60 or 80 Gallon 2 stage air compressor

[dakkon]

Hey everyone,

I'm currently trying to decide which air compressor to go with. Originally i was dead set on a Quincy. However, from several of the recent reviews i've read it seems as though Quincy's quality control isn't what it use to be.. Also, it seems like their service department also isn't what it was it use to be.....


I'm looking at 220v 1 phase machines. I could possibly go to 2,500$; which would put me at the 7.5 220v 80 gallon Quincy unit...

If i go with a 5hp unit, i'm thinking that i will buy a Quincy from Lowes for 2 reasons. 1 the military discount and 2 i can get the extended warranty from Lowes which seems to be more reliable than the manufacturer's warranty...


I'm under the impression that the Quincy units are some of the quietest on the market. That is one of the reasons i would like to go that route.


Thanks for any help.

 

[jallyn]

Quincy is a nice compressor. Probably top of the line.

Finding how much air (cfm) you actually need at what pressure (psi) should help you decide. Maybe you actually do need the 7.5 hp unit. If it was me I would go for a 5 hp unit since it would supply more than enough air for what little I need. I don't care what color the tank is painted, but I do stay away from most anything made in China. Again, Quincy is a nice compressor. You can't go wrong there.

 

[larry_g]

Quincy is like Chevrolet. They make many models from economy to industrial. Some are imported some are not. So you must speak in model numbers.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[dakkon]

Below are the 3 units i was considering.

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Quincy-2V41C60VC-Air-Compressor/p855.html

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Quincy-251CP80VCB-Air-Compressor/p856.html

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Quincy-271CS80VCB-Air-Compressor/p857.html

 

[Richard Cranium]

It would depend on what you plan on doing with the air.

 

[Strouty]

I would think the first one is going to be louder, the second two are probably the same pump but different motors. I would go with the biggest I could afford, but it depends on what you are using it for, what are you using it for? The bigger quincy compressors are low RPM and have a powerful sound, but not obnoxious. The ones you linked to are not big ones.

 

[redmondjp]

Yes, skip the first one - 3450RPM motor so it will be louder, and it doesn't have as much flow as the others. Between the last two - it depends upon your air needs. The 7.5HP motor draws more amperage and requires a size larger starter than the 5HP does. If you are doing a lot of sanding or sandblasting, I'd go with the 7.5HP (but check that your electrical system is up to the task first). But for most tasks, the middle unit will be adequate.

 

[dakkon]

The wife and I are doing a new build. So, electrical is a non-issue.... I'll get 220 roughed in. I don't really plan on doing any significant amount of sand blasting. Also, the middle 5hp unit Lowes sells. So, i can buy from them and get the lowes warranty.

Another option would be going through a used compressor shop in town. They said they could build me a 60-80 gallon unit with an oversized pump pulley (to reduce the RMP and slp level) for about 2k$, But, delivery would be on me, I'd have to rent a trailer and get some friends together to get the compressor moved.

I'm including a link to their site. I've been to their shop and they're really nice guys and were willing to put something together for me from rebuilt parts. They said that they rebuild all of their pumps inhouse. Don't know if this may be an even better route than the "new" route?

http://industrial-air-compressors.com/

The compressor will be going in the main garage. Possibly in the little nook at the top right side of the garage (this is the reason for the noise level concern).


Strouty, how loud is your IR?
I also came across this last night as well. One of my good friends has an 80 Gallon IR.. He seems to like it quite a bit.
http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Ingersoll-Rand-2475N7.5-FP-Air-Compressor/p769.html

 

[rlitman]

I would think the first one is going to be louder, the second two are probably the same pump but different motors. I would go with the biggest I could afford, but it depends on what you are using it for, what are you using it for? The bigger quincy compressors are low RPM and have a powerful sound, but not obnoxious. The ones you linked to are not big ones.

Yes, skip the first one - 3450RPM motor so it will be louder, and it doesn't have as much flow as the others. Between the last two - it depends upon your air needs. The 7.5HP motor draws more amperage and requires a size larger starter than the 5HP does. If you are doing a lot of sanding or sandblasting, I'd go with the 7.5HP (but check that your electrical system is up to the task first). But for most tasks, the middle unit will be adequate.

Yes, the first one is probably going to be louder. The second and third do indeed appear to use the same pump. The bigger 7.5HP motor will have a larger pulley on it, to drive the pump faster, so the 7.5 will be a little louder than the 5. One other difference is that the 7.5 has a magnetic starter, while the 5 does not. That will greatly extend the life of your pressure switch (which on a 5, makes/breaks the motor power, while it does not on the 7.5).

