A few stationary air compressor questions...

[The One]

I had posted over in another thread but didn't get much of a response.

My 15gal Craftsman stopped making pressure yesterday in the middle of derusting my daily driver restoration project, a Jeep (I'm hoping I can get a new compressor in within the week so I can still finish by winter!). On a more positive note this allows me to buy my dream compressor!

I have 240v in my garage (this is the same as 220v, correct?) and I want a large shop sized compressor that can provide power for 2-3 people. I've never used my compressor outside of the garage, only sometimes setting it out the door to cut down on noise, but soon I'll have a dedicated space for the compressor so mobility isn't a big issue beyond light enough for 2-4 people to move without a forklift. I will be eventually connecting it up to a hardline throughout my garage, in the meantime I would like a single quick disconnect off of it.

Currently my most used tool is a smaller die grinder but I see that expanding if I have a better compressor. I'd probably like painting with it too, but can I add a air dryer later or does that need to be part of the system now? Figure on 6 hours/day some times, and 1/2 hour/week other times. It's my hobby and I don't mind paying a premium so that I actually enjoy it.

I browsed Air Compressors Direct and these caught my eye:

BelAire 318VLE
BelAire 6312V (will 3-phase work with my home electricity? Is it something simple a electrician can setup for me?)
IR 2475N7.5-V
Quincy 271C80VCBM

Any thoughts on these? Are they actually the best brands?

 

[sberry]

3 phase will not work and you do not need the "best", what you do want is adequate. This will be a 1 user at a time endeavor. Even in my shop air is mostly used by 1 at a time. For real body work this means 5 hp 2 stage although a home brew guy can slide by with 3 if he learns to be thrifty.

 

[454ragtop]

You'll want a single phase compressor. An air dryer or more likely a water separator can be added later

 

[The One]

Thanks for the thoughts!

Sberry, will a 5hp 2 stage be enough for painting? I'd love to save some $$$ but I don't want to buy a bigger one later either.

At times I could see 2 die grinders running at a time if I have a friend over but mostly it'll probably be 2 air ratchets. And even more likely just me running an air ratchet.

I've researched a bit more and BelAire and Harbor freight seem to be the same thing? I'm not sure I like the sound of BelAire anymore...

 

[Boilerhouse]

I have a single stage, 2 cylinder, 5 HP 120 psi, 12 cfm, Campbell Hausfield that I use for impact guns, air ratchet, die grinder, angle grinder, spray painter, sand blaster, general blow-down to name just a few. Some things it runs super easy, some it's a bit borderline. This is not any sort of recommendation, it is just to give you a feeling of what a compressor of those specs is capable of. The cfm rating is very important and a 2 stage compressor will put out more psi and give you more ooomph if and when you need it.

 

[The One]

It looks like I can get a good deal on a Jenny 7.5hp 80 gallon. Putting it in the price range of a Quincy. From what I hear it's a good American made unit. The down side is I won't see it for about 3 weeks. Thoughts?

 

[CGT80]

I wouldn't bother with anything but a two stage for air tools and 17-20 cfm minimum. Two die grinders on a 5hp with those specs could still give it a run for it's money, if they run non stop. Intermittent use is much easier to keep up with.

My compressor averages 20 cfm and is set to 170 psi. The extra pressure is great with my plasma table being 150' of hose from the tank. I run full pressure at 140-170 with a regulator and filters at the plasma. The pressure never drops below 110 psi after the filters and regulator, on 1/4" hose (yeah, I may go bigger but most of my work in the past was on job sites with nailguns and texture guns).

A big single stage will make lots of air, but the pressure will drop lower before it kicks on. If it kicks on at 105 psi and you have a long run of hose, you may run low on air. It happened with the Cman 5hp (advertised) single stage units that were on 50' of hose. My old plasma didn't work below 90 psi.

20 cfm allows me to run the little blast cabinet at up to 100 or so psi non stop, with a large **** blast nozzle (20-24 cfm) and the compressor will catch up and shut off for a couple minutes with continuous blasting. An 80 gallon tank is nice and will last a long time for small intermittent use. My next one might be a 120 gallon.

 

[lbhsbz]

I bought a 80 gallon 5hp 2 stage IR unit about 10 years ago when I bought a place with the room for it...mostly because I was tired of running out of air with the little guys I had before that.

I'll occasionally run a DA sander, some painting, quite a bit of die grinder use, impacts, air ratchets, etc...

