS4N5 with essentially same specs for less than 1/2 the cost of the Emax & Quincy - it was around $1100. Biggest complaint on the TS4N5 was quality/motors going bad but I figured I could replace the motor twice and break even. Plus - it was on the floor at Tractor Supply and could get it that day. So I drove over, bought that and no complaints after 1 year.

I would recommend buying/setting up for a 240V compressor - I really like the ability to use a die grinder for as long as I need vs the old use & then wait for compressor to catch up. Also much better for paint gun - I didn't realize how much lousy air pressure was affecting paint quality (not talking about painting cars here, just furniture, projects, etc).

Good luck!

 

[Maxcustody]

Ah, the which air compressor to buy question. I went down that rabbit hole a year ago and am now in recovery, going to my meetings regularly, and don’t think about it every day anymore.
So many options, so many opinions, so dependent on anticipated use - not to mention the debate on where it’s made.

I’m a 2 car garage hobby - metal work, working on cars sort of use case. I made a spreadsheet with every compressor, features, specs, price, source I could find as an option to buy ( I think I posted at least a portion of it on this forum at some point) to make an "informed" decision and though it helped a bit to find equivalent models based on specs it still drove me crazy.

FWIW - I was set on either a Emax EI05V080I1 which I could get from Home Depot (would have rather go to Eaton for same unit but their shipping was too high) or the Quincy QT-5. I was about to pull the trigger on one of them and saw a Tractor Supply sale for the IR TS4N5 with essentially same specs for less than 1/2 the cost of the Emax & Quincy - it was around $1100. Biggest complaint on the TS4N5 was quality/motors going bad but I figured I could replace the motor twice and break even. Plus - it was on the floor at Tractor Supply and could get it that day. So I drove over, bought that and no complaints after 1 year.

I would recommend buying/setting up for a 240V compressor - I really like the ability to use a die grinder for as long as I need vs the old use & then wait for compressor to catch up. Also much better for paint gun - I didn't realize how much lousy air pressure was affecting paint quality (not talking about painting cars here, just furniture, projects, etc).

Good luck!

Thank you, great info! I saw the one at tractor supply yesterday actually. Then I started checking reviews and as you stated some issues with motors, pumps, etc. going bad. Then I started researching others like the Quincy. I am in no hurry to pull the trigger since shop is getting built in April. I have learned over the years more research usually equals better results in the long run.......................the quest continues.

 

[Citation]

A compressor like that might have been $1200-1500 pre pandemic. Now it's closer to $2k. That's a lower end 80 gallon. It looks like a 3400 rpm motor and it's directly switched by the pressure switch. For prosumer use is still quite capable.

This might be a good time to consider if you really need big power in both shops. Move the big compressor to the place where it will do the most good. You could also consider running an air line to the second shop and feeding both off the same compressor.

Another option, since you do have time, keep an eye open for a good used compressor. Something like your current model used to be $500 used from time to time. If a deal never happens you are no worse for the wait.

 

[Maxcustody]

Doh, it says two stage right on the sticker.

Got a pic of the motor nameplate?

Behind the machine, best I could get.

 

[EngineerNate]

22 amps at 240V is reasonably consistent with a 5hp motor.

 

[RAS61]

I like the QT54 from videos, reviews I have seen. Plus it is Blue and will match my new tool box

There's a nice looking used one in my neck of the woods if you don't mind an 8 hour drive

Used Quincy Air Compressor - tools - by owner - sale

Quincy 60 gallon cast iron air compressor. 5 Horse Power. New pressure switch installed. In good running condition, no problems. Delivery not available.

charleston.craigslist.org

 

[Maxcustody]

There's a nice looking used one in my neck of the woods if you don't mind an 8 hour drive

Used Quincy Air Compressor - tools - by owner - sale

Quincy 60 gallon cast iron air compressor. 5 Horse Power. New pressure switch installed. In good running condition, no problems. Delivery not available.

charleston.craigslist.org

Looks like it's in good shape.

 

[iamrfixit]

No way I would even consider a single stage compressor in my shop again, I like air tools to actually work. Have had an 80 gallon two stage in the shop for 30 years but I upgraded several times before getting to that point. It would have been way cheaper to just buy the big compressor right up front rather than try to get by with something less.

