best air compresser for the money ?

RAYJAY · Jun 11, 2006

ok I 'm in the market to replace my sears 5 hp 30 gallon air compresser .

what should I look for in gallon size and hp

as for air tools I run the the following ;

impact guns ,body tools, air drills paint gun

I am looking at harbor freight 2 60 gallon units.

US General 60 GALLON, 165 PSI, 2 STAGE AIR COMPRESSOR

or

60 GALLON, 130 PSI AIR COMPRESSOR

or for the money is there a better one out there ?

Jeff

rockwithjason · Jun 11, 2006

spend the extra dough and get a quincey. HF mail order used to handle them drop shipped from the factory in IN. You won't be sorry you spent the extra cash.

kartracer55 · Jun 11, 2006

A quincy from one of those isnt "extra" money its Twice as much, if not more

Whats the most you want to spend? Also, are you limited with power or space?

Jim

Itzkwik · Jun 11, 2006

Might check the Kobalt at Lowes. Its also $799. 5hp, 80 gal. 2 stage. Think it has slightly more cfm at 90. Next step up would be an Eaton 5hp/80 gal. The price on the Eaton is $1100. I'm looking at both of those currently. I know the Eaton is a far better compressor, but its another $300 plus freight which is probably another couple hundred.

pgreen · Jun 11, 2006

Look for a cast iron pump. It'll last significantly longer and will run quieter than it's aluminum counterpart.

I have a 5hp C.H. "Cast Iron Series" and it works great. Have had it for about 12 years now. I also put synthetic oil in it, since the oil gets changed so often (yeah right) and holds less than a quart.... This seemed to make it run a bit smoother and quieter too.

Phil

johnny1290 · Jun 12, 2006

FWIW I just watched a video on body work, and the shop guy said to make sure the pump is iron, get the biggest air tank you can afford, and judge it by CFM, not by HP. Make sure it'll move enough air(CFM) to drive the biggest air hog tools you think you'll use.

this hvlp paintgun wants 14cfmhttp://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=47016

this one wants 10-15 cfm
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=43430

half inch impact wants 15 cfmhttp://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=46015

nibbler wants 17 cfmhttp://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=90114

by the way I read the specs on the 3.5 HP one it doesn'thave the goods
ir Delivery: 12.8 CFM @ 90 PSI, 14.5 CFM @ 40 PS

It seemed the above tools wanted 90 psi.

the 5hp has Air delivery: 13.5 CFM @ 165 PSI, 15.8 CFM @ 90 PSI, 16.4 CFM @ 40 PSI

so it looks like the better one to get, even though its a lot more money. That said, I'm no expert, i'm just judging by ratings and whatnot, I'm sure there are voices of experience that can answer this better than I. I don't know how vital it is that your compressor put out exactly what the specs say these tools need.

My experience is that it drives me nuts waiting for a compressor to fill, or if it's running all the time for that matter.

Good luck man, it's a big $$$ decision, you're smart to ask around.

kartracer55 · Jun 12, 2006

If the compressor is shy of the full capacity needed for the tool youll still be able to run it.

Dont forget though, an impact gun doesnt need to have its full load met, because it is used in quick bursts.

Higher capacity in the tank means more stored air to deliver for the tool. I dont have the equation to figure it out but Id imagine a few guys on her have it, or you can call IR and ask them to figure out run time for a tool.

Also, usually the higher quality the tool the more efficient it will be... case and point..

Harbor friehgt 3/8 "Pro" ratchet...
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=47214

6 cfm average 24@ full load (continuous) 50 foot pounds, 130 rpm

Chicago Pneumatic

4 cfm average 16 @ full load 50 ft lbs 150 rpm

Yes the CP is 50$ instead of 32$ but its a much more efficient tool.

BTW, for those who care kobalt compressors are only assembled in USA... read the big american flag sticker closely

Jim

RAYJAY · Jun 12, 2006

kartracer55 said:
A quincy from one of those isnt "extra" money its Twice as much, if not more

Whats the most you want to spend? Also, are you limited with power or space?