I recently started expanding my cordless arsenal...and don't imagine I'll be picking up a pneumatic impact for a while. I also have a cordless ratchet which is much more convenient than air. Electric die grinders, while larger than air, are quieter, don't require a 5 HP compressor to run, and a cord is easier to dangle around than an air hose....I find myself reaching for my electric grinders more often. If I didn't have a sand blast cabinet, I'd get rid of the big compressor and downsize...stick something else in corner where the compressor is taking up space.

There are quite a few more options for electric or cordless where air was the only option years ago. You may take this into consideration in making your choice.

 

[bastage]

I've researched a bit more and BelAire and Harbor freight seem to be the same thing? I'm not sure I like the sound of BelAire anymore...

Your looking at that wrong.. the hf 2 stage unit is the same as a Bellaire yes.. and the 27g that harbor freight sells has the same single stage pump as the Quincey 20g too..

Lots of other brands can also be mixed in here and it's because those hf compressors are made by abac copco which makes/owns lots of different brands..

There are tons of threads about the hf 2 stage 60g here and it's a good unit. Bang for bucks it's probably one of the best even.

 

[The One]

I have a 250v 50a outlet in my garage. It's connected to a dual 50a breaker. Will this work for the compressor?

 

[Hammer1963]

The Dewalt 80 gallon compressor at Rural King is a great value. It is 2 stage, 175 PSI, 17.0 SCFM unit that has a very short run cycle. This particular unit does not come with any built in gauges or regulators on a dashboard like the units offered at other vendors therefore it is priced much less. I believe I paid under $900.00 for mine earlier this year. So far it has been problem free. I also purchased a package that includes oil, filters and belts for maintenance which extends the pump warranty

 

[CGT80]

I have a 250v 50a outlet in my garage. It's connected to a dual 50a breaker. Will this work for the compressor?

That should run even a true 7.5hp compressor, but you aren't supposed to run more than a 3hp motor on a receptacle. Do some of us run one anyway? Yes.

My 5hp old baldor has a nameplate of around 28 amps and would max out at about 32 if pushed to full capacity. It runs right at 30.0 before it shuts off. A newer 5hp is down around 24 amps from what I have seen. My 5hp motor is supposed to weigh 100+ pounds and is a far cry from the POS sanborn 20-30 pound 5hp that I had, which only pulled 15 amps (ratings were way over inflated). The baldor also has 1-1/8" or so shaft, vs. the tiny thing that sanborn had.

It is a nice improvement when you finally upgrade to a big boy air compressor, over the cheap toys that are so common at retail places.

Don't sweat the upgrades on the air system. Plasma, paint, and sandblasting are what need lots of very dry air. Air tools will run fine on a simple filter setup. You might get the compressor and run a single hose and see how you like it and then decide how to plan out your air system. Mine is outside and most of my work in a single car garage with cheap 3/8" air line to a couple filters and 3 drops plus and air hose real in the ceiling. There isn't a lot of room to have hoses drug all over. The sandblast cabinet is outside and gets a hose drug out and the cnc plasma table is in another building more than a hundred feet away and on a hose since the Cman 10cfm single stage units (with want to be 5hp motors) can't keep up with the pressure demands.

The cordless ratchet is great and I hardly have used my IR composite air ratchet with the amount of noise it makes, the weight, and having to drag out a cord. There is no way I would give up the 2135ti impact, but I already have it. The small size of the die grinders and ease of using the angled die grinder are a huge plus over electric, but they are air hogs. Some of my work is for business and some for hobby or personal needs, but I demand good tools that make the job easier. They don't have to be the most expensive, but HF is a place have little use for. I have heard that their compressors are decent but I bought an old beast that is pressure lubed and built like a tank.

 

[The One]

That should run even a true 7.5hp compressor, but you aren't supposed to run more than a 3hp motor on a receptacle. Do some of us run one anyway? Yes.

My 5hp old baldor has a nameplate of around 28 amps and would max out at about 32 if pushed to full capacity. It runs right at 30.0 before it shuts off. A newer 5hp is down around 24 amps from what I have seen. My 5hp motor is supposed to weigh 100+ pounds and is a far cry from the POS sanborn 20-30 pound 5hp that I had, which only pulled 15 amps (ratings were way over inflated). The baldor also has 1-1/8" or so shaft, vs. the tiny thing that sanborn had.

It is a nice improvement when you finally upgrade to a big boy air compressor, over the cheap toys that are so common at retail places.

Don't sweat the upgrades on the air system. Plasma, paint, and sandblasting are what need lots of very dry air. Air tools will run fine on a simple filter setup. You might get the compressor and run a single hose and see how you like it and then decide how to plan out your air system. Mine is outside and most of my work in a single car garage with cheap 3/8" air line to a couple filters and 3 drops plus and air hose real in the ceiling. There isn't a lot of room to have hoses drug all over. The sandblast cabinet is outside and gets a hose drug out and the cnc plasma table is in another building more than a hundred feet away and on a hose since the Cman 10cfm single stage units (with want to be 5hp motors) can't keep up with the pressure demands.

