60 gallon compressor $800 budget

[WhiffySpark]

What would you choose? I'm not interested in craigslist or used. I could probably get by with a 3hp, but a 5hp may be worth it

 

[larry_g]

Tank size is the least important factor in deciding what compressor to get.

What CFM do you require?
Are you limited to 120 volts, 240v, or some three phase power?
Do you need volume or pressure, single or two stage?
Are you trying to color coordinate with other tools?

What is YOUR reason for having a compressor?

What your asking is kinda like asking, "I need a truck with a 6' bed...."

lg
no neat sig line

 

[WhiffySpark]

Mostly automotive work so cfm. 3 car garage so nothing crazy it's just me. I figure 11cfm at the least?

I can do 120 or 240. I know nothing about 3 phase and I think that is out of my budget

 

[md21722]

It depends on what air tools you want to use. If you are using it to fill up tires, run an impact for short bursts, air ratchet for short bursts, then any 2HP 115V 26-30 gallon compressor will be fine. If you expect to be using a die grinder, air drill, air angle grinder, etc. then you will need a LOT more air and how much depends on how powerful the air tools are. Generally

0.33HP - 18 CFM
0.50HP - 23-28 CFM
1.00HP - 30-37 CFM

So to run an IR die grinder you need 18 CFM which is requires a 30A 230V circuit and is likely to cost more than $800.

On the other hand, if your needs do not involve using air hungry rotary tools, then the 2HP compressors with 30 gallon tanks for $350-400 will be fine.

The 3HP, 60 gallon compressors at the big box stores only give you a few more lug nuts on the impact or a few more seconds on the air ratchet before the compressor kicks in. They will not run the powerful rotary tools which typically require 7.5 - 15 HP and cost $2400-5000.

 

[WhiffySpark]

Not worried about huge air use. My biggest users would be an angle grinder or cut off wheel. I have battery or corded for all the tools that would be an air hog.

I have a cman pro 33 gallon I'm looking to upgrade. I've had it for 8 years or so and the regulator is leaking. So looking at upgrades as an excuse lol

 

[Holzarbeiter]

Tractor Supply has an IR (SS4L5) 60 gal 5 hp 230v single phase for 699$.

 

[md21722]

Continuous use of a die grinder or cutoff wheel would be at least 18 CFM assuming a 1/3 HP IR Edge series type tools. A compressor like IR's single stage SS5L5 18 CFM @ 90 PSI would meet the air demand for a 1/3 HP air tool. One of the big box store 3HP 60 gallon units (10-11 CFM) would not run a die grinder or cutoff indefinitely, before the tank ran low and then the compressor pump could not keep up. If you are using 1/2 or 1HP die grinders or cutoff wheels you'd need to of those IR compressors. When you say angle grinder, I think you are meaning die grinder. Because most angle grinders are 4.5" 1HP and require 30-37 CFM. You can't power them with a compressor that sells for $800 new.

 

[WhiffySpark]

Yeah sorry die grinder. 3 inch Rolec disks once in a while. I don't even think their 18 cfm just matco silver eagle stuff.

Is the ir a decent setup?

 

[md21722]

The "home shop" and " big box store" IR stuff has gone down hill over the years. The pumps are Made in India and look cheap. I have a friend who has one of these from years back and he has had no problems with it, but if you look at Northern Tool review or other sites you can get a better idea. The Matco SILVER EAGLE .45 HP RIGHT ANGLE DIE GRINDER does not list a max load SCFM rating but at .45 HP it is probably around 23-28 SCFM. The "average air consumption" is listed at 4CFM but that is 25% use over an 8 hour day or whatever they want to define as average. If you plan on running it for more than 20-30 seconds at a time then you need to decide if you want to wait for the compressor to catch up or buy something bigger. If you live at higher altitude, you'd need "downrate" the compressor as well.

