What's Your Shop Air Compressor & Why

[Renegade1LI]

As of today I'm looking to replace my 30 yr old craftsman 33 gal 6hp compressor. For light duty it's served well, but I've rebuilt the heads a few times, runs very hot for continuous duty work. Now the hard part what to replace it with, I would like to do some light blasting so probably 15cfm min. I do have a blast cabinet to set up, but other than that it would see intermittent use. So lets see & hear about whats good with your compressor, would you buy it again?

 

[speed bump]

I have a 5 HP 80 gal two stage Coleman, I bought it because I needed a decent size compressor and this one came up for a $100 not running. Slapped a motor on it and it's been fine since. Personally I would love slightly more compressor but it's great for 95% of what I do.

My uses are auto body type work (sanders, grinders paint guns), occasional sandblasting, and general shop use (impacts, blow guns, air chisels, etc).

 

[AK 99]

I bought a new Quincy 60gal several years ago. It's American made, it's quiet and I have yet to over tax it, even with bodywork. I now have two different garages and I'd like to buy a second unit.

 

[LSU]

My 25 year old craftsman works fine. 110v, Vertical Does the job.

Not sure of model number but it runs fine and does what I need it to do. Drain the tank when I remember and turn it off when I’m away.

 

[Bill Bowman]

5 H.P., 220 volt Champion, 2 stage, 80 gallon tank. It's a beast.

 

[PoorUB]

5HP 80 gallon Curtis. Bought it for $100 used. It had a 3 Phase motor, but I had a 5 HP single phase I put on it.

I had a Porter Cable 60 gallon, advertised as a 7 HP, but really about 3 HP and was tired if it not quite keeping up.

Times have changed and I am considering getting rid of the Curtis as I really don't use that much air any more. My desire to work that hard to justify that much air power has decreased considerably. I have a 20 gallon 2 HP that is probably all I need.

 

[BarrelRoll]

3 Atlas Copco GA75's. They might also feed our crusher and mill along with the maintenance shop. I'm not a fan of crapco's, I take care of 11 of them and they are way over complicated for what they do.

 

[Boogerman]

Bought 60 gal 5 hp Italian parts, assembled US Harbor freight compressor for <$600 two years ago, replaced 2 cylinder 60 gal Craftsman that was burning enough oil to smell like diesel engine running when used lot of air in the shop. Runs 175 psi, works flawlessly, love it except the noise. Not a HF fan boy, but this is the one HF item I been real happy with. Runs small sandblaster good, enough clean up tools, wheels, handrails & guardrails I weld up, cabinets, etc. Think it's about 15 cfm @ 125 psi capacity.

 

[driftpin]

80 gal. upright Saylor-Beall 240V 1 Ph new Baldor motor, bought used from a friend who sells & services new/used compressors in so. FL. Just a hobbyist, but w/air tools including a media blast cabinet and it keeps up w/anything I do. Made in so. central MI.

 

[jeep63]

I have a Craftsman Professional 60 gallon 240volt. I’ve had it since 2005. It works well for my general automotive use: air tools, painting, etc…. It is not loud at all.

 

[cretedog]

As of today I'm looking to replace my 30 yr old craftsman 33 gal 6hp compressor. For light duty it's served well, but I've rebuilt the heads a few times, runs very hot for continuous duty work. Now the hard part what to replace it with, I would like to do some light blasting so probably 15cfm min. I do have a blast cabinet to set up, but other than that it would see intermittent use. So lets see & hear about whats good with your compressor, would you buy it again?

Rolair 5hp 1ph 60 gallon. Bought to replace the same over rated Porter Cable as PoorUB had. Only had room for a 60 gallon or would have bought the 80 gal version. Also have a blast cabinet, but intermittent use. Not too loud, lower rpm motor, big pump, local dealer and sale price were the reasons for choice.

 

[GeoBruin]

Bought 60 gal 5 hp Italian parts, assembled US Harbor freight compressor for <$600 two years ago, replaced 2 cylinder 60 gal Craftsman that was burning enough oil to smell like diesel engine running when used lot of air in the shop. Runs 175 psi, works flawlessly, love it except the noise. Not a HF fan boy, but this is the one HF item I been real happy with. Runs small sandblaster good, enough clean up tools, wheels, handrails & guardrails I weld up, cabinets, etc. Think it's about 15 cfm @ 125 psi capacity.

