Compressor information

[dubnutty]

I have been looking for a compressor in the 220/230 single phase dual stage style for some time. I happened to go to my local Cal-Ranch store and saw a descent priced unit but do not know the brand. It's a Black Diamond 60 gallon stand up 230 5hp dual stage for $1200. It says it's US made but I'll take that with a grain of salt. I'm looking to run my small blasting cabinet and die grinders so that is why I'm looking at two stage units. An 80 gallon would be perfect but room is at a premium in my two car garage. An advise on this unit?

 

[PoorUB]

Coleman Powermate owns Sanborn Air who makes the Magna force Black diamond compressors.
I would rate them as a lighter end unit, homeowner grade, but above pretty much all the import stuff such as Harbor Freight, but below the likes of Quincy. From what I found they make compressors for Lowes and other home stores under various labels.

 

[PoorUB]

This one?
https://www.calranch.com/60-gal-v-twin-air-compressor-155-psi.html

looks like this DeWalt,
https://www.google.com/search?q=bla...&sclient=products-cc#spd=17806680856019599495

And this Industrial Air,
https://www.aircompressorsdirect.co...X5PZvj1nyzUyrT31RGL8R37Sz3RebbIoaAiEmEALw_wcB

 

[dubnutty]

YUP, that's it. The description says 80 gallon but its 60. What do you think of this unit? I was looking in this price range. I think I was looking at the Quincy, which was about $1400 so that one is on the lower end of price range.

 

[bobkat]

YUP, that's it. The description says 80 gallon but its 60. What do you think of this unit? I was looking in this price range. I think I was looking at the Quincy, which was about $1400 so that one is on the lower end of price range.

More than the HP I would want to know how many cfm at 90 psi..If it is only 10 or 12 i would pass

 

[PoorUB]

YUP, that's it. The description says 80 gallon but its 60. What do you think of this unit? I was looking in this price range. I think I was looking at the Quincy, which was about $1400 so that one is on the lower end of price range.

Sorry, I missed your response, you should have quoted me.

Look at post #2. It is probably a good homeowner grade unit.

They have other wrong info in thier add, Black and Decker?? I don't think so!

 

[metlmunchr]

Watch for the latest deceptive claims such as "running hp". The one linked claims 4.7 running hp but does not state the full load amperage for the motor. I noticed one recently claiming somewhere around 4.5 to 4.8 running hp, but the motor FLA was 15 amps which is a 3hp motor all day long. I think the proper word is liars. A legitimate 5hp single phase motor will have a FLA of 22-23 amps.

Everybody and his brother is marketing air compressors these days, and about 90% of them don't actually make any damn thing. They buy tanks,pumps,motors, and pressure switches, assemble them, and in many cases, jerk performance specs out of their butts, many of which are dubious at best. The market is flooded with these assembled brands to the point where your head will spin if you attempt to sort out the legitimate info from the jumble of trash and lies.

 

[jagboy69]

I run a 60gallon single stage and bead blast in a box. It's plenty of air if you are not trying to run a pressure blaster tank and sand blast 5 car chassis' a day. If you really are looking at a 2stage, it will recover real fast for you. Everything is chinese these days, you should be used to that by now. ;-)

For further reading, I highly suggest you read this. It explains exactly how we got into this mess and more importantly WHO is responsible. I'll give you a hint, he's married to cankles. https://www.amazon.com/dp/0470928077/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[finn]

Hp doesn’t mean much. Look for air flow (cfm) at the pressure you’re going to be working at, and match that to the tools (blasting cabinet) you’re going to be using.

Don’t buy the compressor until you understand the cabinet and die grinder requirements.

 

[FredWanaker]

the only question I have about that compressor is normally when one goes from 40 psi to 90 psi the CFM falls off a lot more than what is listed in those specs.

16.1 SCFM @ 40 PSI
14.0 SCFM @ 90 PSI

The the other models that one link gives show different numbers, so that may be a what ever you want it to read compressor. Most compressors fall off a lot more than 2 CFM between 40 PSI and 90 PSI.

 

[nadogail]

I feel that many claims made by the makers of low priced air compressors are decepttive.

Anyone who selects any product, based on it's lower advertised price is setting themselves up for a disappointment.

