Compressor pointers please

[Zogman]

So I'm starting to do my homework for a compressor for my recently completed garage. I will be using die grinders, Impact wrenches and I have a large blast cabinet that I will be using regularly for amateur auto restoration. I have a 6' x 6' room dedicated for the compressor with 220V 30a breaker.

I will be running 3/4" Maxxline around the perimeter of the garge with (3) hose reels that have 3/8" air lines.

I'm looking for used to get more bang for my buck. Probably 60-80 gallon. I'm seeing the specs for compressors and most are in the 11 cfm at 90 psi and 5-7 hp. What pointers do you recommend out there? I'm seeing 1 and 3 stage compressors out there. I don't want a compressor hauling *** and making a ton of noise. I'd rather have one chugging and pumping air but I'm not sure which ones haul *** and which ones chug and still provide the air. Trying to stay in the $500 to $1k range used.

Any pointers would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[TXNinAZ]

Avoid the store brands (husky, Kobalt, Porter Cable), try and hunt down a Quincy if you get really lucky. If you get a nice enough price, an industrial compressor with a 3 phase motor on it can be changed to single phase power with either a new single phase motor, or a rotary phase converter. There are a number of good brands out there that you may not be familiar with- I wasn't until I started shopping to upgrade from an oil less 26 gal job. Try to get a 2 stage pump, 5 hp should meet your needs, and since you have the space, try to go 80 gallons- that will allow fewer recovery cycles especially with the blast cabinet.

 

[matt_i]

Quincy, IR, Saylor-Beall, Champion. ASME tank. Single phase or retrofit a single phase motor as suggested.

 

[TNToy]

Keep an eye out for a used Quincy or something similar on Craigslist, that's where you'll get the best bang for the buck.

You'll want a two stage pump, not a single. And single-phase 220 if possible, if you are primarily interested in simply connecting three wires when you get home without additional componentry.

 

[Fixnair]

What TXN said. If you have a blast cabinet 3 HP (real HP not peak HP) two stage is the minimum. Five HP is better. Quincy, Gardner Denver Saylor Beall, Champion, Speed Air (avail @ Graingers). I see you are in SoCal. Give Accurate Air a call & see if they have anything used.

 

[Cyberbear]

Buying used can save money, but unless you know how well it's been cared for, anything used will be a gamble and usually comes with no enforceable guarantee unless purchased from an honest used equipment dealer. Personally, due to the large blast cabinet, I'd opt for a two stage, 7.5 hp, and 175 psi tank pressure, plus a duty rating of 50% or better.
Insist on seeing the used unit run and check inside the tank for the amount of rust scale.
Good luck finding what you want.

 

[Ironhorse74]

It is all about cubic feet per minute at 90 or so PSI. That blast cabinet probably requires at least 15 CFM.

Brad

 

[ScottReb]

I found a bunch of late model, 5 hp 2 stage units for $400-600 that were not in a place to test. Found several nice older units with 3 phase power for cheap $200-400 Finally found a 2475, with USA compressor, ready to run for a few buck more ($800 and he loads my truck for me). Its worth it for me to be up and running vs rebuild and worrying about stuff like that. I only spent a few weeks looking on CL. There seem to be a lot of good deals out there. Just decide on your plan and find one.
I agree staying away from cheaper imports. You can find something priced similar and much better used.

 

[nadogail]

Please remember to install a convenient way to drain the condensate from the tank.

Automatic splitters are nice. I have a 1/4" ball valve plumbed to the bottom of my tank. Keep the removal of condensate: Easy, Simple, and Convenient.

 

[rayra]

yep, blast, die grinder, any sort of air-powered sanding or cutting wheel / grinder is going to want much higher cfm, as the primary criteria. Big tank helps with that too, but also means your pump will work longer, you'll likely want an oiled pump.

And our SoCal heat to contend with too. Another ding against oil-free motors.

 

[TommyK]

Buying used can save money, but unless you know how well it's been cared for, anything used will be a gamble and usually comes with no enforceable guarantee unless purchased from an honest used equipment dealer. Personally, due to the large blast cabinet, I'd opt for a two stage, 7.5 hp, and 175 psi tank pressure, plus a duty rating of 50% or better.
Insist on seeing the used unit run and check inside the tank for the amount of rust scale.
Good luck finding what you want.

