240V Compressor
- Thread starter shubox56
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Stuart in MN
Well-known member
Define car related stuff...that be anywhere from filling a tire, to running an impact wrench, to painting.
Falcon67
Well-known member
My Campbell 60 gallon 3.2HP upright has been used for all kinds of car stuff over the last 15 years.
Light work. Impact wrench most common. I don't need anything large, but wish to run 240. And a quieter unit would be nice. My current 120 compressor can rattle my filling loose.
My Campbell 60 gallon 3.2HP upright has been used for all kinds of car stuff over the last 15 years.
I definitely don't need something this big in my townhouse. I do wish I lived in a house with a large shop --- that would be nice.
sberry
Banned
Chris obviously added a lot of goodies to his. Makes it seem big. Its a vertical, the footprint is rather modest. Something like that is not a bad idea, short run times for an intermittent user. Got enough tank and poop to meet demand if it is needed. Not all that much more money than something too small.
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Falcon67
Well-known member
Better pic - still not Townhouse size
For a townhouse I'd look for a portable 20~25 gallon with a separate motor/belt/compressor setup. Way much quieter. Just have to check the motor plate or manual to see if a 120V unit could be re-wired to run on 240V.
This is discontinued, but should be others like it
https://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Craftsman-WPB1982513-Air-Compressor/p11335.html
For a townhouse I'd look for a portable 20~25 gallon with a separate motor/belt/compressor setup. Way much quieter. Just have to check the motor plate or manual to see if a 120V unit could be re-wired to run on 240V.
This is discontinued, but should be others like it
https://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Craftsman-WPB1982513-Air-Compressor/p11335.html
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Better pic - still not Townhouse size
For a townhouse I'd look for a portable 20~25 gallon with a separate motor/belt/compressor setup. Way much quieter. Just have to check the motor plate or manual to see if a 120V unit could be re-wired to run on 240V.
This is discontinued, but should be others like it
https://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Craftsman-WPB1982513-Air-Compressor/p11335.html
Agreed, to big for my townhouse setup. And being a townhouse, the quieter the unit the better. I have to keep the HOA watchdogs happy. LOL
Agreed -- a mobile 120/240 compressor sounds perfect. I'm assuming that they come with optional 240 wire/plug kit?
sberry
Banned
If it will run on either voltage why switch to 240? Only real reason is to avoid breaker trips if it is a problem. Advantage of 240 is you can use a bigger motor.
Falcon67
Well-known member
You'd have to look at the individual units I think. I have a older 25 gallon Porter that runs on 120V , around 1.5 real HP, and I've used it in the past to do everything from paint a couple of cars to running the air nailers used to build our shop. It's not very loud, easy 20+ years old. It's in the house garage now for an ongoing baseboard replacement project. So to do light car work, you don't really need a 240V motor.
Prospecter
Well-known member
I'm running a CL 3hp 240v horizontal 20g. Craftsman. $100.
I have run several similar Craftsman 120v units over the years. All worked pretty well. I have 240v in my garage, and I can do my own wiring, so it was not a big deal to switch.
The 240v might be a little quieter? I sometimes wait a little for the tank to recover to use my impact, but nothing outrageous or bothersome.
I have run several similar Craftsman 120v units over the years. All worked pretty well. I have 240v in my garage, and I can do my own wiring, so it was not a big deal to switch.
The 240v might be a little quieter? I sometimes wait a little for the tank to recover to use my impact, but nothing outrageous or bothersome.
I have a single 20A circuit in the garage to run everything. I want to add a 240A circuit to the garage. If I get a 120/240 compressor, I have the option to switch to 240 if I end up constantly tripping the breaker. My 56 Chevy which I have owned for 22 years has been on hold for a number of years do to health and other life issues including divorce, that said, way back when, if I was using other power tools in the garage AND the compressor, it would constantly trip the breaker. Running off a more efficient circuit like a 240 would eliminate that problem. And yes, I could just pull wire to add an additional 120 circuit, but the 240 would be nice to have for other things like a small welder, heater, or anything else you can think of. All of this is in preparation for reengaging with the 56.
ford33
Well-known member
I have a 20 gallon horizontal Campbell Hausfeld that runs on 120 v. Using it for 20 years outside of my townhome near my rear deck. I built a nice wooden enclosure "plant stand" to hide the compressor machinery and quiet the noise. I don't advertise to my neighbors it is there but some know about it and I haven't had complaints. I also don't run it every day and rarely at night time. I am respectful of my neighbors need for privacy and a safe quiet neighborhood.
