Air Compressor for the Shop - New or Used, 40/60/80 Gallon?

[bulletpruf]

So, I have an 80 gallon Quincy for my home garage and currently using a 5 gallon or so Harbor Freight (need it for the race track) for the 20' x 50' shop where I do most of my wrenching on the weekends.

I have air tools, but 99% of the time, I'm using my Milwaukee M12 or M18 stuff. However, I will be doing some sandblasting and painting at the shop at some point, so I'll need something larger than the 5 gallon HF. I'm inclined to get an oil lubed 40-60 gallon unit that runs on 230v. I guess I could go 80 gallons, but I'm not looking forward to moving one of those. Anyway, there's lots of used stuff available locally, but I'm inclined to buy new. Budget is $1,500 or so.

Any thoughts or recommendations on size and brand?

 

[bulletpruf]

Looks like IR 80 gallon 2 stage at Tractor Supply would work. $1,550 and great reviews.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/ingersoll-rand-80-gallon-5-hp-reciprocating-air-compressor

 

[micromind]

Get the largest tank that you can. That extra reserve often comes in handy.

 

[tarbellb]

Do you need the 80g Quincy at the home garage?
You probably don't want to move it, but that's the right compressor for a shop and get a smaller silent comp for the garage?

Otherwise it's the usual candidates. I haven't seen anything smaller then a 60g worthy of the shop use you mentioned.

That IR from TS is not the same IR of past.

 

[mikedodge]

For the limited use you mentioned any 80 gallon would do. Look for the best deal new or any used one keeping in mind what the new one would cost.
My compressors are singe stage store bought type, bought used and work for the air tools, sandblasting, powder coating, painting etc they get used for.

 

[bulletpruf]

Do you need the 80g Quincy at the home garage?
You probably don't want to move it, but that's the right compressor for a shop and get a smaller silent comp for the garage?

I don't need the 80g at my home garage, but I need at least 40 gallons, oil lubricated, for when I'm sandblasting, and those aren't cheap. In addition, I really don't want to move it, so I'm inclined to keep the 80g at the house

Otherwise it's the usual candidates. I haven't seen anything smaller then a 60g worthy of the shop use you mentioned.

That IR from TS is not the same IR of past.

I hear you on the IR, but the reviews are quite good, so I'm willing to take a chance.

Thanks

 

[Citation]

Do you need the 80g Quincy at the home garage?
You probably don't want to move it, but that's the right compressor for a shop and get a smaller silent comp for the garage?

I would do this. A quiet compressor, even if the flow rate is limited, is really nice because you just don't care that it's on.

As for moving the big compressor, certainly moving it as a single unit is difficult. However, if you remove the motor and head it becomes much easier to move with just two people or even just 1 with a hand cart. If you are willing to accept using the HF thing at home you could do all this for about no money.

 

[dr_clyde]

You guys realize that receiver size is only a small factor in the decision of what to buy for an air compressor?

The pump is first and foremost the most major component. Pressure and volume output are the most important factors, but duty cycle and pump style are also important.

The motor HP is second, this is directly tied to the pump size.

All the receiver size does is allow you to use more air between pump cycles. Most high output compressors don't use much of a receiver at at all, as they're designed to pump the air constantly and at a volume/pressure that the load requires. Lots of large air systems actually only put a receiver near where they need large volumes of air quickly, as the air doesn't have to travel through lots of pipework to get there.

If you're sandblasting, what you want to look for is CFM of the pump, and what duty cycle it can provide that CFM at. You'll deplete ANY size receiver fairly quickly sandblasting, so what really matters is can your pump keep up. Then you run the HP of motor required to spin that pump.

 

[bulletpruf]

I would do this. A quiet compressor, even if the flow rate is limited, is really nice because you just don't care that it's on.

As for moving the big compressor, certainly moving it as a single unit is difficult. However, if you remove the motor and head it becomes much easier to move with just two people or even just 1 with a hand cart. If you are willing to accept using the HF thing at home you could do all this for about no money.