He is only wired for a 30 amp breaker.

 

[sailah]

Don't plan on a rotary phase converter to power a compressor. It works, I've done it, but it is not convenient to have the rotary running just to run the compressor. I finally swapped out the three phase motor on my 80 gal to a 5hp single phase for $220 with a WEG. Much nicer.

My two stage Jet Air lopes along and is pretty quiet. I keep it under the barn and can barely hear it run. Paid $75 for it at auction. Not sure what the output it but it easily keeps pace. Blowing out sprinkler lines for my big yard taxed it though...

 

[Zogman]

Thanks guys. For a 2 stage pump, will there be (2) actual cylinder towers? or can you have a 2 stage with 1 cylinder pump? sorry if my wording is goofey.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Found several nice older units with 3 phase power for cheap $200-400 ...

Swapping out a 3 phase motor for a 1 phase is pretty easy, especially it you can find one the same frame size. Plus, you can likely re-sell the 3 phase motor pretty easy.

 

[scooz14]

really buy the highest rated scfm and psi you can afford. stay away from aluminum pumps. 2 stage is the only way to go for a big shop pump imo. ive got a wayne made by leroi. 80 gal 2 stage 5hp making something like 20scfm at 175 psi. its awsome and super quiet. use it for everything from laying paint to filling bike tires.

 

[ScottReb]

Two stage pumps have to have at least two cylinders, one is high pressure and one low pressure. One stage pumps can have one or more cylinders.
An estimate for CFM is 4+ per true HP of the motor. Like everyone is saying, get the best you can afford. As you see looking at used compressors, you take a big hit selling.

 

[TXNinAZ]

Thanks guys. For a 2 stage pump, will there be (2) actual cylinder towers? or can you have a 2 stage with 1 cylinder pump? sorry if my wording is goofey.

Some two stage pumps have 4 cylinders- ex my Emglo GT is two stage, 4 cylinder. Don't know how much/if any benefit there is to that design, but it's out there.

 

[sberry]

I have one but the pump cost a couple grand. For auto work can buy something adequate new for half that.

 

[raffaelli]

The harbor frieght 60 gal meets your criteria.

 

[BADSIX]

Thanks guys. For a 2 stage pump, will there be (2) actual cylinder towers? or can you have a 2 stage with 1 cylinder pump? sorry if my wording is goofey.

a 2 stage will have 2 cyl. but one will be larger in dia., make sure your looking at a 2 stage compressor. I run a body shop here at home and have a large pressure sand blaster and bead blast cabinet. my compressor is an IMC 17.5 CFM @90 PSI 80 gal tank, it will handle everything easily. I have replaced the valves 2 times and just had to by a new motor. the compressor is about 35 years old and still runs perfect. also when looking at a large compressor in the 5hp or 15 CFM and up. its probably going to need a magnetic starter, some are on the compressor some are separate. they are expensive if your going to need one and to change from 3ph to 1ph a good quality 5hp motor is going to run about 300.00 phase converters aren't going to work
Jay D.

 

[AJ1978]

Do your homework, check out the brands you like. Scour craigslist and don't be in a hurry. I spend HOURS and HOURS researching compressors, so much my significant other told me I have issues. But it's all in demand and your use.

I would look for. Champion, old Kellogg Americans, Saylor Beall etc.

Don't waste time buying 3 phase and making a convertor, If you buy 3 phase figure the cost of a Compressor Duty motor, and new magnetic starter.
ALSO FACTOR IN THE COST OF A NEW MOTOR PULLEY MOST DO NOT SEPARATE WELL

Ask to hear them run, look for conditions, ask for sellers to send you photo's

I have a Brand New Saylor Beall 5 hp 80 gallon, love it
I have a used Champion 5 HP 80 gallon reed valve at the house, its a great unit for how we use it.
Had a Kellogg American from the 1960's finally lost some bearings.

Do your homework, ask questions here. Feel free to PM Me.

Everyone is correct stay away from store brands, Chinese etc especially if you are going to keep this and depend on it for year. Remember the faster the pump spins the faster they will wear out and more heat they will generate.