Compressor Dilemma

[I--RIDE--BIKES]

Hi everyone,

I am starting up a small custom powder coating shop and am in the process of hunting for a suitable compressor. The time the compressor will be used the hardest is when running my mid to large sized media blast cabinet.

Now I live in a smaller city and only have a couple brands of decent compressors readily available. Ingersol Rand, Devilbiss and Sanborn

My one local shop has the IR 2475N7.5 and the Devilbiss IS7 in stock. They are both 80 gallon, 2 stage, single phase, 7.5 hp with similar cfm ratings. The IR is about $400 more after buying the oil kit.

Im leaning towards the IR but thought I would check in and see what everyone has to say.

Thanks!

 

[Charles (in GA)]

You will be limited even with a 7½ hp compressor. I have a Husky/Campbell Hausfeld mfg 7½ hp two stage/80 gal and it is comparable to the ones you mention at about 23~24 CFM and it runs long and hard to keep up with my large TP Tools blast cabinet.

If you need a lot of air steady, I would look at a rotary screw model instead. I'm sure its more money, but lots of steady air and a whole lot less noisy.

Quincy and IR both have 5 and 7½ hp models with tanks, price will be the problem, as they will retail at about $6500.

Google "rotary screw air compressor" for lots of hits. Talk with your local dealer and don't be afraid to go to the "big city" to see some other dealers. You might be able to scare up a deal on old stock or lightly used models.

Charles

 

[I--RIDE--BIKES]

Unfortunately a rotary screw model isn't in the budget and I don't think I quite need that much air just yet. I have been making due with a 7 cf. 30 gallon crappy compressor, so I'm certain that either of the 2 I listed will do well.

 

[I--RIDE--BIKES]

Does anyone have any info on 1 vs the other?

 

[CompressorPros.com]

There are tons of 7.5HP single phase units out there with differing prices, of course. IR and Quincy make good compressors, but IR kind of sticks it to you with having to buy oil and filters in the start up kit, which gives you a second year on the pump, but not valves in the pump. I would do some searching and consider warranty when deciding.

 

[I--RIDE--BIKES]

Im definitely inclined to stick with either of the 2 companies that I mentioned due to me being a one man operation and driving 2 hours to the large city isn't an option for compressor service. I feel the same way about the IR oil/filter start kit, but I don't mind if it means I have a compressor that will be reliable and powerful.

 

[chris142]

How long will you be blasting stuff?

 

[CompressorPros.com]

You would be good with either for sure. We don't see a lot of Devilbiss branded units around here, so I'm not as familiar with them. Might be worth checking pricing online before you buy. Most sites have free shipping and no tax.

 

[I--RIDE--BIKES]

I won't be blasting items that are too large. I am limited there by the size of my powder coating oven. There aren't too many options within Canada for mail order compressors and none have any decent pricing.

 

[I--RIDE--BIKES]

I think im leaning towards the DV systems IS7 at the moment due to quieter operation, standard 2 year warrenty and about $400 cheaper than the IR which has mixed reviews. Although I haven't been able to find much info on the IS7.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Select Control Panel (CP), far left of the menu at the top of the page, and add your location, at least province and country to your profile so it will show up under your name on the left side of your post.

Charles

 

[I--RIDE--BIKES]

Thanks Charles

 

[MacMcMacmac]

I wouldn't trust that IS-7 for blasting duty. Despite the rave reviews these pumps get from Eaton buyers, they don't seem to hold up when used really hard, at least when I was a field tech in the 90's. Springs were weak, small ends were noisy and the cranks were soft. 7.5 HP is on the low end for running a cabinet. I used to bead blast stuff until I was getting cross-eyed trying to see through the dust, and it would give a 10hp a good run.

Have you ever seen any Hydrovanes for sale? There were a lot of them around when I was working on the prairies.