Air Compressor Recommendation - $2k Budget

[zach540]

Folks,

Could use some recommendations. My cousin is looking to buy a new compressor, has 230v at his disposal, to include 3 phase. Would like to keep the budget under $2k, to include a regulator/filter and an automatic drain system. Currently it will be powering a CNC mill that lists the following requirements:
"3/8" input, 100PSI, 4 scfm; at least a 2-HP compressor with a minimum 20-gallon tank. NOTE: For multiple machine installations, there is a 2-HP requirement per machine (i.e., an installation of 5 machines requires a 10-HP compressor)."

He is considering adding a CNC lathe down the road. Also looking for it to feed an air tool or two, and maybe a blasting cabinet (main concern there, I know they tend to use a lot of air).

Of course always open to suggestions, thanks in advance,
Zach

 

[md21722]

For blasting cabinets most people seem to end up at 7.5HP 80 gallon tank with after cooler. Something like a Quincy QT-7.5 or IR 2435 7.5HP with the after cooler, but that's going to be closer to $2500-3000 fully packaged. It would be more than your budget, but used would definitely be within your budget. I prefer Champion & Saylor Beall. New, they will certainly be more than $2,000, probably closer to $4,000-4,500 but they are the best, and used would be within your budget. I suggest you find out who your local compressor dealers are and ask them. If you ditch the sand blasting, then you can go smaller. For running the CNC mills a $500 compressor from Home Depot or Lower would be fine. 4 scfm is nothing. IF he buys that and doesn't like it, put in on craigslist for $200 and it will be gone by the end of the day. If he's going to be running die grinders and stuff like that a lot, he will need the big compressor. The other thing to consider is if this is a production shop, having redundancy is usually better than having a single point of failure. So, he may want to have 2 x 5HP compressors. That way one can totally die, and he can still run the mills...

 

[2oolhound]

I'm not sure the actual size of those big horizontal grand daddy tanks you see that run on 3 phase. They are about 8'L x 3'dia. Anyhow I've seen so many of those in great looking condition that sell for between $500 and $1500 because when they decommission a business that has one it has to be cleared out fast and the people in the market for them either have one or they aren't seeing the ad at the time. I'll see a few a year. I could have had one for $500 from a school that closed down up the street from me.

If you can afford to wait and watch auction sites etc you could be rewarded. If you need to get on with things then you get just what you want but will have to pay.

 

[CompressorPros.com]

CNC machines take a bunch of air, so you would definitely want to look at 7.5HP units minimum. Being under $2000 for a new unit is not likely. If interested, here are some 3 phase full featured units...I can usually discount a bit if you like any of these.

CompressorPros CP75803V-P $2399

BelAire 438VLE $2279

Chicago Pneumatic RCP-C7583V $2258

Chicago Pneumatic RCP-7583V $2232

Industrial Gold CI7523E80V-P $2493.75

 

[edl]

I prefer Champion & Saylor Beall. New, they will certainly be more than $2,000, probably closer to $4,000-4,500 but they are the best, and used would be within your budget.

+1 on Saylor Beall - I have a 5hp 80gallon unit - price new was close to 2K

first hit on google shows it at 2,300 - http://www.redlinestands.com/catalo...McLrAueOIWne7w_pHS_jLts9Oyfkm9X7QmxoCXBXw_wcB


hunt around and you can get it down a bit - it is an authentic piece of US iron - can't speak highly enough about it - people talk about HP, but companies can be funny - they may quote "peak" hp for example - what you really need to look at is cfm...that number does not lie

just one opinion

good luck

 

[CompressorPros.com]

Definitely hard to beat Saylor Beall, but you definitely pay for it. One of only a couple compressors still made in the USA.

Champion uses Schulz pumps on many units, which are good quality cast iron pumps made in Brazil.

 

[iagsxr]

I'm happy with my Eaton so far, 7.5hp, 80 gal. It was a shade over $2g.

Castair in Minnesota is another company that people tell me is a good cheap compressor.