Another Compressor Question

[JerseyJim]

Even though I'm an amateur and I won't pound that hard on a compressor... The engineer in me appreciates quality and within reason, I can afford it. My concern on compressors as I research them is that there seem to be two levels - GOOD or BAD. By that I mean that almost every brand makes a single stage as the cheapest and all seem to have a two stage that has a high RPM motor with no magnetic starter and questionable HP ratings. Invariably when I find a good price, I usually find that the product falls into this category.

So I came up with a spec and started looking around. I wanted an 80 gal. tank, single phase, two stage cast iron pump, true 5 HP motor (23-24 AMPs), no load starting as my short list. Every pump that has these features typically has other desirable features as well. I found with IR and other brands that you had to get close to $2K to get to that level.

I have found a brand Compressed Air Systems that sells a model that seems to fit the bill. A dealer is quoting me about $1250 for it. That seems to be a really good price on a model equipped this way. I was wondering if anyone has any experience with either the pumps or the company that makes them. They are out of Texas by the way. I would appreciate any comments.

Jim

 

[bmwguru]

You might want to check out Eaton Compressors. Heres a link to there single phase units. http://www.eatoncompressor.com/page/page/504747.htmThey make a real nice 80gal, single phase, 2 stage and 5 running hp. It draws 23amps. It lists for $1430. Heres a pic

I bought a 4cyl 7.5hp 80gal unit from them and have been really happy with it.

 

[Truxx1956]

Hey man, there's a used one in the classified section of this forum. If I needed one, thats the one I'd buy. and I build cars and trucks for a living. Its a Heavy Duty Snap On compresssor and looks really good.

If I were going to buy a new one, theres no question about it, I'd buy a Quincy QR series like a QR25 325 unit. Thats what I use in my shop and I love it, but a new one is around 3,000

Good luck dude

 

[Charles (in GA)]

So I came up with a spec and started looking around. I wanted an 80 gal. tank, single phase, two stage cast iron pump, true 5 HP motor (23-24 AMPs), no load starting as my short list. Every pump that has these features typically has other desirable features as well. I found with IR and other brands that you had to get close to $2K to get to that level.

Yep, thats about right, $1800 and up.

I have found a brand Compressed Air Systems that sells a model that seems to fit the bill. A dealer is quoting me about $1250 for it.

Links?

Charles

 

[buening]

If you have patience and don't mind used stuff, you can buy a quality 80 gal compressor on ebay or craigslist for under $1000. I paid around $700 for my Bel-Aire 80gal 7.5hp compressor that was slightly used.

 

[Marty256]

Jim check out the US General 7.5 two stage 80 gal. that H/F sells. I bought one two years ago and have had no issues to date. I found that its US made and pulls only 23 amps with a magnetic starter. Its quiet running and I believe it can be had for around fifteen hundred bucks. Look for the twenty percent off coupons they send out weekly and save even more. I know some guys here bash H/F but they do have some decent stuff.

 

[Torque1st]

I was looking at some compressors in a Home Depot the other day and noticed they had a little 3/8" plastic line coming off a fitting on the tank for their entire air output. -What a joke! Compressors designed by an accountant...

 

[JerseyJim]

Here's a link for this compressor. I'm also packaging this with a BendPak lift and accessories. So I'm being offered a discount on the advertised price of $1389 (which I still think isn't a bad price for a compressor of this caliber). I considered Eaton, but I would prefer a unit that doesn't combine the magnetic starter with the pressure switch. I've had problems with this type in the past.

Here is the link for the unit I'm looking at:

http://www.mile-x.com/compressed-air-b51v84-m-air-compressor.aspx

Jim

 

[bb1970]

I was in the same boat as your in. I started looking at new compressors in Jan.. I wanted a new Quincy to replace my old Quincy 310. I found a QT-5 for $1800. Too much for me. Then I looked into an Eaton $1300-$1400 plus shipping. NO. Looked at used Champions, Curtis and Quincy's off of Craigslist. Thought I'd just be buying another old tired compressor like I had. I bought a 5hp Porter Cable C7550 (made by Devilbiss). I got it for $599 marked down from $899. I've only used it 3 months but it works out great for my needs. I know it isn't the same quality as a Quincy but it is 1/3 the price. I you want to spend $1800 get a QT-5. If your tight *** like me shop for a deal.