Jim

max i want to spend is around $900.00

as for my air tools i only buy one of the best Ingersoll Rand buying the cheaper ones does not work out for me

kartracer55 · Jun 12, 2006

Sears has a Campbell Hausfeld 14.6? CFM @ 90 unit on sale for 820. Id look at thier higher end machines, as well as IR and Eaton.

Jim

d110pickup · Jun 14, 2006

Ray,
I'm also buying a compressor, my 20 year old Speedair bit the dust.
Since you like Ingersoll-Rand you should look at their compressors.
If you can buy at Grainger (www.grainger.com) check out the 5hp 2 stage units they show. (4L977) 60 gallon is $1125 & (1WF59) 80 gallon is $1349. They're cast iron and I believe US made and I know the tanks are ASME certified.
If you can't buy at Grainger I think Tractor Supply has them also.
Mike

kartracer55 · Jun 14, 2006

I *THINK* speedaire compressors are rebadged C-H Extreme/industrial models.

Mike, What happened? You might be able to get a rebuild kit from grainger, they stock many of them

Jim

sberry · Jun 15, 2006

as for my air tools i only buy one of the best Ingersoll Rand buying the cheaper ones does not work out for me.

Well then you need the best comp to go with the best tools. Large air tanks look nice and help with bursts of needed air but dont do much for continious run tools like sanders. There is no substitute for enough pump to do the job. You are looking to the high teens for cfm to run sanders and rotary tools well. Something in the "5 real Hp range"

AndrewM · Jun 16, 2006

d110pickup said:
Ray,
I'm also buying a compressor, my 20 year old Speedair bit the dust.
Since you like Ingersoll-Rand you should look at their compressors.
If you can buy at Grainger (www.grainger.com) check out the 5hp 2 stage units they show. (4L977) 60 gallon is $1125 & (1WF59) 80 gallon is $1349. They're cast iron and I believe US made and I know the tanks are ASME certified.
If you can't buy at Grainger I think Tractor Supply has them also.
Mike

Grainger had the I-R 2340L5 (their 4L977) on sale for $931 about 6 weeks ago. One now sits in my garage.

It has a Grainger Dayton 5hp (22 Amp) motor on it, and the I-R sticker has Grainger machine-typed on it.

The sub-$1000 compressors at Tractor Supply aren't the 30T series V-pump compressor heads, they're the inline SS / TS series pumps. Not as durable, from what I've read. Not as rebuildable either.

d110pickup · Jun 17, 2006

AndrewM said:
Grainger had the I-R 2340L5 (their 4L977) on sale for $931 about 6 weeks ago. One now sits in my garage. It has a Grainger Dayton 5hp (22 Amp) motor on it, and the I-R sticker has Grainger machine-typed on it.

The sub-$1000 compressors at Tractor Supply aren't the 30T series V-pump compressor heads, they're the inline SS / TS series pumps. Not as durable, from what I've read. Not as rebuildable either.

Andrew,
You're exactly right about the Tractor Supply I-R compressors, but I was trying to stay closer to Rayjay's budget.

Your experience with the 4L977 is interesting. The one I looked at last week at Grainger has an Emerson 5hp, 28 amp (I believe) american made motor on it. Also it's equiped with the 30T V Compressor.
If I have time Monday I'm going to go buy it and I'll confirm the motor then.

Kartracer,
Apparently I screwed-up when I bought the Speedair compressor 20 years ago. Grainger had come out with a 5hp direct-drive compressor and I thought it looked like a great idea. It uses a 22 amp, 230 volt, 1740 rpm Doerr motor. This compressor put out 21.8cfm at 175psi, we ran sand blasters, bead blast cabinet and air tools all day. Doerr is gone now but was a supplier of industrial quality motors ,at the time I bought the compressor we had Doerr motors at work (Lockheed).
Well, Grainger abandoned the direct drive large compressors after a coupla years and discontinued replacement parts including motors years ago. The motor rebuilders say this a partial motor. One of end plates is the crankcase of the compressor. $300+ to rebuild it, and I'll still have a 20 year old compressor. I'll just buy a new one and plumb the old tank (it's ASME certifided) in series for more storage capacity.
Betcha you regret asking now.
Mike

Mandres · Jun 22, 2006

The best for the money has got to be the Hausfeld VT-6271

10.3 cfm @ 90psi. Should be able to handle most tools easily except for sanders/grinders Cast-iron pump, belt driven, etc. Can be had for ~$450.

