Bigger Air Compressor advice needed!

[Keyblazer]

After years of using my trusty but weak Sandbourn upright 30G/125psi/3hp unit I am ready for an upgrade. It has been a huge restriction on what and how long I use the air on.

The basic wiring is in, with a 60a box in the garage bringing 220/110 within reach.

I want to run a good size media cabinet, with whatever I want, inc Soda.
Air tools, like a DA and grinders.
Only me in the garage, working on home projects.

Looking at this one for $489. 155psi and 10cfm/90psi.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-60-Gal-Stationary-Electric-Air-Compressor-C601H/203187350

Or the HF big boy at $799.
Two stage, 165psi, and 15.8cfm/90psi.
http://www.harborfreight.com/5-hp-60-gallon-165-psi-two-stage-air-compressor-93274.html

Opinions please?

 

[devoncoolman]

honestly I wouldn't buy either one. I would buy a used one. the older us made compressors are way better than those. I bought my ingnersoll rand a long time ago. bought it for $400 and threw a new motor on it for $200. works great and an 80 gal tank.

 

[bseant]

honestly I wouldn't buy either one. I would buy a used one. the older us made compressors are way better than those. I bought my ingnersoll rand a long time ago. bought it for $400 and threw a new motor on it for $200. works great and an 80 gal tank.

i second that. I bought a used 1957 ingersoll and rebuilt it for about a 150 bucks and it should last me another 60 years. Nothing beats old usa steel.

 

[CNGsaves]

x3 to skip both the Husky and HF . . . since you already have midrange.

Keep looking for CL score of lifetime quality compressor (60 gallon minimum).

 

[zkling]

honestly I wouldn't buy either one. I would buy a used one. the older us made compressors are way better than those. I bought my ingnersoll rand a long time ago. bought it for $400 and threw a new motor on it for $200. works great and an 80 gal tank.

x4

Look for an older quincy, champion, kellog, american, commercial IR. Something that runs slow and pumps lots of air. You will be money ahead. If you really want to get into soda blasting, you will want something closer to 20CFM @ 90psi

 

[Keyblazer]

Thanks for tthe input so far Peeps...

Since I live on a residential street and the garage is attached to the house... soda blasting a WHOLE car or outside the cabinet is probably a No-No.


I spent a while looking locally for an older unit but nothing looked better or cheaper than the new ones so far... still looking!

 

[zkling]

Thanks for tthe input so far Peeps...

Since I live on a residential street and the garage is attached to the house... soda blasting a WHOLE car or outside the cabinet is probably a No-No.


I spent a while looking locally for an older unit but nothing looked better or cheaper than the new ones so far... still looking!

Even a good size cabinet will take quite a bit of air to run properly.

If you are stuck buying new. What is your budget if you don't mind me asking?

Either go with a true 2 stage or a regular single stage. None of that want to be in between 155psi nonsense.

Where are you located, roughly?

 

[Keyblazer]

I am in SoCal, and trying to keep it under $800.

 

[pipsters]

All the cheaper mid-range units spin pretty fast. In the 1200-1500 RPM range. IMO that is about 2x as fast as a compressor of that size should be spinning. Even the lower end Quincy spins at 1300 RPM.

High RPM = noise, heat, & wear.

New, stepping up to a lower RPM compressor putting out good #'s you're looking at around $2000 and up.

Me, I'd get the HF (even better deal when they were $699 and took the 20% off) and run synthetic oil of some sort in it.

 

[bseant]

oh man with 800bucks you could rebuild yourself a very nice compressor. Would be more air than you could use if you have the time to do it. would be very worth it in the end. Being in socal your options are pretty good in finding stuff.

 

[Keyblazer]

I am struggling to find one for a reasonable price....

 

[CNGsaves]

Using Google, you can filter through CL and find what you want. Example:
Quincy compressor site:craigslist.org

Here's a Quincy 325 a little roadtrip away . . . Yuma, AZ . . but it has a 3 phase motor you'll need to change out.

Negotiate down price and this would be lifetime keeper.
http://tucson.craigslist.org/for/3665533601.html

Found a second Quincy . . . Model 310 Duplex (yes . . . DUAL compressors) but again it's 3 phase. That would be a Beast for sure !! See second picture.
http://charleston.craigslist.org/bfs/3756344719.html

Found a third Quincy . . . 80 gallon / 5 HP / 240 volt that includes a dryer!!! It's in Denver,CO and only 4 years old for $1,000 OBO . . . this would be the setup for you, or someone on GJ as this looks like great deal.
http://denver.craigslist.org/tls/3787182496.html

 

[Keyblazer]

Thanks for the finds...
Couple of things...
1/ MUST be a vertical tank unit, as I have no outside space and a 2 car garage.
2/ Max budget is $800 ish... not $800 plus fixing and gas.