 

[dtt454]

well, i went through a similiar thing just a few months ago, i settled on a 3 hp single stage compressor from northern tool, on sale, and with a coupon was about 550 out the door, wiring to get it wired up and i added a home brew after cooler to cut down on the moisture in the tank, when it was all said and done i got about 750 spent. in hindsight i would like to have a 2 stage, but with the price difference, i think im still happy with it. it will run a die grinder for about 5 minute intervals, gives a reason to take a break though. its not very loud either.

 

[ScottReb]

CL is your friend, keep looking for as large a compressor as your shop can fit. You will never need another compressor if you find a good old Champion, IR, Kellogg or Quincy. I just got an american made IR t30 7.5 Baldor that looks brand new for $800. Just saw a Champion upright 7.5 80 gallon asking $1000. These are both with single phase power.
They are out there keep a look out and be patient. Much better deals for the big compressors, at least what Ive seen. No reason to buy a smaller compressor new.

 

[JJThrasher]

http://www.lowes.com/pd_54284-1126-VT6362___?productId=3370356

^^ This is what I run. Sometimes I wish it were bigger, but for the price and being brand new its hard to beat. I added a remote drain, a pre tank cooling loop, and change the oil once a year. Good unit runs every day doing automotive work.

 

[WhiffySpark]

CL is your friend, keep looking for as large a compressor as your shop can fit. You will never need another compressor if you find a good old Champion, IR, Kellogg or Quincy. I just got an american made IR t30 7.5 Baldor that looks brand new for $800. Just saw a Champion upright 7.5 80 gallon asking $1000. These are both with single phase power.
They are out there keep a look out and be patient. Much better deals for the big compressors, at least what Ive seen. No reason to buy a smaller compressor new.

Not interested in used. I don't trust the tanks.

 

[Jawn]

The "home shop" and " big box store" IR stuff has gone down hill over the years. The pumps are Made in India and look cheap.

Mine actually has a Chinese pump and a Mexican motor (SS3L3, 3hp 60 gallon).

For the $400 I paid, I'm happy. It's only 2 years old though, so time will tell.

For the OP, I wouldn't totally shy away from IR if the right deal came along... I have seen the 5hp version listed for less than $800 at times.

Northern Tool has a nice looking Puma though...
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200455340_200455340

Add in $100.01 of something else and it qualifies for that $100 gift card deal.

 

[engineer2]

For $800
$400 60 gal Sanborn on sale at Menards. (Probably similarly priced at other stores)
$320 refrigerated air dryer from Harbor Freight
$80 for accessories such as a drain timer and a filter.

 

[ovrrdrive]

http://www.lowes.com/pd_54284-1126-VT6362___?productId=3370356

^^ This is what I run. Sometimes I wish it were bigger, but for the price and being brand new its hard to beat. I added a remote drain, a pre tank cooling loop, and change the oil once a year. Good unit runs every day doing automotive work.

I have pretty much the same thing but from HD Husky branded. If you are the type of guy that stays in the garage and runs a die grinder 24 hours a day it probably isn't the compressor for you. On second thought though, no one stays in the garage and runs a die grinder for 24 hours a day. To even suggest that is ludicrous. For what I do mine works perfectly and is all I'll ever need. It fills several large tires without kicking on, runs an impact great, and my plasma cutter gets all the air it needs at the end of 75' of 3/8" hose with several moisture removers inline. It cuts out at 155psi and I have my main line regulated down to around 100 so it runs for quite a while before it kicks back on.

When I bought it they were selling for $449 and I think they are around $489 now. It doesn't come with anything at all so by the time you get a plug, connectors and fittings to hook it up and an airline you'll be into it for around a hundred bucks more or so so figure that in your budget. I didn't have a 230V outlet so I had to buy all of that as well, and I ended up adding a few intake silencers to it to know the edge off the sound.

I'm pretty happy with it but then again I didn't buy it looking for bragging rights. Here's what I have:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-60-Gal-Stationary-Electric-Air-Compressor-C602H/205389936

CFM at 40 PSI is 13.4 and CFM at 90 PSI is 11.5

 

[AndeiH]

lowes carries a quincy 60 gallon for $799. if you can use a 10% off couoon then it makes it even better.

its only a single stage though

 

[bdk1976]

Not interested in used. I don't trust the tanks.

