Air Compressor nerds wanted

[Swiftlegend]

So the difference between me and some guys is I don't have the local resources to find good old air compressors or the time even though I like restoration work. I am willing to buy new and spend the money...to a point on USA. I only have a budget of below $1750. I am looking at single phase 2 stage 60 gallon verticals(maybe 80)

My question is, who makes the best pump within my budget?

I have on my list so far Eagle 5160V2 but have conflicting info where some look like 250lbs but yet home site says 400lbs making me think they changed the pump on it or a different version for big box stores.

I have the Dewalt DXCMV5076055 which is repeatedly listed at 400lbs and found it supposedly spins the pump at only 767rpm and puts out 15.3CFM at 100psi

I also have the BelAire 4916V which also comes in at same CFM and made in same plant as the quincys.

Looking for something quiet and reliable, and USA made. I know there are far better but don't have the $2500-4000 to spend.

I also do my own repairs so the simpler the pump the better.

 

[GeoBruin]

None of the compressors you listed have USA made pumps. I don't think you will find a USA made pump in your price range. You'll need to jump up over $2,500 for an economy range Champion vr series or Curtis ct series to get a USA made pump.

That said, I'm not familiar with the pump on the dewalt or eagle you listed. I have the Harbor freight version of the Bellaire/ABAC/Atlas Copco you listed and it's been good to me. Loud, but good.

Good luck with your search.

 

[Citation]

Are Campbell Hausfeld pumps no longer made in US? They are lower end in this market but for lighter duty they may work just fine. Does the tank need to be 60 vs 80? I think you will find better options in the 80 gallon range.
My father has the Husky version of this one

Campbell Hausfeld 2-Stage 80 Gal. 175 psi Stationary Electric Air Compressor XC802100 - The Home Depot

Finish your sanding and painting work easily with the selection of this Campbell Hausfeld 2-Stage Stationary Electric Air Compressor. Offers durability.

www.homedepot.com

It's a low end 80 gallon but even with a 4hp motor it's been able to keep up with his current air needs (mostly smaller grinders/sanders for fabrication work). It's not as good as the Champion he used to have but he no longer needs as much air so it's more than sufficient.

 

[GeoBruin]

Are Campbell Hausfeld pumps no longer made in US? They are lower end in this market but for lighter duty they may work just fine. Does the tank need to be 60 vs 80? I think you will find better options in the 80 gallon range.
My father has the Husky version of this one

Campbell Hausfeld 2-Stage 80 Gal. 175 psi Stationary Electric Air Compressor XC802100 - The Home Depot

Finish your sanding and painting work easily with the selection of this Campbell Hausfeld 2-Stage Stationary Electric Air Compressor. Offers durability.

www.homedepot.com

It's a low end 80 gallon but even with a 4hp motor it's been able to keep up with his current air needs (mostly smaller grinders/sanders for fabrication work). It's not as good as the Champion he used to have but he no longer needs as much air so it's more than sufficient.

The pump on that compressor was not built in the US. It's also quite a bit lower flow than some of the others in that price range (12ish vs 15ish cfm).

Other than the Champion and Curtis mentioned above, about the only other 5HP pumps made in the USA are Saylor Beall, which are even a bit pricier. There are other US made pumps from other manufacturers, but they are all in much larger industrial sized compressors that are well outside the OPs price range and specs.

Unfortunately (due in part to inflation), the OPs max price will only get you a splash lubricated, import pump compressor with no mag starter in about the 15cfm range*. The pump on the Bellaire is Italian vs Mexico, India, or China if that matters.

That said, a compressor in this class will do a lot of work and last a long time for a home gamer if taken care of.

*One possible exception may be this Eaton. Eaton has some really compelling offerings under their Polar Air brand for a little more money but this "freight train" model looks like a lot of compressor for the money based just on the specs/description. I use an asterisk because I have never seen one in person and I don't know how much you'll pay in freight. This could be a $2,000 + dollar compressor by the time it gets to you.

 

[Citation]

The pump on that compressor was not built in the US. It's also quite a bit lower flow than some of the others in that price range (12ish vs 15ish cfm).

Other than the Champion and Curtis mentioned above, about the only other 5HP pumps made in the USA are Saylor Beall, which are even a bit pricier. There are other US made pumps from other manufacturers, but they are all in much larger industrial sized compressors that are well outside the OPs price range and specs.

Unfortunately (due in part to inflation), the OPs max price will only get you a splash lubricated, import pump compressor with no mag starter in about the 15cfm range*. The pump on the Bellaire is Italian vs Mexico, India, or China if that matters.

