Compressor quality and reliability

[TheClaw]

Since my 19yo LuxAir 3hp, 30gal compressor developed a leak this weekend I've been scouring GF threads about compressors, sizing, CFM etc. I'm pretty sure of what my needs are (3-5hp, 60gal, 10+Cfm, oil lubricated, vertical tank) but the reviews online are all over the place about the various brands. For example, a number of the white labeled units, Kobalt, HD are built by the same manufacturer. Some pumps are of higher quality (bearings, casting) but look alike. Same goes with motors and other components.

In the $500-800 range there are a number of brands to choose from. Who is thought of being higher quality, better build?

Ingersoll Rand?
Puma
Quincy
Cambell Hausfeld
Porter Cable
Iron Horse

Retail white labels...who actually builds these???

Sears/Craftsman
Husky
Kobalt
Powermate

It's hard to get a consensus from the online reviews, even Sears own website has crappy reviews for its compressors. I'm inclined to go with the collective judgement of the GF members before shelling out $$$$.

Thanks,
Jeff

 

[justinramani]

I am by no means an expert, but wouldn't it be pretty hard to get a true 10CFM for 500-800?

 

[TheClaw]

The Puma PK6060v quotes 12CFM and is on sale at Northern tool. Leaning in that direction since a BAD review on the Puma is hard to find.

 

[Zrexxer]

The Puma PK6060v quotes 12CFM and is on sale at Northern tool. Leaning in that direction since a BAD review on the Puma is hard to find.

That could be partially due to the fact that Northerntool.com is notorious for culling bad reviews before they're published.

In the $500-800 range there are a number of brands to choose from. Who is thought of being higher quality, better build?

Ingersoll Rand?
Puma
Quincy
Cambell Hausfeld
Porter Cable
Iron Horse

Really? There's only one answer to that question based on that list. If you've really been reading compressor threads here, that one ought to be obvious! lol

 

[TheClaw]

That could be partially due to the fact that Northerntool.com is notorious for culling bad reviews before they're published.

I would suspect any of the sites cull the bad reviews first. That's why I was suprised to see the craftsman stuff hammered on Sears.com.

Really? There's only one answer to that question based on that list. If you've really been reading compressor threads here, that one ought to be obvious! lol

I'm pretty sure its Quincy but they are at the upper end of the price range, sometimes out.

 

[Zrexxer]

I'm pretty sure its Quincy but they are at the upper end of the price range, sometimes out.

Lowe's has started selling a single-stage Quincy for $799 that seems to meet your specs... it squeaks into your price range by one dollar.

 

[1Garageman]

Here are a couple I have considered.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/ingersoll-randreg%3B-5-hp-air-compressor-60-gal

Running HP : 5 HP
CFM @ 40 PSI : 16.1
CFM @ 90 PSI : 14.1
Maximum Pressure : 135 PSI

------------------------------------

Kobalt 3.7-HP 60-Gallon 155-PSI 230-Volt Vertical Electric Air Compressor
Tank Capacity (Gallons) 60
Compressor Type Stationary
Tank Style Vertical
Horsepower 3.7
Warranty 3-year
Amps 15
Air Compressor Volts 230
Fitting Size 3/4-in
Pump Type Oil-lubricated
Motor Universal
Cast Iron Pump Housing Yes
Air Delivery SCFM at 40PSI 13.4
Maximum Pressure PSI 155
UL Safety Listing No
CSA Safety Listing Yes
ETL Safety Listing No

 

[Zrexxer]

p.s. both the Kobalt that 1Garageman listed and the identical Husky are built by Campbell-Hausfeld.

 

[TheClaw]

Don't see that on their site. Do you have a link?

 

[rburke65]

Justinramani..... I think you can get 10 CFM..... May only be at 30 psi, but.......

 

[Zrexxer]

Don't see that on their site. Do you have a link?

No but the picture I posted has the item number and the model number in it, you can find it from that. Lowe's doesn't support linking directly to product pages, best I can tell.

 

[TheClaw]

Thought one of the reviews on the TSC might be of interest. On the IR model posted by Garageman,

>>>
Got it home. The pressure switch auto / off switch made out of cheap plastic was broke. The pressure switch cover would not even screw down. After looking the pressure switch over I have decided to take it back before I ever try to fire it up. I don't think anyone cares about quality anymore. I'm gonna spend the extra money and get me a Quincy.
<<<

 

[1Garageman]

^^ That is anoying to pay that much for a compressor and they put the cheapest switch they can find on it. Make me wonder what else is cheap on it?????


However I do like that is can supposedly do "CFM @ 90 PSI : 14.1 "

 

[TheClaw]

Lowes localizes their inventory. When I have a chicago store indicated there no Quincy models. If I go to Central Austin, they have one. I'll need to play with their site and see if there's a store in my area that will sell it.