 

[tcianci]

Look at the DeVilbiss machines, I bought a DV ProAir about 3 years ago from HD It is USA made with a 6.5 HP 24 amp 220V AO Smith motor, 2 stage, 80 gallon ,175 psi. The pump is aluminum with cast iron cylinder sleeves. 17.4 cfm at 100 psi. Now HD carries Husky as their top of the line machine but DeVilbiss machines have to be available somewhere... This unit was less than 800 bucks.

 

[krooser]

Looks like a good compressor. the low pump RPM is a good idea... lots quieter and it must have a good pump to put out that CFM at under 800 revs.

Most cheaper units rev the **** outta the pump to get those numbers...

 

[JerseyJim]

Since I'm buying a lift and a compressor, I decided to see if bundling the two improved my negotiating position. I tried another BendPak dealer who handles Curtis Compressors. Sent him the link for the Compressed Air Systems (CAS) unit. He came back and said that he would quote the lift but couldn't compete with the compressor. He indicated that the CAS compressor was a re-badged Curtis and that it was a very good unit for the price... So I guess I have my answer.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

While I do not argue that the specs are good, and with features like disc and spring type valves, it is superior to reed type valve compressors, I really do not think, after spending time on the Curtis-Toledo web site and the CAS LLC web site

http://www.compressed-air-systems.com/industrial.html

http://www.fscurtis.com/home/

That this compressor is actually made by Curtis and re-badged.

The pics ****, but it appears to be a two cyl pump with cast heat exchangers on either side of the pump, I didn't find any Curtis models that looked like this one.

What you are looking at is a good price, and most likely a good quality compressor, just not sure of its true ancestry.

Charles

 

[JerseyJim]

I would agree Charles. One of the bigger differences that I see in the specs is the difference in weight. The CAS unit is a minimum of about 60 lbs heavier than any of the Curtis models.

At this stage, I think I'm going to go with the Compressed Air unit. I can't find anything that touches this anywhere near the price.

Jim

 

[matt_i]

If you don't need all that air volume (flow) you can do wonders for compressor life by re-sheaving the pump & motor so the compressor turns slower.

This does have a point of some diminishing returns as the splash lube won't work correctly if a certain minimum speed is not met...if you can get to a tech rep at the manufacturer they should have the minimum compressor RPM.

You can also buy your own magnetic starter (A NEMA 0 or NEMA 1 starter, good-already-used will still outlast most of us here in residential duty) and wire away.

 

[Truxx1956]

I was in the same boat as your in. I started looking at new compressors in Jan.. I wanted a new Quincy to replace my old Quincy 310. I found a QT-5 for $1800. Too much for me. Then I looked into an Eaton $1300-$1400 plus shipping. NO. Looked at used Champions, Curtis and Quincy's off of Craigslist. Thought I'd just be buying another old tired compressor like I had. I bought a 5hp Porter Cable C7550 (made by Devilbiss). I got it for $599 marked down from $899. I've only used it 3 months but it works out great for my needs. I know it isn't the same quality as a Quincy but it is 1/3 the price. I you want to spend $1800 get a QT-5. If your tight *** like me shop for a deal.

I'm not sure about the QT series, but if I remember correctly they are a "reed" valve type of compressor and if thats what they are they are like the "throw away" Cambell Hausfields. Quincy started "rebadging" some imports a few years ago to compete with the throwaway junk. SAD!! Quincy QR series are one of the best compressors in the world in my opinion.

 

[OldCarGuy]

BendPak makes a good 5 HP 2-stage compressor model # LS 580V’ That Automotive Service Equipment sells for $1810 delivered to your door. BendPak assembles the compressor in California with an Asian Puma pump. http://www.asedeals.com/air_compressors.html

My DevAir (once Devilbiss name) is a better quality compressor. This unit it made in Canada. And has a bigger price than Bendpak’s. Not sure what it is today; but was $1800.00 plus shipping four years ago...
http://www.aircompressorexchange.com...7-28-05V-2.asp


Here’s my writeup comparing the two.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=223337

Side by side comparison...
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=231360&postcount=21