My search for a 60 gallon compressor

[sierradmax]

Like most garage enthusiasts, at some point an air compressor becomes an essential tool. So far, my old craftsman 26 gallon has kept up with my needs but it's time to step up to a stationary unit. I scoured the forum, did google searches, and compared 4 models. Unfortunately, I was naive and ran 12/2 with intentions of using that solely for a compressor. Then, I finished the walls... So, I was limited to a compressor less than 5hp. But, in my opinion, 3-4 h.p./60 gallons is plenty and should perform well with 99% of the air powered tools I currently have and the air power tools planned for for the future.

Prior to my purchase, I looked at the following compressors:
Kobalt
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-3-7...al-Stationary-Electric-Air-Compressor/3370356

Husky
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-60-Gal-Stationary-Electric-Air-Compressor-C602H/205389936

Puma
http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Puma-PK6060V-Air-Compressor/p591.html

Quincy
http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Quincy-Q13160VQ-Air-Compressor/p12330.html

Out of the 4, I was really interested in the Puma PK6060V based off its user reviews, specs, & free shipping. I liked the Quincy as well but it's HP ratings (3.5) had a recommended 30A breaker size so I was indecisive whether I could use this compressor.

Until I received a Northern Tool email a couple days ago showing " Free Shipping on everything in this email" and they also had $50 gift card for $500 spent. After careful review of their North Star 3HP; 60 Gallon, I'm beginning to think it has identical components as the Puma PK6060V for $130 less, free shipping & a $50 gift card.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200641297_200641297

 

[scissorman]

I own the Husky compressor which is actually a Campbell Hausfeld which is a good compressor. I've owned my compressor for 12 years now with no issues yet.

 

[aka Larry]

I own the Husky compressor which is actually a Campbell Hausfeld which is a good compressor.

I too have the 60 gallon Husky and the research I found when I bought mine (about 8 years ago) was the Husky, Kobalt, and Campbell Hausfeld were all the SAME unit, just with different paint and decals.

I've had mine for 8 years and couldn't be happier with it.

 

[scissorman]

Look at the name plate on yours and see what it says, mine is actually stamped Campbell Hausfeld.

 

[gungatim]

I've had the Campbell Hausfeld for going on 10 years now. any of the rebrands should be good to go.

whatever you go with, extend the bottom drain with some pipe/tubing so the water sits in the drain tube not the tank. I like to use an elbow, long piece of 1/4" to extend out past the tank and a ball valve...and remember to drain that thing regularly!

 

[aka Larry]

whatever you go with, extend the bottom drain with some pipe/tubing so the water sits in the drain tube not the tank. I like to use an elbow, long piece of 1/4" to extend out past the tank and a ball valve...and remember to drain that thing regularly!

Exactly what I did also. I drain mine before every use, but I only use mine a few times per month.

 

[md21722]

If you wanted the install to be by code, 12/2 Nm-b (Romex) is good for 2 HP max.

 

[R_einan]

Like most garage enthusiasts, at some point an air compressor becomes an essential tool. So far, my old craftsman 26 gallon has kept up with my needs but it's time to step up to a stationary unit. I scoured the forum, did google searches, and compared 4 models. Unfortunately, I was naive and ran 12/2 with intentions of using that solely for a compressor. Then, I finished the walls... So, I was limited to a compressor less than 5hp. But, in my opinion, 3-4 h.p./60 gallons is plenty and should perform well with 99% of the air powered tools I currently have and the air power tools planned for for the future.

Prior to my purchase, I looked at the following compressors:
Kobalt
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-3-7...al-Stationary-Electric-Air-Compressor/3370356

Husky
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-60-Gal-Stationary-Electric-Air-Compressor-C602H/205389936

Puma
http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Puma-PK6060V-Air-Compressor/p591.html

Quincy
http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Quincy-Q13160VQ-Air-Compressor/p12330.html

Out of the 4, I was really interested in the Puma PK6060V based off its user reviews, specs, & free shipping. I liked the Quincy as well but it's HP ratings (3.5) had a recommended 30A breaker size so I was indecisive whether I could use this compressor.

Until I received a Northern Tool email a couple days ago showing " Free Shipping on everything in this email" and they also had $50 gift card for $500 spent. After careful review of their North Star 3HP; 60 Gallon, I'm beginning to think it has identical components as the Puma PK6060V for $130 less, free shipping & a $50 gift card.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200641297_200641297

Both the Puma and the Quincy have been on my radar as potential purchases. Personally I was leaning toward the Quincy due to the higher CFM and the fact that I eventually want to buy a media blasting cabinet. My concern was the sleeved cylinders and the longevity. My hope is that I can find a compressor that will last my lifetime and be rebuildable without spending more than 1k (and hopefully less).

 

[Gannz]

A little bit of drywall shouldn't stand in your way if you want to go bigger or you can run metal clad cable on the suface.

For $750-1000 you can find a lightly used/well cared for older USA made Champion, Saylor Beall, Quincy, or Curtis that will outlast and outperform anything that's been mentioned above.

 

[sierradmax]

If you wanted the install to be by code, 12/2 Nm-b (Romex) is good for 2 HP max.

Yes, I was partly aware of the 3hp "Table code" 17A requirement from NEC 340.248 & 125% up-sizing. But this is in my residence and I think it will be fine for personal use.

 

[atikovi]

If you like your Craftsman compressor, why not get another one, just bigger. I've had their 60 gal Professional model for over 10 years and it's never had a problem. Use it nearly every day. I just drain the tank once or twice a year. I made a 10/3 power cord for it instead of hard wiring it and I ran a 240V outlet from the central air circuit near to where I have it. If I ever want to move it around I just unplug it like a portable model.