Single stage compressors don't produce enough pressure to operate air tools adequately throughout the entire pressure range. I regulate my line pressure to 120 psi to maintain a constant 90 psi flowing to the tool. A two stage can easily maintain a steady 120 psi line pressure. Single stage compressors cycle between 90-125 psi, so that allows the tool end pressure to drop even lower. The line pressure is constantly fluctuating up and down as the pump cycles. Your impact runs really low on power until the compressor kicks on and builds up. You can hardly even think about running a die grinder or cut off tool with a single stage, you get about 30 seconds use before you're out of air. A 5hp two stage can run an air hungry tool like these continuously.

Last spring I was looking to buy a Quincy QT-5 for $2400 or QT-54 for $1400 at a local farm store. I ran across a deal on an Emax, 10hp, 38cfm 80 gallon two stage, on sale for $2250 with free shipping. Has a 1750 rpm motor, low speed Eaton pump with disc valves and pressure lube. It outputs more than double the CFM of the quincy and can accept a continuous run kit for blasting. Can't even believe how much quieter it is compared to my old two stage. Same compressor is around $3600 this year. Sure glad I caught that sale.

I installed the new compressor in my shop and moved the old two stage to my garage. It replaced a 20 gallon portable. It's super nice to finally have adequate air when I need to work in there.

 

[Maxcustody]

No way I would even consider a single stage compressor in my shop again, I like air tools to actually work. Have had an 80 gallon two stage in the shop for 30 years but I upgraded several times before getting to that point. It would have been way cheaper to just buy the big compressor right up front rather than try to get by with something less.

Single stage compressors don't produce enough pressure to operate air tools adequately throughout the entire pressure range. I regulate my line pressure to 120 psi to maintain a constant 90 psi flowing to the tool. A two stage can easily maintain a steady 120 psi line pressure. Single stage compressors cycle between 90-125 psi, so that allows the tool end pressure to drop even lower. The line pressure is constantly fluctuating up and down as the pump cycles. Your impact runs really low on power until the compressor kicks on and builds up. You can hardly even think about running a die grinder or cut off tool with a single stage, you get about 30 seconds use before you're out of air. A 5hp two stage can run an air hungry tool like these continuously.

Last spring I was looking to buy a Quincy QT-5 for $2400 or QT-54 for $1400 at a local farm store. I ran across a deal on an Emax, 10hp, 38cfm 80 gallon two stage, on sale for $2250 with free shipping. Has a 1750 rpm motor, low speed Eaton pump with disc valves and pressure lube. It outputs more than double the CFM of the quincy and can accept a continuous run kit for blasting. Can't even believe how much quieter it is compared to my old two stage. Same compressor is around $3600 this year. Sure glad I caught that sale.

I installed the new compressor in my shop and moved the old two stage to my garage. It replaced a 20 gallon portable. It's super nice to finally have adequate air when I need to work in there.

Thank you, excellent info! Prices are pretty insane nowadays, hoping in the next couple months I can find some deals or sales......................

 

[Maxcustody]

After further review, I think I am going to look hard at Eaton. It seems like it has the best warranty and that makes a difference to me when spending a lot of money on a piece of equipment.

5 HP Air Compressors Archives

5 HP Air Compressors. Eaton Compressor carries a wide variety of rotary screw and piston air compressors with the best warranty in the business.

eatoncompressor.com

 

[sabinoerc]

After further review, I think I am going to look hard at Eaton. It seems like it has the best warranty and that makes a difference to me when spending a lot of money on a piece of equipment.

5 HP Air Compressors Archives

5 HP Air Compressors. Eaton Compressor carries a wide variety of rotary screw and piston air compressors with the best warranty in the business.

eatoncompressor.com

I think good choice from my perspective.
As far as I could tell, Eaton and Emax are same units. Memory was Eaton shipping costs were very high for me (~$800) and you could get the same Emax I wanted (not sure depending on specific model you want) via Home Depot with similar warranty and no or low shipping from HD. There was a specific HD number to call on that, I believe. Either way, I thought good choice when I was looking.

