air compressor recommendation?

[Motochris]

I've been "search"ing and reading what I can find. Basically, I'm wanting a new compressor. Needs to be pretty quiet, good CFM@90psi, reliable, and under $1000. Heck, $600 or so would be great, but I'm only finding Harbor Freight units at that price.

Here's 2 I'm considering....
a new 4.5hp Eaton compressor- 14cfm@90psi, $901.00
http://www.eatoncompressor.com/catal...747/172983.htm

and this IR 5hp model-- 18.1cfm@90psi, $869.00
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_211720_211720

I haven't found anyone having anything bad to say about the Eaton compressors, and mostly good words about the IR one's as well.
Ultimately, the IR is cheaper, as the above is the shipped price, where there is still shipping on the Eaton unit.
Anybody got any input....or recommendations of something else I should be considering?

 

[shopforeman]

I think both the Eaton and the IR are good units.
Check the Sticky thread at the top of the tools section...Directory of top threads or something like that. I think you will find lots of previous discussion on compressors there. I would likely pick the IR but I would rather have a two stage personally.

 

[Motochris]

I've been reading a jillion threads on numerous forums. It's dizzying.
I follow you with the 2 stage, except I just don't need it for one....and I'm ALREADY over my budget with the 2 I'm considering. I had hoped to spend about $600-$700, but I'm just not finding what I want at that price.
So far, I'm leaning towards the Eaton. The IR's 18.1 cfm@90 psi is a free air rating....it's more likely that it's closer to the 14cfm the eaton is putting out. The Eaton runs at a lower rpm and has a 5 year warr. on the pump vs. 1 year on the IR (unless you buy their synthetic startup kit...then it's 2 year).
I'm just wandering around hoping someone knows more than I've already found out or maybe knows a better alternative. Thanks!

 

[Charlie's68]

i got my IR 2 stage 5 hp 80 gallon from tsc for 870 on sale...just keep your eye for them.

i have heard the craftsman 2 stage is decent too.

 

[Motochris]

So, going thru a jillion threads, I stumbled across this Kobalt compressor. http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=137603-71025-KLA4508065&lpage=none
The lead title says 4.5hp peak, but the body of the compressor says 4.5 running. A call to Lowes confirmed the 4.5hp running....about 8hp peak.
It's an 80 gal. tank, 3cyl. pump, 4.5 running hp, 14cfm@90psi, online price of $599. The only thing nobody seems to know is the RPM.
A BIG plus for me is that I can get it somewhat close by (70 miles).
Soooo....anybody know much about the Kobalt compressors? Searching around, I found one guy very unhappy with Lowes service when he had an issue, but nothing else.

 

[timgr]

Tractor Supply has both an Ingersol-Rand and their house brand (Farmhand) at that price point. There's a TSC in Bakersfield, about 100 mi from Ridgecrest.

IIRC there are only a few makers of compressors, and there's a sticky post here that has some info about whos compressors are made by who(m?): http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2857

Doesn't show Kobalt though.

You can probably eliminate Eaton, since the shipping will put you over budget. Northern's shipper will want extra for lift gate service, if you don't have a loading dock and pallet jack. Some shippers charge extra for residential delivery too. Northern's shipping will only be free in the ideal case.

 

[Motochris]

I'm 90% sure it's the same motor/pump as this Industrial Air unit... http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200311709_200311709
but with an 80 gal. tank.
I don't see who makes the industrial air unit either (though it looks like it's Campbell Hausfield), but the specs sound good for the price. That's the kicker with TSC and the IR....for that price, the specs are much lower.
Shipping isn't an issue for me, my business has a loading dock.

 

[Major Ramifications]

Just an FYI, Farmhand is one of Campbell Hausfeld's brand names. They use it on their line of welders, too.

