Looking for input on compressor

[GeoBruin]

I'm in the market for a compressor. I have a very small and already crowded shop but I would like to be able to run some pneumatic tools (die grinders, cut off wheel) and supply a plasma cutter so I need something bigger than my pancake.

I started looking at the California Air Tools oilless models in the 20 gallon range but I'm worried about running out of CFM (rated at 5.3 cfm at 90 psi). I then stumbled on this newish Quincy model with a bit bigger tank and 7.4 cfm rating.
https://m.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200848460_200848460

It does have a slightly larger footprint and I'm sure it will be louder but it may be worth it for the extra air and I understand Quincy has a good reputation.

The plasma cutter I'm looking at requires 5cfm at 75 psi and I see "average" air consumption numbers for pneumatic tools in the 5cfm range but I don't know what that will look like in real use. I'm a hobbyist so these won't get used all day every day but I do a lot of time in the shop.

One note is that the quincy is 115 volt which seems strange since it draws so much more power. I will have to wire a bigger breaker for it but that's no big deal as I'm planning to run a sub panel to the shop anyway. I'll be pulling a 230v circuit as well since I'm tired of using an extension cord for my welder so I'm also open to 230 volt options but it seems like most 230 volt machines have huge tanks.

It the Quincy worth the extra size/money and is there something else in a similar size range (perhaps in 230 volt) that will put up similar or better numbers?

I know you're going to be tempted to convince me to get a 5hp 60 gallon compressor but it will really be out of place in my small shop and I'm not willing to dedicate that much room or build its own shed outside. I'm also height limited.

Thanks in advance for suggestions.

 

[DeeKay]

Keep in mind you'll need to look at the duty cycles, I don't know about California Air tools in particular but usually oil-less compressors have lower duty cycles than lubricated reciprocating (unless they're expensive oilless like scroll, centrifugal, screw etc)

Quincy has been around a long time and they are generally rebuildable/serviceable, meaning you could have the same compressor 20 years down the line and be able to rebuild it rather than replace it. Again no idea if the Cali ones are.

I think if the plasma cutter you're looking at needs 5cfm at 70psi, the california air tools one will end up being under sized. When it comes to compressed air, you always want to over size a bit so you're not constantly running at capacity.

I agree it's a little weird that Quincy isn't 230v or multi-voltage, you'll be running right around 20amps I'd guess which is a LOT for a small air compressor. You could look into a 30 gallon as that's a little more standard size and will give you more 230v options but 30 gallons are usually just shorter 60 gallon compressors so that could cut into your size requirements.

This website is usually pretty good for comparing specs on compressors.
https://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/

Good luck!

 

[Rinspeed]

looks a little underwhelming for $650.

 

[u2slow]

I'm in the market for a compressor. I have a very small and already crowded shop...

I'll be pulling a 230v circuit as well since I'm tired of using an extension cord for my welder so I'm also open to 230 volt options but it seems like most 230 volt machines have huge tanks.

Speedaire and CH (maybe others too) make a 240V portable (3HP) 20-gal that puts out ~10cfm. I have the Speedaire; it was my very first compressor bought 20 years ago. Glad I didn't go smaller or bigger. I still keep moving it around.

 

[bsaint]

I have a spare quincy pump i can build you one.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[GeoBruin]

looks a little underwhelming for $650.

I'm definitely interested in alternatives. Another consideration is that buying new, I could pay $200 in shipping if I'm not careful.

 

[930dreamer]

I have a soft spot for older US made compressors.

 

[Rinspeed]

I'm definitely interested in alternatives. Another consideration is that buying new, I could pay $200 in shipping if I'm not careful.

I know you said you're height limited but I would start looking for a 240V 60 gallon that will fit in your shop, it's not going to take that much more space. You didn't say the portability was required and I know you don't have a lot of extra room but buying a 30 gallon 120V unit for $650 just doesn't seem like a good move. What is your ceiling height. Most places you would order online offer free shipping as well.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I'm in the market for a compressor. I have a very small and already crowded shop but I would like to be able to run some pneumatic tools (die grinders, cut off wheel) and supply a plasma cutter so I need something bigger than my pancake.

Die grinders, cut off wheels, sanders and sand blasters all take a LOT OF AIR !

If that is you goal, your going to need >3HP. 5HP would be better.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I have a soft spot for older US made compressors.

If you can find one that has not been run out of oil AND has had the water drained regularly (so there is no rust inside the tank) they are GREAT !

IMHO, the old Sears/Craftsman (pre-red paint) were excellent units. Usually made by Campbell-Hausfeld or Devilbiss. Too many homeowners never drained the tank and the bottoms rusted out.

 

[Aaron_W]

I recently had this debate with myself.

Tractor Supply had a good Black Friday sale on Dewalt Compressors. They had a 30 gallon 120v portable 5.3cfm @ 90 for $375 and a 60 gallon 240v 11 cfm @ 90 for $419. I almost had myself talked into the 60 gal unit, but the more I looked into it 11cfm is still just marginal for running a plasma cutter, many air tools, or a even a small sand blaster.
Everything I read about sizing a compressor for a plasma cutter said to take the rated cfm requirement and double it. The reason given is for marketing reasons the consumption on air tools is often under rated (the bare minimum needed is given, not optimal), and compressors are often over rated (the theoretical max, not what it provides under constant use).

