Need some basic air compressor help

[Razorhunter]

I know air compressors have been discussed many times over, so if anyone can direct me to any good specific "what-to-buy" info threads, I'd certainly appreciate it.
Further, I'm trying to decide between the IR T30's, Champion R15/R30's and possibly others like Saylor Beall, Quincy, Kellogg etc. Something about 7.5hp with vertical tank. Can be 1ph or 3ph.
I had a guy advise me to buy a compressor with the following features, but I honestly dont know how to identify these features when buying used on the secondary market. Any advise or help would be much appreciated with this. He said find a compressor with the following:

-ring and disc valves (is this inside compressor itself?)

-pressure lubricated pump

-something slow around 900rpm max, (for quieter operation)

Any help would be greatly appreciated guys.

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

He gave you good info to follow for sure. I would recommend 3 of the 5 you named...Quincy (QR-25 series) Champion PL series or Saylor-Beall PL series.
All 3 are pressure lubed pumps. You can only get the Quincy QR series with Pressure lubed pumps, whereas both Champion and Saylor- Beall offer theirs as an option (PL) over their splash lubed model.
All 3 also use disc valves rather than reed valves. I would also add an aftercooler and auto condensate drain to your list. 3 phase would save you money, starting with initial cost, no capacitors to worry about and smaller input power feeds. I'd also suggest going with a 120 gallon receiver to boost storage capacity and cut down on compressor cycling.

Good luck

P.S. I believe you'll find better pricing on used 3 phase units as they are generally past over by perspective buyers that don't have 3 phase. At least that's what I've found in my area.

 

[sberry]

If you have 3 phase all that is good but I use a splash for 45 years, every day. Champ R15, don't even recall what valves. But,,, what is it you are trying to do? 3 is good on the used market. This is like asking about trucks. Big difference between a Ranger and f600.

 

[driftpin]

The Tool Tyrant is giving you a 'best case ' scenario, but you may not want to spring for the top of the line, when your needs will be met by something less-expensive. Sure, if I had 3-phase, I'd like a 3-phase compressor. I don't, so I don't.

If you're running a compressor all-day, every-day, yes, a pressure lubed system is better for that kind of use. If you're just a hobbyist, not really necessary, a splash-lubrication system will last many, many years if you change the oil and keep an eye on the oil level.

Disc valves seem to be the best way to go. However, if you find a good deal on a reed-valve system, you shouldn't be afraid to pick it up.

My recent acquisition was a used, overhauled Saylor-Beall, splash lube, 80 gallon tank, manual drain, S-B's have disc valves. It has a 5 HP 240 V Baldor single-phase, new motor. I paid about 1/4 of what the same unit, new, delivered to my home would have cost. I am very happy with what I can do with it. Speaking in 1950's terms, I could be happy with a Cadillac, but the Buick is OK, and I still have $$ in my pocket because I got a good used machine, since I didn't need a new one, top-of-the-line.

I agree with everything The Tool Tyrant said, but don't be afraid to save some money if your needs aren't demanding that you get the best across the board.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

Depends on what you want to do with it. I used a craftsman 30 gallon till just a get months ago. Oicked up a 60 gallon sanborn from Menards. I do about 90% auto repair and im building a kustom so there’s some fabrication and body work down the road. I have a 2 gallon for running my brad nailer when im doing trim in the house

 

[Danglerb]

A scroll is so much quieter and compact, best long term choice.

 

[cvairwerks]

Something else to consider if you are going to be a heavy user, is going with a compressor that allows you to flip between start/stop and continous/unloaded mode. Start/stop is what most compressors are set up for. When you have one that will run in continous/unloaded mode, when it reaches what would have been the cutoff point, the system goes into unloaded mode and does not shut down, but quits making air until the tank pressure reaches the cut in pressure. With this type set up, you reduce your electric costs if you are on demand or time of day metering and you reduce the number of times you start and stop the motor. I’ve seen it cut electric bills by hundreds of dollars a month in commercial type services that are high air consumers without needing to move to a screw compressor.

 

[engineer2]

Lots of 3-phase compressors on our local CL. Most are from closing industrial plants.

If you are looking for a higher-end air compressor, leave room in the budget for a refrigerated air dryer. It's a nice addition to any system and works way better than an aftercooler alone.

 

[bob15]

The older IR T-30's such as the Model 253 are pretty much indestructible and will keep going and going and going and going........ Absolutely nothing wrong with them. Easy to rebuild and parts are easy to get. My IR is pushing 60 years old and just keeps on compressing air.

No complaints