 

[SteveU]

What are you planning on doing with it & what tools do you plan on running? My experience & everything I've read on various forums from guys that have lots more experience than I do is to get the best compressor you can afford rather than getting one that is marginal & having to upgrade. I bought my compressor but had to wait a month before I could afford the hardline or any tools. By waiting & saving a few more months and getting the one I really wanted the first time I saved money & aggravation and can run any tool I care to own. If I had went with the 'compromise' IR 5.7 cfm garagemate I was looking at instead this would not be the case. Look at getting a good compressor as a long term if not lifetime purchase & it makes it easier to justify spending an extra 50/yr for something that will outlast you.

 

[Danglerb]

The Lowes near me, Jamboree north of I5, had about 3 of those big tank, twin iron cylinder normally $599 compressors marked at $399 on sale.

I finally got around to buying a long 12 gauge extension cord and turned on my new Craftsman for its 15 min burn in, wow that sucker is loud. I don't think I can get away with running it at night at all.

 

[wilbilt]

Tturned on my new Craftsman for its 15 min burn in, wow that sucker is loud.

Yep. Too bad nobody tried to warn you.

 

[Motochris]

What are you planning on doing with it & what tools do you plan on running? My experience & everything I've read on various forums from guys that have lots more experience than I do is to get the best compressor you can afford rather than getting one that is marginal & having to upgrade. I bought my compressor but had to wait a month before I could afford the hardline or any tools. By waiting & saving a few more months and getting the one I really wanted the first time I saved money & aggravation and can run any tool I care to own. If I had went with the 'compromise' IR 5.7 cfm garagemate I was looking at instead this would not be the case. Look at getting a good compressor as a long term if not lifetime purchase & it makes it easier to justify spending an extra 50/yr for something that will outlast you.

There's a big difference between you considering a 5.7cfm IR and the Kobalt 14cfm@90psi I'm considering.
My current compressor (7cfm@90psi) does fine until I use my die grinder or my air/hydro Model 4 bender. I also have a plasma cutter that seems to do fine on it.
Basically, my goal was to find a 13-17cfm@90psi for the right price and quality. I intially wanted to stay under $600 if possible, but ended up lookng at units that were around $1000. I stumbled across this Kobalt, and don't know much about it. For $599 and a 4.5 hp (running) with [email protected]'s kinda hard to ignore.

 

[Motochris]

The Lowes near me, Jamboree north of I5, had about 3 of those big tank, twin iron cylinder normally $599 compressors marked at $399 on sale.
.

That's a different compressor altogether.

 

[timgr]

The Lowes near me, Jamboree north of I5 ...

Did you know that Jamboree was named for the 1953 BSA Jamboree that was held on Irvine Co. land somewhere around there? (somewhere around where Lion Country Safari was - I think it's gone now). I know that area well, at least I did 20 years ago.

We now return to the topic ...

 

[Motochris]

Soooo.....here's where I'm at. I KNOW the Eaton compressor can do no wrong, and I'de be happy with it. On the other hand, this Lowes compressor is very similiar....same running HP, same CFM specs and VERY similiar 3 cylinder pump (not too many of those out there)...plus it's 1/2 the price of the Eaton.
I'm going to go look at one and check it out firsthand. If it looks right, I'll buy one and see. Worse case is it doesn't do as advertised and I have to sell it. I'll take one for the team.

 

[Motochris]

Checked out the Kobalt compressor this weekend. Looks good. Cast iron cylinders. The motor checks out as far as rated HP vs. amp draw (rated 4.5hp running, motor shows a 18.6amp draw). I measured the motor pulley against the pump pulley. 4" motor pulley and 12" pump pulley. The motor runs at 3450rpm which puts the pump at 1150 rpm....lower than many I've seen.
Also got Lowes to email me a 10% off coupon, so that would make it $539.

 

[wmonroe]

Did you get the compressor yet? How loud is it?

Will

 

[Motochris]

Did you get the compressor yet? How loud is it?

Will

Nope. My parents couldn't figure out what to get me for Xmas, so they asked if they could give me the compressor. I said SURE. I'll have to see if I actually get to have it ahead of time. I'm the only one that can go pick it up....so I'm guessing I'll see it soon.

 

[wmonroe]

Sounds good. Lets us know how it works out when you get it.