The cordless ratchet is great and I hardly have used my IR composite air ratchet with the amount of noise it makes, the weight, and having to drag out a cord. There is no way I would give up the 2135ti impact, but I already have it. The small size of the die grinders and ease of using the angled die grinder are a huge plus over electric, but they are air hogs. Some of my work is for business and some for hobby or personal needs, but I demand good tools that make the job easier. They don't have to be the most expensive, but HF is a place have little use for. I have heard that their compressors are decent but I bought an old beast that is pressure lubed and built like a tank.

Thanks! I do like my electric impact. Over time electric tools will probably only get better and better but air tools seem to still have a place since at least for now... I've thought about buying an electric ratchet too, which do you have?

I ended up buying a 7.5hp Jenny. From what I read it sounds like I won't regret it and I'll enjoy it for the rest of my life. I have this outlet in my garage: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004YUMZ/?tag=atomicindus08-20 Do I just need to buy the plug end for it and connect it up to the wiring on the compressor?

If right now I just want a simple pressure regulator and quick disconnect for a single hose out of the compressor do these high end compressors normally include that? Can I reuse the one from my Craftsman?

 

[Ign]

3 phase will not work and you do not need the "best", what you do want is adequate. This will be a 1 user at a time endeavor. Even in my shop air is mostly used by 1 at a time. For real body work this means 5 hp 2 stage although a home brew guy can slide by with 3 if he learns to be thrifty.

This. I bought Craftsman's 80 gallon back around '03. I think it was a rebadged DevilBiss (sp?) and has taken a beating ever since. Several people can run air tools if you want.

Ironically it could have fallen under the class action lawsuit circa '04/5 for "creative math" on CFM ratings but I didn't care - I knew all compressors were over-rated.

It has ALWAYS lived in an uninsulated shed and runs at -10 or 100 degrees F. I've changed the oil twice in 14 years.

The point: buy the biggest, best consumer grade compressor you can get at HD, Lowes, TSC or Big R and move on w life. Unless you're running a true pro shop then step up to industrial.

 

[CGT80]

Thanks! I do like my electric impact. Over time electric tools will probably only get better and better but air tools seem to still have a place since at least for now... I've thought about buying an electric ratchet too, which do you have?

I ended up buying a 7.5hp Jenny. From what I read it sounds like I won't regret it and I'll enjoy it for the rest of my life. I have this outlet in my garage: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004YUMZ/?tag=atomicindus08-20 Do I just need to buy the plug end for it and connect it up to the wiring on the compressor?

If right now I just want a simple pressure regulator and quick disconnect for a single hose out of the compressor do these high end compressors normally include that? Can I reuse the one from my Craftsman?

I have the Milwaukee m12 3/8" ratchet. It is really handy, but I have only done a few projects with it.......still probably more than I have done with the really cool air ratchet that has sat in the drawer for the last 10 years. The m12 fuel impact and drill are also great. That is coming from a guy that used the V28 tools everyday as a pro. Small is nice when it can get the job done.

That is the same type of receptacle I use, 6-50. Both welders and plasma cutters have the same plug along with the air compressors. I'm not familiar with your compressor, so you will need to verify the wire colors at the magnetic starter or switch. If you can properly direct wire it, it would be a plus. My 5hp compressor pulls around 165 amps for a split second when it starts. I think that is why receptacles are not recommended. Also, mine is on 10ga wire and a 30 amp breaker. Again, not quite right.

Wait and see what your compressor comes with. You could run a 1/2" or 3/8" regulator, but last week I bought a 1/4" high flow unit from home depot for 25 bucks. It beats the 20 dollar version just for the fact you can put the pressure gauge on either side depending on where you mount the regulator. The lowes kobalt 1/4" unit can be put on either side as well. The hose into my garage has full pressure and it goes to a ball valve and a t with a gauge, then a regulator to drop to 125 psi right before the water separator and the M30 paper filter. Those two filters are only rated to 125psi, otherwise I would not run the first regulator. There is a drop to the milling machine at 125 psi for the misting unit and a run to a work bench with a regulator in case I want to run the die grinder slower. The main bench has a regulator over it that feeds the hose reel and two quick connects to the right of the bench. One QC has a tekton 10' 3/8" hybrid air hose which is very nice for using the die grinders and the other hose is a curly flexeel 1/4" that usually has a blow gun on it. Right now, the home depot plastic universal coupler is my favorite. I have not tried the high flow couplers. The safety coupler is great since the hoses don't fly out and it stops that ear piercing air release and they are very easy to release and easy to plug in vs. the standard or quick connect couplers. At 5 bucks each they do fine and beat the $20 aluminum safety units with the sliding ring. When I do fabwork, there is a lot of back and forth between the blow gun and the two die grinders.