Me too! I bought it used but it appeared to never have been run. It's loud. I tried a solberg filter but it didn't really help. I ultimately moved it out of the shop into a dedicated shed and now it doesn't bother me. Works well for my hobbyist needs including painting, running a small blast cabinet, plasma cutting, and various air tools.

 

[johninct]

Devilbus 80 gallon 2 stage vertical that is like 30 years old.

 

[dr_clyde]

For home use? I had a Quincy QR something or other that was a nice 5HP pressure lubed two stage pump, probably had a 80 gal receiver on it. I LOVED how quiet it was. My dad currently has it at his shop.

At the shop I’m running a 10HP Atlas Copco screw, and I won’t ever go back to a piston compressor if I can help it. I think we’ve got like, 35 cfm at 120 psi? Screw compressors are far and away much nicer to use if you use air regularly.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Slim pickings around here in the used market, was looking at a 60 gal 5hp in tractor supply ingersol Rand. It listed 100% duty cycle 14 cfm and in stock so no shipping costs. Buying at ts really adds to the cost if not in stock, no free shipping to the store.

 

[Lt CHEG]

I’ve got a 7.5 horsepower 80 gallon Bendpack. It’s an awesome compresor. I got it when they first came out and a deal was offered to garage journal members. I’ve been completely happy with it.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Lots of great info, I was just looking at this one from Grizzly, not sure who makes it for them.

Grizzly G0955 - 60-Gallon 5 HP Extreme Series Air Compressor - Grizzly Industrial, Inc.

<h1>G0955 60-Gallon 5 HP Extreme Series Air Compressor</h1> <h2>Extreme Series means high-output performance for maximum air requirements.</h2> <p>The Grizzly G0955 60-Gallon 5 HP Extreme Series Compressor operates at low RPMs for extended life and low maintenance. The 5 HP 230V motor operates...

www.grizzly.com

 

[GeoBruin]

Lots of great info, I was just looking at this one from Grizzly, not sure who makes it for them.

Grizzly G0955 - 60-Gallon 5 HP Extreme Series Air Compressor - Grizzly Industrial, Inc.

<h1>G0955 60-Gallon 5 HP Extreme Series Air Compressor</h1> <h2>Extreme Series means high-output performance for maximum air requirements.</h2> <p>The Grizzly G0955 60-Gallon 5 HP Extreme Series Compressor operates at low RPMs for extended life and low maintenance. The 5 HP 230V motor operates...

www.grizzly.com

That looks like a single stage compressor. There's no problem with that if it fits your needs, I'm just making sure you're aware.

 

[Jbullfrog]

I have an 80 gallon Quincy. It's plumbed with a hydraulic hose into 3/4 black pipe.

 

[tester19]

I got a North Star used that TSC carries. Good price ($1500 with a bunch of RapidAir fittings and 150' of 3/4" tubing) and pretty quiet for NOT being a quiet compressor!
Only one complaint and I even wrote to the company to see if they would fix it. It's an 80 gallon 7.5 HP 24 CFM compressor. Fairly large BUT they for some reason they stuck a 1/2" outlet port on it?? Should be 3/4" for that size of machine.

Only use scroll compressors if you plan to never turn them off. We run 3 of these at work and if they are not used you will have expensive problems. Superior machine for sure but as always it has to fit the job required of it.
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[Renegade1LI]

I have an 80 gallon Quincy. It's plumbed with a hydraulic hose into 3/4 black pipe.

Nice spot! I’m thinking something similar.

 

[u2slow]

3hp/10cfm Speedaire 20gal portable.

It was the best air delivery I could afford for my small garage, and it fit neatly under the workbench. It's been going strong 21-22 years now.

Edit: looking to add a second tank for more reserve. (Have more space now.) I know this compressor and motor was paired with a 60gal tank as a different model.

 

[Erikwis]

I have in my garage a single stage 60 gallon but in having all sorts of trouble with finding a good dessicant air dryer. I have an unlimited supply of dessicant but the ones I see are so small. If I could find one that holds at least two cups I'd be better off

 

[Renegade1LI]

I had a great spot for my old compressor, fit under a bench with a remote switch. Put my portable makita in their for now but a new vertical 60 gal is going to require some renovation work.