 

[metlmunchr]

MAT Holdings makes this compressor. Same company makes the Industrial Air brand. The Calranch site describes a V type compressor but clearly shows a vertical side by side. If you go to the Industrial Air site,you'll find a compressor with the specs matching the Black Diamond. It is a 3 cylinder V type and single stage. Not 2 stage. With an 80 gal tank it has a 5hp motor, but with a 60 gal it has a 3.5 hp motor.

So, the Calranch site has a picture of a different compressor than what they're actually selling, along with a description that's largely incorrect. Typical of retailers whose ad copy is composed by people with no clue of the equipment they're describing, nor any proofreading to verify accuracy prior to publication.

FWIW, a 3.5 hp single stage compressor on a 60 gal tank for $1200 is not any deal to write home about. The one in the picture is a legitimate 5hp 2 stage 60 gal that sells for $1400. That's a decent price when you consider how much compressor prices have increased in the last year or so.. MAT's compressor operations are what was once Sanborn, and in general their compressors have a much better reputation for reliability than most others in the homeowner/light commercial line.

 

[PoorUB]

So, the Calranch site has a picture of a different compressor than what they're actually selling, along with a description that's largely incorrect. Typical of retailers whose ad copy is composed by people with no clue of the equipment they're describing, nor any proofreading to verify accuracy prior to publication.

That is an issue I have with that add. What compressor is it??

Black Diamond has a 5 HP two stage, but it looks to me it is on a 80 gallon tank.

The OP needs to see this compressor in person and verify what it is.

 

[dubnutty]

I saw this compressor on the floor at the store. The specs on the tag attached to the compressor are what I saw. I think I will pass on this one and keep looking. This is just for home use, no heavy use here. I ran that small bead blasting cabinet on a 30 gallon oil less unit. THAT WAS ANNOYING! I think I'm going back to a Quincy selection.

 

[Citation]

What are your actual needs? The price doesn't sound unreasonable for what it is (at least what I think it is). However, it may be way overkill for what you need.

 

[metlmunchr]

I saw this compressor on the floor at the store. The specs on the tag attached to the compressor are what I saw. I think I will pass on this one and keep looking. This is just for home use, no heavy use here. I ran that small bead blasting cabinet on a 30 gallon oil less unit. THAT WAS ANNOYING! I think I'm going back to a Quincy selection.

 

[Skinny_Blinky]

I have the Quincy 60 gal / 3.5 HP...etc. It is household use: pneumatic stapler, brad nailer, tires, fill portable tanks, blow gun, small sand box blaster, paint gun. It will work for most anything around the garage that does not need continuous supply operation (per se'). I put a regulator in-line for the lower PSI rated tools. I got this one in 2016 for $800.

 

[PoorUB]

I saw this compressor on the floor at the store. The specs on the tag attached to the compressor are what I saw. I think I will pass on this one and keep looking. This is just for home use, no heavy use here. I ran that small bead blasting cabinet on a 30 gallon oil less unit. THAT WAS ANNOYING! I think I'm going back to a Quincy selection.

OK, so you were able to confirm the specs in person. I doubt the consumer grade Quincy will be much better.
Personally, if it meets your budget I would buy it. It is made by a fairly large company so parts down the road shouldn't be an issue, and compressor parts are rarely needed any way. And I doubt in the same price range you will find much better quality. Now if you toss on another $500 or more for the purchase it does improve the pickings!

 

[dubnutty]

OK, so you were able to confirm the specs in person. I doubt the consumer grade Quincy will be much better.
Personally, if it meets your budget I would buy it. It is made by a fairly large company so parts down the road shouldn't be an issue, and compressor parts are rarely needed any way. And I doubt in the same price range you will find much better quality. Now if you toss on another $500 or more for the purchase it does improve the pickings!

I'm not looking for heavy work for this but running that small blast cabinet and die grinders. I'm trying to get something that is enough for my needs but not over kill. Believe me that oil less compressor I had was about 15 years old and very low hours when it gave out. I was looking at a Craftsman at Lowes but I'm a little wary of it. Purchasing the Black Diamond unit would save money for other garage items but I'm trying to make this a one time purchase until I can not wrench in garage any more.

 

[haveissues]

I would look for a decent used compressor if you need to keep in your budget and keep an eye on the RPM when shopping. I have a eaton that has something like a 700 rpm pump and you can stand right next to it and have a conversation. Also the 5hp motor on mine is not something a single person can lift-what some of these companies claim is a 5hp motor is a joke.