I've got something akin to the 7.5 (not a Quincy; I WISH), and it suits my needs quite well. For 90% of my use, I'd be fine with the same two-stage unit sized down to 5HP.

It was an upgrade from 240V oil-less 60 gallon unit (about 3HP if you measured it by actual wattage, or 6HP by the phony baloney rating), and that unit was woefully inadequate to run a DA sander for me.

edit: just saw your post about a rebuilt. The oversized pump pulley also helps with cooling (it's the fan). If this unit is on a slab, sit it on some hockey pucks, and the transmitted vibration shouldn't be awful. Since you're still building, you can add some noise isolation to that nook (and the areas around it).

 

[larry_g]

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/manuals/quincyqtbrochure.pdf

Study the above brochure in regards to the pump speed and the bore/stroke ofthe units your looking at. You'll find that some just spin the pump faster with a bigger motor to make volume and some go to a bigger pump. They also list 3 different 5hp pumps. The cheaper the compressor the shorter the pump life. Know what makes these compressors different and then make a decision on your requirements.

Spend some time and search out one of the vendors that lists the noise level of the compressors if that is important to you. Confirm the motor speed. Personally I believe the 1725 rpm motors are better because of their torque curve. I also don't believe motor speed is a factor in noise level, pump speed is big contributor to noise.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Strouty]

Strouty, how loud is your IR?
I also came across this last night as well. One of my good friends has an 80 Gallon IR.. He seems to like it quite a bit.
http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Ingersoll-Rand-2475N7.5-FP-Air-Compressor/p769.html

I sold it a few years ago, but it was pretty loud. I am now working on a larger quincy that seems quieter, it has a deeper sound versus the IR having a more obnoxious sound. My Father still has the same model I had, so I do still know what it sounds like.

As far as them building you a larger used quincy, did they talk about any specs? If you could get one that is pressure lubricated versus splash lubricated (like the three you are looking at) that would be a big upgrade. Basically you would never need another compressor. A lot of the bigger pumps quincy makes are designed to work with 5 to 15 HP motors and spin between 400 and 900 RPMs.

 

[Strouty]

My compressor is fairly large, yet each pump can run on a 5 HP motor or as big as a 15 HP motor. Basically if you got a decent used one it would allow you to upgrade just the motor later on if you ever needed more air. I would definitely get the biggest tank that you can fit or afford.

 

[dakkon]

Actually, i was looking at aircompressor direct and then called quincy. This unit is pretty much the ideal unit for me if i buy new. Quincy said the estimated spl of the below compressor is 73bd..

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Quincy-351CS80VCB-Air-Compressor/p11489.html

Otherwise, yes i will ask about a used pressure lubricanted pump.


Then again, there is this beast....
http://industrial-air-compressors.c.../5-hp-quincy-duplex-reciprocating-compressor/

 

[Strouty]

Personally I would get the used one, but you all ready saw mine, so you know I am biased.

 

[cosmopedro]

My bad - was writing this instead of reading the rest of the thread, and didn't see the pricing on the Quincy PL 5HP unit. WOW! If I were in the market for a new compressor I'd seriously consider that one too!

Quincy is a nice compressor. Probably top of the line.

Finding how much air (cfm) you actually need at what pressure (psi) should help you decide...

^^^ THIS ! ! ! ^^^ There's no point buying a 7.5HP unless you envision doing enough air-based work down the road to support the purchase. If you DO think you'll be using that much then buy it now and avoid the heartache of replacing it when you really would rather be buying that spray rig or planishing hammer or (etc)...

Quincy is like Chevrolet. They make many models from economy to industrial. Some are imported some are not. So you must speak in model numbers.

lg
no neat sig line

I agree - and even Quincy's "low-end" compressors are going to be worlds better than some other brands...

It would depend on what you plan on doing with the air.

see ^^^ THIS ! ! ! ^^^ above!

ALSO, don't forget Champion, Wayne, Eaton and other mfg's - some still with us, some now gone but the compressors are still around - as they have some good offerings. If you're seriously looking for new - and you can get good new units at or near your price range - have a look at this one:

http://www.tptools.com/Champion-75HP-2-Stage-80-Gal-Air-Compressor,805.html?b=d*8066

right now it's priced at the same point as their 5HP unit - and Champion makes a very good product which puts out tons of air.

IIRC TPTools offers military discounts as well, and it never hurts to ask if that's their best offer - especially if you're thinking of air lines, reels, fittings, driers, etc. as part of a 'package deal' purchase!

Good luck - and keep us in the loop!!