 

[Maxcustody]

I think good choice from my perspective.
As far as I could tell, Eaton and Emax are same units. Memory was Eaton shipping costs were very high for me (~$800) and you could get the same Emax I wanted (not sure depending on specific model you want) via Home Depot with similar warranty and no or low shipping from HD. There was a specific HD number to call on that, I believe. Either way, I thought good choice when I was looking.

I talked to Eaton today, very nice people. I am about 6 hours away from them and I would go and pick it up direct. I am also looking at this one and I think for $500 or a little more I can get the magnetic starter and 7.5HP.

7.5 HP Quiet Air Compressor, Single Phase, 80 Gallon Tank, Vertical, Industrial

Eaton Compressor carries an impressive line of quiet air compressors, including this single phase 7.5 HP Quiet Air Compressor with 80 Gallon Tank.

eatoncompressor.com

 

[beemerphile]

After further review, I think I am going to look hard at Eaton. It seems like it has the best warranty and that makes a difference to me when spending a lot of money on a piece of equipment.

Check the cost of the required maintenance in order to keep the warranty. You have to buy the oil and filters from them and they are QUITE proud of them. Also, the required oil change frequency is overkill for someone with intermittent use. I have an Emax that I haven't placed in service yet, and I have not decided whether I will do what it takes to keep the warranty.

 

[Maxcustody]

Check the cost of the required maintenance in order to keep the warranty. You have to buy the oil and filters from them and they are QUITE proud of them. Also, the required oil change frequency is overkill for someone with intermittent use. I have an Emax that I haven't placed in service yet, and I have not decided whether I will do what it takes to keep the warranty.

Is that an Emax? (Edited) I was wrong on the price of the maintenance kit that price was for a screw compressor.

 

[beemerphile]

Is that an Emax? Yes I saw the oil, filter etc. is $340, how often do they make you buy it for the warranty?

Yes, it is an EMax. I'm not sure, but I believe the oil change interval for the extended warranty was six months.

 

[Lucid Moments]

Some extra thoughts that are compressor related. Add a power drop close to the compressor. In addition to the power needed to run the compressor. I am going back and adding one now so I can have a remote ball valve and auto drain on my compressor. I suspect it would have been easier/cheaper to have done that when the shop was originally wired. Also plumbing for the tank drain would be nice to add during construction as well.

 

[Maxcustody]

Some extra thoughts that are compressor related. Add a power drop close to the compressor. In addition to the power needed to run the compressor. I am going back and adding one now so I can have a remote ball valve and auto drain on my compressor. I suspect it would have been easier/cheaper to have done that when the shop was originally wired. Also plumbing for the tank drain would be nice to add during construction as well.

Great point. I have added to my list for the electrician layout. A standard 110 should be sufficient, correct?

 

[Maxcustody]

Yes, it is an EMax. I'm not sure, but I believe the oil change interval for the extended warranty was six months.

Thanks. When I call them again I will ask about this. I am not going to pay $720 per year when it will not be run constantly and even need service that often.

I was looking up difference between Eaton and Emax (Same CEO and same Factory) and seems they are basically the same, but Emax are sold to stores, distributers et. and Eaton is factory direct.

 

[Citation]

Your current compressor seems quite powerful for your needs. For a lot less than the cost of a new unit you could bury a 3/4" line from the old shop. Think about how quiet it would be when the compressor is in the other shop

 

[RAS61]

Your current compressor seems quite powerful for your needs. For a lot less than the cost of a new unit you could bury a 3/4" line from the old shop. Think about how quiet it would be when the compressor is in the other shop

True, but if the OP is putting up a new building it should be no trouble to put it in a closet or other room to control noise, and he won't have a long walk in the rain and cold to turn it on!

 

[Maxcustody]

Your current compressor seems quite powerful for your needs. For a lot less than the cost of a new unit you could bury a 3/4" line from the old shop. Think about how quiet it would be when the compressor is in the other shop

It is 100 feet to the new shop, don't want to trench that much. Plus new shop is an excuse to get a new compressor. Wife is already on board.

 

[Maxcustody]

True, but if the OP is putting up a new building it should be no trouble to put it in a closet or other room to control noise, and he won't have a long walk in the rain and cold to turn it on!

Exactly