That said, a compressor in this class will do a lot of work and last a long time for a home gamer if taken care of.

*One possible exception may be this Eaton. Eaton has some really compelling offerings under their Polar Air brand for a little more money but this "freight train" model looks like a lot of compressor for the money based just on the specs/description. I use an asterisk because I have never seen one in person and I don't know how much you'll pay in freight. This could be a $2,000 + dollar compressor by the time it gets to you.

I'm surprised the flow rate is so low. My father's Husky has a slightly higher rated flow but only an 18A (4hp advertised) motor vs 22A here (5hp advertised). I wonder if the 22A is over rated.

 

[GeoBruin]

I'm surprised the flow rate is so low. My father's Husky has a slightly higher rated flow but only an 18A (4hp advertised) motor vs 22A here (5hp advertised). I wonder if the 22A is over rated.

It looks like HDs specs are wrong. The manual for that model states 15.8 cfm at 90 psi, putting right up there with the rest of the heard in this class.

 

[Swiftlegend]

Thanks guys for the input so far.

 

[Swiftlegend]

Well I am redirecting my needs versus wants as well and what can go the easiest logistically right now. I have my main shop that I need a good compressor in , however I also have my garage where I do alot of wrenching. I am thinking of going portable since it will keep cost down and I haven't ironed out where the location would be in the main shop. I also will be losing my capability of easily unloading a nice big boy at my place(dont have crane or skidsteer and small driveway). Leaning towards a vertical portable.

So I saw the Quincy Q12124vpq has highest CFM (7.4) 2hp 24gal and I do run a high end impact gun as well as die grinders too. Quincy I can buy locally. $900
Dewalt DXCM251 is 2hp 25 gal 2 stage at 6.2fcm $780 can buy locally.
Rolair 5520K17A is horizontal 7.3CFM 1.5 hp high rpm $1260
Emax Silent 2hp 20gl 5.7cfm $750

I came across that it appears Shulz makes both a vertical and horizontal but getting conflicting specs. Both appear to have a 810/870 rpm pump and feel the quality would be better. I see it at 6.2cfm @100 or 10cfm at 125psi. 2hp with in 20 or 24 gal.
$825-900

Fs-Curtis has a CTS series portable but may be discontinued


Also for those needing more of an up to date on who makes what. In the Midwest there was a company called Sanborn. As of just a few years ago in a big box store Menards they were there, as well as their Masterforce line. This factory is under MAT Holdings. They make Powermate, Proforce, Industrial Air, as well as Dewalt I believe.

Wood Industries located in Mississippi and makes the Eagle, Ironhorse, and Maxair compressors.
C-aire makes okay compressors located in WI

Castair makes some industrial ones/commercial with very very low rpm pumps located in MN


So now this can be "who makes the best portable" thread ...

 

[MacMcMacmac]

Out of that group, I'd buy the Rolair. Every one is going to be so close in performance I'd forget about any cfm ratings. They'll all be doctored anyway.

That DeWalt is going to fail spectacularly if you expect it to give you 200psi out of a single stage compressor. The fan blades on the flywheel should clue you in how ****** hot that thing is going to run. All I see is oil pumping and coked up valves in its future.

Curtis looks junky.

Quincy is just a bargain basement Abac pump.

Actually, the Rolair pump is a Chinook, which was bought out by ABAC which are both owned by Copco. The Chinooks gave good service in my experience. I built quite a few compressors with them.

Schulz compressors seem decent, but I have very little experience with them.

 

[Citation]

Honestly, given the prices of those 120V models, I would get a 60 gallon 240V and then a long air hose to run to the other shop. As an example, here is a low end IR for $900

Ingersoll Rand 60 Gal. 3 HP Single Stage Stationary Electric Compressor SS3L3 - The Home Depot

Maximum air power for commercial or contractor use. More delivered air (CFM) gives you the power to do the job right and in less time. Durable 60 Gal. cast iron construction, splash lubrication and precision-engineered

www.homedepot.com

It will deliver around 10 cfm. That's a significant step up from the 120V compressors. Yes, it isn't portable but if you can run a wind up reel and hose from the shop to the house you can have a lot of air in the house. If you just want a little bit, then a pancake or other small compressor could do.

I have a 26 gallon belt drive compressor that is similar in specs/performance to the options you listed. I appreciate how much it can do vs my smaller 4 and 5.5 gallon compressors. However, it takes up almost as much floor space as a 60 gallon compressor yet would have no hope of powering even a small blast cabinet. Given the very small price gap between a belt drive 120V and a 240V I can't see getting the smaller unit.