I am in SoCal, so driving more than a couple of hundred miles round trip in my Pickup at 8mpg... is not on.

 

[CNGsaves]

Not sure about Model AT-5 Quincy 5 HP (looks like 60 gallon) . . . but here's a vertical for $400 in Denver, CO (says new but with minor damage).
http://denver.craigslist.org/tls/3794325358.html

 

[ILDurable]

Go with an Ingersoll Rand compressor. Either a 60 or 80 gallon. Both are reliable, perfect for what you want to do and with IR, the service is always there. A little more expensive but worth it in the long run.

 

[bseant]

damn u would think that socal would be a hot bed for stuff like this due to just shear population. There's nothing in your local craigslist? pretty sure op isn't driving to colorado to p/u compressor.

 

[bseant]

searched los angeles craigslist for "compressor" and got 4 pages of results. Don't know what part of socal you in though. You gotta do the leg work and rewards will come. Don't fall into the pit of new china.LOL

 

[Keyblazer]

Missed a IR Dual stage upright for $900...

Looking at a couple of others... Picking are slim tho..

 

[Davefr]

Missed a IR Dual stage upright for $900...

Looking at a couple of others... Picking are slim tho..

Don't buy an IR unless it's an industrial unit. The non industrial units are ****.

 

[Keyblazer]

What about a Speedaire?

 

[bseant]

What about a Speedaire?

speedaire is decent depending upon price.

Buy the hf and get it over with. You're not buying a burial plot. Its a damn compressor, it'll do what you want for many many y ears, then sell or scrap.
GET A COMPRESSOR NOW, THEN LOOK FOR LOVE WHILE YOU'RE BANGING THIS ONE.

that's sounds like a measure once and cut ten times philosophy.

 

[mayday0017]

Speedaire can be great depending on the price.... Look at the pump if it looks like an R15 pump, the unit is really a Champion with a Speedaire sticker on it.

 

[zkling]

What part of "Socal" are you in?

Maybe check out that Atlas for $150, although the sellers pics leave alot to be desired.

 

[Keyblazer]

Waiting for info on the Speedaire....
Also.looking at a Husky..
Lookin everywhere!
I will travel in socal if its worth it!

 

[bseant]

No, it sounds like 'I have a usable tool today instead of driving 400 miles to secure a marginally better,possibly worn out, pig in a poke.

Buy what you need now, chase phantoms when you have the time\need.

Op has a compressor and is now looking to upgrade.

 

[Keyblazer]

To clarify for those who did not read the whole thread.....
I have a Sanborn "Peak 5hp" 30 gallon upright.

But it struggles and is holding me back, so I asked for input and opinion on the HF and HD units.
I am happy to pay up to $800, for something that matches or exceeds their performance, and has a longer life with maintenance and refurbs.

Those that have added value and sensible guidence, I applaud...

If I find a used one that works for me, thats great...
I asked for educated opinions...

 

[mayday0017]

What about a Speedaire?

Looks like you also asked about Speedaire, also looks like I took the time to answer you below.... People are trying to help you.....

 

[Zeke]

Speedaire is Grainger's brand and they are pricey as with all things Grainger. Good units.

How loud is the Sanborne? The Husky will not make you friends with your neighbors. Like the difference between a chainsaw wide open and a 4 cycle mower at part throttle.

 

[Keyblazer]

Thanks Mayday... i appreciated your input!

 

[sberry]

Of the 2 the second is way better.

 

[rodm1]

I would go with the HF model, If you just look at the specs you might be better off getting 2 of the HD models and hook them up in series.

Blasting and DA and grinders takes terrible amounts of air you will need every bit of air either of those can put out and probable more.

To do it right you won't a industrial 5hp+ that is oil lubed. With a 80gl tank or better. But you will pay dearly for it.

 

[doan]

To clarify for those who did not read the whole thread.....
I have a Sanborn "Peak 5hp" 30 gallon upright.

But it struggles and is holding me back, so I asked for input and opinion on the HF and HD units.
I am happy to pay up to $800, for something that matches or exceeds their performance, and has a longer life with maintenance and refurbs.

Those that have added value and sensible guidence, I applaud...

