Compressor help/advice

[brickG-man]

It's time to update my old compressor. I do a bit of everything in my garage. I run some impact wrenches, die grinders, light sandblasting, nail guns and of course filling tires. Nothing real heavy duty, but I want something that has a larger capacity than my old 30 gal Sanborn.

The compressor will be permanent, no wheels and I would like to go with a vertical tank for a smaller foorprint. I am thinking 60 gal tank. I have 220 in the garage but not sure how many HP I need. 5HP sure seems like a lot to me. I would really like to keep the cost under $1000 if at all possible so that probably leaves out a two stage unit. What are some good brands? I've been looking at: Quincy, CP, Craftsman and IR.

Thanx in advance,
Hank

 

[Davefr]

Believe it or not the HF 60 gallon/5 HP unit is an excellent compressor. It's made in the USA by Bel Aire using an Italian pump and AO Smith motor. (motor made in Mexico.)

It's around $800 and get's really good reviews. The only complaint seems to be the short 90 day warranty.

I'd buy one in a heartbeat over some of the other low end units like IR.

 

[LordPsychon]

It's time to update my old compressor. I do a bit of everything in my garage. I run some impact wrenches, die grinders, light sandblasting, nail guns and of course filling tires. Nothing real heavy duty, but I want something that has a larger capacity than my old 30 gal Sanborn.

The compressor will be permanent, no wheels and I would like to go with a vertical tank for a smaller foorprint. I am thinking 60 gal tank. I have 220 in the garage but not sure how many HP I need. 5HP sure seems like a lot to me. I would really like to keep the cost under $1000 if at all possible so that probably leaves out a two stage unit. What are some good brands? I've been looking at: Quincy, CP, Craftsman and IR.

Thanx in advance,
Hank

You have to consider several things in buying a new compressor. First and foremost, what is the average CFM of the tool you are using - a bigger tank can compensate for a weaker motor but even the strongest motor can't compensate for a small tank (read 20 gallons or smaller). Second, how long will you be using the tool - here tank size matters more than motor power. Third, what is your relative humidity - the higher the humidity, the more often you will have to drain your tank to avoid corrosion and corruption of the lines.

Unless you plan on using jitterbug sanders, an average CFM of 10 or so should be sufficient for your needs (sanders require an enormous amount of CFM, upwards of 15+). Tank size should be between 20 and 40 gallons for "average" use meaning 1-2h per day. Oiled motors are a must for 220v (not sure if they even make oilless at 220v). A dehumidifier either attached to the compressor or nearby in the shop is recommended for a relative humidity greater than 20% - if the air is bone-dry (read: Arizona, New Mexico), you may not need the dehumidifier set up.

Hope this helps!

 

[motofool33]

hard to beat the 3hp puma or the HF 60gallon one for the price.

you can find an IR 5 hp/Puma 5hp for under a 1000 new.

air compressors direct.com

 

[brickG-man]

You have to consider several things in buying a new compressor. First and foremost, what is the average CFM of the tool you are using - a bigger tank can compensate for a weaker motor but even the strongest motor can't compensate for a small tank (read 20 gallons or smaller). Second, how long will you be using the tool - here tank size matters more than motor power. Third, what is your relative humidity - the higher the humidity, the more often you will have to drain your tank to avoid corrosion and corruption of the lines.

Hope this helps!

Hmm, I never even considered humidity as a factor. I'm in the Chicago area and it gets pretty sticky in the summer. I really dont know the cfm of any of my air tools. The impacts and ratchets have never been a problem. The small sandblaster requires me to take a break every now and then to let the current compressor catch up. I dont have a jitterbug sander and no plans to get one. Is the humidity factor one to consider for what compressor to buy or is it more of a concern after installation for moisture and corruption in the lines. I also read that piping with black pipe instead of using long hoses will cut down on moisture in the lines. Opinions on that?

 

[brickG-man]

Opinions on this compressor? On sale and free shipping!

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200612355_200612355

 

[1Garageman]

I'd get as much CFM at 90 PS as you can. Of course you also want a compressor that is going to last forever.