RAYJAY · Jun 22, 2006

Mandres said:
The best for the money has got to be the Hausfeld VT-6271

10.3 cfm @ 90psi. Should be able to handle most tools easily except for sanders/grinders Cast-iron pump, belt driven, etc. Can be had for ~$450.

looks like a nice unit but its the size i have now.and itr can't keep up with the work i do. I really need a unit with about 15 cfm or better at 90 lb

Jeff

d110pickup · Jun 24, 2006

I got the I-R 2340L5 (their 4L977) from Grainger this week and got it installed and wired today. It does have the 5hp Dayton motor that Andrew mentioned in his post.
I did have one really strange experience thou. I removed the drain petcock from the bottom of the tank in order to replace it with a street elbow and extend the drain beyond the base of the tank. When I removed the petcock water started to run out!
The damn thing had a pint or two of water inside!
There weren't any other signs that the compressor had been run. And it was in a plastic bag inside a crate when I got it.
On the plus side this compressor is much quieter than the old one. I may not have to put this one outside.
Mike

66RICH · Jun 25, 2006

I picked up this SpeedAir unit last year, price has gone up
a $100 since then. Very happy with it, low noise level. I checked
a lot of specs on various comps to find a low RPM unit in my price
range which really helps the noise level, and reduces moisture
problems. The 80/20 duty cycle is raised to 100% when switching
to synthetic oil after breakin. I also ordered a hour gauge to track
usage (3AE11). Here's a link to comp, and a pic of the gauge I
mounted in a plastic elec. box.
Rich
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg/productIndex.shtml

66RICH · Jun 25, 2006

For some reason that link doesn't show up. The Comp is a 4XA59
5HP 2 stage 80 gal tank.
Rich

AndrewM · Jun 25, 2006

Hey Mike,

Mine had a little water in the tank too when I put the elbow on (click here to see a pic of my drain valve). The outside of the compressor oil drain also had a little oil on it, but was empty. I think they must test fire them at the factory. Mine had maybe a cup of water in it.

RAYJAY · Jun 25, 2006

AndrewM said:
Hey Mike,

Mine had a little water in the tank too when I put the elbow on (click here to see a pic of my drain valve). The outside of the compressor oil drain also had a little oil on it, but was empty. I think they must test fire them at the factory. Mine had maybe a cup of water in it.

Andrew what are the red pads you installed on you air compressor ???

Jeff

AndrewM · Jun 25, 2006

They're anti-vibration pads from Grainger.

Since I got the compressor on sale (saving $200), I "splurged" on the anti-vibration pads. I think you can get something similar for much less - these were $26/ea (x 4). I probably should have shopped for some in the $10/ea range, but I just wanted to 'get it done'.

Grainger part number 4C974 - http://www.grainger.com

Admittedly, they're nice and heavy duty. Thick steel top and a plastic pad. I used lead split concrete anchors and lag bolts (from my mom & pop hardware store) to hold it all to the floor.

bmwpower · Jun 25, 2006

Are these Grainger sales advertised?

AndrewM · Jun 25, 2006

I randomly stumbled across it while shopping for a compressor. I was actually close to ordering an Eaton, but $200+ in shipping (and the receiving part) was making me hesitate. Was checking local places where I could go pick one up. Shopped HD, Lowes, Tractor Supply, Sears, HF, and a couple of local stores. Saw this one on sale online and bought it that day (I have a small business / side job ID that I used, but I could have used my day job's company name just as easily).