I'd trust a used Saylor-Beall, Quincy, etc. in decent condition over a new Chiwainese tank any day.

 

[Conductor562]

I went through the same thing a couple years back. My decision was pretty much the 5 hp 60 gallon, single stage, IR @ TSC or the 2 stage HF.

I pretty much decided on the IR after it was recommended here, but I got cold feet after finding out they had been cheapened up recently (at that time) and utilized a Chinese motor and Indian pump. Reviews were plagued with pump problems and even the guy at TSC told me they'd had some issues.

I spent the extra $100 or whatever it was on the HF model with a Mexican motor and Italian pump. I have been totally satisfied with it.

The HF was the superior option.....sounds weird doesn't it?

 

[md21722]

Those HF compressors were pretty good based on reviews and pretty much the same as the Quincy, CP, Bel Air, and NAPA offerings of their respective classes. The new ones with the W style pump are different and don't even appear to be dual stage.

 

[pushrods]

Not sure if you're by a tractor supply but they had the 80 gallon IR 2 stage compressor marked down to 949.99 and i got the one by me to match %20 harbor frieght coupon. Out the door was 828.**.. they have it marked down to 999.99 online now.

 

[CompressorPros.com]

Sanding and grinding usually demands anywhere from 12-15 CFM. Most 60 gallon air compressors are going to give you 10-13 CFM if they are single stage or 13-15 CFM if they are a small 5HP two stage.

It's above your budget, but we sell a lot of BelAire 216V's and Chicago Pneumatic RCP-561VNS (Same unit, different branding)

http://www.compressorpros.com/air-compressor/two-stage/60-gallon/belaire-216v/

http://www.compressorpros.com/cp/ai...allon/two-stage/chicago-pneumatic-rcp-561vns/

 

[larryq]

ScottReb has it right-- for large (60 gal and up) air compressors craigslist is your best friend. There are always deals to be had in that range and if you can wait a few weeks there'll be a 2 stage 60/80 gallon unit listed, in very good shape, and well within your budget.

 

[WhiffySpark]

I'd trust a used Saylor-Beall, Quincy, etc. in decent condition over a new Chiwainese tank any day.

Why? you realize most people with a large compressor never take care of it right? I worked at a shop for a year, they did maintenance one it ONCE. When I started there we drained 5 gallons of water out of it the first day.

I was terrified of that compressor.

 

[larryq]

Your concern about the tank is legitimate, but the external condition usually mirrors the maintenance overall. You could always take a small borescope or inspection camera and take a peek in the tank to get some peace of mind.

Two quick completely random examples, just from a fast CL search in my area. This one is an 80 gallon Kobalt, looks mint new, does 16 cfm @ 90 psi. They're asking $800:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/tls/5349358849.html

From the looks of it I really doubt the tank has any corrosion issues.

Another one, out of your range ($1500 asking), but just to show what's possible. This is an 80 gallon, single-phase, two stage compressor, with electronic drain (that will give some relief, knowing the tank is auto-drained) and 28 cfm @ 40psi. Also looks mint. 2013 build date on the tank. Baldor motor to boot.

It's been sitting for two weeks, you bet he'll knock a few hundred off.

Just a couple of random samples pulled out of the air, I've seen better deals as well.

 

[WhiffySpark]

Nothing ever comes up in my area like that. Most are 30 years old or gas. no thanks lol

 

[WhiffySpark]

http://www.menards.com/main/p-1444439609007-c-12910.htm

Or

http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/porter-cable-stationary-belt-drive-air-compressor-60-gal

 

[md21722]

Very old compressors if properly maintained are a fine value. I have one from 1955 that I bought used. I asked the seller if I could empty the tank all the way and he was fine with it. Never got a drop of rust out of it. And even since I took it home I get no rust in my water separator out of it. I have seen far worse from newer Husky compressors made in the last 10 years. It is a **** shoot because the older they get they more chance of problems. I have one from 1959 that looks like it has cold war era rust and water in it. It holds air just fine and I only paid $20 for the entire thing but I plan on scrapping the tank.