That's the thing - the HF 5 gallon deal isn't nearly enough for my house. I need at least 40 gallons here, oil lubed, but 40 gallon compressors aren't easy to find, and by the time I go to 60 gallon, I might as well step up to 80 gallons.

 

[dr_clyde]

That's the thing - the HF 5 gallon deal isn't nearly enough for my house. I need at least 40 gallons here, oil lubed, but 40 gallon compressors aren't easy to find, and by the time I go to 60 gallon, I might as well step up to 80 gallons.

So, your primary criteria is how frequently the compressor will cycle?

What are you doing where the receiver size is the primary factor?

 

[tarbellb]

@GeoBruin can usually drop some very helpful info on this subject

You are right @dr_clyde , rated cfm @ psi is the more critical metric. I was spit balling based off all the readily available info on here about tank size to typical outputs ie 30g = <3hp, 60g = 3-5hp , etc...

OP should specify what the garage usage vs shop usage is, that will give us better info to work with.


Anything beyond the 20-30g Silent 120v vertical compressors I would immediately jump to 240v (true)5hp+ 60g+
Everything in between is a huge compromise imo

 

[theoldwizard1]

I will be doing some sandblasting and painting at the shop at some point, so I'll need something larger than the 5 gallon HF.

Sand blaster and sanders (DA) need a LOT of air. A big tank will NOT save you if the pump is undersized.

Find out the specs (CFM) on your blaster and buy accordingly !

 

[Wrench97]

Does the shop have 3 phase or single?
Sometimes you can get a deal on used 3 phase as most home shops will see the need to replace the motor with a single phase driving the cost down.

 

[mikedodge]

You guys realize that receiver size is only a small factor in the decision of what to buy for an air compressor?

The pump is first and foremost the most major component. Pressure and volume output are the most important factors, but duty cycle and pump style are also important.

The motor HP is second, this is directly tied to the pump size.

All the receiver size does is allow you to use more air between pump cycles. Most high output compressors don't use much of a receiver at at all, as they're designed to pump the air constantly and at a volume/pressure that the load requires. Lots of large air systems actually only put a receiver near where they need large volumes of air quickly, as the air doesn't have to travel through lots of pipework to get there.

If you're sandblasting, what you want to look for is CFM of the pump, and what duty cycle it can provide that CFM at. You'll deplete ANY size receiver fairly quickly sandblasting, so what really matters is can your pump keep up. Then you run the HP of motor required to spin that pump.

The biggest question is what sort of sandblaster is going to be used. If it's not a big one and not being used regularly you don't have to go all out on compressor. Sure it would be nice to but in reality the 60 gallon he already has would probably work if he was willing to move it.

Most of the compressors in the price range he's looking at are all going to be similar spec.

 

[bulletpruf]

You guys realize that receiver size is only a small factor in the decision of what to buy for an air compressor?

The pump is first and foremost the most major component. Pressure and volume output are the most important factors, but duty cycle and pump style are also important.

The motor HP is second, this is directly tied to the pump size.

All the receiver size does is allow you to use more air between pump cycles. Most high output compressors don't use much of a receiver at at all, as they're designed to pump the air constantly and at a volume/pressure that the load requires. Lots of large air systems actually only put a receiver near where they need large volumes of air quickly, as the air doesn't have to travel through lots of pipework to get there.

If you're sandblasting, what you want to look for is CFM of the pump, and what duty cycle it can provide that CFM at. You'll deplete ANY size receiver fairly quickly sandblasting, so what really matters is can your pump keep up. Then you run the HP of motor required to spin that pump.

The 80 gallon IR at Tractor Supply has a 5 HP electric-driven 230V 78db two-stage reciprocating air compressor and it's rated for 15.8 CFM @ 90 PSI.

Thanks

 

[bulletpruf]

So, your primary criteria is how frequently the compressor will cycle?

What are you doing where the receiver size is the primary factor?

My primary criteria is the compressor being able to keep up while I'm sandblasting. It will be used for other stuff, but sandblasting is the task that will use the most air.