 

[cosmopedro]

The wife and I are doing a new build. So, electrical is a non-issue.... I'll get 220 roughed in. I don't really plan on doing any significant amount of sand blasting.

...

The compressor will be going in the main garage. Possibly in the little nook at the top right side of the garage (this is the reason for the noise level concern).

...

QUOTE]

One way to circumvent noise and make it immaterial where you put the compressor - or anything else - in the shop is to consider having your contractor add some additional soundproofing at the walls I've outlined in red here. If you need any additional info on how to best handle that soundproofing get in touch - it's part of my business to spec those systems.

 

[dakkon]

One way to circumvent noise and make it immaterial where you put the compressor - or anything else - in the shop is to consider having your contractor add some additional soundproofing at the walls I've outlined in red here. If you need any additional info on how to best handle that soundproofing get in touch - it's part of my business to spec those systems.

I actually asked the builder about this the wall's that you highlighted will be insulated. however, possibly not sound deadened.. I could talk to the builder about doubling up the drywall, or de-coupling the drywall from the studs using one of the channel systems. Or, i could possibly do that myself depending on how much the project manager will let me do on my own.


Right now i'm thinking of a 5hp pressure lubricated unit. I'm not dead set on new, like i linked the compressor shop has the 200 gallon twin 5hp compressor for 2,200$.. That's a hell of a deal.. it would just be problematic to put in a residential garage though... Right now my air needs would be minimal. But, one never knows what's in the future.. i may end up doing more projects when i have the larger garage.

 

[rlitman]

I actually asked the builder about this the wall's that you highlighted will be insulated. however, possibly not sound deadened.. I could talk to the builder about doubling up the drywall, or de-coupling the drywall from the studs using one of the channel systems. Or, i could possibly do that myself depending on how much the project manager will let me do on my own.

Good ideas. Don't forget the ceiling.

 

[Packard V8]

Quincy is like Chevrolet. They make many models from economy to industrial. Some are imported some are not. So you must speak in model numbers.

X2 on this. The FLAPS models are a far different machine than the industrial Quincy.

jack vines

 

[golferguy]

Someone say buy the biggest one you can find?

 

[cosmopedro]

Someone say buy the biggest one you can find?

WHOA! you're gonna need your own substation to run that puppy!

Suddenly my 5HP Champion VR5-8 seems small and lightweight...

 

[cosmopedro]

I actually asked the builder about this the wall's that you highlighted will be insulated. however, possibly not sound deadened...

don't let anyone talk you into believing the first term (insulated) having any serious impact on the second term (sound deadening)... unless they're using open-cell spray-applied foam or the like there's not going to be nearly enough sound deadening by insulating alone.

I could talk to the builder about doubling up the drywall, or de-coupling the drywall from the studs using one of the channel systems. Or, i could possibly do that myself depending on how much the project manager will let me do on my own.

since those walls are adjacent to living space, they should be at a minimum 5/8" typeX gypboard for fire rating purposes... if you use resilient channel on the studs prior to installing the gypboard, obviously running horizontally, and screw the gypboard through the rc making sure not to hit a stud, then install a second layer of gypboard with GreenGlue sound reducing adhesive between the layers, you're getting somewhere...

and don't forget to install a fire-rated solid-core door at the entry point into the house - those are typically gasketed and that + the solid core make the door pretty quiet too.

and last, but certainly not least, try not to have any penetrations through those walls - if you're planning to mount receptacles consider surface mount or run conduit. And seal all the perimeter with acoustic caulk...

Missing any of these steps will be shooting yourself in the foot - been there, done that.

 

[Coursey]

What did you go with?

Do you like it?

 

[CompressorPros.com]

FYI...Quincy is now owned by Atlas Copco and are made in the same facility as BelAire and Chicago Pneumatic compressors, and many models are identical.

 

[dnschmidt]

Air compressors are simple: BIGGER IS ALWAYS BETTER. and you will always need more air than you thought. 5HP will not do sandblasting 7.5HP will but you'll still have to wait from time to time. Do it once and go BIG. You'll never regret going BIG.

 

[Trey T]

Buying used compressor can be a headache if you don't have the time or expertise to convert it to your specification. If you get a used, get one that can readily be installed for immediate use.

A lot of people recommend used compressor, particular the 5hp range, are thinking about compressor brand such as Quincy w/ 325 pump, Champion w/ R15 pump, Saylor Beall w/ 705 pump, or Kellogg w/ 335 pump. Those pump do have big advantage over the 7.5HP quincy because it takes 5hp and pretty much can produce the same air output as the 7.5HP quincy.