I Need A New Air-Compressor

[James-W]

My older Craftsman air-Compressor rusted thru the bottom of the tank and it is now leaking. I bought it in the early 80's and it has been a really good compressor for all these years. I thought about trying to buy a new tank for it, but then I thought that buying a new compressor is a better idea. I don't use a compressor a lot, but I do use it for running my nail guns in the garage when working on projects, for blowing dust out of computer cases, pumping up a tire occasionally, and once in awhile for sand blasting.

Below is a link to the compressor I am thinking about buying. I was wondering if any of you guys/gals have this brand of compressor and if so what do you think about them. Ingersol Rand is pretty well known and they are made here in the U.S. which is a good thing. I have not owned anything they make, but I went to the store and looked at one and they seem to be pretty well made. I have not made up my mind for sure on this particular brand and model, but I am leaning pretty far in that direction so it is likely I will get one unless I hear a bunch of negative reviews on it.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...stage-twin-cylinder-pro-air-compressor-60-gal

 

[tarbellb]

You mean the tank didnt catastrophically explode and kill everyone...

Guess ive been reading to many GJ threads lately


-------
You got a budget?

Champion, Saylor Bell, or Polair quiet series

to much money, go HF

 

[James-W]

You mean the tank didn't catastrophically explode and kill everyone...

Guess i've been reading to many GJ threads lately


-------
You got a budget?

Champion, Saylor Bell, or Polair quiet series

to much money, go HF

No, it didn't explode and nobody died, but it is leaking air thru a small hole. I suspect the whole bottom of the tank is rusty and getting pretty thin on metal. If I could find a new tank the same size and type I would just replace the tank, everything else works just fine. This one is an old Craftsman and I seriously doubt I can get a tank just like the one that came with the compressor. I really don't want to screw around trying to fabricate something to work, although I am sure I could do that.

I don't really have a budget exactly, but I don't want to spend over $1,000 on a new compressor for my garage. I will if I have to, but I don't really use a compressor all that much these days and I can't see spending a fortune on a compressor for a very limited use. I do have a smaller compressor that I can put into the car and take with me when I do work at someone's house, like replacing a few boards or fixing some trim. That way I can use my nail guns rather than pounding in the nails with a hammer. But in the garage I do a little sand blasting on occasion and I could use a little larger capacity compressor than the one I had.

 

[JimDon]

James W, why don’t you sign yourself up for some coupons from Northern Tool, go online and check their very large choices of all different makes and sizes, then go pick one up on S108th street in Milwaukee? Easy Peasy and Bob’s your uncle. Good luck and cheers to you, JimDon

ps NT carries Ingersol Rand brand.

 

[GeoBruin]

I highly recommend searching the forum or just punch into Google: "new compressor garage journal". This comes up a lot. My quick take: for what you describe, that compressor will be fine. Buy it, use it, and be done with it.

That said, it is absolutely not made in the USA. Not the motor, not the pump. Possibly the tank. It is a very inexpensive imported compressor that IR slapped their name on and sells through the big box store distribution network. But, compressors get very expensive very quickly if you start looking at quieter, more cfm, usa made, etc. So if that machine meets your needs, you're good to go.

 

[FMB4]

Also consider buying a comp with specs that are at least 25% higher than what you think you'll ever need.

 

[finn]

Sounds like you don’t need high volumes of air and aren’t a heave user of compressed air either. I would look seriously at the “silent” compressors sold ar Lowe’s and most other places these days.

They certainly aren’t industrial rated, but are likely more than adequate for casual use in a home shop.

The “silent” technology is mostly intake air muzzling, so it’s nothing high tech.

I purchased a small, conventional 26 gallon (?) two stage Kobalt that was on clearance last winter when Lowe’s was blowing them out in favor of the “silent” compressors. It’s also more than adequate for my use, and much quieter than my old belt driven Craftsman from the eighties.

Be prepared for a lot of posters pushing you towards a 30000 hour Champion or Quincy. Who’ll be the first to spout the tired “Buy once-Cry once” line?

 

[James-W]

I highly recommend searching the forum or just punch into Google: "new compressor garage journal". This comes up a lot. My quick take: for what you describe, that compressor will be fine. Buy it, use it, and be done with it.

That said, it is absolutely not made in the USA. Not the motor, not the pump. Possibly the tank. It is a very inexpensive imported compressor that IR slapped their name on and sells through the big box store distribution network. But, compressors get very expensive very quickly if you start looking at quieter, more cfm, usa made, etc. So if that machine meets your needs, you're good to go.

