A few weeks back Matt at Eastwood called and asked if I would be interested in testing one of their new scroll compressors in the shop. I've never "reviewed" a compress...
To read the rest of this blog entry from The Garage Journal, click here.
- Thread starter Ryan
- Start date
A few weeks back Matt at Eastwood called and asked if I would be interested in testing one of their new scroll compressors in the shop. I've never "reviewed" a compress...
To read the rest of this blog entry from The Garage Journal, click here.
ShadowRuleZ
Well-known member
Thanks for the review, been waiting on some more reviews before I make my decision.
Corndoggeh
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 2, 2016
- Messages
- 1,198
I was on board and excited until that price tag! But thats the price thats gotta be paid for efficiency and decibel level. If that 69 dB rating at 1 m is true than thats just slightly larger than the ultra quiet dental compressors Ive worked with. You could have a non screaming conversatation while this thing is running.
Sounds like a big winner in those departments. Now we need a teardown vid!
Sounds like a big winner in those departments. Now we need a teardown vid!
OP
I don't have anything to measure it with... but you can easily stand right next to this thing with your pant leg touching the tank and have a whisper conversation with someone a foot from you. Easily. It's really, really quiet.
66HertzClone
ALLIANCE MEMBER
There is an app for that, at least if you have an iPhone.
M35A2
Well-known member
Subscribed. Need to upgrade for a blasting cabinet use and being shop is in the basement, the quiet is a plus. The size is not much bigger than what I have so much better than an uptight 60-80 gallon. Waiting to hear more reviews.
Been looking at this and just waiting for them to tell me I can go to eastwood in chicago to pick it up. So anyday it's ready I will be there. my other compressor just crapped out and had to buy another one to get me buy in the meantime, but I'm excited to work with minimal noise. If it is fact 69db. We will see.
EastwoodCo
Active member
- Joined
- Oct 9, 2017
- Messages
- 40
Our Chicago store is participating in the Pre-Sale. You can call them and get the discounted price and save shipping to pick up in the store when they arrive. After the Pre-Sale is over the stores and our site will be charging full price. Hope that helps!
-Matt/EW
M35A2
Well-known member
What is the price going to be after the Pre-Sale?
gahrajmahal
Well-known member
Two of the most problematic uses for any compressor are spray painting and sand blasting. Heat added to the incoming compressed air adds or absorbs more moisture to your compressed air supply. When i am spraying anything by the end of my project i am usually seeing moisture in the air lines even with multiple absorbers in line and at the spray gun. If you look through the many GJ threads on this subject, you will find that those problems are tackled with varying amounts of success by the members here. Does the scroll compressor improve this problem?
OP
I have no idea... Maybe Matt at Eastwood could answer your question.
I did, however, use it on the sand blaster for a bit... and it ruled. Even with the tank depleted, the compressor did a great job keeping up with it... and I never noticed much condensation. So, there's that.
It is quieter than most, but I see Eastwood did some movie magic to their videos.... It seems like they shot the video from miles away with the camera zoomed in to get that scroll compressor seemly running at no noise at all. maybe.. the noise difference between the two video is apparent...
How is the longevity of this compressor?
Either way, thx for the review.
How is the longevity of this compressor?
Either way, thx for the review.
Given what it is I might be looking at this for my own self in the future once the house is finished. I'm looking for something that doesn't require me to build a hush house, and I wouldn't mind the price tag as long as it performs on par with units that are in it's price range (which is seems it does). I was just at Northern Tool today looking at a Quincy unit (window shopping, lol) and it seems to actually be a better unit (according to the specs) for literally the same price.
The act of compressing air tends to make it get hotter, thereby keeping moisture already IN the air suspended. when the air cools either in the receiver (tank) or lines the moisture condenses out of the air... Generally speaking the compressor can't really make dryer air....
ovrrdrive
Well-known member
I'm not crazy about the price but honestly I'll probably grab one as soon as I talk myself into it. I do a lot of work late at night in my garage and every time my compressor kicks on I feel like I'm ******* everyone in the neighborhood off. I could use more cfm for blasting anyway so I'll probably tie it together with my 60gal Husky. Should be able to get an honest 20cfm out of them together.
ShadowRuleZ
Well-known member
What size/specs is the blaster?
OP
Having used the compressor, I can say that video represents the difference between a typical piston driven compressor and the QST accurately. I mean, I can't say this enough. IT IS REALLY QUIET.
And again, I have no motive to exaggerate that claim. These people haven't paid me and there was no expectation for me to give this thing glowing reviews. I'm sure if you tried hard enough, you could find a reason to bag on this thing... But sound level is not gonna be one of them.
