Need help picking out air compressor

[freshintulsa]

I'm finally ready to upgrade and get a real compressor. I am looking for something around 20cfm with a 80 gallon tank. I want a quality compressor built to last that is as quiet as I can get. I will most likely be building a room for it outside my shop, but if its quiet enough I might keep it inside, though I don't really have room for it.

So far I seem to be torn between the quincy 271CS80VCB and the Eaton PP07V080V1. I seem to be leaning toward the Eaton for the fact that it has disk valves, it seems that most compressors in this price range have reed valves, and it seems the disk valves are the quality way to go. the eaton also runs at a slower pump speed, and Eatons seem to be known for being quiet.

Quincy is known for being the Cadillac of compressors, but I also think that this is really referring to the upper end of their line. My budget is topped out at 2500. I would like to keep it closer to 2,000.

I am absolutely open to other brands and any ideas you may have, that's why i'm here! I do want to focus on quality and cfm. Will be using a plasma, air tools, small sand blast pot, and occasionally 2 people will be working at once, so I really am looking at a 7.5 hp motor with an 80 gallon tank. Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks, Doug

 

[MacMcMacmac]

This one looks nice.

http://www.aircompressorservicekits...al-Air-Compressor-Two-Stage-Single-Phase.html

Not sure if there's a dealer in Oklahoma or not.

 

[freshintulsa]

Thanks for the link! From what I've read though, that 30cfm is at 175psi, and at 90-100 psi its more like 22-24, which is the same as the rest of the competition. Also, I've heard that Schulz is an import (brazil?) just distributed here in the US. I've got a local air compressor dealer who deals mainly with Atlas Copco, have any of you had any experience with their piston compressors, specifically a 7.5 hp one?

After not hearing back from Eaton for a week, I've all but given up on them and am leaning towards the Quincy. I'm still dealing with 2 companies locally, and will hear more on Monday, but I'm seriously thinking the quincy from Aircompressordirect.com with free shipping and "no sales tax".


Thanks again and keep the suggestions coming, I want to get a compressor that will last as long as possible.

Doug

 

[freshintulsa]

So I've talked to 2 different companies locally that just deal with air compressor sales/service. One just does Atlas Copco and the other does mainly Champion, but sells all brands. I was originally leaning toward the Atlas Copco model: LS 7.5-175 80V. It is a 7.5 hp 80 gallon compressor that uses a 1750 rpm baldor USA motor and a 900 rpm pump that is actually a quincy pump, since apparently Atlas Copco has somewhat recently bought out Quincy. I can get that compressor for a little under $2200 from a local dealer. After a long talk today from the other major air compressor dealer/service provider, he extremely suggests that I DO NOT BUY the atlas copco, but that I should buy a champion compressor. The champion equivalent (7.5 hp/80 gallon) is $3700 from my dealer! That is way more than I want to spend. I really want to keep my total under $2500. The champion seems a little nicer, and seems to be all USA, comes with a after cooler, low oil shut off, auto drain, and seems to be an overall nicer model. I have also been looking at the Quincy models in this price range, which is the QT models. From what I can tell, it seems that the lower quincy models, like the QT are not at all what made quincy famous. The QR (325, etc) seem to be what quincy is known for, and those are definitely out of my price range. A simple search online finds the champion VR7F-8 for around $2600 with free shipping and no tax! That is definitely do able in my books.

I guess i'm just looking for someone to give me a sanity check. This will be used in somewhat industrial setting, but it is my side job at home. I might work 20 hours a week at home, my full time job takes most of my time up. The air compressor probably will only see maybe 5 hours a week use, for now. the plan has always been to pay my house off, then work for myself, but that's a story for later. I want to get something that will last me a long time, if not the rest of my life (with service obviously).

I really would like to buy locally, but saving over 1,000 plus tax makes it a no brainer. I will definitely try to get my dealer to lower his price, but don't know how that will end up. At this point, I would like everyones opinions on the 3 models I've ended up choosing between: Atlas Copco: LS 7.5-175 80V, or the CHampions: VR7F-8 or the VR5-8. I think i'm currently leaning toward the champion VR7F-8, but i'm definitely open to suggestions. I really don't know much about the smaller atlas copcos and can't find much information/review about them.