Thanks

 

[leadfoot415]

I've had great service out of my 2011ish vintage IR 2340L5 (60 gallon 2 stage "V" style). Idk how much they have cheapened the design or build since. Zoro still sells them (and can apply a % off coupon), but does now charge what looks like a $175 shipping fee (which I didnt pay... was free to my parts department at the time, which had a dock and forklift).

 

[bulletpruf]

@GeoBruin can usually drop some very helpful info on this subject

You are right @dr_clyde , rated cfm @ psi is the more critical metric. I was spit balling based off all the readily available info on here about tank size to typical outputs ie 30g = <3hp, 60g = 3-5hp , etc...

OP should specify what the garage usage vs shop usage is, that will give us better info to work with.

Anything beyond the 20-30g Silent 120v vertical compressors I would immediately jump to 240v (true)5hp+ 60g+
Everything in between is a huge compromise imo

The new compressor will be for the shop (one man shop; hobby stuff), but I sandblast at home and at the shop. I don't sandblast that often, and when I do, it's usually smaller car parts. Having said that, once in a while, I'll blast a set of wheels, and that does take some time.

Thanks

 

[nicks78camaro]

The 80 gallon IR at Tractor Supply has a 5 HP electric-driven 230V 78db two-stage reciprocating air compressor and it's rated for 15.8 CFM @ 90 PSI.

Thanks

That's pretty good. The Kobalt 60 gallon is have from Lowes is only 11.5

 

[bulletpruf]

Sand blaster and sanders (DA) need a LOT of air. A big tank will NOT save you if the pump is undersized.

Find out the specs (CFM) on your blaster and buy accordingly !

I use an old Craftsman hopper and gun like the one pictured below. I do use a DA sander once in a blue moon.

Thanks

 

[bulletpruf]

Does the shop have 3 phase or single?
Sometimes you can get a deal on used 3 phase as most home shops will see the need to replace the motor with a single phase driving the cost down.

The shop is set up for 3 phase, but the 3d leg isn't hooked up yet, so I'm just on 120 and 230 for now. I'm fine going with a 230v 5 hp motor.

 

[bulletpruf]

The biggest question is what sort of sandblaster is going to be used. If it's not a big one and not being used regularly you don't have to go all out on compressor. Sure it would be nice to but in reality the 60 gallon he already has would probably work if he was willing to move it.

Most of the compressors in the price range he's looking at are all going to be similar spec.

I don't blast very often.

Thanks

 

[bulletpruf]

I've had great service out of my 2011ish vintage IR 2340L5 (60 gallon 2 stage "V" style). Idk how much they have cheapened the design or build since. Zoro still sells them (and can apply a % off coupon), but does now charge what looks like a $175 shipping fee (which I didnt pay... was free to my parts department at the time, which had a dock and forklift).

I checked Zoro, but none of the compressors in my price range had many reviews.

 

[mike93lx]

That's pretty good. The Kobalt 60 gallon is have from Lowes is only 11.5

3-4 scfm/hp is about what you should expect. Hopefully yours doesn't have a 5hp motor.

 

[gahrajmahal]

I made a thread recently on this subject. I think the most informative part is post 30 with the YouTube link for two stage vs single stage.

25 yr. Old Compressor, Rebuild, New Pump or Replace? 2026

I’m sure versions of this question have been asked and discussed but the exact title did not show up in my search. 25 or so years ago I replaced my 35 gallon portable compressor with this 60 gallon, single stage “Black Max” compressor purchased from Sam’s Club. It runs off of 220 volts and my...

www.garagejournal.com

And I found this at Menards

 

[nicks78camaro]

3-4 scfm/hp is about what you should expect. Hopefully yours doesn't have a 5hp motor.

I think its closer to 3.5-3.7. Always does what I need other than an extended amount of grinding.

 

[bulletpruf]

I made a thread recently on this subject

25 yr. Old Compressor, Rebuild, New Pump or Replace? 2026

I’m sure versions of this question have been asked and discussed but the exact title did not show up in my search. 25 or so years ago I replaced my 35 gallon portable compressor with this 60 gallon, single stage “Black Max” compressor purchased from Sam’s Club. It runs off of 220 volts and my...

www.garagejournal.com

And I found this at Menards

The closest Menards to me is 694 miles, but I'll check out your thread.