This is the blaster I was using:
http://www.tptools.com/USA-SKAT-CAT-46-Abrasive-Blast-Cabinet,8892.html?b=d*41308
The last time I used this blaster it was hooked up to my monster Champion VR5-8. The QST didn't keep up with the blaster as long as the Champion does, but it did surprising well... and because you can't hear it over the blaster, it made blasting more enjoyable for sure.
EastwoodCo
Active member
- Joined
- Oct 9, 2017
- Messages
- 40
I should have clarified, sorry. It is $1199.99 but with the Pre-Sale you're getting a $200 gift card and no shipping charge ($200 flat charge for shipping) if you pick up in the store. Hope that helps.
As someone else mentioned, a good functioning compressor itself won't make a world of difference as far as how dry the air is. BUT; we did beef up the oil cooler and added an electric fan to the compressor to keep the oil temps down which will help keep the compressor temps down and thus create cooler air (hot air=more moisture). We offer multi-stage dryer and separator systems that will really help keep the air as dry as possible. We also offer a desiccant snake or last chance filter that you can add when painting or blasting for extra insurance.
We shot the video of the two compressors in one take with no cuts for when the two compressors were running. This means you heard the sound when standing a few feet from both compressors. The video team chose that angle/distance more for the framing of the video and not "movie magic". We assure you this compressor will the quietest shop equipment/tool you'll probably own/use.
We rate the compressor pump for 100,000 hours of use. Regular maintenance is suggested (Change oil and filter once a year).
Thanks to Ryan and Rex Rods for putting this through the paces and giving a review. We appreciate all of the interest!
nh_yota
Well-known member
Where is it manufactured?
OP
Awe... Good question. China... BUT, at least Eastwood does all of their own QC here in the states.
EastwoodCo
Active member
- Joined
- Oct 9, 2017
- Messages
- 40
Designed Engineered and tested here in Pottstown, PA. Manufactured in China to our specifications by our factory. A quick glance at the specs can be found below:
Someone also asked for a teardown. We show the internals and talk about the mechanical differences between a scroll and a piston compressor here:
-Matt/EW
PCMusicGuy
Well-known member
I appreciate the review. I was surprised to hear just how loud the compressor was in the video. To be able to hear the background worker, his music, the guy talking, and then hearing the compressor get flipped on, subjectively, that doesn't sound a night and day difference more quiet than my compressor, a California Air Tools type pump. It certainly didn't sound anywhere near as quiet as the marketing video makes it out to be. I guess there really will be know way to know just how loud it is unless you hear it in person. What sounds loud to me, other may barely notice.
ShadowRuleZ
Well-known member
Sorry to keep asking question but that's the kind of set-up I'd like to get eventually. Do you remember how long did you go before you were out? Are talking a minute? 5, 10, 15? It's been hard to get some actual idea of what it's capable of in the reviews so far.
OP
Again, I don't know how to quantify it but this thing is the quietest compressor I've ever been around. The best example of it I can think of is a typical air conditioner... Like right now I have no idea if mine is running because I'm not thinking about it. That's sort of how I feel about this compressor.
Another way to say it... It's produces about the same level of sound as my drill press.
There is no comparing it to any piston driven compressor I've ever heard. I'd bet my pink slip it is way quieter than your piston compressor. You just need to hear one to judge for yourself I think.
If you are looking for an excuse to pass on this one, chose something other than sound level. Seriously. It's quiet. I don't know how else to say it...
I should have taken note... I don't do a lot of reviews because I'm not all that good at them and this is a great example of that.
It's hard to say how long I blasted until the compressor turned on simply because I couldn't hear it kick on. I'd guess I blasted well past 10 minutes though before I noticed the pressure backing off and stopped to let the compressor catch up.
Last edited:
Falcon67
Well-known member
If my 60 gallon pump ever gives out, I'd want to buy the compressor head off this thing for the replacement.
As for price - well, there's always the trade off. We run a 6500 Champion at the track to power our race trailer. It's not excessively loud, but it is in the mod 70 dB range at 20+' so you hear it. It was $750. Across the pit lane sits a EU7000i Honda inverter. List is $3999. (he didn't pay that though LOL - knows a guy that knows a guy) In the early morning when all are still napping and the race cars idle, you'd have to get within 20' to hear it running. We're seriously considering taking $ out of savings and upgrading. it's a huge expense but I think will be well worth the benefits. Just need a hook up with that guy.