 

[iagsxr]

Eaton 7.5hp, two-stage, 120 gal tank. 26 cfm @175psi, continous run setting for blasting. Turned out to be overkill, but I never run out of air.

Bought it eight years ago. Comparing what I paid for it then vs. what that amount of money would buy me now it was a bargain.

 

[Sweetcorn]

7.5 HP 80 gallon 31 CFM EMAX.
I got an excellent deal on it brand new and wouldn't hesitate to get another. It's quieter than I expected it to be.

 

[jblnut]

Little twin stack IR "portable" compressor. Does what I need so far in our farm shop. Not ideal but for 95% of the stuff right now it is plenty. I have a much larger IR head that needs a tank and motor when the time comes.

 

[dr_clyde]

I got a North Star used that TSC carries. Good price ($1500 with a bunch of RapidAir fittings and 150' of 3/4" tubing) and pretty quiet for NOT being a quiet compressor!
Only one complaint and I even wrote to the company to see if they would fix it. It's an 80 gallon 7.5 HP 24 CFM compressor. Fairly large BUT they for some reason they stuck a 1/2" outlet port on it?? Should be 3/4" for that size of machine.

Only use scroll compressors if you plan to never turn them off. We run 3 of these at work and if they are not used you will have expensive problems. Superior machine for sure but as always it has to fit the job required of it.
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.
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Scroll compressor or screw compressor?

Very different things.

 

[Renegade1LI]

7.5 HP 80 gallon 31 CFM EMAX.
I got an excellent deal on it brand new and wouldn't hesitate to get another. It's quieter than I expected it to be.

Lots of good reviews on the emax, said to be much quieter, up to 25%, always a plus.

 

[Sweetcorn]

Lots of good reviews on the emax, said to be much quieter, up to 25%, always a plus.

Two of my friends with shops have bought them since coming out and seeing/hearing mine.

They're happy with them as well.

 

[iagsxr]

7.5 HP 80 gallon 31 CFM EMAX.
I got an excellent deal on it brand new and wouldn't hesitate to get another. It's quieter than I expected it to be.

These look like a lot of compressor for the money.

 

[isb cornbinder]

Two of my friends with shops have bought them since coming out and seeing/hearing mine.

Interesting? Without referencing your compressor, this could mean something else.

 

[Citation]

As of today I'm looking to replace my 30 yr old craftsman 33 gal 6hp compressor. For light duty it's served well, but I've rebuilt the heads a few times, runs very hot for continuous duty work. Now the hard part what to replace it with, I would like to do some light blasting so probably 15cfm min. I do have a blast cabinet to set up, but other than that it would see intermittent use. So lets see & hear about whats good with your compressor, would you buy it again?

The missing fan shroud probably makes a difference in your running temps.

As for a new compressor, unfortunately prices have really gone up since COVID. Pre-covid an entry level 80 gallon version of the Grizzly compressor was sometimes under $1000. Personally, unless you need the new compressor right away I would look for a good used 60-80 gallon unit.

Looking at the Long Island craigslist,

80 gallon Ingersoll Rand Compressor **read ad** - tools - by owner -...

80 gallon Industrial compressor DOES NOT RUN The air portion works great but the electric motor doesn't run I replaced the caps but that didn't fix it. It's been sitting I don't have time or need...

longisland.craigslist.org

This one looks interesting. Really stout compressor but says motor is bad.
Here is a suitable motor from HD for $500

5 RHP 4-Pole Baldor Electric Air Compressor Motor 160-0291 - The Home Depot

The Motor 5-1/5 RHP 4-Pole Baldor L1430T comes with rigid base for long lasting usage. This rotates counter clockwise direction by facing the motor shaft. It features open drip proof housing with start

www.homedepot.com

That would net you a very nice IR 5HP compressor for around $1000.
I suspect a cheaper motor could be found.

I'm not suggesting this is the right answer, just a suggestion that new might not be the best option.

 

[Renegade1LI]

The missing fan shroud probably makes a difference in your running temps.

