Air Compressor Recommendations

[AP_photo]

Hey All,
I am finally getting an Air Compressor but need some suggestions. It is going into my 2 car garage and will be running air tools including sanders and cutting wheels. I will be using it to restore our 55 Ford Victoria. Budget max is ~$700

I am looking for a quiet (as can be), reliable, and good CFM output.

I was told to check out the Puma 6060V at Northern but I have never heard of them.

Looking for input

 

[ez-duzit]

5-7 hp, 2-stage, 60-80 gallon, cast iron pump.

 

[AP_photo]

I wish I could afford it. Max budget is ~$700

 

[CNGsaves]

You can . . . Update your GJ Profile with City / State and ask for help scoring a CL lifetime compressor. It won't be next door, and it won't be perfect condition. However, nothing beats old American iron for lifetime compressors!!

See the Saylor compressor rebuild by Jonathan75 . . . that should be all the inspiration you need !!

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=198965&highlight=saylor+compressor

 

[kythri]

If you don't find it on Craigslist, search for local/localish air compressor service/sales vendors.

I bought my 7.5hp 27cfm 80-gallon CH for $650 delivered. Mine was older, but the same thing sold today is a few grand.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=72902

They took it in as "trade-in" when a local warehouse upgraded to significantly bigger units.

Call around, you may be incredibly surprised.

 

[AP_photo]

So far the ones I have contacted down here are still high. Cannot even touch them.

 

[JimmyTheMonkey]

Yeah, I have been in the same boat as you here in Atlanta. Not much good stuff on CL lately. If buying new, the entry level Quincy can be had from Northern Tool for around $735. I am sure if you keep an eye out for a coupon or two, you can get it under your budget. Only problem is that it may not be able to keep up with what you are looking to do.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200479713_200479713

Otherwise, patience is always key on CL!

 

[CNGsaves]

You want lots of air . . . . here you go. Roadtrip to Pennsylvania !!

Quincy dual compressors / 3.5 HP motor (qty 2) / 100 gallon / 3 phase
http://reading.craigslist.org/gms/3994449760.html

$500 or OBO.

IDEA: Buy a 3 hp 240v motor (single phase) and see if just one compressor will be enough !! Need more air, add that 2nd single phase 3 hp motor.

This would make great thread as potentially the FIRST GJ restoration of a dual compressor Quincy !!

 

[ilovevocs]

5-7 hp, 2-stage, 60-80 gallon, cast iron pump.

x2 I have a hard time using anything less. MY IR is over ten years old and is as good as new.

 

[AP_photo]

Ok So I emailed a place and got this back.

Yes I have a very nice husky 80 gallon with a almost new Chicago Pneumatic pump on it it is a 5 hp 230 volt 1 phase it looks like new. 2 stage 18CFM. For $750

What are the thoughts?

 

[AP_photo]

Anyone?
Oh and he said it also has an almost new Chicago Pneumatic Pump on it.

 

[CNGsaves]

Ok So I emailed a place and got this back.

"Yes I have a very nice husky 80 gallon with a almost new Chicago Pneumatic pump on it it is a 5 hp 230 volt 1 phase it looks like new. 2 stage 18CFM. For $750 "

What are the thoughts?

IMHO . . Too much money for cobbled together Husky with a new pump.

You can get brand new 5 HP / 80 gal / 2 stage (4 cylinder) / 240v Campbell Hausfield for $999 with free shipping at:
http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/quick_search.php

Likely can find a used CH like above in $400 to $600 range on CL if you work at it, and expand geography beyond Atlanta.

 

[65f100]

+1 on the Craigslist finds
I got an 80 gallon 2hp Champion for $300 a year ago.
There are some decent deals to be found at auctions as well.

 

[99ishvr4]

Another +1 on finding it on craigslist. You may not find it tomorrow, but you can get so much more for your money. I watched craigsist everyday for 2 weeks before finding my compressor, if you wait long enough, you will find an awesome deal. Just make sure if you buy on craigslist that the person showing it, can show it working. I contacted many that said they just moved and didn't have a 240v outlet to plug it into so I would just have to take their word for it... No thanks.

 

[cinco]

I recently finished my compressor hunt and can certainly agree with what others have said about looking on Craigslist and taking your time. I finally ended up with a 60G tank with unknown pump (17.5cfm at 850RPM, though) and nearly new Baldor 5HP 1-phase motor for $250. It took two weeks, during which I passed on a Quincy QE-5 which sounded like it was falling down a flight of stairs and missed another Quincy (which had sat on CL for over a month) by about two hours, but I figure that for the price I paid I can grab a high-end pump when one presents itself at the right price and swap 'em out when my mystery pump gives up. The point is, either spend the money or spend the time and get ready for the long haul, both literally and figuratively. Impatience is expensive and, if you're willing to put in the effort, the money you save will go a long way toward helping you forget about the inconvenience of hunting.

And if you want quiet, stay away from stuff with a 3450RPM motor, however tempting the price may be. If you get one of those you'll be wishing you'd built a compressor hut beside your garage in no time. My motor and pump are low-speed and I can talk on the phone ~5ft away.

