Air Compressor Purchase

[pottsie454]

Im about to pull the trigger on one of these... anybody think its a bad idea...

I do old car restoration out of my home garage.. So Id like to get enough CFMS and I want a QUALITY compressor. I just dont know if I should spend the extra $400 on the after cooler and automatic drain... I think the drain is worth it but is the after cooler?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-CHAMPIO...788?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item29f9b2193c

 

[64Trvlr]

Nice compressor, I'd spend the money on the after cooler way before the auto drain.

Have you checked around for prices?

 

[71goldss]

I'm seeing the auto drain listed but not the aftercooler, or is that an added option in addition to the listed price in the link? It states intercoolers for cooling between stages, but I believe that's just finned tubing like on my Quincy. Maybe I'm just blind.

I'm very happy with my 5 hp, 2 stage, 60gal Quincy that I purchased new last year, but I think if I had to do it all over again I might go with a Champion. But really can't go wrong with either I guess.

 

[pottsie454]

Good call, I dont see the after cooler on that model either. The advertising is misleading on the champion site. It led me to believe it was a standard option on the advantage series...

 

[pottsie454]

What that version does have that I like the idea of is the disc style valves instead of the reed. From what I understand they are superior in strength and air flow...

 

[71goldss]

Another issue I'm seeing with that seller is no free shipping. In fact it doesn't even state what the shipping is. Air Compressors Direct and Northern Tool both offer free shipping. I bought my Quincy on Ebay from Northern Tool for $1299 and free shipping. I haven't researched the model you're looking at to see if that's an incredible deal with or without shipping to know, but something to think about when you make your purchase. Shipping can be expensive on 500+ lbs.

 

[pottsie454]

Your right. I actually found another seller thats letting it go for $2337 with free shipping.

I am struggling hitting the buy it now button! I can probably get by with the same size you purchased but I feel like I will regret it if I dont go big from the get go. I hate making big purchases..

 

[pottsie454]

I am also considering this Curtis. Shipping is $259 to my door. Same price point, a few more CFMS....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-7-5hp-C...277?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item563fe7d865

 

[71goldss]

I believe this is the same compressor as what you linked, and this one offers free shipping.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/200843421226?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

 

[71goldss]

Your right. I actually found another seller thats letting it go for $2337 with free shipping.

I am struggling hitting the buy it now button! I can probably get by with the same size you purchased but I feel like I will regret it if I dont go big from the get go. I hate making big purchases..

I love my Quincy, but had I researched more before purchasing it, I would have found that mine has a 3450 RPM Baldor motor. The "Baldor" brand is great, so how could I go wrong? Reviews I read said it was very quiet, but they were all wrong. That motor has a high pitched whine that I hate! I had to build a soundproof ventilated closet around it to deaden the sound of the motor. The sound of the pump isn't bad at all, it's that fricken motor that makes most of the noise on mine!!! I even called Quincy and they said it was normal. I finally found a video on YouTube that showed my same model running. Yep, Quincy was correct, it's normal! I'm now very happy overall after building the closet, but still wish that I had paid more for a model with a 1725 rpm motor. They are much quieter and GJ forum members claim they last longer. If only I could go back and do it over again...

Edit: Here's the video of the compressor like mine made by GJ member stainless169. It's the exact same Quincy model as mine and same Baldor 3450 rpm motor. I don't know if other brand 3450 rpm motors sound the same.

 

[pottsie454]

Thats the situation I am in now. I dont want to wish I had done something differently. I definatly want to go with a major, usa brand.. Quincy, Champion, or Curtis, but I am struggling deciding on which one. I thought I was sold on the Champion but that was because I thought it came with the after cooler for that price, but I mis read it. Now I am back thinking about going to the Curtis because of the larger CFMS...

 

[71goldss]

Thats the situation I am in now. I dont want to wish I had done something differently. I definatly want to go with a major, usa brand.. Quincy, Champion, or Curtis, but I am struggling deciding on which one. I thought I was sold on the Champion but that was because I thought it came with the after cooler for that price, but I mis read it. Now I am back thinking about going to the Curtis because of the larger CFMS...

That Curtis looks good. You just need to do your research on it first!

I just added an edit to my earlier post that shows the video on mine.

 

[pottsie454]

Damn that is quite loud. I'm glad you were able to remedy it with a built wall though!

 

[71goldss]

Damn that is quite loud. I'm glad you were able to remedy it with a built wall though!

I hardly hear it now, and it's still inside the garage. Only took me about $300 in materials and 2 days to build. I say "only" in fun. It could have been avoided on my part had I known then what I know now. The 1725 rpm motor compressors are the way to go if you can afford the extra in price!

A few pictures of the closet:

I've since cut a rectangular whole near the bottom of the door and added a household AC filter for the air intake. It's sucked out the top through the attic fan pictured.