Will

 

[Jasondt2001]

Checked out the Kobalt compressor this weekend. Looks good. Cast iron cylinders. The motor checks out as far as rated HP vs. amp draw (rated 4.5hp running, motor shows a 18.6amp draw). I measured the motor pulley against the pump pulley. 4" motor pulley and 12" pump pulley. The motor runs at 3450rpm which puts the pump at 1150 rpm....lower than many I've seen.
Also got Lowes to email me a 10% off coupon, so that would make it $539.

I am a new user on here, I searched google with the model number of the 80 gallon compressor from lowes you speak highly of.
I'm wanting it BAD for Christmas, I am DYING To know what you think of it!!!!!!

Please if you don't mind, give us a small review or just tell us what you like and don't like about it. I'm very excited about the performance for the price, I've looked and just can't beat it.

- Jason

 

[Motochris]

It's sitting in my driveway right now. Hopefully I'll get it wired this week and see.

 

[Jasondt2001]

It's sitting in my driveway right now. Hopefully I'll get it wired this week and see.

I feel stupid asking, but, could by any chance you run a tape measure across that?? I'm trying to lay out my garage if i get it for Christmas (Lowes is 30 miles north of me so it's not a quick trip.
I was wondering height, width please!!

Thank you so much!

- Jason

 

[Motochris]

I feel stupid asking, but, could by any chance you run a tape measure across that?? I'm trying to lay out my garage if i get it for Christmas (Lowes is 30 miles north of me so it's not a quick trip.
I was wondering height, width please!!

Thank you so much!

- Jason

Roughly 29.5w x 66h.
Still don't have it hooked up yet.

 

[Jasondt2001]

That's great, thank you so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Still havent powered it on?? The anticipation must be KILLING You.

 

[rickairmedic]

Ok here we go again I have had a 60 gallon US General air compressor for several years now paid less than $400.00 for it new 13 cfm @90psi . I have painted with it run die grinders DA's ,air files no problems when I was looking I couldnt find anything even close for less than $700.00 so dont discount harbor freight before you look and they actually carry Puma compressors now which I have never heard anything bad about.


Rick

 

[kartracer55]

Ive been using my eaton for a few years now. The only problems I have had are minor. The first was that the safety cage had a bit of a rattle to it when ran. Quick fix. The other was just a few weeks ago, the ball valve on the tank drain corroded inside and began to leak, after all, it blows out a mist of water, so I considered it a maintenance item.

Jim

 

[Motochris]

Finally got the compressor in and hooked up. It's louder than I hoped. Lot's of intake noise mainly. My buddies is outside, so it wasn't as noticable. I'll probably move this one outside as well.
As far as output.....it rocks so far. Heck, during break-in with the drain open, it still built a bit of pressure on the gauge. I played around with my DA and it motored along really well. Never had the thought of stopping to let it catch up. I'll post up again once I get some time on it and try different tools.

 

[buening]

Did you compare the RPM's of the pump between the Kobalt and the Eaton? Typically the Eatons use a larger pump (say a 7.5hp pump) and slow it down to use with a 5hp motor. By slowing the pump RPMs down, the noise is decreased considerably. I'll venture to guess the Kobalt compressor runs at a higher RPM than what the Eaton does.

On a positive note, you can purchase intake mufflers that will quiet that intake noise down. If you do a search for 5889K63 on http://www.mcmaster.com/ you will see a list of their mufflers. They are not cheap though, still trying to find a cheaper source for these. I have a large 80gal / IMC BelAire / 7.5hp / 25cfm @100 22cfm @175psi and it suffers from intake noise as well. My pump speed is 1250rpm. The equivalent Eaton 7.5hp compressor has their pump running at 600rpm. They actually use a 10hp pump on their 7.5hp compressor (again slowed to be used with the 7.5hp motor). I haven't heard the Eaton equivalent, but I'm sure if it's running at half speed it is super quiet.

Hope this helps a bit If anyone has a cheaper source for intake mufflers, I'm all ears!

 

[Motochris]

Yea, this one runs at 1150rpm.
If I put it outside the shop, it won't be a bother at all.