I thought the compressor was made here in the U.S., or at least assembled here in the U.S. I mean, I think I read somewhere that Ingersoll Rand is a company that was started here in the U.S. in the late 1800's and I think the headquarters is in Milwaukee. I will have to check into that to be sure, my memory is not what it once was, but I am pretty sure that is what I read.

I don't need a new compressor right away, I actually have a compressor that I repaired for a buddy of mine and he has not come to pick it up yet so I can sue that one if I need to. I had to replace the pressure switch on it which was no big deal and it is working good again so if push comes to shove I have a compressor. I also have the small one I bought quite awhile ago that is would work fine for everything except for sand blasting. But I seldom do that and since I do not anticipate doing any sand blasting in the near future, I can wait awhile before I need to get a new compressor. I am rather disappointed this particular compressor is imported, I thought it was American made. I may do some more looking around before deciding what to do.

 

[GeoBruin]

I thought the compressor was made here in the U.S., or at least assembled here in the U.S. I mean, I think I read somewhere that Ingersoll Rand is a company that was started here in the U.S. in the late 1800's and I think the headquarters is in Milwaukee. I will have to check into that to be sure, my memory is not what it once was, but I am pretty sure that is what I read.

I don't need a new compressor right away, I actually have a compressor that I repaired for a buddy of mine and he has not come to pick it up yet so I can sue that one if I need to. I had to replace the pressure switch on it which was no big deal and it is working good again so if push comes to shove I have a compressor. I also have the small one I bought quite awhile ago that is would work fine for everything except for sand blasting. But I seldom do that and since I do not anticipate doing any sand blasting in the near future, I can wait awhile before I need to get a new compressor. I am rather disappointed this particular compressor is imported, I thought it was American made. I may do some more looking around before deciding what to do.

Ingersoll Rand is an American company with a history of making great compressors in the USA. Some of their high-end industrial models are still made here. The problem is that they can't produce consumer-grade compressors for competitive prices like many manufacturers, so they must import them to be competitive.

 

[bsaint]

Just buy whatever is at home depot.

 

[driftpin]

"Buy once, cry once". Maybe you need two! Dig that CFM & PSI.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Probably not big enough but Walmart has the Goodyear 8 gallon compressors on closeout for $100. I’m going to pick up one as a travel compressor. Just a suggestion as I’m not sure what an ideal size for you would be. I know a lot of people with the light blue compressor from Harbor Freight I can’t remember the exact brand it’s like McGraw or something and they speak very highly of them. I’ve got a Craftsman that my dad bought in 1997 at home. It’s a 20 gallon doing great.

 

[vwpieces]

TSC still listing those @ 100% duty cycle?
Buddy has the "5" larger version and motor burned up after a few months. He wass using it with a blasting cabinet. It was warrantied buy IR but after talking with them he was told they are not 100% duty cycle and TSC shouldn't have that info in the description. And not to run it too long while blasting.
Maybe the pump is but not motor? I dunno, second hand info.

@driftpin that model A compressor is flippin cool.
I have an air-cooled VW motor with a conversion that uses 2cyls to run and 2 cyls to compress air. It has about 70cfm rating. Forget the name brand but I think it was made and designed in Iowa. But it had a bad rod bearing when I got it. I took it apart and never did get back on it. This one uses round disc valves in a custom head for one side of the engine.
Also have another "kit" with the same concept and is for air-cooled VW engine conversion. This kit used a special cam and retains the stock heads, compressor valves shimmed hard and you screw an aluminum block to the top of the compressor pistons to raise the CR. Compressor is 2cyls opposing each other, runs off the other 2. Had it about 20 years and never did assemble that kit either.

 

[dnschmidt]

First you need to know exactly what it is you want to do with this compressor. I like to paint cars and I'll tell you straight away that there is no way in hell that will keep up with a SATA X5500 or Iwata WS400 professional spray gun. Sandblasting cabinet? don't make me laugh. If you're using an air impact to change from your winter tires to summer all is well. If you're using it with an air die grinder to port cylinder heads forget about it. Once you know what you want to do with it we can give you recommendations. Without that information it's all ********.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Replacement air tanks are expensive, costing as much as cheap compressors.
That compressor is way overkill for most of the needs mentioned and probably a bit undersized for sand blasting (though capable on small jobs).
Honestly I prefer a small portable compressor for nail guns and inflating tires.