I do understand what you are saying about weight. However, that might not be the issue you think. My brother self delivered an 80 gallon, 4hp compressor in his minivan. We removed the motor and pump which made the tank light enough (and not top heavy) so he could move it into place with a hand truck. The motor and pump are heavy but well within what a single person can move into place. So if you are willing to unbolt the motor and pump in the HD parking lot I don't think solo delivery in a typical SUV or truck would be an issue.

 

[GeoBruin]

Well I am redirecting my needs versus wants as well and what can go the easiest logistically right now. I have my main shop that I need a good compressor in , however I also have my garage where I do alot of wrenching. I am thinking of going portable since it will keep cost down and I haven't ironed out where the location would be in the main shop. I also will be losing my capability of easily unloading a nice big boy at my place(dont have crane or skidsteer and small driveway). Leaning towards a vertical portable.

So I saw the Quincy Q12124vpq has highest CFM (7.4) 2hp 24gal and I do run a high end impact gun as well as die grinders too. Quincy I can buy locally. $900
Dewalt DXCM251 is 2hp 25 gal 2 stage at 6.2fcm $780 can buy locally.
Rolair 5520K17A is horizontal 7.3CFM 1.5 hp high rpm $1260
Emax Silent 2hp 20gl 5.7cfm $750

I came across that it appears Shulz makes both a vertical and horizontal but getting conflicting specs. Both appear to have a 810/870 rpm pump and feel the quality would be better. I see it at 6.2cfm @100 or 10cfm at 125psi. 2hp with in 20 or 24 gal.
$825-900

Fs-Curtis has a CTS series portable but may be discontinued


Also for those needing more of an up to date on who makes what. In the Midwest there was a company called Sanborn. As of just a few years ago in a big box store Menards they were there, as well as their Masterforce line. This factory is under MAT Holdings. They make Powermate, Proforce, Industrial Air, as well as Dewalt I believe.

Wood Industries located in Mississippi and makes the Eagle, Ironhorse, and Maxair compressors.
C-aire makes okay compressors located in WI

Castair makes some industrial ones/commercial with very very low rpm pumps located in MN


So now this can be "who makes the best portable" thread ...

I owned the Quincy you referenced. 2 of them actually (long story). It does put out what it claims. It pushes a 20 amp circuit pretty close to it's limit however.

Napa sells the same thing (actually, a slightly older, and my opinion better) model) for much cheaper. Check here.

It's made by Atlas Copco.

 

[Swiftlegend]

Well I currently already run an air line for when I need it from and old post war 30gl? 2hp 230volt mated to a old kellogg pump. It has a knock and the tank I don't trust any more since it was last tested in '67 and it is rusted on outside and had some water in it maybe sitting around. So plan was maybe to tear it apart later and remount motor and pump on a new tank. I just don't have the time right now. Plus the pump is so old doubt I can get parts.

The idea of getting a new one and taking apart in parking lot aint half bad though.

 

[u2slow]

I recommend to shop by cfm (@90psi) and motor amperage (@240v) It's a more 'real' comparison since HP numbers are inflated and/or lies. Single vs 2-stage (and duty cycle) after that, finally tank size.

 

[strutaeng]

Have you looked at Jenny (Emglo old name). The roofers drive the little wheelbarrow units like crazy.

I've got an older 17 gallon, 2HP wheeled Emglo that puts out about 8 CFM, wired to 120V. It does very well for intermediate CFM use. Runs a die grinder or needle scaler continuously. I ran a die grinder for like 6 hours almost non-stop once. GE motor barely got warm!

They also make 60 and 80 gallon units and last I heard their pumps were still made domestically and overhaul pump kits are available.

 

[Jbullfrog]

I have a Quincy 80 gallon in my shop. It is always on. There are a few air leaks in the black pipe and it has a timer drain valve, so it cycles a few times a day. It's been running since 2010. I have it plumbed with a 1" braided hose between it and the 1" pipe around the shop. The water trap catches some, but I still crack the valves on my drops before connecting tools. I run 3/8" hose on 1/2 regulators at most drops and 5/8" hose with 1/2" couplers direct for my big impacts.

Look at what the outlet size is on the compressor tank. Look at what the compressor's operating pressure is and the cut in and out psi. I have seen a lot of DeWalt 60 and 80 gallon compressors with single stage pumps and a 1/2" outlet. They will run nail guns, but struggle with a big 1/2" let alone a 3/4" or 1" impact.