3HP, Two Stage, 60 Gallon, 120V Compressor Options?

[CentenIJ]

Hey all, I’m starting to dip my toes into body work/painting and am trying to find a compressor that suits my needs. Initially, I was looking at 5HP two stage compressors like the harbor freight 93274, Quincy QT54, and even the Champion VR5-6. The only problem is these compressor’s run off 230V, which I don’t have available unless I rewire the breaker box in my house (125 amp service, no spots left).

Looking at the smaller Champion compressors I came across this, https://www.compressorworld.com/3-...tank-8-2-acfm-hr3-3-champion-compressor.html This one is only a 30 gallon but looking at Champion’s spec sheet, they do offer the same pump/motor combo with larger tanks. Only problem is, these are almost as expensive as the larger 5 HP champions.

That got me thinking, are there any other options out there that might fit the bill? Ideally I would like 10+ CFM at 90 psi, low RPM motor/pump, and obviously 120V service.


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[Bill C]

Sticking with 120V is going to be your limitation to CFM. Going to a smaller tank won’t help. Higher CFM pumps need bigger HP motors which all run on 240V

 

[LXCam]

Kobalt has one that’s pretty decent. I bought it as a fill in for a construction project while I was waiting on a commercial grade unit. When I read the specs I highly doubted them but I’ll be damned if it didn’t do what it said it’d do.

I might have a pic, gotta look.

Sorry this is all I got. So basically, it’s blue...imagine that.

 

[Bill C]

OP wants 10+CFM. The Kobalt unit is rated at 5CFM. I’m sure it’s a fine compressor for lots of shop uses but it’s not gonna work for a guy wanting to paint and do bodywork.

 

[LXCam]

OP wants 10+CFM. The Kobalt unit is rated at 5CFM. I’m sure it’s a fine compressor for lots of shop uses but it’s not gonna work for a guy wanting to paint and do bodywork.

I think you’re right. We needed it to run a thermal dynamics 42 plasma and it the job.

 

[CentenIJ]

Sticking with 120V is going to be your limitation to CFM. Going to a smaller tank won’t help. Higher CFM pumps need bigger HP motors which all run on 240V

I understand that. It seems like 3 HP might the highest output you can get away with running 120 V. This Baldor motor can be wired for either 120 or 240 http://www.electricmotorwholesale.com/BALDOR-VL1408T/ .

From what I can tell, the 3HP Champion example linked in my original post has the same pump as the 5HP model (R10 and R15 have the same weight and displacement) it just runs at a lower RPM.

To my knowledge, my options at the moment are a custom build or the champion, but maybe there’s something out there I haven’t researched?


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[Citation]

So if the OP doesn't have 240v power what are the odds they have a 30A 120v circuit needed to power a 3hp 120V motor?

An ugly option the OP could consider is multiple 120V compressors ganged together.

 

[CentenIJ]

I think you’re right. We needed it to run a thermal dynamics 42 plasma and it the job.

The Kobalt looks nice but it seems like a lot of these portable ~30 gallon compressors only put out 5-6 cfm. That would mean intermittent use when running a DA sander or such.


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[LXCam]

The Kobalt looks nice but it seems like a lot of these portable ~30 gallon compressors only put out 5-6 cfm. That would mean intermittent use when running a DA sander or such.


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Copy that. It was only a suggestion based on his power limitations

 

[510ebl]

Hate to say it, but a rewire is most likely in your future. I’d recommend prepping your panel for multiple 240 loads so it isn’t choking your upcoming plans. What you spend on this will be recovered by being able to purchase appropriate tools later.

My 2c.

 

[PCMusicGuy]

I see you are in Houston. One option you might want to consider is a gas compressor. You can often get a good gas compressor here for well under $1000 and they can put out plenty of air. Depending on how often you will need to use it that might be a viable solution.

 

[Bert_]

3hp doesn't run on a regular 120v 20A circuit. I've got a 3hp motor that can be wired 120v but it will pull 30 amps.

Just move stuff around and combine a couple circuits in your panel. You almost certainly have enough capacity if you can make space. Circuits like bedrooms and living room receptacles have very little load. Can put them all on the same breaker and you'll never know the difference.

 

[CentenIJ]

Hate to say it, but a rewire is most likely in your future. I’d recommend prepping your panel for multiple 240 loads so it isn’t choking your upcoming plans. What you spend on this will be recovered by being able to purchase appropriate tools later.

My 2c.

Anyway I slice it, I keep coming back to this conclusion. Was just hoping for a different outcome.


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[theoldwizard1]

120V limits you to about 1 HP, maybe 1.5 HP if you have true 20A circuit.

Painting, sand blasting, sanding and grinding require a lot of CFM. You will never get there even with 3 HP. Shoot for 5 HP.

 

[AngryBeaver]

pay someone to install a 220V service and get the big compressor. DO not waste your time with a 120V unit for any kind of paint and body work

 

[CentenIJ]

I’ve been doing some research and it looks like upgrading from 125 amp to 200 amp service is not a super complicated job. I will probably get this done by a licensed electrician but was wondering if anyone on here has DIY’d this job?


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[Downwindtracker 2]

It depends on your state's code. Here we would have to have an electrical inspector check it out when finished, the utility would have to shut down the house power first. Then turn it on again when the inspector OKs it.In the mean time, an extension cord from your wife's dryer plug can run your compressor or you welder.

 

[u2slow]

I’ve been doing some research and it looks like upgrading from 125 amp to 200 amp service is not a super complicated job. I will probably get this done by a licensed electrician but was wondering if anyone on here has DIY’d this job?

You don't need a service upgrade for a 3HP 240V (~10cfm) compressor. I used mine on a 100A service for years will all electric appliances.

All you need to do is be little more cognizant of all the electric things you run at once. If you overdo it, a breaker trips... no big deal. Its far easier to DIY the 240V compressor circuit than to DIY the 200A service upgrade. BTDT.

 

[7635tools]

I think it would be easier to just add a sub panel if your short on breaker spaces. 100a service can run a lot in house especially if you don’t have electric appliances.


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[CentenIJ]

Unfortunately, we have all electric appliances and we also have a pool.

Currently there’s only two single pole slots left on the 125 Amp breaker panel. Apart from the compressor, I also have plans to finish the room above the garage and add a mini split (9-12k BTU, 20 amp breaker). Basically that would leave me with only 1 pole slot available with the current setup.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

Two slots can give you 40amps, just use a range breaker and wire in the sub panel with a range plug.

 

[CentenIJ]

Looking a little bit more at the setup we have, it turns out there is already a sub-panel installed for the pool equipment. The main breaker panel is on the side of the detached garage. The pool sub-panel is mounted on the opposite side of the house.

I’m unsure of all the loads on the main panel, but I know my limit is 125 amp. I’m considering a dedicated sub-panel for the garage to run the air compressor, mini split and maybe other stuff down the road. I’m think 50 amps should do it?


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