As for price - well, there's always the trade off. We run a 6500 Champion at the track to power our race trailer. It's not excessively loud, but it is in the mod 70 dB range at 20+' so you hear it. It was $750. Across the pit lane sits a EU7000i Honda inverter. List is $3999. (he didn't pay that though LOL - knows a guy that knows a guy) In the early morning when all are still napping and the race cars idle, you'd have to get within 20' to hear it running. We're seriously considering taking $ out of savings and upgrading. it's a huge expense but I think will be well worth the benefits. Just need a hook up with that guy.
James E
Well-known member
I also wondered if the scroll compressor maybe didn't heat the air as much, leading to less humidity. I guess a scientist would have to answer that one. I ask more out of curiosity, as most of my air needs aren't dry-air-critical.
Another question I have is about the unit's center of gravity. Usually, these things are unbelievably top-heavy since the motor is on top. I have avoided putting casters on my small compressors because they will wind up getting pulled around by the air hose or cord and the casters will get tripped up on something and I'll wind up gouging a car door or fender. Is the scroll compressor much lighter or heavier or lower than a comparable piston compressor?
And finally, this type of compressor seems kind of new to me, but I haven't been shopping for compressors lately. Are we about to see several of these types of compressors hit the market? Nothing brings down prices like competition. I might not gag on this price point, but nothing makes me madder than being an early adopter and then finding the same unit for sale from another brand at a much lower price.
Another question I have is about the unit's center of gravity. Usually, these things are unbelievably top-heavy since the motor is on top. I have avoided putting casters on my small compressors because they will wind up getting pulled around by the air hose or cord and the casters will get tripped up on something and I'll wind up gouging a car door or fender. Is the scroll compressor much lighter or heavier or lower than a comparable piston compressor?
And finally, this type of compressor seems kind of new to me, but I haven't been shopping for compressors lately. Are we about to see several of these types of compressors hit the market? Nothing brings down prices like competition. I might not gag on this price point, but nothing makes me madder than being an early adopter and then finding the same unit for sale from another brand at a much lower price.
General Geoff
Well-known member
There's probably slightly less friction in the mechanism, but the reduction in heat to the air would be trivial vs the heat introduced as a consequence of compression itself.
Eric29
Well-known member
It's night and day for me. If the gift card could be applied to the shipping cost, I'd be in immediately.
Ipassgas
Well-known member
I just bought an upright 60 gal. Used, though.
If I find a used one at a 3 digit price, it's coming home with me! Glad there's an affordable scroll compressor out there now.
If I find a used one at a 3 digit price, it's coming home with me! Glad there's an affordable scroll compressor out there now.
James E
Well-known member
OP
I didn't weigh the thing... I just pushed it around a lot. Like I said in the review, it has great casters on it... and it's not at all top heavy. If my shop wasn't plumbed and I had the outlets required to move this thing around all over the place, I would just use it as a mobile compressor from job to job like Keith did. IT excels at this.
As far as more hitting the market, I don't know. I don't really have my finger on the pulse of such things.
That's all fine and dandy, but is it quiet?
Hahaha.
Last edited:
Anyone planning on hooking this up to a bigger tank? Is it needed? does the compressor really do the job of a 60gal? I have a true 5HP 60gal with a 2 stage pump that puts out 17CFM@90PSI and it is overkill for what I use but this air compressor on paper would struggle with quite a few HVLP guns. Seems like it all comes down to noise with somewhat decent air output.
EastwoodCo
Active member
- Joined
- Oct 9, 2017
- Messages
- 40
The compressor weighs 325 pounds and is designed to be extremely stable with the horizontal tank and casters on each corner.
We did hook this same machine up to a couple local professional shop's air systems and shut their compressors off. The QST kept up with multi-tech shops all day no problem. If you require additional air reserve you could do that and with the recovery of the compressor being so quick in most cases it would do just fine, but it of course has limitations. This compressor was designed to be used in a home garage or small shop with 1-2 people working off of it at a time, but we wanted to torture test it.
We have a video linked below where Mike Phillips of Phillips Hot Rods and Customs explains his test results of running it in his 12,000sq.ft with 2" hard line running around the perimeter.
We did hook this same machine up to a couple local professional shop's air systems and shut their compressors off. The QST kept up with multi-tech shops all day no problem. If you require additional air reserve you could do that and with the recovery of the compressor being so quick in most cases it would do just fine, but it of course has limitations. This compressor was designed to be used in a home garage or small shop with 1-2 people working off of it at a time, but we wanted to torture test it.
We have a video linked below where Mike Phillips of Phillips Hot Rods and Customs explains his test results of running it in his 12,000sq.ft with 2" hard line running around the perimeter.