 

[pottsie454]

That is a very nice fix! Way to go!

 

[71goldss]

That is a very nice fix! Way to go!

Thanks!

 

[71goldss]

I've been eyeing this one for a few months now. I don't know why I continue to look since my new compressor is great and fits my needs just fine. I just like the features on this one and I would probably go with this if I had to do over. It's way overkill for my needs and well over double the cost of mine, but who cares, I like it!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-7-5hp-2...548?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f11dcf364

 

[bsaint]

Thats a Centurion pump. It has a valve plate and reed valves. I wouldn't get it.

The first ad has an R series pump which is VERY good. The best imo. And no you don't need the after cooler option. It just breaks at the solder joints with age, although it just improves efficiency.

The Quincy you got is nice . . . but the Champion would've been better, and I would've just spent 100 extra dollars on my own auto drain.

 

[71goldss]

Thats a Centurion pump. It has a valve plate and reed valves. I wouldn't get it.

The first ad has an R series pump which is VERY good. The best imo. And no you don't need the after cooler option. It just breaks at the solder joints with age, although it just improves efficiency.

The Quincy you got is nice . . . but the Champion would've been better, and I would've just spent 100 extra dollars on my own auto drain.

Not to take over the OP's thread, but thanks for the info. Nice to know I can stop drooling over the that Champion Centurion. The OP did say he liked the disk style valves on the first Champion ad.

It appears you are in the compressor business. How is the average Joe supposed to know these comparisons when buying without hours and hours of research? Seldom any of this info explaining design comparisons is just put out there in the compressor ads. In other words, how often do you see an ad stating that that compressor has reed valves? I would have assumed that the Champion Centurion had disk valves as well based on brand and price point. Guessing the view of the head in the photo is the givaway? Guess that's why we have GJ, right?

 

[pottsie454]

Ok. I did get this one today, and it is marked as shipped.. Ill keep posting as I receive it and use it..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/200843421226?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

The reason I choose this one over others I talked about...

710 pump speed. Lowest I have found
Disc style valves, from what I have read reed valves are inferior.
Auto drain built in, I'm to busy to remember to drain.
Low oil shut down, good just incase.
Magnetic starter, it's a must over 3hp.
Champion, it's American made. I'm proud to say I skipped over the cheaper foreign built pumps and paid a little extra for the American workers.

Like I said, ill keep you posted. I am supposed to receive it Monday.

 

[71goldss]

Ok. I did get this one today, and it is marked as shipped.. Ill keep posting as I receive it and use it..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/200843421226?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

The reason I choose this one over others I talked about...

710 pump speed. Lowest I have found
Disc style valves, from what I have read reed valves are inferior.
Auto drain built in, I'm to busy to remember to drain.
Low oil shut down, good just incase.
Magnetic starter, it's a must over 3hp.
Champion, it's American made. I'm proud to say I skipped over the cheaper foreign built pumps and paid a little extra for the American workers.

Like I said, ill keep you posted. I am supposed to receive it Monday.

Sounds good. I had a hunch you would end up with that one.

Another nice thing about Champion is the quick turn around time. Quincy builds to suit at time of order, so it's typical to have to wait for 30-45 days to receive, like I had to.

 

[Albiemanmike]

You will be very happy with the specs on that compressor. I went through several compressors before I figured out what the heck i was doing and ended up getting an older Devilbiss 80 ga. 6.5 hp. 20 cfm machine for $500 of CL and it has been very nice to use. I can actually use my sand blast cabinet now. I do need to get a new pressure switch for it as it leaks slightly and tends to stick because the contacts get stuck together but other than that it has been a work horse.

 

[pottsie454]

Compressor came in Monday. I was able to get it to my shop Tuesday.

I was very impressed with the packaging for shipping. It was well thought out and safe. Made the job of getting it home ALOT easier.

The compressor was hooked up quickly and ran. Amazingly smooth and quite. I had 85 DBs right next to it. The buddy that helped me unload it was amazed that we could have a conversation right next to it without even having to raise our voice. Very quality piece. I forgot to snap a picture of where it sits now, but I will get that tomorrow.

Now, Ive got to buy a lead line, regulator, filter, and pipe it all in. Getting excited about being able to use it.

 

[pottsie454]

Any opinion on regulator and filter? Ive been hunting but havent found any reviews that have made me commit to buy...

 

[71goldss]

Very nice!

 

[bsaint]

Told ya! Let me know when you have problems with it... I expect never to hear from you lol.

 

[Pyoneer]

Hi everyone,

I also bought a 5HP Air Compressor by Coleman Powermate a few years ago. Now I need a motor replacement , I’m just not sure which brand to go for. By price I think this site sells cheaper https://www.mrosupply.com/index, but the question is Leeson or Weg? Maybe Baldor?

I really don’t know much about this, any help will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Rick