I need to purchase a new compressor. My application is a small home shop using the compressor to paint small panels (not an entire car), air tools like die grinder, air saw, da , general shop use etc. I am looking at 60 gallon units like Dewalt 3.7 hp, Dewalt 5 hp and Craftsman 3.7 hp. Any comments on these models or a better unit appreciated. I have seen some on line videos about Dewalts build quality issues (fitting assembly mistakes) but overall good units. Of course I am looking for the best unit for my application and quality.
Best Air Compressor
- Thread starter lcfman
- Start date
The most important factor you didn't specify is how much you're willing to spend.
For painting as you describe, a 3ish HP compressor may be sufficient, but for running high consumption air tools like a die grinders and DA sanders, a 5HP compressor is going to be a better choice. Even then, you will outrun your compressor with continuous use, but it will be closer to keeping up.
The spec you need to look at is CFM at 90 psi. I'm guessing between the two options you provided, the lower HP models deliver about 10 CFM and the 5hp model is closer to 15 CFM. A die grinder (varies by model of course) can consume 20 - 40 CFM, and a DA sander will be closer to nthe high end of that range.
As for the relative reliability and build quality, all the ones you mentioned will be imported, but some of them may be based on good original pump designs that were reliable. You would need to post the model numbers or at least some pictures to get some feedback on that.
Good luck!
For painting as you describe, a 3ish HP compressor may be sufficient, but for running high consumption air tools like a die grinders and DA sanders, a 5HP compressor is going to be a better choice. Even then, you will outrun your compressor with continuous use, but it will be closer to keeping up.
The spec you need to look at is CFM at 90 psi. I'm guessing between the two options you provided, the lower HP models deliver about 10 CFM and the 5hp model is closer to 15 CFM. A die grinder (varies by model of course) can consume 20 - 40 CFM, and a DA sander will be closer to nthe high end of that range.
As for the relative reliability and build quality, all the ones you mentioned will be imported, but some of them may be based on good original pump designs that were reliable. You would need to post the model numbers or at least some pictures to get some feedback on that.
Good luck!
dnschmidt
Well-known member
We get this question about once a week and the answer is always the same. The biggest one you can afford. Using an air powered die grinder or DA sander requires 5 HP and you'll still have to wait for it to recover from time to time. I have an 80 gallon two stage Quincy that puts out 17SCFM and it still isn't enough for continuous duty. The only two air tools that have no cordless equivalents are air hammers and spray guns with Bondo hogs and air files also fitting into this category but these are autobody specific tools.
finn
Well-known member
A Champion or Quincy is arguably going to be “better”, but both are going to fall well above your target price range. They’re going to be quieter, with lower speed pumps, and last longer, but what you have listed is certainly satisfactory for a home shop, with a limited target budget.
Unless you go with the really expensive commercial type ones most compressors and components are made by the same few companies so what the price is and spec of it is the main thing to look for.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
Eaton, Polar Air and EMAX are all made by the same company and have a series with a muffler box that's so effective you'll barely know it running. Don't know the cost but they are typically not too bad and I'm sensitive to noise so it's either one of these or wearing ear muffs, my current solution when using my Quincy, The noise is tolerable if you're just occasionally ******* around in the garage but if you trying to do a car restoration it will get to you eventually.
micromind
Well-known member
Be careful with '5HP'........there are a lot of compressors advertised as 5HP when they are actually 3 or so.
Look at the CFM rating. 5HP should be somewhere around 17-20 @ 100PSI, and the motor current will be 21 - 26. Watch the CFM @ PSI too, a lot of high CFM ratings are at 40 PSI. A compressor will produce more CFMs at lower PSI.
Look at the CFM rating. 5HP should be somewhere around 17-20 @ 100PSI, and the motor current will be 21 - 26. Watch the CFM @ PSI too, a lot of high CFM ratings are at 40 PSI. A compressor will produce more CFMs at lower PSI.
SouthernIllinois
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Shops, decks, boats and air compressors are NEVER big enough!
Get the biggest one within your budget.
Get the biggest one within your budget.
Qualitytools
Well-known member
Not to steal this thread but any thoughts about Ingersol Rand compressors?
Unfortunately that is not enough information. There are "IR" compressors sold at every big box store with pump/motors made in India and China that are no better (but probably no worse) than any other box store compressor. The only thing IR about them is the paint color. This is not unique to them. Quincy and others do the same thing.
There are other models like the type 30 variants that are kind of an industry standard with a well proven design. They are probably still made internationally nowadays, but there are a lot of them out there and they seem to hold up.
And of course there are the larger screw compressors that are in a different class completely.
American Locomotive
Well-known member
That's pretty poor performance for 5HP. 14.6 CFM at 90PSI is only marginally better than most 3.7HP class compressors. I'd pass on that.
I'd probably look at Eaton/Polar Air/EMAX as mentioned earlier.