I wish I could do that. My HOA is a major PIMA and watch everything. Like you, I'm respectful of the folks around me and always try to mitigate complaints. Prevent complains. It's bad enough starting up a blown 56 through 3" exhaust and an aggressive muffler. LOL Even though, the car hasn't been started in a LONG time. I hope to get this thing back on the road over the next year.
dagofast
Well-known member
California Air Tools compressors have had many favorable reviews here and elsewhere for how quiet they are. I'd recommend starting there.
Thanks for the tip. I'm on it!
sberry
Banned
Ding Ding. That might be a winner in the economy class. It would fit right in for a lot of the guys here. Easy on the startup, 2 stage makes it good for mechanic tools. A little light for continuous body work but a skilled operator could make do.
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nzjkb5
Well-known member
I have a couple of small 240V portable horizontal air compressors that I bought used. I was pleasantly surprised at how quiet they are compared to the old 120V oilless compressor that I had previously. Craftsman 4HP 20 gal. 8.5CFM @ 90psi, and a Black Max 5HP 25 gal. 10.6CFM @ 90 psi. I have seen vertical versions of similar compressors that would take up less floor space. One great thing about this type of compressor is that (almost) nobody seems to want a portable 240V compressor, so when you see them for sale used, they are usually pretty cheap. I have less than $300 in the pair. I put two inlets into my piping system, so that I can run both compressors at the same time if needed.
Kaizen
Well-known member
I don’t usually recommend them due to small size but it might be perfect for this case.
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sberry
Banned
What's the cfm rating on that blue monster standing in the truck? Is it 12?
No. But man I never drain this thing if I tried to lol
Air Delivery SCFM @ 90PSI (CFM)11
Air Delivery SCFM @ 100PSI (CFM)10.8
Air Delivery SCFM @ 175PSI (CFM)10.7
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-60-...Ftoc0LModgagVBIeOLhdWv-eSNGVwaKRoCv4AQAvD_BwE
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Kaizen
Well-known member
Great compressor but most auto body tools will blow through it in ten minutes. I had the hd equalivent for ten years and it served me well for a first big compressor.
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Right. I wouldn't expect any shop to rely on this unless your the only mechanic and doing air tools.
But dollar for dollar for garage use at home you can not beat it especially for DIY mechanics. I do use a orbital sander with it in occasion but only for small car detailing stuff.
If I were running a shop my entire garage would be the compressor lol
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But dollar for dollar for garage use at home you can not beat it especially for DIY mechanics. I do use a orbital sander with it in occasion but only for small car detailing stuff.
If I were running a shop my entire garage would be the compressor lol
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sberry
Banned
A bit under 3 hp. About 2x what a 120v will make and the larger tank will give it a little range. 2 stage will store quite a bit more energy. Good hobby unit, sanding a lot would be the weak spot. They do make some stuff electric now, never used it though.
GRivera
Well-known member
The Harbor Freight 2 Stage 60 Gallon Model # 93274 is still a great buy - especially when on sale. I bought one in November for under $800 OTD: https://www.harborfreight.com/5-hp-60-gallon-165-psi-two-stage-air-compressor-93274.html
Flow Rate: 15.8 CFM @ 90 PSI, 16.4 CFM @ 40 PSI
The motor is a 5HP Century motor, made in the USA, the compressor pump is made in Italy
Keep in mind there are TWO compressors that Harbor Freight sells as "60 gal. 5 HP 165 PSI Two-Stage Air Compressor", the item numbers are 93274 and 62299. The 93274 compressor is a true 2-stage compressor - #62299 uses a 3 cylinder SINGLE STAGE compressor. Only buy Item# 93274.
Flow Rate: 15.8 CFM @ 90 PSI, 16.4 CFM @ 40 PSI
The motor is a 5HP Century motor, made in the USA, the compressor pump is made in Italy
Keep in mind there are TWO compressors that Harbor Freight sells as "60 gal. 5 HP 165 PSI Two-Stage Air Compressor", the item numbers are 93274 and 62299. The 93274 compressor is a true 2-stage compressor - #62299 uses a 3 cylinder SINGLE STAGE compressor. Only buy Item# 93274.