If I find a used one that works for me, thats great...
I asked for educated opinions...

I think the issue here is that $800 will not get you a new compressor that will make you happy. I have a 60 Gallon that does about 12 CFM at 90PSI. It can just barely keep up with a die grinder. To move into the 20+ CFM range is going to cost a lot more than $800.

For $800 the HF model is probably the most CFM you can buy "new". If you want to grind, sand, or sandblast all day, it is probably not enough.

 

[CNGsaves]

I think the issue here is that $800 will not get you a new compressor that will make you happy. I have a 60 Gallon that does about 12 CFM at 90PSI. It can just barely keep up with a die grinder. To move into the 20+ CFM range is going to cost a lot more than $800.
For $800 the HF model is probably the most CFM you can buy "new". If you want to grind, sand, or sandblast all day, it is probably not enough.

Not necessary to have "brand new" compressor to get CFM you want for reasonable amount . . . . IF . . . you're willing to look everywhere and be willing to act quick for a bargain.

See thread where new GJ member with 9 posts picked up Champion 5 HP / 80 gallon compressor 2-stage for $250 . . . . yep, here it is:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=200260

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I would go with the HF model, If you just look at the specs you might be better off getting 2 of the HD models and hook them up in series.

OP only has a 60 amp breaker panel in his garage. Probably cannot run two compressors and the lights at the same time. He needs one decent compressor.

True 5 hp (two stage) will give you about 18/19 CFM and about 20/22 amp draw, and true 7.5 hp (two stage) will give you about 24 cfm and about 33 amp draw.

Charles

 

[3944r]

http://ventura.craigslist.org/tls/3778704324.html

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/tls/3790921150.html

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/tls/3779538548.html


I would suggest that you check and make sure the motors run in the 1700 rpm .

Best of luck

 

[Keyblazer]

Thanks for that!

This one was the one I missed...
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/app/3760484796.html

I have been talking to these owners too over the weekend and awaiting more info...

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/tls/3762091694.html

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/tls/3775658514.html

Opinions on these?
Husky-Pro 7hp/80g
http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/tls/3786883142.html

 

[All]

That Husky so called "7 HP" is NOT 7 running HP. It is 7 "peak" HP. In otherwords, it is BS advertising gimmicky stuff.

To put it in relative perspective, the true 7.5 running HP motor I have could be advertised as having 21.4 "peak" HP, but fortunately, by the time one steps up to industrial sized compressors, a lot of the marketing malarkey is dispensed with.

Not saying that the Husky (that particular one is made by Campbell Hausfeld) is a bad compressor, but it is not the "bad AZZ" compressor that it purports to be. The true running horsepower of that motor is about 2-3 HP. You'll get about 15 CFM out that unit, not the 25 CFM out of a true 7.5 HP unit.

 

[All]

Another thing... I noticed in the pics of the other ads you posted that these compressors were in a commercial environment where there was a possibility of employees present (evidenced by forklift, many pallets, etc). If this is the case, then it is highly likely that at some point or another, an OSHA inspector came in and inspected the tank.

Given the age of the labels on the tanks in the pictures that you showed, the probability that the tanks were at some point inspected by OSHA is even higher. This applies to California and metropolitan areas of New York, the two most progressive (some would say aggressive) coastal states with highest population densities where regulations (some would say invasions) are on the cutting edge.

So, if CAL-OSHA inspected those tanks, they would have stamped (with a punch) a serial number on the head of the tank. The numbers would be at least 1 inch in font size. When you look at the tank, look for that serial number, and write it down. Then, go out to your truck and "think about it" for a while, and while you are thinking, call the OSHA office in So Cal that is responsible for keeping track of state inspections for pressure vessels, and have the record pulled for the serial number you obtained.

They can tell you on the spot if the tank was condemned for use in commercial service with employees present. They will have made that determination utilizing an ultrasonic thickness tester, comparing their readings with the minimum thickness specifications found on the welded on National Board Registration tag that is part of every code welded ASME pressure vessel, which all the Husky's in your links have.

This way, you don't get burned by a business craigslisting away a condemned tank they can't use in their shop anymore. Also, look for any circled X punched into the tank. That is a sure sign of state condemnation.

 

[Keyblazer]

Wow...
That is not only great info for me.... but should be a in a sticky here!
Thanks!!!!!

 

[2jz4me]

I would without question buy a used t30 ingersoll rand. Dont buy a junk compressor now only to replace it later. Buy one now that could last you for as long as you want it to.