IR SS5L5 Compressor

[mike goins]

I read somewhere that these SS series air compressors have been problematic for some. Can you guys fill me in on the pros and cons of these units. Im on the fence with this and would like a little feedback.

 

[motorheadjohn]

Can't speak from personal experience with the single-stage (my IR is a TS5 two-stage and hasn't given me any problems). But what I hear regulary is warning about the reed-type valves used in the standard quality IR compressors.

IMO it boils down to what you're going to do with air power, and how often.

Impact work regularly, and only occasional die grinding or bead blasting or painting? You'd probably be fine.

Continuous bead blasting and/or HVLP painting? Look for a better quality compressor and you'll be much happier with it in the long run.

FWIW, I've done a fair amount of bead blasting with my IR TS5N5, plus lots of die grinding, and have no complaints. I'm nutty about equipment maintenance so I'm sure it will last me a long time. But if I did it over again today I would buy at least an IR T30 or look at a Quincy or Champion or equivalent monster compressor.

 

[G M]

Basically there are 2 companys that build the consumer grade air compressors. IR makes their own higher end compressors but they also sell a unit built by Devilbiss.

Here is the list from the Air compressor lawsuit a while back

A: Campbell's air compressors were sold under the following brand names:

Campbell Hausfeld
CH Extreme
Farmhand
Husky (models beginning with FP, WL, HS, VS, VT)
Husky Pro (models beginning with HS, VS, VT)
IronForce
Maxus
Power Pro

DeVilbiss' air compressors were sold under the following brand names:

2X4
Accuspray
Air America
American IMC
Blue Point
Charge Air Pro
Companion
Craftsman
DAPC
Delta
Delta Shopmaster
Delta Workshop
DeVilbiss
Ex-Cell
Force International
Husky
Impact
Ingersoll-Rand
Matco
Porter-Cable
Power Tools
Pro 4000
Pro Air
Pro Air II
Rand 4000
Senco
Snap-On
Speedaire
Steel Driver Series
Superior Fastener
Tradesman
W R Brown
Westward

 

[mike goins]

with that said, is it even worth considering this model or should i just bite the bullet and purchase a T30. I can pick one up direct from the IR shop for 1100. I , like most, am trying to get out on the cheap. I will do some light work and perhaps do an all over on a project car. The cfm seems good for the price and enough for my application but wanted to see if anyone had a less than stellar experience

 

[bmwpower]

I would spend the extra bucks and get the better unit. Compressors are usually things you tend to hang to for a while so buying the better one, you'll never be sorry.

As for the SS series, there was talk of these units that apparently have cast iron sleeved cylinders instead of being entirely made of cast iron. SS stands for Single Stage (as opposed to a 2 stage design).

It would be nice to find out for sure what the deal is with these units to put the myth to rest. They keep selling them, so they can't be all that bad.

 

[cranker]

Have you looked at any quincy's? I love mine. The reason i ask is mine is a 5hp 2 stage 4 cylinder 80 gal upright and it has worked flawess and I paid $1300 for it.

 

[kartracer55]

GM, Interesting you should post that. If you get a chance, can you post the site it came off of? The reason i ask is because I dont think DeVilbiss was making speedair compressors, but instead it was campbell hausfeld. Its interesting to note that certian westward and speedaire compressors appear to be identical. I dont believe thier is one supplier for these brands, because certain CH, Speedaire, and westward compressors all share, what woudl appear to be the same pump, however its evident that certain westward compressors are, or at least appear to be made by devilbiss







I would also like to know what makes THIS compressor worth 3800$

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...group_ID=13098&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Thats a joke, I mean yeah, the snap on logo sure is purdy, but your seriously out of your mind if you pay that. If that amp rating is correct, its only a 5hp motor, not an 8hp motor.

 

[Luckydevil]

Jim, is there an equation for converting the amperage of a compressor into its true hp number?

 

[kartracer55]

its 5-6 amps for every 1hp on 220, 10-12 for every 1hp on 110... as voltage doubles amperage is reduced in half. Im sure Tomwelds or another electrician on here can go more in depth.

Jim

 

[G M]

GM, Interesting you should post that. If you get a chance, can you post the site it came off of?

http://www.aircompressorsettlement.com/faq.php3

 

[krooser]

Interesting....a lawsuit 'cuz they oversold the HP ratings....

 

[l_bilyk]

Up here they are all labelled as "peak HP"

We ought to sue!

 

[W-Cummins]

I would also like to know what makes THIS compressor worth 3800$

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=54743&group_ID=13098&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Thats a joke, I mean yeah, the snap on logo sure is purdy, but your seriously out of your mind if you pay that. If that amp rating is correct, its only a 5hp motor, not an 8hp motor.

Well your math is off a bit, but I still don't know why they think it's worth allmost 4k

BTW it's AMPS X Volts X PF X EFF/746

For most stuff you can forget the PF= power factor ( at least for the rough calc. ) and you can kinda guess the motor effieciency at say .85 to .90 or so for most motors
you can use 750 for a quick mental calc. as it is close enough for the watts per HP.

 

[kartracer55]

Well your math is off a bit, but I still don't know why they think it's worth allmost 4k

BTW it's AMPS X Volts X PF X EFF/746

For most stuff you can forget the PF= power factor ( at least for the rough calc. ) and you can kinda guess the motor effieciency at say .85 to .90 or so for most motors
you can use 750 for a quick mental calc. as it is close enough for the watts per HP.

I was usign arough estimate... liek I said I dont know much electric. Can ya go more in depth or PM me with it?

Thanks

Jim

 

[BOSS351C]

I have an SS3L3 IR. The compressor is very definetly different from any CH or DeVilbiss I have seen. I'll double check, but am pretty sure the compressor was made in the US, not India as some have said it may be. It will keep up with my blasting cabinet, pressure pot sand blaster, or die grinder with no problem. I've had it for about a year now and am VERY happy with it. I really liked the fact that it states "3hp Running" on the labeling and not just the "7.9 Peak". It may not be a full out industrial compressor, but for $500 I think it is a good value for heavy weekend use.

 

[AdamMopar]

Power = Volts X Amps

Power = 230 V X 30 A

Power = 6900 W = 6.9 kW

1 HP = 0.7457 KW

Power = 9.25 HP

That will give you an estimate anyway.

Depending on the efficiency of the motor it's probably near the 8 HP range.

Adam

 

[RCAutoworks]

Just wanted to chime in quickly, I've owned this compressor now for about 3-4 years, I already replaced the electric motor cause it exploded one morning, literally burst into flames, and I've replaced the switch now twice on the unit. The first indicant with the motor, it was about 10 days after the warranty period and after reading reviews I saw that it was really common yet IR didn't wanna help at all.

 

[1Garageman]

Just wanted to chime in quickly, I've owned this compressor now for about 3-4 years, I already replaced the electric motor cause it exploded one morning, literally burst into flames, and I've replaced the switch now twice on the unit. The first indicant with the motor, it was about 10 days after the warranty period and after reading reviews I saw that it was really common yet IR didn't wanna help at all.

WOW, that is total f'en ********!
Glad you shared it, sorry for you luck!