RAYJAY · Jun 25, 2006

THE ONE i'M LOOKING AT NOW IS THE IR SS5L5 MODEL

* Motor: 5.0 HP/11.5 Peak HP - single phase motor
* Volts: 230 Volts/30 Amps
* PSI: 18.1CFM @ 90PSI/ 15.5CFM @ 135PSI
* Max PSI: 135 PSI
* Tank Size: 60-gallon vertical
* Pump: Oil lube cast iron belt driven pump
* Air Outlet: 1/2in. NPT
* 100% continuous duty
* Drain System: Manual Drain

* Dimensions: 20in.L x 30in.W x 71in.H
* U.S.A.
* Model SS5L5

Weight = 310 lbs

Single-stage air compressors ae ideally suited for the contractor or small shop owner. Features include continuous duty cycle rating, cast iron compressor pump, minimum 5,000 hour pump operating life.

PRICE IS 799.00 FREE SHIPPING FROM NORTHERN TOOL :bounce:

THE UNIT DOES MEET ALL OF MY NEEDS UNDER THE 1000.00 DOLLARS
15.0 CFM AND 60 GALLON TANK

ANY IMPUT ON THIS COMRESSOR ???

JEFF

AndrewM · Jun 26, 2006

Tractor Supply Company has the SS5N5 - same head, 80 gallon tank - for $742, if you have one locally. My buddy has one at his shop. His has locked up on him a couple of times, but they run it pretty hard. I don't know how well he treats it either, with regards to using the I-R Synthetic Oil vs regular oil.

That was the first one I considered, but I decided I wanted a 2-stage unit - that way, my system air pressure wouldn't drop below 120 psi while painting (as the compressor cycles).

GT350Mike · Jul 19, 2006

My Wal-Mart/Sam's 3hp air compressor died today (after 13 years) and I'm going to get a compressor sometime w/in a week or so. My question is this.....does the 110v compressor use the same amount of electricity as a 220v compressor (same hp)?

W-Cummins · Jul 20, 2006

GT350Mike said:
My question is this.....does the 110v compressor use the same amount of electricity as a 220v compressor (same hp)?

Yes, No, Maby

1hp ~ 746watts

120V vs 240V makes no difference in the hp or the power used. Your motor's efficiency rating and Power-Factor will dictate the amount of "power" required to produce one hp.

So a SINGLE phase motor

Amperes = Horsepower x 746
______________________
Volts x Efficiency x Power-Factor

A Usefull calc for finding True HP from the Amp draw is

Hp=volts x amperes x efficiency x power-f
_____________________________
746

So lets plug in some numbers
For example lets say we have a single phase motor running on 120V that has an efficiency of 92% and a power factor of 80% and we have a amp-load of 8.4 amperes

So

120V x 8.4 amps x 0.92 eff x 0.80 pf
______________________________
746

Hp = 741.888
_______
746

or Hp= 0.994488 ~ 1 hp

Now if you plug in the 0.994488 hp into the 1st Eq above to solve for the amps and use 240V you will see that you use 4.2 amps.

Then

Power (watts) = Volts x Amperes

(1/2 the Amps) x (2X the Volts) =
(2X the Amps) x (1/2 the Volts) =

Same Power (watts)

So if you have the same motor eff and power factor it makes no difference in operation cost for a 120v or a 240v motor
(note this is measured at the motor) If you measure at the power meter on your wall you would see a SLIGHT difference due to the higher load on the wires (some loss due to the heating of the wires) at the lower voltage (assuming the same gauge wires for both voltages)

William.....

GT350Mike · Jul 20, 2006

Well that covers my question from a to z. Thanks!

tbob · Jul 20, 2006

While we're on the subject of air compressors, I have a brand new IR SS5L5 like the one mentioned above. I bought it cheap from a salvage dealer because the crankshaft on the pump was bent during transport. Anyone on this forum ever worked on a compressor pump? I found the parts I need here in town. How much trouble is it to work on these things? Any repair manuals available? Any suggestions? Thanks, Terry

bhays · Jul 20, 2006

tbob said:
While we're on the subject of air compressors, I have a brand new IR SS5L5 like the one mentioned above. I bought it cheap from a salvage dealer because the crankshaft on the pump was bent during transport. Anyone on this forum ever worked on a compressor pump? I found the parts I need here in town. How much trouble is it to work on these things? Any repair manuals available? Any suggestions? Thanks, Terry

I rebuilt the pump on my compressor a few months ago, put in new reed valves and rings...pretty simple deal...only took about an hour and I am really nervous (slow) doing stuff like that.