 

[kenfain]

I recently finished my compressor hunt and can certainly agree with what others have said about looking on Craigslist and taking your time. I finally ended up with a 60G tank with unknown pump (17.5cfm at 850RPM, though) and nearly new Baldor 5HP 1-phase motor for $250. It took two weeks, during which I passed on a Quincy QE-5 which sounded like it was falling down a flight of stairs and missed another Quincy (which had sat on CL for over a month) by about two hours, but I figure that for the price I paid I can grab a high-end pump when one presents itself at the right price and swap 'em out when my mystery pump gives up. The point is, either spend the money or spend the time and get ready for the long haul, both literally and figuratively. Impatience is expensive and, if you're willing to put in the effort, the money you save will go a long way toward helping you forget about the inconvenience of hunting.

And if you want quiet, stay away from stuff with a 3450RPM motor, however tempting the price may be. If you get one of those you'll be wishing you'd built a compressor hut beside your garage in no time. My motor and pump are low-speed and I can talk on the phone ~5ft away.

+1 on the above. For the money in your budget, you won't get a new unit you'll be totally satisfied with. Take your time, check c.l. a couple times a day. Line up a means of transportation for when you find it. Be ready to move on it, when it does show up. Make sure you know what your air requirements are. With the box store compressors, it'll fit nicely in your garage, and give you years, if your lucky, of almost enough air. With an old school compressor, you could easily find one that'll put your electric meter into orbit. Maybe send you to the chiropractors. So you need precise information, about your realistic air needs before you buy. And yep, it's GOT to be running. Here's mine, $ 450.00! This picture was taken the day I brought it home. Good luck!

 

[ez-duzit]

Ken--good advice.

 

[JimmyTheMonkey]

I just saw this big guy pop up for very cheap if it checks out!

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/eat/tls/4024082633.html




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[fireguy]

http://www.factoryauthorizedoutlet....heavy-duty-hand-carry-air-compressor-w-wheels
\
I have four of these. They give good service, are reasonably quiet. Around $440 @ Home Crappo.
I do not like the quick disconnects, they fail too soon

The only real problem, the tank needs to be drained every few days. http://http://www.factoryauthorizedoutlet.com/dewalt-heavy-duty-4-5-gallon-200-psi-heavy-duty-hand-carry-air-compressor-w-wheels

 

[PT Doc]

Another way to look at it. How much time do you want to put into looking for these on Craigslist? Then driving to check them out? Then possibly having problems?

Our time probably has a price tag on it. Consider a new one don't look back.

 

[99ishvr4]

Another way to look at it. How much time do you want to put into looking for these on Craigslist? Then driving to check them out? Then possibly having problems?

Our time probably has a price tag on it. Consider a new one don't look back.

Not disagreeing with you at all, but some people have more money than time, other people have more time than money. He put a $700 budget on his air compressor so I am assuming he is the latter.

 

[AP_photo]

Yes I do have time to look. I am in no real hurry right now but do want to find one soon. I cannot afford a two stage brand new, so used is the best for me.

I like the IR but no clue on how to change it to a single phase.

 

[ez-duzit]

Buy a single phase compressor.

 

[rodm1]

I wish I could afford it. Max budget is ~$700

Well you probable will afford it with the next one. Don't go cheep with air buy used if you have to. In time I think you could get used for $700.

 

[AP_photo]

Ok so my time frame has been cut down. Need to get the garage going and get our 55 moving under its own power. So, does anyone have any good feedback on a single stage that is under $1,000?

 

[macdonge]

Some shopping guidelines:
- CFM delivery at 90 PSI is more important (than at higher pressures) since that's what most air tools operate at. 16 CFM is good.
- On the basis of the previous statement, get a good quality Single-Stage compressor... since high pressure, e.g. over 135 PSI, isn't important. Delivery volume IS.
- Make sure it's a belt drive (not direct drive), oil-lubricated compressor - for longer life.
- Look for a duty cycle of 75% or greater (60% min if this is just hobby work).
- Check the life expectancy (e.g. 10,000 hrs?) to gauge your value for dollar.

 

[AP_photo]

That one was sold. Anybody heard any good things about the Puma line?

How about a Belaire? Found this one online
Brand new Belaire model 216v air compressor by Chicago pneumatics. This unit is a 5hp with a 60 gal. tank. It moves 15.3 acfm @100psi and runs on 208/230 volt power

 

[kams1973]

Doesn't sound like you're having much luck on the used market. Have you checked ebay for your area?

I found these air compressors below on the Tractor Supply website. I have no experience with the units, so maybe a member can help out.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/ingersoll-randreg%3B-5-hp-air-compressor-60-gal#

http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/ingersoll-randreg%3B-5hp-air-compressor-80-gal#

 

[AP_photo]

Thanks Kams but it seems like from what I have been seeing is IR has gone down hill?

Seriously thinking about the Belaire 216V

 

[AP_photo]

Any one have any feedback or experience with the Belaire 216V