 

[Skinny_Blinky]

I'm not looking for heavy work for this but running that small blast cabinet and die grinders. I'm trying to get something that is enough for my needs but not over kill. Believe me that oil less compressor I had was about 15 years old and very low hours when it gave out. I was looking at a Craftsman at Lowes but I'm a little wary of it. Purchasing the Black Diamond unit would save money for other garage items but I'm trying to make this a one time purchase until I can not wrench in garage any more.

That Quincy / 60 will do everything you have mentioned.

 

[finn]

Don’t get a used compressor. I did that twice, and wish I had bought new.

Not that there’s anything wrong with my Champion or I R, but I worry about the integrity of the old tanks.

Buy new and you’re golden for twenty years.

 

[James-W]

Below is a link to the compressor I bought. I like it, the compressor works really well for sand blasting, but then again I only have a small sand blast cabinet and I don't use it all that much. I use it more for blowing the dust out of desktop computers and for using air powered nail guns. I also use it to pump up the tires on our two vehicles when needed and I do have a few air tools that I use.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/ingersoll-rand-5-hp-single-stage-twin-cylinder-pro-air-compressor-60-gal#

 

[mikedodge]

Don’t get a used compressor. I did that twice, and wish I had bought new.

Not that there’s anything wrong with my Champion or I R, but I worry about the integrity of the old tanks.

Buy new and you’re golden for twenty years.

It depends on what you look at. I bought all mine used. I was going to buy a new 60 gallon one but found a fairly new used one instead. I consider smaller ones throw away and they better be a pretty good price. I've got 2 with bad tanks now. One was free for that reason the other i got a few years use out of before it started leaking.

 

[nadogail]

There are no free air compressors that somebody else dose not want to get rid of. If they are free it is because they, for various reasons, want to get rid of them and don't consider them worth the effort to sell. If you can acquire a compressor that would be your dream machine, except for the tank, investigate the cost of a replacement tank. I may be mistaken but it seems to me that many compressors are retired due to tank issues which usually stem from internal rust. A new tank with an automatic drain valve, or a contentious operator and a manual easily operated manual drain valve will work wonders to extend tank life for decades.

If you can find an old compressor and it is close to what you would like to have consider making an offer to pay them something and haul it away. Many items are on Craig's List for free just because they are inconvenient to remove and dispose of. You will pay for that compressor buy eliminating the problems of the former owner.

My personal shop compressor is a vertical 20 gallon tank oil less on wheels in a corner, I used to have to get down on my knees and reach under the tank to open the little OEM drain valve, getting down on my knees is no longer something I do willingly. I removed the drain valve and replaced iit with 90 degree elbow feeding a pipe ****** with a ball valve that I can operate with my toe. My tank gets the condensate blown out of it frequently now rather than the rare occasion of past years.

Old compressor tanks have value to builders of stoves and sculptures, they are not worthless junk.

 

[finn]

Some people enjoy the hunt when scrounging fou used stuff. I did, too, at one point in life, but now realize how much time and effort I have spent trying to save a few pennies, which, in the end, don’t matter a hill of beans.

Buy something new, and get on with your hobbies and life.

That is, unless patching up junk who’s best days are gone is your hobby.

Personally, I would rather work on an old car than scrounge an old compressor, but, to each his own.

 

[rburke65]

What is the air consumption of your grinder, other tools, and blast cabinet? Take these requiments and go shop for your air compressor. Look at a Quincy or a Champion air compressor and read their outputs and compare their stats with what you are considering. Buy once cry once. Ya get what you pay for…..

 

[dubnutty]

OK, after looking I found a used Craftsman Industrial 230 60 gallon single stage unit. After taking in all the GREAT input everyone gave I came to the conclusion that the one I wanted to purchase was maybe a bit much. I know you should go larger if you can but right now with the economics on the home front I scaled it back. I finally decided on an Eagle brand 60 gallon 230 single stage 3 cylinder model that would of ran me $1600 deliverd. I figured I needed more flow than high pressure. My blast cabinet uses 5 cfm at 100 psi. This unit came up on OFFERUP so I looked, listened, and inspected the Craftsman and pulled the trigger. It does 11.3 scfm at 90 psi so should do the job. If I get three hard use years out it I will be happy. I know it's not new but my project is getting delayed and I want closure on this car. Wish me luck on my new to me purchase and you can always find me in the shed working.