Looking for a compact, higher capacity air compressor

[LeeG]

My 45 year old compressor needs lots of fixing or replacement. I'm leaning towards replacement but I am very tight on space. I don't use air real often, but when I do, I seem to use a lot of it.

Current and planned needs include:
Plasma Cutter
Die Grinder
Blast Cabinet

All of the compressors I have looked at that can produce the volume of air I need typically have an 80 gallon tank - far larger than I really have room for. I realize I probably piece together something, but I'd prefer to find a commercial unit that will have at least 15cfm @90 psi actual throughput but not much more than a 30 gallon tank.

I'd appreciate any ideas
Thanks
Lee

 

[CrashmanS]

That's going to be a tough order. With tank size comes cfm. I run a one man body shop and my compressor is a 60 gallon two cylinder and outputs around 12 cfm at 90 psi. It runs anything I have. So I'm my opinion, that list of wants doesn't exist in a regular piston compressor. I may be wrong though. Unless you might get into a rotary screw drive compressor but it's $$$$.

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[larry_g]

https://www.grainger.com/product/ROLAIR-Portable-Electric-Air-Compressor-WP6224671/_/N-aeyZ1yzokyaZ1yzokyb?breadcrumbCatId=4964&s_pp=false&picUrl=//static.grainger.com/rp/s/is/image/Grainger/35DZ68_AS01?$smthumb$

Above are 2 that may meet your needs. Notice that these can run start/stop or continuous. The small tanks make the continuous run option desirable for doing the jobs you listed.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[mtnkrake]

Jenny Compressor

I have one of these that I "built" and it works great.

 

[redmondjp]

Lee,

The only compressor that meets your description will be a gas-powered commercial-grade mobile service unit having a big pump on a small tank. You may not want to go this route, but I wanted to throw this option out there.

 

[md21722]

Answers here are everything I would have said. My first thought for a 30 gallon was a gasoline powered service truck type. But then I remember Jenny makes true 5HP 30 gallon portable compressors designed with contractors in mind... both are horizontal. You are unlikely to find ANY that are vertical in this size unless you build it yourself. The reason is the weight. I am curious to see your shop space that you can't fit a 60-80 gallon vertical compressor. A little reshuffling can save some serious dollars.

 

[CrashmanS]

My 60 gallon vertical is outside. My concerns were I didn't want it taking up shop space and I didn't want it sucking in paint fumes into the compressor. It is covered over head and from the weather side and has happily been running for probably 10 years.

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[rsanter]

First is look to see if you can put it outside.
If that is not an option then I would go with one of the small tank/big pump combo units, however I would add an additional tank that could be put up in the attic. You could even use the tank from your exsisting compressor. Connect with a decent size pipe between them and a ball valve so you could isolate the tank when needed. That means you could also store air in the added tank for a quick air up without running the compressor or you can isolate it from the system to quickly fill the primary tanks

Bob

 

[CNGsaves]

OP is in Phoenix, AZ . . . . . that tells you compressor NEEDS to be outside.

Build a small lean-to extension to the garage for the compressor. Get an 80 gal 5HP to 7.5 HP and have all the lifetime air you could ever use.

 

[LeeG]

Outside would be great. Problem is, it is about 10' between my house and the one on each side. I'd have to move it to the back yard, which is not impossible, but not really practical given other constraints.

I do like Rob's suggestion of putting an extra tank in the attic. That has merit. I was looking today at this offering from Eaton Compressor. The specs are 19 @100 PSI 17 @175 PSI with a 5hp Leeson motor for about $1900 delivered. That is at the high end of my price range, but doable.

I am undecided as to putting a new motor on my existing one or just biting the bullet and getting a new one. I'll make up my mind this week.

Here is a photo of that Eaton unit I was looking at.

 

[Cahark]

I just picked up my compressor from eaton a few weeks ago. Lucky I'm about 10 mins from their facility so I was able to save on delivery. The staff and their customer service was absolutely amazing. The owner himself greeted me and gave me a tour.
Eaton makes a great product and they back it up. You will not be disappointed.

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[md21722]

Outside would be great. Problem is, it is about 10' between my house and the one on each side. I'd have to move it to the back yard, which is not impossible, but not really practical given other constraints.

I do like Rob's suggestion of putting an extra tank in the attic. That has merit. I was looking today at this offering from Eaton Compressor. The specs are 19 @100 PSI 17 @175 PSI with a 5hp Leeson motor for about $1900 delivered. That is at the high end of my price range, but doable.

I am undecided as to putting a new motor on my existing one or just biting the bullet and getting a new one. I'll make up my mind this week.

Here is a photo of that Eaton unit I was looking at.

That looks a lot like a single stage air compressor to me. Two pistons & two air filters. The vertical tank posted in message #11 looks like a better unit to me. Neither are using magnetic starters but the high HP/amperage Condor MDR3 pressure switch. The one in #11 is a knock off of the Saylor Beall 705 pump. At that point you might as well buy a Harbor Freight 5HP dual stage for the $779-829 price. The HF will be louder, but is much cheaper.

 

[MacMcMacmac]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/COMPAIR-HYD...900815?hash=item5d60ace00f:g:j~sAAOSwJkJWlG6g

Have a look around for a small Hydrovane.