 

[James-W]

Replacement air tanks are expensive, costing as much as cheap compressors.
That compressor is way overkill for most of the needs mentioned and probably a bit undersized for sand blasting (though capable on small jobs).
Honestly I prefer a small portable compressor for nail guns and inflating tires.

When it comes to sandblasting I only do small jobs. I sometimes get lawn mower blades that are really caked up with crud and I use a wire brush on a grinder to clean most of the crud off. Then I sandblast the rest off but that only takes a couple minutes to do. I don't really need to sandblast the mower blades, but when I do sandblast them I also paint them and then they look like they are brand new.

I have a buddy who comes over once in awhile to sandblast a toy tractor. He is a big fan of toy tractors and other toy farm equipment and he buys them, cleans them all up, replaces the bad parts, and then he sells them. It is a hobby but he makes money doing it. It takes him about 15 minutes to sandblast a toy tractor so I doubt overheating causing motor failure is going to be a big problem.

I have a small portable compressor that I use when I go someplace to do a project. It fits in my vehicle easily and I need it for my nail guns and I use it for cleaning off dust or debris from the work area. I also have an air powered caulk gun that I seldom use but when I need it that tool sure comes in handy.

 

[Sneezer]

I have a 26gal Kobalt quiet tech air compressor. I was in the same boat as you a couple years ago. The old Black Max 21 gal compressor had gotten louder and wasn't pumping up as quick as it used to. I couldn't use it at night as it could be heard a two streets away. I really wanted a two-stage one, but they were out of my price range. I am strictly DIY, so it doesn't get used a great deal. Got a good price on the quiet one, and was blown away with the reduction in noise. Wife happy, neighbors happy, and it runs my air tools better than the old one did.

 

[Badgerstate]

Id look at a Husky, Kobalt or one at HF. Im looking to upgrade to a Husky 20-gallon here in a couple months. Ive got an 8-gallon right now and its great for airing up tires but Im looking to get into using air tools for light auto repair and that 8 just isnt enough for running a drill, impact wrench, ratchet or die grinder. I figure the 20 should handle anything that I need to do.

 

[Packard V8]

Every single one of those Craftsman compressors will rust a pinhole in the bottom of the tank. BTW, not just CM, whoever made those cheapass tanks sold them to fifty different cheapass compressor marketers. Can't count the number I've seen over the past thirty years.

About the only good news is I've never known any of them to explode and kill anyone.

jack vines

 

[BillK]

If it was mine the first thing I would do is see if I could find a tank. You might actually be surprised. Most of those compressors were all made by the same company and rebranded. Check one of the air compressor parts sites. Post the Sears part number here too.

I think the older pumps and motors are just that much better than the new junk. My 2 1/2 hp 20 gal Craftsman is over 40 years old and still purrs almost like new.

 

[James-W]

If it was mine the first thing I would do is see if I could find a tank. You might actually be surprised. Most of those compressors were all made by the same company and rebranded. Check one of the air compressor parts sites. Post the Sears part number here too.

I think the older pumps and motors are just that much better than the new junk. My 2 1/2 hp 20 gal Craftsman is over 40 years old and still purrs almost like new.

Right now I don't have a Sears part number for the tank, but I can go out to the garage and get the model number off the compressor, and I will do that in a little while. With the model number I can probably find a service manual online and get a part number. Right now I am waiting for my daughter to show up and help my wife with something or other. The daughter is also bringing me some information on a project she wants me to do for her.

If I get a different tank I would want one made for this compressor so that I can mount the motor and the pump without having to do a bunch of fabricating. I am quite certain I could fabricate whatever needs to be done, but I would just as soon not have to do that.

 

[James-W]

The model number is really hard to read, it is faded and apparently it has gotten oil stains on it and that makes things hard to read. But as near as I can tell the model number is 919.177540 and it is a 4HP, 120 PSI, 20 gallon horizontal tank,, twin cylinder air-compressor.

 

[James-W]

Well, since I was not able to find a place to buy a new air tank for my compressor, I bought a new compressor. I got the Ingorsoll Rand model that I posted a link to in the opening post. I have not used it for anything yet, but I did let it pump up the tank and then shut off so I know everything is working. The paperwork says the unit was assembled in the U.S. so I can assume from that at least some of the parts come from other countries.