PAToyota
Well-known member
My current compressor is a QT-5 80 gallon twin-stage delivering 17.2 cfm @ 175 psi. I've got a Skat 960 blast cabinet and that has the QT cycling pretty frequently. I've also got HVLP spray guns in the 13 to 15 cfm range that would be an issue.
I'm sure that the reduced noise of the QST is a nice feature, but I'm afraid it just wouldn't keep up with my needs.
I'm sure that the reduced noise of the QST is a nice feature, but I'm afraid it just wouldn't keep up with my needs.
ShadowRuleZ
Well-known member
No worries, I really appreciate the information. The only other review I saw, the video posted by Eastwood, had about the same level of detail so I'd say you're doing pretty good!
Major Ramifications
Well-known member
Well, I want one. I can't justify it right now, but I want one.
I was wondering if the scroll compressors put more oil into the outgoing air than reciprocating compressors of similar output.
I can't believe how TINY that little scroll pump is!
I was wondering if the scroll compressors put more oil into the outgoing air than reciprocating compressors of similar output.
I can't believe how TINY that little scroll pump is!
Gremlinguy
Member
I have a husky 60 gal compressor (the cheapest big compressor I could get from Home Depot). It works ok for the price I paid almost 10 years ago.
This is a hobby shop but I do do paint and body out of it. I can run a DA or grinder for 5-10 minutes then plan something else I can do while I let the compressor catch up.
Will this Compressor perform better than that?
This is a hobby shop but I do do paint and body out of it. I can run a DA or grinder for 5-10 minutes then plan something else I can do while I let the compressor catch up.
Will this Compressor perform better than that?
I have a skat blast cabinet as well, TL780. The size of the nozzle determines flow, a small nozzle I think is in the 5-10 cfm range, med 10-15 cfm, large 20-25 cfm at 90 psi. There are a lot of nice features with this compressor but the tank size is a concern. As mentioned there is the concern with a new product, will it last, will the price change as competitors copy it, will a larger size be offered that may suit more applications? Do I buy this now only to see say a 18 - 25 cfm machine come out next year?
I have been looking and was very close to the Emax 5 hp 2 stage 60 gallon silent air machine with about 17 CFM so it would be interesting to see these side by side for the low noise title!
I have been looking and was very close to the Emax 5 hp 2 stage 60 gallon silent air machine with about 17 CFM so it would be interesting to see these side by side for the low noise title!
PCMusicGuy
Well-known member
Fair enough. I've heard loud air conditioners and quiet ones. I don't know what's typical. I was just making a point in that the videos show vastly different sound profiles, however subjective it is. I still want one. I don't have the juice for it.
CGT80
Well-known member
I use the large nozzle on my skat gun, in a HF cabinet that I have improved. My compressor is rated at 17.4 cfm at 175 psi and based on fill time to certain pressures, it is averaging 20 cfm. It is set to start at 140 psi and shut off at about 175 psi and it takes one minute to run that cycle on an 80 gallon tank.
With that large blast nozzle, it will catch up and shut off for a minute or two, easily. This is at 100psi, after the 0.01 micron motorguard filter. My pump could be running slightly faster than the 800 rpm in the decades old spec sheet.
12 cfm certainly would not take care of my needs, where I have my big compressor located. For the other shop, with the plasma table, it could be enough, if the pressure stays high enough after the filters. It sounds like this eastwood unit will max out at 140 psi, but how low does it drop before it runs again? The cman 5hp advertised compressor starts up between 100 and 110 psi. Under 110 psi is no good as the pressure drops at the plasma. With my big compressor, I run over 100' of 1/4" hose, but it never drops below 140 psi and there are no problems.
80 gallons at 140-175 psi is a lot of reserve, although I may upgrade to a 120 gallon tank as the pump would run less often and it would only add 30 seconds to the run time. This week, I changed the bearings in the motor and replaced the start switch and mounted the tank on cast iron castors. It is even quieter......chug, chug, chug.
30 gallons at 140 psi max is much less reserve and then there is only a 12 cfm pump to feed it.
I agree that the current eastwood scroll is small for a serious home/small business shop, but if it proves to be reliable it may fill some needs. It would certainly beat that obnoxious cman we are using. For now, I have my eye on an old cast iron pump similar to my big compressor. It may be an inexpensive way to get a more tolerable small compressor to replace the cman.
Pet peve: someone called a compressor/pump a "head." Why do people do that? They are not a head. The head/s is part of the pump, just as the heads are part of an engine. I don't talk about the head in my truck; I talk about the engine in my truck. Tank, motor, pump/compressor.......end of rant.