 

[Zrexxer]

Lowes localizes their inventory. When I have a chicago store indicated there no Quincy models. If I go to Central Austin, they have one. I'll need to play with their site and see if there's a store in my area that will sell it.

Ahh, I didn't know that. I saw them unloading them in the store here one day, is how I knew they existed.

 

[TheClaw]

Just called Lowes. That Quincy unit is available only out of the Texas distrbution center with no plans to expand into the Midwest.

Second choice is the Puma.

 

[Zrexxer]

Just called Lowes. That Quincy unit is available only out of the Texas distrbution center with no plans to expand into the Midwest.

Second choice is the Puma.

Well, shoot. I'll file that bit of info away for future reference.

Regardless, the Pumas seem to be well regarded by folks here who have them. I trust the GJ members more than I do the retailer's online reviews.

 

[TheClaw]

Regardless, the Pumas seem to be well regarded by folks here who have them. I trust the GJ members more than I do the retailer's online reviews.

Absolutely! That's why I posted the question this way

The closest Northern Tool store is up in Milwaukee but worth the drive.

 

[TheClaw]

The Puma PK6060 is $499 at Northern Tool but that's 100 miles away. Local independent (place where I bought my LuxAir 20yo) has them for $599 but will go down to $550. He's close by so saves be time and gas. Unless some smokin' deal comes up between now and the end of the week I'm likely going with that.

The Quincy would be nice but its 60% more $$.

 

[sracer99]

I recently bought the Puma from NT on line for 499 plus got a $50 on line credit. Picked it up in the store as it was not stocked but in store delivery is $0.
Haven't used it, just ran it for the specified 20 min no load break in and plumbed it in. The only thing i can comment on is that is it not too loud - it is sitting next to a common wall with the kitchen and while you can hear a hum, it isn't annoying like it's predecessor, a 3HP HFT noisemaker.
Considered the Quincy, too, but if i was going to $800 I was going to $1300 and getting the 5HP; then I considered usage and knowing that my desire to do bodywork is long gone the sub 500 choice was obvious for mechanical work and occasional grinding.

 

[jdsac]

Consider looking on Craigslist for a quality industrial grade used one. They will outlast anything that is new & cheap. A lot of them have 3 phase motors so factor the cost of buying a single phase motor in.

example:
http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/tld/4819492425.html

 

[mikester]

The blue Campbell Hausfeld that I bought in '99 was the exact same compressor that HD was selling a year later under the Husky label. Not sure who makes them for HD now. My friend has a 2 stage Craftsman and its stamped Devilbis.

 

[BADSIX]

you need to watch these low priced hi cfm compressors. they like to put small compressors on them then run them at hi rpm thus their life span is short
Jay D.

 

[TheClaw]

Consider looking on Craigslist for a quality industrial grade used one. They will outlast anything that is new & cheap. A lot of them have 3 phase motors so factor the cost of buying a single phase motor in.

example:
http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/tld/4819492425.html

I've been scouring CL. Need a vertical setup. Some ok units on there but nothing compelling so far.

 

[Showkey]

A three phase motor can run on single phase if you use a VFD. The VFD ( VSD) has to be sized for the motor load.

 

[TheClaw]

A three phase motor can run on single phase if you use a VFD. The VFD ( VSD) has to be sized for the motor load.

Now you are getting out of my skill levels. I'm not good with the electrical components. I can teardown and rebuild a lot of things but wires I leave to the experts.

 

[dmeadow]

I've had the Puma for over a year and I've been very pleased with it.

I bought it after a LOT of research. The one that I would really avoid on that list is the Ingersoll Rand given all the problems people seem to have with them.

By reputation, the Quincy is probably best, but typically much more expensive.

 

[R7237]

Maybe a HF factory reconditioned? I think mine was $435 delivered.

 

[macdabs]

I looked at several compressors and was looking to buy on the low side. I gave two old Keystone compressors at my old shop that have painted cars ran air tools and inground lifts for 40 years without issues. I looked at a Jenny and saw the same quality that my keystones had . They also are made 40 miles from my house with the majority of the cast parts from Pa. You get what you pay for.

Mac

 

[TheEquineFencer]

Thought one of the reviews on the TSC might be of interest. On the IR model posted by Garageman,

>>>
Got it home. The pressure switch auto / off switch made out of cheap plastic was broke. The pressure switch cover would not even screw down. After looking the pressure switch over I have decided to take it back before I ever try to fire it up. I don't think anyone cares about quality anymore. I'm gonna spend the extra money and get me a Quincy.
<<<

That's what I got. 24 CFM 175 PSI.

