Air Compressor died...

[loumash]

My 13 year old Craftsman 5hp 60 gal 240v compressor died last night. I actually broke a connecting rod on one of the cylinders. It made a hell of a racket when it went! I was actually was able to pull that piston and get it running, but I see this as a short term fix...

I use allot of air tools and have a blast cabinet so I need to go bigger this time. My old one would run continuously when sandblasting, which probably contributed to it's demise. It was rated at 11.5 scfm at 90psi.

I can only spend about $800 and would like to go new as I have a $150 amex gift card I would like to put towards this.

I'm leaning towards this C-H at lowes, It's $799:

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Campbell-Hausfeld-DP5810/p395.html

It's all I want except its only a single stage. I'm not sure what it would make in actual difference.

I also see this one at Harbor Freight:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=93274

It's got a smaller tank, but is dual stage. Also slightly less scfm.

I'm leaning towards the one at lowes as they are offering 12 months with no interest financing.

Thanks for the input!

Lou

 

[Identaltech]

go with the one you like.
I think the first one would suit me.
remember you can always tie your old tank to the new and have 120 gal.

 

[rcozzo]

I've got the Harbor Freight unit you show. I would pick it. Two stage, higher pressure in the tank and lines, will make up for the smaller tank size. I bought mine for $600. It was on sale for $799, then I had a 25% off coupon. Look for a coupon, 20% off is pretty common.

 

[Chris Adams]

Just wondering, why not do what I did and just replace the compressor? HF has a 5 horsepower for about 90 bucks or so after coupon. It's an easy job even if you have to mess with pulleys etc.

 

[3/8"indestro]

or go the used compressor route,there are plenty of nice industrial units out there.Champion,Curtis,Quincy,Saylor-Beall,Kellogg,Gardner,Wayne,Devair.check your local craigslist.

 

[goodfellow]

Just my $.02 -- I'd spend the money on a quality replacement pump and motor. That 5HP is probably 3HP running. If the receiver is in good shape you could build a real nice unit for around $500 (that includes the pump, the motor and a mag starter).

 

[Chris Adams]

Just my $.02 -- I'd spend the money on a quality replacement pump and motor. That 5HP is probably 3HP running. If the receiver is in good shape you could build a real nice unit for around $500 (that includes the pump, the motor and a mag starter).

Dunno, the 'quality' of my IR compressor is what led me to buy a cheap import, which makes about the same CFM but at way, way less money.

Even if you buy 'quality' you are probably buying cheap import sleeved stuff. Unless you buy an old new stock compressor, say from twenty years ago.
Which you are not going to find.
For 500 bucks you can get a decent 60 gallon unit complete.
Its an air compressor, not a family heirloom.

 

[Shocker]

Is that CH at Lowe's made in the USA? It has the stickers on it.

 

[rcozzo]

Just my $.02 -- I'd spend the money on a quality replacement pump and motor. That 5HP is probably 3HP running. If the receiver is in good shape you could build a real nice unit for around $500 (that includes the pump, the motor and a mag starter).

The HF motor is 22amps running. I believe that's a true 5HP.

 

[krooser]

The HF motor is 22amps running. I believe that's a true 5HP.

Amps of draw has nothing to do with rated HP.

If your motor is Ok look at Eaton compressors... they sell their own brand of compressor pumps at good prices. They are imports but seem to stand behind their stuff.

$800.00 isn't much to work with... you can buy a new 80 gal/5HP IMC BelAire 218V for just over a grand with free freight. Puts out 15.3 cfm @ 175 psi. Google search is in order.

Personally I wouldn't buy any compressor at a box store... mostly overated HP and cfm numbers on those "discount" compressors...

 

[nissan_crawler]

x2 on the eaton pump. Get it, slap it on, try it. If hte motor isn't enough, throw a baldor on it. I would be building one off your existing parts, IMHO.

http://www.eatoncompressor.com/catalog/item/518643/547020.htm

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-5HP-BALDOR-AIR-COMPRESSOR-ELECTRIC-MOTOR-L1430T_W0QQitemZ200335252970QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item200335252970&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50

 

[Charles (in GA)]

The HF motor is 22amps running. I believe that's a true 5HP.

Amps of draw has nothing to do with rated HP.

1 horsepower = 745.699872 watts

Throw in waste, losses, power factor, etc. and its not far off.

Charles

 

[krooser]

1 horsepower = 745.699872 watts

Throw in waste, losses, power factor, etc. and its not far off.

Charles

Charles,

Good point but that's assuming the specs are on the $$$... I don't trust much stuff from HF...

 

[krooser]

x2 on the eaton pump. Get it, slap it on, try it. If hte motor isn't enough, throw a baldor on it. I would be building one off your existing parts, IMHO.

http://www.eatoncompressor.com/catalog/item/518643/547020.htm

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-5HP-BALDOR-AIR-COMPRESSOR-ELECTRIC-MOTOR-L1430T_W0QQitemZ200335252970QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item200335252970&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50

When this new motor gives up the ghost I'll put on a bigger Eaton pump and a 7.5 motor. Much cheaper than buying a complete new unit.