Help deciding on an air compressor

[r_egan]

Looking at purchasing a new air compressor and am unsure whether I need to spend the money to go to a two stage unit and am looking for some feedback.

I am considering the following models:

- Quincy 3.5 hp, single stage, 60 gal unit (model Q13160VQ)
- Quincy 5 hp, two stage, 60 gal unit (model 2V41C60VC)

The compressor will primarily be used with nail guns, impact wrenches/ impact ratchets. I may at some time decide to do some light sandblasting and painting (I recently purchased a collector car and have plans to restore the car down the road). No plans to run more than one tool at a time.

Hard to justify an additional $600 to step up to the two stage if it is not needed.

 

[8man]

There are some good write ups in the archives on compressors. I used a couple to help me decide that at 12 CFM for a 5 hp 60 gallon tank compressor I wasn't satisfied. It handles most of what I do well, but it doesn't like even a small blast cabinet. Too much air requirement for sandblasting. So if those are your 2 choices, go with more power.

 

[skruft]

You may need more if you do air sanding, sandblasting or HVLP painting. For anything else I think what you are suggesting is fine and you would not even need that large a tank.

The trick is to plan for future needs without getting something ridiculous.

 

[Davefr]

I kind of view these 3.5 HP 60 gallon units as orphans.

I'd either go 2 HP 33 gallon for portability and dual voltage or step up to 5 HP 60 gallon for the additional capability.

I'd get the 5HP Quincy unit so you have future capability.

 

[C96]

I used a couple to help me decide that at 12 CFM for a 5 hp 60 gallon tank compressor I wasn't satisfied.

I wouldn’t be satisfied with that either, that is a very low rating for a 5 horse compressor, sounds more like a 3 horse power rating.