Thanks a lot!

 

[C96]

If you liked the Eaton, then you will love a Saylor-Beall. The Eaton is an overseas knock-off of the Saylor-Beall.

Saylor Beall is claimed to be and advertised as 100% USA made.

Oh yes, your going to have to pony up the extra $ for one of these bad boys!

Here is a pic of an S-B 7 ½ hp model…Click on the picture and go to Smitty’s for more info.

 

[CNGsaves]

OP . . . . what kind of electrical power do you have in shop ?? Plenty to handle 7.5 HP 80 gal . . . . or more?? Single phase or more (3 phase) ??

With oil slump, there might be some equipment like compressors coming up for cheap if you watch CL like hawk and keep your eyes & ears peeled.

Tulsa & OKC has lots of used air compressor businesses that advertise on CL so you really should consider used, unless you just "have" to have new.

Here are some FYI pricing examples:
. . . . . . used Husky Pro 7.5 HP 80 gal 2 stage 27 SCFM for $1,350
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/sat/tls/4946757690.html

. . . . . . used Champion 7.5 HP 80 gal 24 CFM $2,000 (only 2 yrs old like new)
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/tls/4946278040.html

. . . . . . used Champion 7.5 HP (3 phase) 80 gal for $850
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/tls/4946409808.html

 

[freshintulsa]

I am not opposed to used at all. But I also don't want to spend almost new prices on a used piece of equipment. 2000 for a used compressor that will cost minimum 250 to ship to me... only $350 less than brand new.

I have single phase... I know... I ****. I wish I had three phase, but it would have cost way too much... I never even got a price. I was just told "way too much". I have a dedicated 200 amp service at my shop.

Thanks again! and keep the suggestions coming!

By the way, does everyone seem to like the champion I mentioned earlier? I seem to be leaning toward it.

 

[Dick in Wisconsin]

I have single phase... I know... I ****. I wish I had three phase, but it would have cost way too much... I never even got a price. I was just told "way too much". I have a dedicated 200 amp service at my shop.

You don't **** ... yet. We'll wait to see what you end up with!

If you had three phase power for a shop in a residential, then you would ****!

The reason three phase would cost so much is that the POCO would have to string or bury wire from the closest point of three phase power which might be blocks away. Three phase is not typical in a residential area, even though I have it in a house I own.

 

[Zrexxer]

I've got two Champions, both with the R15 pump. One's electric on an 80 gallon vertical receiver, the other's a 12hp Kohler engine, on a 30 gallon horizontal receiver. I love both of them. Do not regret choosing Champion in the slightest.

However, as you've found, your local dealer's $3700 price is way out of bounds. If you wanted to buy the Champion at the $2600 price point, I'm sure you'd be happy with it.

 

[Zrexxer]

. . . . . . used Champion 7.5 HP 80 gal 24 CFM $2,000 (only 2 yrs old like new)
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/tls/4946278040.htmlhttp://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/tls/4946409808.html

FWIW the Champion in that link is a Centurion model, which is only about $2400 brand new, so that machine isn't quite the bargain it may appear.

 

[freshintulsa]

yes... I noticed that craiglist one was the lower model centurion. I have since found this...
http://www.pacificaircompressors.com/compressor-champion-VRV7-8-1P.htm

It shows to be a centurion, but the specs are way better.. 15 hp pump turned down to 575rpm! I'm gonna call these guys. what do you think?


Oh, and I didn't mean "I ****" in the good way, I meant it in the bad way. Yeah... the closest 3 phase was a school about a mile away... don't want to even know how much that would have been.

 

[CompressorPros.com]

Take a look at C-Aire. They have low RPM 7.5 HP units that produce 24 CFM @ 175 psi. It's a 10HP pump turning slower. Check out model A075V080-1230 or A075V080-1230FP. There is even a video review of the FP (fully packaged) unit on YouTube.

 

[Major Ramifications]

What else can you tell us about C-Aire? I've never heard of them, are they made in USA?