Here is another one on that sight with 18.1 CFM, $999 with free shipping.
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools

 

[1Garageman]

Puma 6.5-HP 60-Gallon (Belt Drive) Single-Stage Air Compressor for $989.99

Running HP: 6.5 HP
Voltage: 208-230 Volt AC
Phase: 1-Phase
Amp Draw: 28 Amps*
Pump
CFM @ 40 PSI: 21
CFM @ 90 PSI 19.5!

http://www.powerequipmentdirect.com/Puma-PK7060V-Air-Compressor/p11114.html

 

[kazlx]

It would also be worth shopping around used if you can. You could get a ton of compressor for the money and have extra to get some accessories or in the spare change fund to rebuild. I have an 80 gal Champion that I paid $400 for. Took a little work, but it's a beast.

 

[brickG-man]

It would also be worth shopping around used if you can. You could get a ton of compressor for the money and have extra to get some accessories or in the spare change fund to rebuild. I have an 80 gal Champion that I paid $400 for. Took a little work, but it's a beast.

That's how I purchased nearly all of my woodworking machinery. I have some great old Powermatic and Rockwell/Delta machines that I bought used for a fraction of the cost. I have checked eBay and Craigslist and most of the compressors seem pretty beat up. I dont know what people do to their tools but it doessnt seem that hard to keep them looking nice. My old Sanborn may not be very good but it's not full of scratches, dents and paint overspray.

 

[kazlx]

True. It takes a little bit of shopping, but on the flip side, most of the nicer pumps are easily rebuildable, even the old ones. I know the pump on my Champion is very popular and easy to get parts for. There isn't much to them either, you could easily take apart the compressor in less than an hour and then paint it, do a quick rebuild on the pump and put everything back together in less than a weekend.

 

[doojus]

I'd get a two stage if you're going to be using stuff like die grinders. A single stage normally kicks in around 90 PSI and cuts out at 120 PSI, if you want 90-100 PSI for your die grinder, by the time the compressor kicks in, your tool is going to be lugging.

The quincy you linked is a good unit, they probably have a two stage version for the same price.

 

[LordPsychon]

Hmm, I never even considered humidity as a factor. I'm in the Chicago area and it gets pretty sticky in the summer. I really dont know the cfm of any of my air tools. The impacts and ratchets have never been a problem. The small sandblaster requires me to take a break every now and then to let the current compressor catch up. I dont have a jitterbug sander and no plans to get one. Is the humidity factor one to consider for what compressor to buy or is it more of a concern after installation for moisture and corruption in the lines. I also read that piping with black pipe instead of using long hoses will cut down on moisture in the lines. Opinions on that?

The concern is after the compressed air has accumulated in the tank - the air holds the humidity. When the compressor is drained of air and moisture, it can sit in 100% humidity and be fine but make sure that tank is drained or you'll start getting rusty water in the air lines. Black pipe cuts down on moisture but doesn't eliminate it - it serves more as a sacrificial lamb (like zinc on a ship with iron studs, the zinc rusts instead of the iron).

 

[brickG-man]

OK, I'm back. After doing some research I am certain that I want to go with a U.S. Made Quincy air compressor. Now what I need to decide is single stage or 2 stage. Right now Northern Tool has these Quincy's on sale:

Quincy Single-Stage — 3.5 HP, 220 Volt, 60-Gallon Vertical Tank, Model# $799.00
Quincy 2 stage QT-54— 5 HP, 230 Volt, 1 Phase, 60-Gallon Vertical, Model# 2V41C60VC $1349.00

I know that I said initially that I wanted to keep the cost under $1000 but I have decided that if I need to spend a few hundred more for the right machine, so be it. In looking at what my few air ratchets, impact and die grinder are rated in CFM usage it seems like I could get by with the 3.5hp single stage. I've never had a 2 stage compressor so I don't really know how much better they are.
Suggestions?

 

[trboxman]

You won't regret buying too much compressor, you will regret not buying enough compressor.

 

[doojus]

As I said before, get 2 stage. The other stuff you mentioned would be fine with a 1 stage, but with a die grinder it's already going to be getting kind of wimpy by the time a 1 stage kicks in when it drops to 90 PSI.

 

[brickG-man]

Well, I got my compressor. Quincy 5HP Two Stage. More compressor than I need but as trboxman said: "You won't regret buying too much compressor, but will regret not buying enough."
It runs very smooth. Glad I went that route.
Thank you all for the advice.
Hank