Actual air compressor needs

[Scott P]

My decades old 20 gallon oil lubed Speedaire finally died. The tank developed a hole on the bottom recently, and just last week, it started knocking loudly like it threw a rod or something. So, it's new compressor time.

I have read a ton of air compressor threads on here, mostly dealing with big upright models. My needs are more homeowner based. Basically, inflating tires, inflatables for the kids, and the occasional air nailer. or small impact gun. I won't be painting with it nor using any air powered grinders or sanders. So, I am thinking a 20+ gallon 120V model would be sufficient. My current compressor is 220V, but I still have one open slot on my circuit breaker box, so I could add in in a 20A circuit for the compressor and use the two old air compressor slots for a 50A circuit for our travel trailer.

The decision them boils down to two models for me. I can get the Kobalt Quiet-Tech oil-less 26 gallon model for $300. I am spoiled by the quieter oil lubed one I have now, but these models are supposed to be as quiet. The other option is a Quincy 26 gallon. The Quincy has a bigger 7.4 CFM @ 90 psi. I might be able to snag one for $400 off Facebook marketplace or $480 from a local Lowes.

I just need to know if stepping up to the Quincy is worth the additional cost. I know it's a better compressor and will probably last longer, but based on my need, I don't know if the additional cash outlay is worth it. The tool guy in me says go with the bigger, badder Quincy, but the common sense guy says save the money and stick with the Kobalt since it will do everything you need it to do.

Any thoughts out there that haven't been covered by previous threads out there? Both units run on 120V. The Kobalt goes to a higher psi, but the Quincy has a higher cfm which I imagine is the more important metric.

 

[NC Rick]

We have a couple California Air units around here with friends and family. I have been impressed by the quality and value. Super quiet too. I bigger one of those would be nice. Check them out. Likely cheaper than a replacement tank for your speed air.

 

[Rich M.]

I was in the same boat as you. Looked at the Kobalt Quiet Tech long and hard. I finally made the decision not to get another oilless and went for a belt drive compressor. My deciding thought was - I should be able to find replacement parts for a long time. Not sure that would be the case with the Quiet Tech.

I did get a good deal on the the Kobalt 30 gallon that is made (put together) by Campbell Hausfeld. Did not need a 30 gallon compressor, but the price was right. Plus, who knows, I might need a bigger compressor down the road.

 

[driftpin]

Having a better compressor, with more-capacity, or more CFM, is like having too-much money in your wallet: what's there to complain-about? The only thing someone might say is that it takes up more-space in the shop, or maybe, "I don't have the wiring for that, now!"

Currently at home I had a Campbell-Hausfeld 240 V cast-iron 2-piston pump w/a 30 gallon horizontal tank, bought from a friend who bought it new. It was 8 SCFM @ 90 psi. I wanted something bigger to use for media blasting. A friend has a new air compressor sales and repair shop, I bought just-what your readings revealed: an upright.

It's a large-tank (80 gallons) upright 240 V & 24 amp Baldor motor, made-in-America (St. Johns MI) Saylor-Beall, which would have-been about $3,000 bought new. I got it refurbished by my friend's shop, for a canary-price (cheep!) He sold them a new replacement, and hauled-away their old unit, serviced it, installed new switches and a ball-valve on the tank-out female fitting, and the Baldor 5 HP 24 amp motor.

I got it wired-in yesterday, I would have done it but the wife said, "have the electrician do it" (they installed almost a complete new service at our home, outside and inside, including a buried service from the pole). This morning I went-to NAPA to get some model D fittings for my hoses. I have it so I can use it, but I'm going to build a manifold so I can feed either 1/4" or 3/8" lines.

Have-fun with your new compressor.

 

[md21722]

The Quincy 26 gallon is the same as the NAPA 26 gallon or the Chicago Pnuematic 26 gallon. They are all ABAC compressors. ABAC is a division of Atlas Copco that owns Quincy and CP. The HF 29 gallon is also basically the same pump. Quincy sort of cheats here, rating the pump as 7.1 AFCM whereas the others rate as SCFM. So the real output is basically the same. Balance cost, warranty, and ease of purchase. FWIW, I owned the NAPA version for a couple years and it was fine.

 

[byoungblood]

I had a 60 gallon, 220v upright, I sold it a couple of weeks ago in preparation for my move in a few weeks. I will likely replace it with a 30 gallon compressor, which should be more than enough for my needs AND is portable. I bought the 60 gallon one about 15 years ago thinking I was going to do a lot of blasting and painting. I never used it for either function, so it is overkill for intermittent air tool use/airing up tires.

 

[Scott P]

I ended up bringing home the Kobalt Quiet Tech 26 gallon.I fired it up when I got home and it is pretty damn quiet. It got up to 150 psi in 6 minutes. Honestly, it's probably all the compressor I'm going to need.

 

[Citation]

For what it's worth the Quiet tech is the one I would have suggested. Given your description you likely won't wear it out.

 

[Citation]

The Quincy 26 gallon is the same as the NAPA 26 gallon or the Chicago Pnuematic 26 gallon. They are all ABAC compressors. ABAC is a division of Atlas Copco that owns Quincy and CP. The HF 29 gallon is also basically the same pump. Quincy sort of cheats here, rating the pump as 7.1 AFCM whereas the others rate as SCFM. So the real output is basically the same. Balance cost, warranty, and ease of purchase. FWIW, I owned the NAPA version for a couple years and it was fine.

Do you have any idea what conditions they test at? I was trying to guess to convert ACFM into SCFM. My guess was they include the increased discharge air temp. If we do that the 7.4 cfm (from Northern Tool's website) becomes 5.4 SCFM which would be in line with other similar compressors.
https://www.theleeco.com/engineering/lohm-laws-working-with-gases/acfm-to-scfm-conversion/