Thanks

 

[IndyGarage]

I've got two used 80 gallon compressors - a 1980's Champion that I paid $350 for about 15 years ago, and a newer Snap on that I paid $1000 for about 10 years ago. The Champion is a much better compressor. Honestly with my electric tools, I don't use a compressor all that much anymore. I would probably go with something like a makita big bore with an extra 40 gallon tank.

 

[mike93lx]

The closest Menards to me is 694 miles, but I'll check out your thread.

Thanks

If there was a broken dozer on the other end or that trip, though...

 

[leadfoot415]

I checked Zoro, but none of the compressors in my price range had many reviews.

Yeah, honestly with the way things are going these days, you probably are going to have to increase your price range by $500 or look more on the used market.

Might check for local independent air compressor service companies and inquire if they have anything for sale. The guy who services our dealer always has a line on something for cheap, and has great recommendations for quality stuff.

 

[bulletpruf]

Yeah, honestly with the way things are going these days, you probably are going to have to increase your price range by $500 or look more on the used market.

Might check for local independent air compressor service companies and inquire if they have anything for sale. The guy who services our dealer always has a line on something for cheap, and has great recommendations for quality stuff.

I think the IR 80 gallon, 5 hp, 2 stage will work for me. It's $1549 at Tractor Supply and has 4.5/5 stars with 1700+ ratings. https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...=cus_na&clickId=5476042690&affiliate_id=21181

 

[finn]

Does the shop have 3 phase or single?
Sometimes you can get a deal on used 3 phase as most home shops will see the need to replace the motor with a single phase driving the cost down.

Conversely, most residential neighborhoods aren’t wired to provide three phase service, so a “bargain” three phase compressor requires a phase converter (and someone who knows how to wire and use it) plus the space to mount it. Not really practical for your 20x20 suburban garage.

 

[Rockable]

More is better.

 

[leadfoot415]

I think the IR 80 gallon, 5 hp, 2 stage will work for me. It's $1549 at Tractor Supply and has 4.5/5 stars with 1700+ ratings. https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...=cus_na&clickId=5476042690&affiliate_id=21181

That looks like a solid choice, especially if you can pick it up locally. The store by me has 1 in stock, lol.

 

[finn]

I think the IR 80 gallon, 5 hp, 2 stage will work for me. It's $1549 at Tractor Supply and has 4.5/5 stars with 1700+ ratings. https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...=cus_na&clickId=5476042690&affiliate_id=21181

That price is $800-$2400 less than a nice five hp Champion or Quincy 80 gallon compressor that puts out 17.5-23 cfm, so don’t expect an industrial quality compressor That will run 30000 hours.

On the other hand, it wouldn’t be unusual that it might take a homeowner 300 years to accumulate that many hours.

 

[bulletpruf]

That price is $800-$2400 less than a nice five hp Champion or Quincy Five hp 80 gallon compressor that puts out 17.5-23 cfm, so don’t expect an industrial quality compressor That will run 30000 hours.

On the other hand, it wouldn’t be unusual that it might take a homeowner 300 years to accumulate that many hours.

I'm guessing it will run 30 hours a year, at most, so that's 100 years to get to 30k. That should do.

 

[mikedodge]

I use an old Craftsman hopper and gun like the one pictured below. I do use a DA sander once in a blue moon.

Thanks

Thats one of the ones I use the most. They are low cfm, nothing overly special required for compressor. A regular box store 60 gallon single stage has no problem with those, even smaller should be OK if you want something more portable.
That IR you are looking at looks good for the price.

 

[bulletpruf]

Thats one of the ones I use the most. They are low cfm, nothing overly special required for compressor. A regular box store 60 gallon single stage has no problem with those, even smaller should be OK if you want something more portable.
That IR you are looking at looks good for the price.

Thanks for the input.

 

[PhantomEB]

this is my Dream compressor.

 

[mike93lx]

this is my Dream compressor. Air in the blink of an eye.

18scfm for 7.5hp is not very impressive, but that dB level is