As for a new compressor, unfortunately prices have really gone up since COVID. Pre-covid an entry level 80 gallon version of the Grizzly compressor was sometimes under $1000. Personally, unless you need the new compressor right away I would look for a good used 60-80 gallon unit.

Looking at the Long Island craigslist,

80 gallon Ingersoll Rand Compressor **read ad** - tools - by owner -...

80 gallon Industrial compressor DOES NOT RUN The air portion works great but the electric motor doesn't run I replaced the caps but that didn't fix it. It's been sitting I don't have time or need...

longisland.craigslist.org

This one looks interesting. Really stout compressor but says motor is bad.
Here is a suitable motor from HD for $500

5 RHP 4-Pole Baldor Electric Air Compressor Motor 160-0291 - The Home Depot

The Motor 5-1/5 RHP 4-Pole Baldor L1430T comes with rigid base for long lasting usage. This rotates counter clockwise direction by facing the motor shaft. It features open drip proof housing with start

www.homedepot.com

That would net you a very nice IR 5HP compressor for around $1000.
I suspect a cheaper motor could be found.

I'm not suggesting this is the right answer, just a suggestion that new might not be the best option.

The shroud was off for repairs, the heads leaking again and it’s been kicked to the curb. Tractor supply has an IR that might work just not in stock here. The good thing is I’m not in rush but would like to get something soon.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I built my Ingersoll T30 from a box of auction sale parts and an unusedCraigslist tank.
When I bought the tank, the seller offered me a Baldor 5hp compressor rated motor. My total cost for this compressor unit was about $200.
The Donaldson air filter may never need changing in my lifetime. The filter is from a Cummins 4bta in a bread-truck application. The filter is many times larger than a T30 spec calls for. The extra large size does nothing to muffle the air intake. I do not mind the noise, but, this compressor has the ability to turn on every time my phone rings. How is this possible?
I made a mobile base to make moving the compressor easier. The inverted fifth wheel handle fits and works with several other machines.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I built my Ingersoll T30 from a box of auction sale parts and an unusedCraigslist tank.
When I bought the tank, the seller offered me a Baldor 5hp compressor rated motor. My total cost for this compressor unit was about $200.
The Donaldson air filter may never need changing in my lifetime. The filter is from a Cummins 4bta in a bread-truck application. The filter is many times larger than a T30 spec calls for. The extra large size does nothing to muffle the air intake. I do not mind the noise, but, this compressor has the ability to turn on every time my phone rings. How is this possible?
I made a mobile base to make moving the compressor easier. The inverted fifth wheel handle fits and works with several other machines.

Nice job! That air filter looks impressive.

 

[ZRX61]

27yo Devilbis Pro4000 5hp/60 gal.

 

[PWC Repair]

You must be my twin. I also had a compressor similar to yours, I had rebuilt the head a couple times, and I wanted to do some blasting. I bought an 'Industrial Air' brand. https://www.northerntool.com/shop/t...jSZuJGDNM4z14LtJGmRoCyXYQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds I wanted 60 gallon. I wanted 2 stage. I wanted something well built. After researching the HELL out of compressors for a couple weeks I decided on this one. Pay close attention to the pump. With my level 5 google-fu I was able to find this particular pump is more on the light industrial INSTEAD of consumer grade. Several different brands have this SAME PUMP.......but usually for more money. This one also has a name brand (Marathon) motor, and an ASME certified tank.....I saw a few that weren't certified! I've had mine for 2 years. My buddy also has this exact same compressor in his body shop, 3 years old with no issues. Only thing I didn't care for was the higher pressure shutoff, easy fix, I just turned the pressure switch down to 125#.

 

[torqueman2002]

I have a Husky branded 2-stage 80gal/4 HP Campbell Hausfeld.
SCFM 12.6 @ 90 PSI.

I bought it used almost 10 years ago, from a out of business body shop for $200. No issues, changed oil and put on an auto dank drain.

It replaced a single stage Craftsman that could not keep up with the blast cabinet.

This is the only picture I could find. The big red LED light reminds me to turn off the compressor before heading back into the house. More than once, I would be startled out of my easy chair when the compressor would start up in the evening after I'd finished work!

 

[GDM]

Puma 40Gal.