 

[WhiffySpark]

I have zero internet in a used pressure vessel what so ever.

 

[dwysywd]

I got mine from gregsmithequipment.com for $850. I got the 80 gallon twin stage 3 cylinder. Smallest that will still support the sand blaster and run all my tools.


Sent from my bag phone...

 

[Contract_Pilot]

lowes carries a quincy 60 gallon for $799. if you can use a 10% off couoon then it makes it even better.

its only a single stage though

Not at my Lowes...

Best Value for 800.00 range is Chicago Pneumatic RCP-561VNS $810 at Zoro after 25% off Coupon my experience they send ya one a month via e-mail mince is late!!

http://www.zoro.com/chicago-pneumatic-electric-air-compressor-2-stage-15-cfm-rcp-561vns/i/G0468870/

 

[crab]

Tell ya the truth a 6 hp 60 gal. craftsman is hard to beat in that price range. They are loud but they'll run for ever and you can rebuild them for about 50 bucks. I've had one for 10 or 15 years and never a problem with it. I've painted with it and run air tools and it has always kept up. They are loud, did I mention that.

 

[sberry]

Some places there just are not the used deals. I wouldn't worry much about tanks, 5 gallons of water may not really hurt it. Just cause one blows it out doesn't make it dry inside.
I wouldn't even be concerned about maint on some of these a couple yrs old.

 

[Strouty]

I have zero internet in a used pressure vessel what so ever.

I know you say that, but at $800 for a new unit, you will be getting the very very minimum specification thickness. That means that as soon as it gets any rust or any sort of issue, it is now below spec. An older industrial unit could be twice as thick and even with some rusting still well over specs.

 

[sberry]

I got mine from gregsmithequipment.com for $850. I got the 80 gallon twin stage 3 cylinder. Smallest that will still support the sand blaster and run all my tools.


Sent from my bag phone...

As much a concern as a tank is the rest of the stuff. Old stuff often works the day you get it but soon every flaw shows up, was down that road this summer. Worked great in a shop test, put some work on it and poops. Fix it, something else craps out. Another half a work day shot repairing a unit aint worth 50 at a good yard sale.
The new unit at 800 or so 2 stage would be well worth a look here. Wires, fittings, valves, motor, pump, tank,,,, all new. It has its points.

 

[RickP]

I have zero internet in a used pressure vessel what so ever.

I'd go with the HF two stage model:

Link: http://www.harborfreight.com/5-hp-60-gallon-165-psi-two-stage-air-compressor-93274.html

I bought that model three years ago, and it's been running strong ever since. I use it a lot, and it has no problem with die grinders, sanders, spray guns, etc. It's listed as 15.8 cfm at 90 psi, which may be slightly inflated. But I think it pumps out a lot more air than a single stage. It is loud (3450 rpm motor), but I haven't done anything to muffle the air intake yet. A slower motor will definitely be a bit quieter, but you can't beat the price of this model.

The tank is made in the USA, and it's assembled here too (in South Carolina, iirc). The pump is from Italy and the motor is from Mexico.

 

[md21722]

Harbor Freight recently replaced that model with a different one that is single stage.

 

[pdxgearhead]

I would go with the largest unit you could afford. I have a Husky 2 stage 80 gal unit, which is a rebranded Campbell Housefeld. I bought it in 2008 and the pump is marked "USA"; they're imported now. It's kind of an oddball unit because it only puts out 12.6 cfm at 90 psi. I paid $800 something for it as it was on sale. I really like never running out of air. It's such a relief to wrench on the Jeep without a compressor kicking in all the time.

 

[RickP]

Harbor Freight recently replaced that model with a different one that is single stage.

Do you have a link? I don't see any single stage 240v models on their web site or in the latest HF flyer. The 2-stage model is still listed in both places for $829.

 

[PatStroud]

Compressor Direct ....
Quincy Q13150VQ 3.5hp 60 gallon ...... 799.99
Free Shipping
No Tax
12.8cfm @ 90 psi
If you not a commercial user this is a very good compressor for most applications.