Vinny
Well-known member
Regarding spray guns, you can get one of the HVLP turbine sprayers like Fuji makes. I made the switch and like it more than a traditional compressor set up (less overspray).
The only air tool I really missed for restoration was a needler, as it took off that chip protection undercoat stuff like it was nothing.
SouthernIllinois
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Maybe look at a local shop equipment retailer.
I bought my Champion from a local place that is also a Champion service and warranty provider.
I have a problem, I call Larry who is 17 miles away, not “Bob” in Pakistan.
I bought my Champion from a local place that is also a Champion service and warranty provider.
I have a problem, I call Larry who is 17 miles away, not “Bob” in Pakistan.
You're talking about doubling the price the OP was looking at, and triple if you want the "quiet" system. I appreciate the spirit of the suggestion but I'm wondering if the OP was planning on sinking 3 grand into a compressor.
finn
Well-known member
A Quick Look shows the cheapest of that bunch is about $1900, or double of the OP’s budget.
More typically, they’re $3000-8000 and beyond
Different class, more akin to the Industrial Quincy and Champion compressors.
How often do you plan on using the tools? Most typical 60 or 80 gallon compressors you see pretty much everywhere would work. They might run more often or have to play catch up but most people easily work through that.
For those last ones I'd go for the IR but check reviews of both of them to see if either have complaints.
For those last ones I'd go for the IR but check reviews of both of them to see if either have complaints.
CFM @90psi is your best comparable specification. That will rule out the horsepower liars. Tank size is a detail, reflecting reserve capacity - not a good measure of what the machine can do. Ignore "oil-less" models and look for belt-driven types.
Dismiss this concept of "the best" compressor; all you need is good value for $.
Dismiss this concept of "the best" compressor; all you need is good value for $.
Beerhippie
Well-known member
The motor current will be WHAT? Is that amps? At what voltage? Single-or three-phase?
For reference, our 5 hp, 18.5 cfm IR CBV30 series rotary screw draws 15 Amps at 230 Volts, 3-phase. Single-phase 230V would be closer to 30A.
marinusdees
Well-known member
I'd buy the IR. have a buddy who bought one 15 years ago, runs every day, never a problem. He uses a fair amount of air (commercial dental lab).
micromind
Well-known member
For what it's worth, NEC table 430.248 lists 5HP single phase 230 volt motor at 28 amps. This is almost always high so an actual motor would be lower. I've seen single phase 230 volt 5HP motors nameplates at 21 - 26.
Code for a 5HP 3Ø 230 volt is 15.2 amps.
Beerhippie
Well-known member
Maybe it's my eyes, but I read 15.2A at 230V, 3-phase.
It's never popped the 20A breaker.
marinusdees
Well-known member
5 hp single phase motor 28+- aamperes I don't think he has 3 phase.
Maybe it's my eyes, but I read 15.2A at 230V, 3-phase.
It's never popped the 20A breaker.
We're getting sucked into the same old trap. The point is, different compressors rated at "5HP" will have different outputs based on their specific design and components. This will be somewhere between 20 and 30 amps, which, barring minor efficiency differences, translates to beween 15 and 20 cfm at 90 psi.
So, OP can spend $1,000 and get a dewalt that makes barely 15 cfm, or they can drop twice that or more for a compressor that makes closer to 20cfm, and the add ons go up from there. Only the OP can decide where the price to performance curves meet their combination of needs and budget.
So, OP can spend $1,000 and get a dewalt that makes barely 15 cfm, or they can drop twice that or more for a compressor that makes closer to 20cfm, and the add ons go up from there. Only the OP can decide where the price to performance curves meet their combination of needs and budget.
micromind
Well-known member
Maybe it's my eyes, but I read 15.2A at 230V, 3-phase.
It's never popped the 20A breaker.
that chart is for 3Ø motors, I'm pretty sure the OP needs a single phase model which would be 21 - 26 amps.
American Locomotive
Well-known member
That IR, while single stage, put's down really good CFM numbers at 90 PSI. I think it would serve you well - a lot better than the Caryle.
Royalwapiti
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The IR he asked about SS5L5 is on sale right now at Home Depot. About 10% off, $1394. Also they send me coupons for another 10% off if I use my HD card. $1250 is a good price. Can take the savings to buy the oil, filters startup kit and extend warranty another year.
That said there are some complaints in the reviews about this unit, motors fail. This was mentioned above by someone else.
Also I noticed in one of my stores yesterday that the DeWalt and the Black Diamond are identical except paint color. Exactly the same. DeWalt is $2-300 more.
That said there are some complaints in the reviews about this unit, motors fail. This was mentioned above by someone else.
Also I noticed in one of my stores yesterday that the DeWalt and the Black Diamond are identical except paint color. Exactly the same. DeWalt is $2-300 more.