 

[CNGsaves]

FWIW the Champion in that link is a Centurion model, which is only about $2400 brand new, so that machine isn't quite the bargain it may appear.

^ ^ Yep, those listed were just FYI as potential starting points to negotiate DOWN a price !!
Plus, they were not local to OP.

I'd be real tough on Seller and start bargaining at 50% of new cost !!
I'd sure take that Champion for $1k if it was local.

 

[CompressorPros.com]

C-Aire is out of MN and is really just now breaking out of the Midwest market. They make high quality compressors and are great to deal with. They stock the single phase 7.5HP and can ship next day on most. Just sold a 7.5HP unit to a sign company and they love it. EMAX makes great stuff too, but right now their lead times are terrible. Send me a message if you have some specific questions

 

[pepi]

yes... I noticed that craiglist one was the lower model centurion. I have since found this...
http://www.pacificaircompressors.com/compressor-champion-VRV7-8-1P.htm

It shows to be a centurion, but the specs are way better.. 15 hp pump turned down to 575rpm! I'm gonna call these guys. what do you think?


Oh, and I didn't mean "I ****" in the good way, I meant it in the bad way. Yeah... the closest 3 phase was a school about a mile away... don't want to even know how much that would have been.

I see that the compressor has a moisture minder mounted on it, that is a plus. A hint of the quality of the overall product, if I were looking that would be a serious candidate..

 

[MacMcMacmac]

Thanks for the link! From what I've read though, that 30cfm is at 175psi, and at 90-100 psi its more like 22-24, which is the same as the rest of the competition.

Doug

CFM goes up at lower pressures, not down. Nobody has any magical formula to make a 7.5 HP compressor make more than 25cfm anyway. It's basic physics, no matter what style or make of compressor you are talking about.

 

[redmondjp]

CFM goes up at lower pressures, not down. Nobody has any magical formula to make a 7.5 HP compressor make more than 25cfm anyway. It's basic physics, no matter what style or make of compressor you are talking about.

Well, yes and no. You have to look at the pressure as well. If you only need 100psi and not 175psi, you can take that same compressor pump that puts out 25cfm @175psi, and with the same 7.5HP motor plus a pulley size change, and make 30cfm (assuming that the pump is rated for that higher speed). It takes less energy per cubic foot if you are not compressing the air as much. As you said, it's basic physics.

 

[hondaguy1482]

While I dont have a ton to chime in with... I will share a bit of info that I've personally dealt with

First and foremost... Eaton Compressor...
About 13 years ago I was in the market for a compressor (80 gallon) and was emailing back and forth with them...I wont go into details.... but suffice to say I drove 3 hours out there to get a compressor I ordered... and left empty handed. The owner was beyond the worst business owner I have EVER met.

I was fed-up the Next day as I had the week off and was about to paint a car (First project paint job at age 20) Went to lowes and bought a porter cable 80 gallon 2 stage and called it a day.

Currently the Porter cable is still running (I do a TON of mechanical work with it) and its held up well for what I paid.

I however am in the same boat as you.... I am just looking to upgrade because i have probably lost some of my hearing from it (half kidding)

Ive done so much research on compressors, brands, etc that it reminds me of shopping for a mattress... eventually you get sick and just buy something (like I did 13 years ago)

From what I've found Champion is a good unit if you DONT buy the entry level unit... exactly like quincy. but lets face it... 3500 is damn steep

Personally my price range is about what yours is... i could double it if I wanted... but I dont. I feel for 2500 I should get a lifetime compressor (my porter cable is 13 years old and was only 599)

I found a few very intriguing compressors that you "may" be interested in.
Ingersoll Rand 2475n7.5 While the motor is made in india... from what I can see.. it seems to be a good setup. I found a company willing to ship it to my door tax free with a free ingersoll 231c 1/2" impact gun for just shy of 1900

There is a company in northern ohio selling a dewalt 80 gallon 7.5 hp (baldor) heres a link http://youngstown.craigslist.org/tld/4937940200.html
I havent done as much research on that one... however it seems on par with some others. Having a baldor motor makes me think it has to be a decent unit?

Maybe some others can chime in... Im curious which way you decide to go...