The 60 gallon being a stationary 240v I would still have the issues of running wiring, air lines and moving it into place. I went for the 30 gallon which is still a big step up from the 6 gallon I've been using, and is quite adequate for my current needs. I'm parking it where I will put a 60 or 80 gallon 5hp in the future if my air needs actually require it.

I've only had it for about a week, but I'm impressed with the Dewalt 30 gallon. It uses a real air cooled (with fan) and oil lubricated compressor and is relatively quiet. There is no not noticing that it is running, but it is not painful standing next to it, and while not ideal you could talk well enough at about 10 feet without screaming to be heard. Standing next to a diesel pickup would be louder. It is 120v but can be wired for 240v if desired.

I do share your issue of space. Ideal for me would be a 15cfm 240v 30 gallon portable compressor but also found in my reading is basically at 3hp and larger you have to hardwire the compressor.

 

[sberry]

The real use for the tools is 4x that number. The plasma is probably closer to actual, smallest tip if there is a choice. I think guys run them from small comps.

 

[dnschmidt]

The Plasma is possible. Everything else you list - DREAM ON!

 

[Don1357]

You have two types of tools, occasional use such as a nailer, and continuous use tools, such as the cutter and grinder. Having said that every tool will be a compromise of what you want, can afford, have space for. In this case based on what you want to do I would suggest the compromise to be towards a bigger unit.

The no. 1 factor for continuous running tools, CFM. If the tool requires 10cfm@90psi, and your compressor outputs 13.5cfm@90psi, simply put you never run out of air. Bigger tank, higher PSI rating, it is all meaningless because with the air hungry tools you'll drain that reserve in a hurry and hit that wall of your compressor not being able to keep up with your use.

The no. 2 factor is duty cycle. If the compressor is rated for 100% duty cycle well that's that; run it until you are done. If you can only run it for 20 minutes out of an hour, well only you know if that's fine for what you do and how you do it.

Do yourself a big favor and just keep scanning CL and related places for a 11CFM@90 or higher. PSI, tank capacity, none of that is as important. For noise you can build an enclosure with insulation to soak up a good amount of it. Better yet build a cute lean-to and install it outside.

 

[sberry]

Mechanics tools will run on 3 but it takes 5 to really run grinders and sanding, you can come up with some other schemes but they are really poor subs for the real thing. 5/80 is the bench mark, I know lots of people get by on a lot less. The 3 hp are 2x as good as the best thing that runs on 120V, I know a couple guys dabble with small cut off with them.
I had a bud with a comp in the crawl space.

 

[R-mm]

I love everything about the California compressors. I run a blast cabinet that everybody told me I never would be able to using their 2 hp and 1 hp connected. For a great many jobs I only use the 2 hp. Yes you need to make a compromise sometimes you wait for it to fill but if you are a hobbyist you likely aren’t looking for 100% duty cycle on your tools.

 

[unslow1]

Compressor ratings can be confusing. I have a 40GL 6.5 HP oil-less 115V that is portable. Then a 60GL 5HP 230V that isn't.

 

[metlmunchr]

Compressor ratings can be confusing. I have a 40GL 6.5 HP oil-less 115V that is portable.

It's more about manufacturers lying rather than anything being confusing. Full load amperage on a 6.5 hp 115V motor would be between 55 and 60 amps if such a thing even existed. And the cord would be the size of a garden hose.

In reality, if a motor will run on a 15 amp 120V circuit, then that motor will be an absolute max of 1.5 hp, and likely less than that.

 

[GeoBruin]

I love everything about the California compressors. I run a blast cabinet that everybody told me I never would be able to using their 2 hp and 1 hp connected. For a great many jobs I only use the 2 hp. Yes you need to make a compromise sometimes you wait for it to fill but if you are a hobbyist you likely aren’t looking for 100% duty cycle on your tools.

Connecting two smaller compressors in parrallel is an interesting idea. Would allow me to stash them in separate smaller places.

 

[Don1357]

if you are a hobbyist you likely aren’t looking for 100% duty cycle on your tools.

I'm strictly a hobbyist and I know I am

If you plan on grinding or in my case sand blasting, you'll be all sorts of happy if your compressor can keep up with what you are doing If you are using 10 CFM and the pump is only back filling 5 CFM you are waiting for both; the tank to fill and for the compressor to rest.

If I start sandblasting a set of painted rusty rims there is a special joy in being able to work them as fast as I want without a care in the world. Sanding? Same-same. Grinding? Haven't done it but I imagine if the choice is randomly stopping vs. being able to go at my own speed, I would go with my own speed.

 

[R-mm]

Connecting two smaller compressors in parrallel is an interesting idea. Would allow me to stash them in separate smaller places.

Precisely my setup and very useful. The little 1hp is by the workbench where I often fill it quickly to blow off dust etc.

I just bought a knee mill and wheeled the 2 hp out of its way. If I had bought the 7 foot tall monstrosity everyone told me I absolutely needed there would be no vertical mill.

Yes you wait on very long jobs but I have restored a few cars this way and it works. When something like rims come along i often take them to my powdercoater for blasting. The other thing this has taught me is not to jump to blast that which should first be given a pass with chem or wire brush.

 

[unslow1]

Growing up we had a 30 GL compressor. Then a 100GL tank external to it. It was long and maybe 14" across. One of us would go out and fire up the compressor and attach it to the reserve tank when planning a lot of work that day. Several cars were restored and painted with that setup.