i need a new compressor

[Fab-Worx]

i have been using a 60 gal. 3hp vertical compressor bought from lowes about 7 years ago. Similar to this http://images.lowes.com/product/converted/045564/045564103637md.jpg.
It has always been outside and for the most part has always done a great job. Now i've had to move it inside and noticed a few things. the number one and most important thing is it is extremely loud and number 2 is that it doesn't produce enough air to keep up with my current demand.

so i'm looking for options in a compressor not much larger in pyshical size then what i have now but that is much quiter, and produces as much air as possible. i have even considerd a 7-15hp rotary screw. Noise is a major issue with me forced to work inside with it i want it quite.

anyone have any suggestions, recomendations?

thanks

 

[Adam McLaughlin]

Is this Fab Worx in Santa Rosa, Ca?

Adam

 

[Fab-Worx]

no.. I think your thinking of JD fabworx. I've never met them but i've seen some of there stuff talented group. They came around a few years after i did.

 

[kartracer55]

What's your budget and your demands? I have an Eaton 5hp single stage with a 7hp sized pump. Puts out about 20cfm@100psi which is definitely adequate. They build these to order, or at least sometimes, so if you call you can downsize from the 80 gallon tank to the 60 gallon tank, which is what I did. Quiet and not to expensive considering what you get. For additional $$ you can have them install a Baldor motor too if your that serious about it.

As for rotary screws, they are still kind of loud. Where I work, there are two kaeser rotary screw compressors plumbed to a 60 gallon tank. You can still hear them, its like a smooth high pitched whine, so they arn't going to be totally silent either.

 

[goodfellow]

The only thing that will abate much of the noise are low RPM. There are a few very low RPM 5HP, 220v., 60 gal. two stage units out there. Quincy and Champion come to mind.

However, they are expensive.

 

[Fab-Worx]

What's your budget and your demands? I have an Eaton 5hp single stage with a 7hp sized pump. Puts out about 20cfm@100psi which is definitely adequate. They build these to order, or at least sometimes, so if you call you can downsize from the 80 gallon tank to the 60 gallon tank, which is what I did. Quiet and not to expensive considering what you get. For additional $$ you can have them install a Baldor motor too if your that serious about it.

As for rotary screws, they are still kind of loud. Where I work, there are two kaeser rotary screw compressors plumbed to a 60 gallon tank. You can still hear them, its like a smooth high pitched whine, so they arn't going to be totally silent either.

i don't want to break the bank but i will spend what is needed. 20cfm at 100psi would be great. i was thinking 16-20cfm at 90 or so would be ideal. I'm not opposed to just upgrading the pump and motor on mine but not sure what to look at. I don't want to get another to find out it's just as loud.

 

[Danglerb]

Put it in a closet, or storage area and throw up some insulation on the walls.

Friend of mine keeps his big compressor in a storage closet that also has the electrical breaker panel. I went in it one day to turn on some lights and had the compressor cycle on behind me, scared the stuff out of me, since it makes little noise in the main room with the door shut.

 

[SteveU]

i don't want to break the bank but i will spend what is needed. 20cfm at 100psi would be great. i was thinking 16-20cfm at 90 or so would be ideal. I'm not opposed to just upgrading the pump and motor on mine but not sure what to look at. I don't want to get another to find out it's just as loud.

This is pretty much what Jim was talking about. It is quiet & runs at 650 rpm but only runs for a minute or so each time it kicks on unless you are really using some air. Mine is in my shop & I don't find it objectionable at all.

 

[Gary S]

I don't think a screw compressor would be what you want. At work, we have some Ingersol Rand screw compressors. Running, they measure 90+ db, which is not only well above "annoying" but also above what OSHA would want you working around without ear protection.

 

[LoneGunman]

I also have an Eaton, 7.5hp 3 cylinder 2 stage, when they say you can carry on a conversation next to it they aint lying.

One thing I think you should consider is keeping your tank and buying the pump and the motor. I bought the pump from Eaton, on Ebay. I bought my motor on Ebay but not from Eaton because I wanted a US made motor and Eatons import motor was around the same price. I bought my motor from Weco-group, others on here have also had great dealings with them.

For right around $1200 total I got one hell of a compressor.

 

[Fab-Worx]

I also have an Eaton, 7.5hp 3 cylinder 2 stage, when they say you can carry on a conversation next to it they aint lying.

One thing I think you should consider is keeping your tank and buying the pump and the motor. I bought the pump from Eaton, on Ebay. I bought my motor on Ebay but not from Eaton because I wanted a US made motor and Eatons import motor was around the same price. I bought my motor from Weco-group, others on here have also had great dealings with them.

For right around $1200 total I got one hell of a compressor.

ok this is the way i think i'm going to go..

I'm looking at this pump http://www.eatoncompressor.com/catalog/item/518643/1017632.htm which produces 26cfm at 100 with a 7.5hp motor. I'm thinking of using a 5hp motor and spinning it slower as they recomend for a few reasons but the major being that it will be quiter.

anyone have any idea how much cfm i'll be giving up by spinning it 260rpm slower? Any problems with using my current tank etc? what else would i need? a magnetic starter for the larger motor?

thanks

 

[LoneGunman]

I don't see the reason to run it at a slower RPM, I run mine at 840 with a 7.5hp 1750 RPM Baldor motor. The pump you linked to is the same pump I have, I live in a duplex so I can't have a lot of noise, you cannot hear mine running in their side, you can also just barely hear mine in my living room which shares a wall with my garage.

You will need a starter, make sure your old tank can handle the pressure of the new compressor, mine would not so I bought a new pressure switch and pop off valves from Eaton. I also purchased what I needed to set up a continuous run option (pilot valve and a small ball valve), highly recommended if you are going to blast.

Youll need a new pump to compressor line, I used hydraulic hose from the Surplus Center (link below) it was MUCH cheaper than any place else I could find, I also bought the hydraulic fittings there.

http://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?UID=2008072522402060&item=11-2338&catname=electric