I'm sure you will enjoy that 7.5 Jenny. Is it a two stage or just a big single. Even if it is a single stage, if the unit kicks back on at a high enough pressure it should provide a ton of air.

 

[FSrepair&fabrication]

yes 220v and 240v is the same. With that outlet you have the compressor should be a direct plug in, if it doesnt come with a plug all youll need is a 3 pin 220v male plug from lowes. the top two pins are your hot wires, the single bottom pin is the ground

 

[The One]

I have the Milwaukee m12 3/8" ratchet. It is really handy, but I have only done a few projects with it.......still probably more than I have done with the really cool air ratchet that has sat in the drawer for the last 10 years. The m12 fuel impact and drill are also great. That is coming from a guy that used the V28 tools everyday as a pro. Small is nice when it can get the job done.

That is the same type of receptacle I use, 6-50. Both welders and plasma cutters have the same plug along with the air compressors. I'm not familiar with your compressor, so you will need to verify the wire colors at the magnetic starter or switch. If you can properly direct wire it, it would be a plus. My 5hp compressor pulls around 165 amps for a split second when it starts. I think that is why receptacles are not recommended. Also, mine is on 10ga wire and a 30 amp breaker. Again, not quite right.

Wait and see what your compressor comes with. You could run a 1/2" or 3/8" regulator, but last week I bought a 1/4" high flow unit from home depot for 25 bucks. It beats the 20 dollar version just for the fact you can put the pressure gauge on either side depending on where you mount the regulator. The lowes kobalt 1/4" unit can be put on either side as well. The hose into my garage has full pressure and it goes to a ball valve and a t with a gauge, then a regulator to drop to 125 psi right before the water separator and the M30 paper filter. Those two filters are only rated to 125psi, otherwise I would not run the first regulator. There is a drop to the milling machine at 125 psi for the misting unit and a run to a work bench with a regulator in case I want to run the die grinder slower. The main bench has a regulator over it that feeds the hose reel and two quick connects to the right of the bench. One QC has a tekton 10' 3/8" hybrid air hose which is very nice for using the die grinders and the other hose is a curly flexeel 1/4" that usually has a blow gun on it. Right now, the home depot plastic universal coupler is my favorite. I have not tried the high flow couplers. The safety coupler is great since the hoses don't fly out and it stops that ear piercing air release and they are very easy to release and easy to plug in vs. the standard or quick connect couplers. At 5 bucks each they do fine and beat the $20 aluminum safety units with the sliding ring. When I do fabwork, there is a lot of back and forth between the blow gun and the two die grinders.

I'm sure you will enjoy that 7.5 Jenny. Is it a two stage or just a big single. Even if it is a single stage, if the unit kicks back on at a high enough pressure it should provide a ton of air.

It's a 2 stage.

yes 220v and 240v is the same. With that outlet you have the compressor should be a direct plug in, if it doesnt come with a plug all youll need is a 3 pin 220v male plug from lowes. the top two pins are your hot wires, the single bottom pin is the ground

Thanks for this.

Just to verify that I'm not going to burn my house or garage down, the power for the garage comes from the house (~100ft away) with a 100amp breaker, from there it goes to a dual 50amp breaker in the garage, and then to a 150v 50amp outlet. Totally safe?

 

[bsaint]

Those are your dream air compressors? I can open your eyes to better air compressors that are dream worthy. How about a tank mounted single phase 5hp Sullair ES6 with integrated air dryer and sound enclosure. Comes with a 10 year warranty. That's my dream unit for my shop.

Also a 7500 hp Ariel unit would be nice.

 

[FSrepair&fabrication]

As long as the wire used is sized correctly for the distance you'll be fine (which it probably is thanks to building codes) , when you said 150v 50amp outlet im assuming you meant 220v which is the outlet you showed the picture of. if thats what you got youre good to go. a compressor that size is not drawing nearly enough amps to be worried about. If you can manage to run lights and a radio maybe a corded tool all at once with the compressor running youll be fine thats not even using 50% of what you have available. where it gets questionable is when you add another big power sucker or two like a heat pump/ac unit and/or a welder, get a few buddies in the shop and have em all going at once then youll be tripping breakers

 

[The One]

Those are your dream air compressors? I can open your eyes to better air compressors that are dream worthy. How about a tank mounted single phase 5hp Sullair ES6 with integrated air dryer and sound enclosure. Comes with a 10 year warranty. That's my dream unit for my shop.