 

[Norm01]

I would compare noise level and duty cycle on all of them to help me make my choice. I bought the IR and I am very happy with it, it's very quiet, cast iron heads and has a 100% duty cycle.

 

[pat g]

Researched compressors for months and purchased this one http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200612354_200612354

Its does not make a lot of noise , delivers sufficient air and is portable . Also the motor on mine is dual voltage , hope this helps

 

[D45]

Puma Belt-Drive Stationary Vertical Air Compressor — 60-Gallon Vertical, 3 HP, 12 CFM, Model# PK6060V | 10 - 20 CFM Air Compressors| Northern Tool + Equipment

Puma Belt-Drive Stationary Vertical Air Compressor
60-Gallon Vertical
Model# PK6060V

$499.99 right now, on sale.....this is $700 everywhere else

2 Cylinder Pump

CFM at 90 PSI 12
CFM at 40 PSI 13.5
15 AMP
Max PSI: 150


60-Gal. 3 HP Electric Single Stage Air Compressor-PK-6060V at The Home Depot

Looks like Home Depot sells the Puma PV6060V

I know for a fact they used to match and be prices by 10% too........atleast they did 3 years ago when I bought my Toro snow thrower from them

If I could get them one for $450 that would be a steal

 

[AndyA]

That's what I got. 24 CFM 175 PSI.

24CFM @ 175psi???
That sounds like their 2-stage, 7.5HP, T30 compressor. That's a much better compressor than the single-stage, 5HP one posted from Tractor Supply. The price reflects this: $2099 versus $699.

The T30 compressors have typically been very good. I haven't heard good things about their smaller compressors.

 

[600SL]

Here's the compressor I have.

Is it a great compressor? No but it does have the most bang for the buck.

You can buy 2 of these for $1000 and have nearly the output of a 7.5HP industrial.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_54284-1126-...L=?Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&facetInfo=

 

[redmondjp]

Here's the compressor I have.

Is it a great compressor? No but it does have the most bang for the buck.

You can buy 2 of these for $1000 and have nearly the output of a 7.5HP industrial.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_54284-1126-...L=?Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&facetInfo=

I agree with you on bang for the buck, but this compressor is not in the same league as most 7.5HP units which are higher-hour life, higher-duty-cycle, 2-stage units.

 

[thickhead]

Any reason that nobody has said to get the Quincy from aircompressorsdirect.com for $800 delivered?

Are they any good to deal with?
Is that model any good?

 

[redmondjp]

Any reason that nobody has said to get the Quincy from aircompressorsdirect.com for $800 delivered?

Are they any good to deal with?
Is that model any good?

That $800 Quincy is pretty much equivalent to the various $500ish models available at most box stores. I personally don't know that I would spend the extra $ just to get the blue paint with the Quincy decal on it.

There is plenty to read about on this and other forums on Quincy's entry-level QT series compressors. They are closer to the consumer-grade units available at the big box stores than to their industrial-duty bigger brothers. They use splash lubrication instead of pressure lubrication, they use reed valves instead of disc valves, don't have true head pressure unloaders (use discharge pipe unloaders like all consumer-grade units), and the motors are typically 3450RPM instead of 1740RPM which means that they are turning a smaller pump at a higher RPM (which makes more noise) in order to produce the desired output. They are also not designed for continuous duty, just like other consumer-grade units.

All of that doesn't make it a 'bad' compressor, per se, but it is what it is. Just like with most things, you get what you pay for. All compressor manufacturers are 'global' these days and the companies are value-engineering the heck out of everything while also looking for the lowest manufacturing cost (sigh . . .).

 

[RickP]

I'd seriously consider the HF 2-stage 60 gal unit for $799 (on sale for $749). It's assembled in USA, with an Italian pump and a motor from Mexico, on top of a U.S. tank. The HF web site says it will do 15.8 cfm at 90 psi, but those numbers may be a little high. Regardless, I've had that unit for a couple of years now and it's absolutely rock solid. Sure its 3450 ram motor makes a little more noise than a Quincy, but it's also less than half the price.

 

[redmondjp]

I'd seriously consider the HF 2-stage 60 gal unit for $799 (on sale for $749). It's assembled in USA, with an Italian pump and a motor from Mexico, on top of a U.S. tank. The HF web site says it will do 15.8 cfm at 90 psi, but those numbers may be a little high. Regardless, I've had that unit for a couple of years now and it's absolutely rock solid. Sure its 3450 ram motor makes a little more noise than a Quincy, but it's also less than half the price.

I was going to recommend that exact same unit - best bang for the buck out there right now IMO. I think they use Chinook pumps. I have a coworker who just bought a used one of these for $250 and spent another $100 to rebuild the pump.