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

Citation

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My understanding is screw and roots style compressors are best when you have near continuous duty. I've heard (hey it's a second hand anecdote so it must be true!) they don't like the start stop duty cycles piston pumps are happy to accept. Piston pumps don't have to be loud. A first step to deal with the noise is give them some type of muffler on the air intake.
 
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bulletpruf

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Rinspeed

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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.





I see a lot of 3 phase units selling fairly cheap on Marketplace probably because most people don't have 3 phase if you decide to consider used.
 
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bulletpruf

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I see a lot of 3 phase units selling fairly cheap on Marketplace probably because most people don't have 3 phase if you decide to consider used.

I thought about that, but the 3d leg of my 3 phase isn't hooked up yet and I've already got a 240v outlet where this one will be parked.
 

finn

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One of the things I've done is hook up a second compressor teed into the outlet of the main compressor. I didn't worry about pressures or duty cycles as it was just temporary. The larger portables put out about 5cfm.
You can get a one way check valve to protect a lower psi rated tank from being overpressurized by a higher rated compresser when they are Tee’d together.

The lower rated compressor only kicks I when the big compressor can’t keep up.

Amazon has the check valves.
 
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drokihazan

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Anyone have any input on the California Air Tools 80gal 6hp 220v compressor, 80060C? Says it's only 24 amp peak draw, so conceivably I could run it on my 30a 220v circuit. Pretty appealing to get something with this much CFM but can run on singlephase 30amp AND only 76dB. I can't see a downside besides it costing about three thousand bucks.
 

GeoBruin

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Anyone have any input on the California Air Tools 80gal 6hp 220v compressor, 80060C? Says it's only 24 amp peak draw, so conceivably I could run it on my 30a 220v circuit. Pretty appealing to get something with this much CFM but can run on singlephase 30amp AND only 76dB. I can't see a downside besides it costing about three thousand bucks.

My compressor would never hit 25 amps either if it maxed out at 120 psi 😉

But seriously, just be sure that 120 max pressure works for you with line losses/pressure drop considered.
 

70chevellegsp

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I've had a few compressors over the years, a Craftsman direct drive for a few months. Loud, inefficient and returned. Bought a Sanborn 60 gallon single stage that lasted me 15 or so years. Found a used 80 gallon Champion R15B driving around town and bought it for $250. It lasted me 10 years or so, but 3 years ago, the tank had some leaks, so I stripped off the motor & head and scrapped the tank. Finding a replacement tank was almost as expensive as a new compressor. I ended up with a Emax E350 for $2.500. It's very quiet and pressure lubed and has been very good. I believe Emax, Polar, Eaton are the all manufactured in Ohio - I'm sure with some overseas parts. I keep my eyes out for a cheap used tank to revive the Champion compressor, but no success yet. This compressor is in my shop, but I also have a 1970's 20 gallon, 3 hp Montgomery Wards compressor that my dad and I used doing paint and bodywork on cars in the late '70's thru the '80s. He wasn't using it anymore so I plumbed it into my house garage. Pumps up quick and holds air forever. Back on topic, I think you made a good decision on the IR Compressor!
 
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bulletpruf

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Delivered today and it's in place. It actually came with concrete anchors and insulators so I could bolt it in place, but I think I'll just use the pads that I sourced for it.

As for wiring it, the box to the right of the pump has 240 on a pair of 30A breakers. I think I'd like to put an outlet there so I can use a plug. Just might be helpful in the future if I can run something else on this outlet. Thoughts on this?

I also need to figure out what I'm going to run as a filter, dryer, and water separator and where to put this stuff.


IMG_6241.JPG
 

mike93lx

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Delivered today and it's in place. It actually came with concrete anchors and insulators so I could bolt it in place, but I think I'll just use the pads that I sourced for it.

As for wiring it, the box to the right of the pump has 240 on a pair of 30A breakers. I think I'd like to put an outlet there so I can use a plug. Just might be helpful in the future if I can run something else on this outlet. Thoughts on this?

I also need to figure out what I'm going to run as a filter, dryer, and water separator and where to put this stuff.


IMG_6241.JPG
5hp isn't OK on a plug. Needs to be hardwired
 
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bulletpruf

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Ok, it's in and hard wired.

When I started it, it had a substantial air leak at the fitting for the drain. It was barely screwed in and didn't have any teflon tape on it. Got it snugged up with some tape and seems to seal fine.

Still need to set up my water trap, filter, hose, etc.

IMG_6290.JPG
 
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