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ford33
Well-known member
Eastwood offers a very quiet scroll compressor. They claim you can stand and talk to someone while the compressor is running. Expensive but may be a solution for the OP.
And it's something THAT quiet AND runs on 120 or 240 that I'm looking for. There's a few options mentioned --- I'm bookmarking links to do more research.
sberry
Banned
Yes, the HF at 15 cfm would keep up with body tools. Quick easy way to get power. Plug and play. As for the OP,,, I can't see much advantage of a dual voltage unit. I can see going to 240 if it has more power but there isn't much to gain with a little unit, the wire size/run is the same.
Main reason I keep harping on it is, the footprint isn't all that much more and getting a bigger unit can be a one shot deal. Less run time is essentially quieter.
If I was making a living auto body would be looking at true 5 hp, 18-20 cfm, could slide by as a part timer with the 15 but a guy needs to pay a bit more attn if he wants to sand steady. For pro stuff it's hard enough to work up the ambition, once I start don't want to stop. My main is a 3, makes 12 or so and with 200 gallons of tank I can go 20 minutes if I am thrifty and lay off a little and try to break a little when low. Ideal is a gage a guy can see so he can resume just before shut off while pump is running. Can sand for 30 minutes with 4 minute break.
Main reason I keep harping on it is, the footprint isn't all that much more and getting a bigger unit can be a one shot deal. Less run time is essentially quieter.
If I was making a living auto body would be looking at true 5 hp, 18-20 cfm, could slide by as a part timer with the 15 but a guy needs to pay a bit more attn if he wants to sand steady. For pro stuff it's hard enough to work up the ambition, once I start don't want to stop. My main is a 3, makes 12 or so and with 200 gallons of tank I can go 20 minutes if I am thrifty and lay off a little and try to break a little when low. Ideal is a gage a guy can see so he can resume just before shut off while pump is running. Can sand for 30 minutes with 4 minute break.
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dagofast
Well-known member
Read any dual voltage motor label. You cut your amp draw in half by doubling the voltage. You CAN drop the wire size. Cheaper to run + cheaper infrastructure= win.
Most 120V capable compressors top out at 2hp (real hp) and put out 5-6 cfm. Move up to a 3hp (real hp) 240V unit and you're at ~10cfm. Either one will need a 20A circuit.
Those are inflated HP figures.
Agreed on the 240V portable. I like mine....been going strong for 20 years.
Body work and sandblasting aren't my thing. It's been more than adequate for everything else.
Those are inflated HP figures.
Agreed on the 240V portable. I like mine....been going strong for 20 years.
Body work and sandblasting aren't my thing. It's been more than adequate for everything else.like2wheel
Well-known member
brownsmustang
Well-known member
Have you considered just buying cordless impacts/tools? Since you live in a townhome and are probably NOT going to be doing a lot of bodywork etc that will require a large compressor the new cordless/brushless tools are amazing.
sberry
Banned
I agree. It has taken a lot of the demand off of air.
Actually, I have considered that. With my my arthritis, I definitely need impact tools to assist.
nzjkb5
Well-known member
Hmm, yep, you are right. I had never checked on it before, but doing the math, it looks like my "4HP" model at 13.1 amps is about 3-1/4 HP, and my "5HP" model at 15 amps is about 3-3/4 HP. Maybe. That's based on a 90% efficient motor.
I know they used to get away with over-rating them. My first compressor, a 120V oilless Craftsman unit I bought new in 2000 had a big "5.5 HP" sticker on the side of it... it was probably actually about 2HP or a little less.
no cheaper to run, cheaper wire,maybe, but not on a smaller unit that requires under 15 Amps @ 120
CraigStu
Well-known member
To me HP is a worthless #. I look at cfm@90 psi. As a reference point for you my old Craftsman is 7.7 cfm@90. It runs everything except body work air file and die grinder. The die grinder actually works fine but needs to wait every 60-90 seconds for pressure to build back up. Since I am only at this as a hobby, that doesn't bother me much. But I wouldn't want to go less then 7.
nzjkb5
Well-known member
+1, I agree, I believe that is the main number you need to look at when comparing compressors. Somebody correct me if I am wrong.
brownsmustang
Well-known member
The newer brushless cordless tools are impact tools and are capable of removing anything bolted to an automobile.