How do you like your compressor?

[cthulu]

Ok, so yeah I'm looking for advice on a new compressor and wondering what you guys have and how you like it.

I've had a 15 gal 8cfm craftsman oil-less compressor for 20 years and it's done a good job for my needs and been really portable as I moved around.

Now though it's getting really really noisy, like annoying while it's on inside a building and i'm in my house 30 ft away....I have enough tools that **** air so I need something with a bigger reservoir and more CFM.

Current compressor is piped into my shop and has a 200ft reel for any in house or around the property work so the new one can be as big as my budget allows as I don't see myself moving in the next 5 years or so.

Looking in the 1000$-1500$ range, the newer quincy's seem to be hit or miss same thing for the Ingersoll's.


What would you guys get and why? (1 Phase 240 power only)

 

[mslim]

Love my Makita Mac7000 hotdog. Had about a $100 in credit card "rewards" so I put a little more money w/ it and got a good useful compressor for my humble needs.

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

Go used...it's the only way you'll find a decent compressor for your budget. Personally, I believe the 3 top brands are Quincy (QR series only) Champion (disc valve pumps, NOT reed valve) and Saylor- Beall. All 3 brands are slow RPM pumps and all 3 are reasonably quiet and all 3 are very reliable.

 

[70chevellegsp]

I found an 80 gallon Champion (R15) in a guys yard for sale about 10 years ago. I had to have the motor rewound, but it's done all I've asked and I have under $400 wrapped up in it.

 

[Jazzman442]

I have a Craftsman 27 gallon compressor. it is a really good compressor and it is really quite.
I got it on sale around $250.00

 

[cthulu]

I have a Craftsman 27 gallon compressor. it is a really good compressor and it is really quite.
I got it on sale around $250.00

Love the lightning shifter, miss my olds.

Maybe used it is, thanks guys.

 

[Robinson1]

I've got a 30 gallon Porter Cable from Tractor Supply. Had it about 3 years. No problems this far. It's a little lacking for running a die grinder. But great for everything else I do. My shop is primarily a wood shop but I do use air for alot of things.

Got a smaller Rolair can't remember the model but it's about 6 gallon. Use it on the jobsite for nail guns. No complaints. Had it about 10 years. Only changed oil once, never a problem.

 

[pcmeiners]

"the newer quincy's seem to be hit or miss same thing for the Ingersoll's. "
Would not touch either, but the Quincy QR series are the best, can be a bargain used. New, they are too rich for my blood, I went used.

 

[theoldwizard1]

For compressors, bigger is better ! I have a 2hp, oil lubed, 20 gallon Craftsman compressor. It was what I could afford 40 years ago. It works prefect even today. I wish I could have afforded the $100 more for the 3hp, 30 gallon at the time.

If you have the A) money, B) space and C) power get a 5hp 60 gallon vertical.

 

[BajaScout]

Had my quincy for about 5 years. No issues.

 

[johninct]

I had my Devilbus for 25 years and it still works great.

 

[CJM8515]

Used Cman 33 gal 6hp oiless, its ok. It will not run a die grinder or a air hammer all to well. Ive been eyeing up a dewalt 30 gal with like 7cfm @90psi but IDK if thats really enough. Anything else is like 60 gallon minimum and thats not portable and the need to wire in a 220v plug and keep it somewhere in the garage which has no room. A gas powered compressor sounds nice but they are costly.

 

[bob15]

Go used...it's the only way you'll find a decent compressor for your budget. Personally, I believe the 3 top brands are Quincy (QR series only) Champion (disc valve pumps, NOT reed valve) and Saylor- Beall. All 3 brands are slow RPM pumps and all 3 are reasonably quiet and all 3 are very reliable.

You could add older IR T-30's on your list. There is a reason they are still out in the field, pumping out compressed air, many 50+ years old. They are bulletproof.

 

[javajaws]

Love my Saylor Beall...when it starts running it gives me a big grin it sounds so good.

 

[dnschmidt]

Javajaws WINS. When you're finished with toys buy a Saylor-Beall.

 

[Marctrees]

I'm very happy w this one.. best value out there new.. do advanced search on it..

Marc

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=417889

 

[Marctrees]

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=361437&highlight=93274

 

[Ingram306]

+1 for Quincy. I’ve had mine, a 2 stage 5hp 60gal for about 6 years now with no issues. Knock on wood. Seems to fill quick, isn’t obnoxiously loud

 

[Kenskip1]

About 3 years ago I purchased a Husky 60 gallon compressor. It has worked flawless. It is just a bit noisy. With my military discount and it being on sale It was put into my truck for $429.Handles all my air tools with know problem. BTW,the pressure has been slightly adjusted. Shut off is now 160.Activation is 130

 

[Marctrees]

Just be aware the current Quincy low line $1400 QT is NOT the same as your Granpas Quincy.

Marc

 

[Innov8tive1]

You could add older IR T-30's on your list. There is a reason they are still out in the field, pumping out compressed air, many 50+ years old. They are bulletproof.

I'll second that! 80 gal 7.5hp 230V, 2 stage, 24cfm, more compressor than I really need but you NEVER have to wait for it to catch up, even when sandblasting.
Got mine used, slightly damaged from falling off a moving trailer, all top end damage being as how they are quite top heavy. Put a few bucks into if for parts and it works great.

 

[Marctrees]

VERY good advice posted so far re used.

But...

OP says "New... $1-1.5k"

I am the furthest thing from a HF advocate.. I own only TWO tools from them.

Have spent less than $100 there in my 61 yrs.

And, I AM an Od Arn fan....

Had a T30 for years till I had to move long distance.

For or what OP said.. New.... the HF specific model I posted is the best value.

Their is NOTHING on the new current market that is at all better unless one goes over at least approx $1300.

The HF is $799.

Nothing new touches it nowhere close.

Be aware almost all sub $1400 have Indian or chinese pumps.



Marc

 

[sberry]

It might not be the same but it works. I am not sure what the cheapest 5 hp class is, maybe a HF or Puma at a bit above 800$. A 1400IR box store unit is pretty good and outlast most people ever buying one. Won't wear it out sanding and painting a few cars. The total hours a.diy and hobby puts on one is few.
It's nice if it cycles fast and a cheaper 2 stage serves any normal demand.

 

[Marctrees]

What would be good to know..... Is the current model T30 5 hp 60 gal for $1400 ..

STILL all USA made like Granpas?

My concern is mostly the pump.

Changing it to black makes me wonder and feel uneasy.

Anyone know for sure ?

Marc

 

[intillzah]

I must be the odd man out, I actually went from a larger (20 Gallon) to a smaller (6 gallon) compressor, it helped my space situation, and all I use a compressor for is to inflate tires and blow stuff off...

 

[driftpin]

I'm looking to sell an old 30 gal. 240 V/15 amp Campbell Hausfeld 10 CFM/90 PSI and to upgrade.

Someone wants to see mine tomorrow, it's been a good unit for me, bought from the original owner, and recently serviced with a new switch, unloader, and head gasket. Assuming it sells, I'm hoping to get a good used domestic, quality 'made-in-the-USA' replacement of about twice the output, & higher pressure.

Update: another CL flake. At-least he called to cancel.

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

Maybe used it is, thanks guys.

Well?.... any luck?