5HP 220v air compressor decision

[Brav]

Hey all. I am adding a service bay to my small auto dealership. I have been agonizing over what type of compressor to get (read: how much to spend). I have decided that it should be a 2-stage unit, 60-80 gals. Will be using it for air tools typical for an automotive garage. 2 lifts at the moment.

My original budget was around $1000. I am willing to spend more if its worth it.. that is the magic question.

I have narrowed it down to the following units:

Initial thought:
BelAire 216V - 15 CFM @ 90 - $1050


Then this seems to be a more reliable solution with lower RPM/db
Quincy QT Pro - 16 CFM at both 90 - $1400

Or for the same money as Quincy (delivery w liftage is free on this) I can get:
FS-Curtis 555VT6 - 17.8CFM @ 175 PSI! $1500 delivered

If you guys have any insight as to spending the extra $450 or so is worth it, or any pros/cons, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks.

 

[65f100]

You can buy a used industrial compressor that will outlast the ones you mentioned for half your budget.

 

[Unmarked Bill]

You can buy a used industrial compressor that will outlast the ones you mentioned for half your budget.

This isn't mine and I haven't seen it run but "boo-yah."

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/tls/3867516175.html

 

[Brav]

You can buy a used industrial compressor that will outlast the ones you mentioned for half your budget.

Any recommendation on brands?

 

[zkling]

Any recommendation on brands?

Quincy, Ingersoll Rand, Kellog, Champion, Sayler Beall, a few I am forgetting. Anything that looks massive and runs slow is probably going to be a good bet.

 

[Brav]

So.. older are more stout in design? or just cheaper? Thanks for help

 

[Unmarked Bill]

I got some good advice from a guy about compressors. The first thing is look for a big oil stain under the pump. That's kind of a sign that you're going to have a lot of trouble, and that the cylinder walls are probably scored from running low. You don't want the one with the big stain, even if it's really cheap.

The other thing is that a lot of air compressors have a big brand name on them, that isn't who built the parts. That name brand is the company that assembled the parts (motor, pump, tank.) For example, in the link I posted above, Jennings didn't probably make the motor and pump, they assembled and marketed the complete machine. So you want to be able to identify the pump by appearance. The guys on this board will help you a lot with that.

A really good way to go is to look for an older compressor with the Ingersoll Rand T30 pump. It's easy to recognize (google it) and they are everywhere. Also, you can get parts for it, get it rebuilt, get kits to rebuild it yourself, etc. It's meant to last forever. The newer IR's aren't supposed to be as good I guess. Also the brands zkling mentioned. The one in that link I posted above is (I think) a Kellogg, I'm not sure. Kellogg's are supposed to be great, I haven't owned them.

You'll hear people talk about "one-stage" and "two-stage" pumps and so on. A one stage pump uses the cylinders to compress the air and send it into the tank. A two-stage pump compresses the air in the first cylinder, then compresses it more in the next cylinder, then into the tank. If you want really high PSI, more stages is supposed to be better. I guess the tradeoff would be that a single-stage pump would fill the tank faster up to 125 or 140 psi.

Have fun with whatever you get, it's cool having one of the old tugboats around.

 

[Brav]

Thanks Bill.

I am considering making an offer on this one.. down the street from me. Seems to be a T30 as you suggested.

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/tls/3824377475.html

 

[CNGsaves]

Thanks Bill.

I am considering making an offer on this one.. down the street from me. Seems to be a T30 as you suggested.

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/tls/3824377475.html

Do you realize that above compressor is 3 Phase ??

Does this "small automotive business" you are starting have 3 Phase electrical power??

How many techs will be drawing air off the compressor?? What will they all be doing that needs air?? What all other demands on compressor will there be??

Will you have airline system?? Dryer planned to keep tools from being subjected to damaging moisture??

I wouldn't look at anything smaller than 80 gal 2-stage if it were me. Good luck.

 

[Brav]

Yes I have 3-phase. Although I don't fully understand the benefit of that for this application.

2-3 techs max.. just running air wrenches and may add tire mount/balance down the line.

Don't have a dryer.

 

[Todd.Brock]

I looked at the FS Curtis from air compressors direct. It was spinning faster than I wanted to have for the house. I know money is money, but wondering if a possible project is a good idea when you are making a living with it?
For the homeowner, 3 phase is good b/c it brings the initial price down, but then they (we) have to repower to single phase. You get the benefit of taking it home and plugging it in!

I have been happy with my Champion so far. If you look on ebay for champion or sailor beal even, you can find some deals that are a little over 2100-2200. New, warranty, etc. just a thought.

That t30 looked pretty good. Make sure you hear it run before you take it home. If reed Valves have been replaced, does it need rings, etc.

Just make sure you aren't buying a project (unless that is what you want) so you can put it in service and keep making money!

 

[sberry]

If you have the power the T30 is great, ****** it up. If not buy the new quincy and get on with it, men working, lifts, this is a small but important item, in comparison a small expense to get past.

 

[firebox40dash5]

Hell, if you have 3 phase (and aren't paying an arm and a leg for it but don't need it) grab up an old unit and rock it. A lot of the old ones are built like a brick *********, and many are 3 phase. Most have no good way to run 3 phase and little interest in converting, so you can get a sweet unit on the (relatively) cheap.