GT350Mike · Jul 20, 2006

I cannot spend over $400 for a compressor so I wanted everyone's opinion on this one from HD:

http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDU...ID=cccfaddigglimlgcgelceffdfgidglo.0&MID=9876

GT350Mike · Jul 20, 2006

GT350Mike said:
I cannot spend over $400 for a compressor so I wanted everyone's opinion on this one from HD:

http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDU...ID=cccfaddigglimlgcgelceffdfgidglo.0&MID=9876

Cannot get the link to work so here is the description:

HUSKY
5 Peak HP 26 Gal Vertical Compressor
Model VT6315
$377

GT350Mike · Jul 20, 2006

Try this link!
http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDU...501&srccode=cii_1038957&cpncode=09-12942593-2

Grim Reaper · Jul 22, 2006

Re: best air compressor for the money ?

GT350Mike said:
Try this link!
http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDU...501&srccode=cii_1038957&cpncode=09-12942593-2

Simply put...its weak!

Spend the $450 on the CH posed above. It puts out nearly twice the CFM at 90 psi and thats what counts.

I have an older IR Similar to the CH above that I have been pounding on for years. It has done well and out performs all my buddies $400 Huskies and Black Max. My buddies just can get past the fact that my 3hp 30 gallon IR can run a small sand blaster and their 5hp Husky with 80 gallon tank falls on its face....Well Mine makes 9.6 CFM at 90psi and theirs makes 5.6cfm at 90psi......Its all about the CFM

Mines due for some work. The reed valves are leaking but I can't complain for a used compressor I bought for $70 10 years ago. :thumbup:

914forme · Jul 23, 2006

A little out of the price range but I am thinking this is my next compressor, they are 40 minutes from here.

http://www.eatoncompressor.com/catalog/item/504747/172983.htm

In hte price range I think it will work, need to cjeck my sandbalster it eats air.

Grim Reaper · Jul 24, 2006

914forme said:
A little out of the price range but I am thinking this is my next compressor, they are 40 minutes from here.

http://www.eatoncompressor.com/catalog/item/504747/172983.htm

In hte price range I think it will work, need to cjeck my sandbalster it eats air.

Thats a nice compressor for the price. 14 CFM on single phase is a rarity. Excelent compressor for a home shop.

There was a speedair on craigs that I wish I could afford and had the power to run. Looks like it will go for under $1k. Its 10 Hp 3 phase and makes 34CFM at 175psi. :thumbup:

Just no way to power it at my place.

gb387 · Jul 26, 2006

GT350Mike said:
Cannot get the link to work so here is the description:

HUSKY
5 Peak HP 26 Gal Vertical Compressor
Model VT6315
$377

This is the exact one I have, had it for a couple years now and no problems. Perfect for me, use it from time to time its fairly quiet, pumps up quick and I couldn't be happier.

Cody 82 zxt · Jul 27, 2006

Hey guys just thought I would add yet another compressor to the list of possiblities.

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=134819-48540-K7060HFV&lpage=none

I bought this unit last Christmas and so far has worked great. I really just use it for basic stuff most of the time but, I have used it for painting a car about 2 months ago and it worked great. It even kept up with the cheap Harbor Freight air file.

I did lots of searching and price comparison before the purchase and this seemed like the best deal I could find.

PAToyota · Jul 27, 2006

66RICH said:
I also ordered a hour gauge to track
usage (3AE11).
Rich

Good call on adding the hour meter. Looking at the picture, I assume that the wiring goes from the disconnect to the compressor and that the hour meter is tied in after the pressure switch?

I just found a 220V 60hz hour meter off eBay for less than $20. The $50~$70 price was what put me off doing it when I put the compressor in originally.

best air compresser for the money ?

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