Air compressor help

[IN10SS]

Hi Guys,
I've had a CH 6 hp single stage 60 gallon unit for 23 years which has been enough to run my air tools but comes up short anytime I need my sand blasting cabinet. It runs continuously, gets hot, and the moisture problems increase dramatically; all bad news when cleaning parts. As a stopgap, I ordered a BGA35 aftercooler Friday, but determined now is the time to upgrade since I'm resto-modding my cutlass this winter.
So I want to upgrade and figured only a two stage 80 gallon unit will do. All the ones within my budget are 5hp. I found a sears unit on sale for $1260 online that costs $69 to have delivered.
But there are several others within $90 to $140 with minor differences including an Emax unit online that has an aftercooler. All complicating my choice.
To further confuse and complicate the issue, Northern has a two stage 5 hp quincy QT-54 with a 60 gallon tank for $1350 with free delivery if ordered online. If I could afford the 80 gallon quincy for $18xx I'd be happy but will the smaller one compare to the bargain 80 gallon units. I'm open to advice.
Thanks!

 

[jimbbski]

Look at the CFM ratings. How may CFM at 40 PSI and 90 PSI which are numbers most compressors are rated at. The higher the better.

 

[jloehlein]

If you can wait until the next Zoro 30% off sale, you could get this 7.5hp, 80gal IR compressor for $1540.

 

[mg283680]

I'd stretch for the bigger Quincy. That's a nice compressor.
Regardless, you still need to remove the water.

 

[z28ke]

If your current tank is in good shape I would go with the 60 you like and plumb your current 60 tank to it for 120 gallons.

 

[IN10SS]

Thanks for the replies. I'd like to get the bigger Quincy, but it is pretty much out of the question. Same with the 7.5 hp IR from Zoro(this one puts out some air!). I did go signup for an account and catalog though as a 30% off sale is not something to ignore. I have to stay at about $1400 with delivery and tax. How often do those sales happen? I was hoping to sell my old CH for $150 to a friend to recoup a little. Budget is tight when you're retired on a fixed income. Maybe a veteran's day sale will happen.

 

[jloehlein]

Thanks for the replies. I'd like to get the bigger Quincy, but it is pretty much out of the question. Same with the 7.5 hp IR from Zoro(this one puts out some air!). I did go signup for an account and catalog though as a 30% off sale is not something to ignore. I have to stay at about $1400 with delivery and tax. How often do those sales happen? I was hoping to sell my old CH for $150 to a friend to recoup a little. Budget is tight when you're retired on a fixed income. Maybe a veteran's day sale will happen.

The Zoro 30% off sales happen a few times a year. They do charge tax, but not shipping. Browsing their site is not convenient, but if you can get past that, you may be able to find some good deals. I'd go check out their other compressors to see if they have anything that'll meet your needs.