Of course if you're in business and not broke, that $1500 difference between a really nice new one and a good old one is chump change in the long run, too.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Yes I have 3-phase. Although I don't fully understand the benefit of that for this application.

3 phase is more efficient, so it will use less electricity (lower bill). If you are in a commercial building, even the blower on your HVAC is likely 3 phase.

Industrial compressors last a long time with a small amount of maintenance. Make it someones job to check the oil and air filter(s) once a week and change the oil on a regular schedule.

The other good thing about industrial compressors is they can be rebuilt fairly easily and cheaply. If it starts knocking, immediately turn it off before it blows, although this is not likely if you do your maintenance.

Don't have a dryer.

Get one.

 

[Unmarked Bill]

That compressor is what you want. All the advice everyone has said is great. I would just add that you want to drain the tank weekly along with checking the oil etc. The seller will show you how. Get the number of his maintenance guy, whoever he's been getting reeds from etc, and write it on the unit somewhere.

It's really not that much of a big deal to switch between single and 3phase motors if that becomes necessary.

I have that exact same machine but for some reason I'm jealous that you're getting it, haha... Good luck!!

 

[Grounded Ken]

The 3 phase is cheaper to run, about half the amp draw. If you have it, use it.

 

[theoldwizard1]

It's really not that much of a big deal to switch between single and 3phase motors if that becomes necessary.

No, just $$$

 

[55 CHEV]

I looked and looked and finally decided. To many different reviews and what not on the world web. These reviews can wear you down and I tend to look at them trying to make a edumacated decision. I ended up going directly to two different local dealers in Dallas and had long conversations with them. The Curtis dealer seemed to know something since his business has been successful for 40+ years. He stands behind the product and will be there after the sale. I "feel" that I got a good deal and a better compressor than the big box stores offer to the public. He delivered it for free and it all worked out for me. I do not run an Auto shop nor do I have multiple people using the system but it has proven to be a winner for my needs, of course I am retiring my 17 year old craftsman next to it. If you look close you can see her tongue hanging out... The Curtis that you posted is the same one but I got mine cheaper working local.

<a href="http://s96.photobucket.com/user/Boargaurd/media/Screenshot_2013-05-13-17-08-30_zpsf8312ad7.png.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l196/Boargaurd/Screenshot_2013-05-13-17-08-30_zpsf8312ad7.png" border="0" alt=" photo Screenshot_2013-05-13-17-08-30_zpsf8312ad7.png"/></a>

 

[Brav]

Thanks for all of the advice, guys. I just found this unit available. I cant find the exact specs on it.. just for the pump. seems low on HB for such a HUGE unit, but the seller claims this unit cost 4500 new?

Pump is rated at 8.3-18.64 ACFM @ 175 PSI... but doesnt give a specific for 3.5HP motor. So I am guessing I would be around 10 ACFM at 175PSI? Seems like a beautiful, quality unit, but not sure if its worth his ask price at that rating vs others with higher ACFM rating (Such as the other IR I posted)

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/tls/3872715421.html

 

[tonym]

Thanks for all of the advice, guys. I just found this unit available. I cant find the exact specs on it.. just for the pump. seems low on HB for such a HUGE unit, but the seller claims this unit cost 4500 new?

Pump is rated at 8.3-18.64 ACFM @ 175 PSI... but doesnt give a specific for 3.5HP motor. So I am guessing I would be around 10 ACFM at 175PSI? Seems like a beautiful, quality unit, but not sure if its worth his ask price at that rating vs others with higher ACFM rating (Such as the other IR I posted)

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/tls/3872715421.html

that one should last you a life time....

 

[reptilezs]

Thanks for all of the advice, guys. I just found this unit available. I cant find the exact specs on it.. just for the pump. seems low on HB for such a HUGE unit, but the seller claims this unit cost 4500 new?

Pump is rated at 8.3-18.64 ACFM @ 175 PSI... but doesnt give a specific for 3.5HP motor. So I am guessing I would be around 10 ACFM at 175PSI? Seems like a beautiful, quality unit, but not sure if its worth his ask price at that rating vs others with higher ACFM rating (Such as the other IR I posted)

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/tls/3872715421.html

i am not sure about the price but the 325 quincy pump is solid

 

[trbomax]

That IR T-30 is a reed valve unit,as stated.Not to offend anyone, but I wouldnt give a plug nickel for ANY reed valve compressor. the reeds are a maintenence issue waiting to happen,and yes Ive had a few reed valve units,every one ended up in the trash eventually,or given away. You want something with DISC valves,the older T-30 was disc valve as is the quincy,SB and 2 stage champion. My 1935 disc valve T-30 has never been apart and in service all its life.

 

[Brav]

I am going with the used Quincy 325 unit. I found out I do NOT have 3 phase power from what my friend told me. After looking today, its 2x 120v and a singe 208v post coming in. Rules out the IR. But the seller on the Quincy 325 said he would sell me the unit for 1k, and install a brand new single phase motor on it. The pump has been completely rebuilt. Lots of extras.

Seem like a good deal at 1k with the new motor?