 

[Gannz]

If you like your Craftsman compressor, why not get another one, just bigger. I've had their 60 gal Professional model for over 10 years and it's never had a problem. Use it nearly every day. I just drain the tank once or twice a year. I made a 10/3 power cord for it instead of hard wiring it and I ran a 240V outlet from the central air circuit near to where I have it. If I ever want to move it around I just unplug it like a portable model.

What's the HP on that compressor?

I just drain the tank once a day.

Fixed that for you. LOL

 

[byoungblood]

I've had zero issues with my Husky/CH 60 gallon compressor for the past 12 years. I *might* need to take a look at the pump because it has gotten slightly noisy after it ran for who knows how long after a hose burst between the tank and plumbing in the garage while I was on vacation (tip, either remember to turn the power off or close the ball valve off the tank outlet!). But for occasional home use it is more than enough.

I second swapping out the drain with something with a pipe and ball valve if it comes with a petcock. Water settles in the pipe, not the tank, and it is easier to get to so I actually drain the tank more frequently.

 

[montanafordman]

I just ordered the 60 gallon 5hp quincy from Northern Tool and it arrived yesterday. I have not had a chance to hook it up but it sure looks great! Its a big step up from my 2hp 29 gallon. I got a $100 gift card from Northern tool with the purchase also.

 

[atikovi]

What's the HP on that compressor?



Fixed that for you. LOL

It's got two numbers on it. 7HP is probably the rated hp, and 2.9HP is the actual hp. And nothing to fix, I drain it once or twice a year. Drain is on the bottom of tank and hard to get to. Only get a few tablespoons of water each time so no need to do it more frequently.

 

[sierradmax]

I've had zero issues with my Husky/CH 60 gallon compressor for the past 12 years. I *might* need to take a look at the pump because it has gotten slightly noisy after it ran for who knows how long after a hose burst between the tank and plumbing in the garage while I was on vacation (tip, either remember to turn the power off or close the ball valve off the tank outlet!). But for occasional home use it is more than enough.

I second swapping out the drain with something with a pipe and ball valve if it comes with a petcock. Water settles in the pipe, not the tank, and it is easier to get to so I actually drain the tank more frequently.

The Puma has a ball valve at the bottom of the tank and from what I can see, no extended drain line. The North star does. One less thing to plumb.

 

[pacobeagle]

I, like yourself, have been wanting to upgrade from my 15 yrs old CH 29gal unit. I plan on painting a car and do general vehicle maintenance. It's served me well, just not able to keep up with grinders, air ratchets, etc. In looking for a compressor, price was a huge deal for me.
I called my local Harbor Freight as they listed a U.S. General brand 60-gal for $639 online. I asked if they had one of them in stock. They stated that they only had a Central Pneumatics brand for the price of $799. I then politely asked since they were identical in almost every way, would they honor the sale at the $639 price. A few minutes on hold and I was told, Yes! I could barely contain my excitement and stated I'd be there shortly.
I picked up my Central Pneumatics 60-gal two stage compressor and will be plumbing it by this weekend using a RapidAir kit. The final piece is to place some vibration isolators underneath it.
More to follow in a few months. I will state that the compressor has a cast iron pump made in Italy. She runs about as quiet as my 29-gal unit.

 

[bob15]

Have you looked on craigslist? Being from rhode island, you are close to a lot of choices......

https://southcoast.craigslist.org/tls/5864191200.html

https://southcoast.craigslist.org/tls/5811901210.html

https://boston.craigslist.org/nwb/tls/5866277950.html

https://providence.craigslist.org/tls/5869344022.html

https://newlondon.craigslist.org/tls/5837386233.html

https://worcester.craigslist.org/tls/5869000843.html

https://newlondon.craigslist.org/tls/5835982909.html

https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/for/5866698347.html

https://southcoast.craigslist.org/tls/5858221386.html

https://worcester.craigslist.org/tls/5830223338.html

 

[sierradmax]

I did look on CL. At the time, nothing below 5 hp. The two listed that are seem to have been posted a day ago.

 

[bob15]

I wouldn't rule out a 5hp compressor. Your wiring is too small for even a 3hp motor, so why not run larger wire in steel conduit to the compressor and do the install correctly the first or actually, the second time? Tuck the conduit in the corner of the wall and ceiling; could even put crown molding up to hide it. You've already said you were naive once in under sizing the compressor and wiring, why make the same mistake twice?

 

[Badger 13]

I have the 5hp Quincy and could not be happier.

 

[sierradmax]

Compressor arrived within a week. I mounted on some isolators and ran the compressor for it's 30 minute break-in procedure. It's actually pretty quiet and matches my garage paint. Now, I just need to plumb the garage.

 

[Aquamoose]

I just ordered the 60 gallon 5hp quincy from Northern Tool and it arrived yesterday. I have not had a chance to hook it up but it sure looks great! Its a big step up from my 2hp 29 gallon. I got a $100 gift card from Northern tool with the purchase also.

Congrats! I also have a Quincy 60gal. I went and bought 3 large rubber stoppers, predrilled the centers so it'd take lags w/ washers and installed it on the feet. Performed perfectly and never slid around.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[drsung]

I just ordered the 60 gallon 5hp quincy from Northern Tool and it arrived yesterday. I have not had a chance to hook it up but it sure looks great! Its a big step up from my 2hp 29 gallon. I got a $100 gift card from Northern tool with the purchase also.

I am thinking about buying one of these. How did you get a $100 gift card? The website shows a $50 gift card with purchase > $500.

Anyone know if Northern Tool does Black Friday deals? I saw that TSC had the porter cable for $390 on BF but this looks to be a better compressor.