Also a 7500 hp Ariel unit would be nice.

Where were you a few days ago?

As long as the wire used is sized correctly for the distance you'll be fine (which it probably is thanks to building codes) , when you said 150v 50amp outlet im assuming you meant 220v which is the outlet you showed the picture of. if thats what you got youre good to go. a compressor that size is not drawing nearly enough amps to be worried about. If you can manage to run lights and a radio maybe a corded tool all at once with the compressor running youll be fine thats not even using 50% of what you have available. where it gets questionable is when you add another big power sucker or two like a heat pump/ac unit and/or a welder, get a few buddies in the shop and have em all going at once then youll be tripping breakers

Oops! Yeah, I meant the 250v outlet (which it sounds like is actually 220v?).When I do my garage addition (and add heat and fans and lots more lights) I hope to bring an extra electrical line over from the house at the same time. But then again at that time I also plan on switching to LED lights which should help a bit too.

I'd rather trip a few breakers and realize I need to slow things down than start a fire or damage tools.

 

[AJ1978]

Depending on your budget, And space, and location.. Didn't see your location in your signature. Look at the Champion/Gardner Denver series compressors, they are quiet and reliable. Produce lots of air, but don't buy the "homeowner version of this unit" Buy one that has the industrial Baldor motor 1725? RPM, not the 3450. This will run anything you need to, and not break the bank.. TP Tools sell them, and a lot of local compressor shops sell them. These are reed valve pumps but they totally kick ***....

 

[bsaint]

Where were you a few days ago?

Yea buddy look at this

 

[DC73]

Just to verify that I'm not going to burn my house or garage down, the power for the garage comes from the house (~100ft away) with a 100amp breaker, from there it goes to a dual 50amp breaker in the garage, and then to a 150v 50amp outlet. Totally safe?

You probably should post your electrical questions in the Lighting and Electrical forum. As best I can remember, a 7.5HP compressor must be hardwired and depending on proximity to the breaker panel, may need a disconnect near the compressor.

DC

 

[The One]

I got the Jenny!

So if I understand this correctly, the powered lines from a plug would go to 1L1 and 3L2? Then ground to the screw? I'll have to look closer how you're supposed to connect wires to these spots...

View media item 74110
View media item 74111

 

[metaleltr]

Look into eaton very price competitive, very quiet, assembled in USA-Ohio to be specific. Cast ironroller bearing pump. The pump is actually a saylor beal clone.

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

I got the Jenny!

So if I understand this correctly, the powered lines from a plug would go to 1L1 and 3L2? Then ground to the screw?

Correct...But as others have suggested, hardwire it in and **** can the plug. You're not moving this unit from place to place, so no need for a plug.

 

[The One]

Correct...But as others have suggested, hardwire it in and **** can the plug. You're not moving this unit from place to place, so no need for a plug.

I'm actually planning on adding onto my garage next summer so I do plan on moving it within the next 12 months. At that point I'll have an electrician do it right.

 

[DC73]

I'm actually planning on adding onto my garage next summer so I do plan on moving it within the next 12 months. At that point I'll have an electrician do it right.

Do it right - now and again in 12 months. Codes don't allow standard plugs on 7.5 HP compressors. You either need to hard wire it or find a fancy arc snuffer type plug that is rated at 7.5HP (price that one and be shocked). Disconnect switches are cheap and easily relocated.

DC

 

[CompressorPros.com]

As long as you have good 230 V power, the 50 amp could work with the 318VLE. BelAire (Atlas Copco) recommends a 60 am breaker. The motor is good 208-230, where some, like IR are either 200 or 230V.

 

[kelpaso1]

Correct...But as others have suggested, hardwire it in and **** can the plug. You're not moving this unit from place to place, so no need for a plug.

I wouldn't necessarily loose the plug. I only have 1 220 outlet and I use it for my compressor, welder, and heater occasionally. If you have a welder that plugs into that outlet get the same plug for the compressor.

 

[The One]

To update, I had an electrician wire the compressor in right. This thing pumps air!

 

[Shadowdog500]

To update, I had an electrician wire the compressor in right. This thing pumps air!

That was a great move! I’m not too proud to ask for help when I need it either!

Glad it is running properly! Chris

 

[The One]

Here's some pics. I also mounted the regulator yesterday.

Eventually I will be moving the compressor to the back of the garage when I add on, at that time I will add hard lines for multiple tools, but for the next year or two it'll be here.