Need some help with compressor choice

[Need more space]

So I've narrowed it down to liking these 3 compressors, however having a hard time choosing. The main use will be daily use running impact and air tools commonly used in auto repair, maybe once in a while a DA sander (not often). My hardest decision is do I need a 80 gallon, if yes I don't really know the difference on the start options on the two compressors bellow.

60 gallon
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200350475_200350475


80 gallon
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200451863_200451863

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200350476_200350476

 

[amolaver]

IMO, the inexpensive splash lube quincy's sell on the rep of their higher end brethren. For similar money, I think the saylor-beal is a much better unit.. https://www.nhproequip.com/saylor-beall-vt-735-80-tank-mounted-vertical-air-compressor vendor is one random seller I found but VT-735-80 is the model. They make a pressure lube version if you're feeling flush.

That said, for half that money I got one of the 'bendpak' three cylinder 80gal 2-stage units. The same (Indian-made?) Pump is available from multiple vendors I believe. Mag starter, us-made leeson motor, oil sight glass, etc. I'm not a pro shop but it gets a fair bit of use (I'm able to enjoy using my blast cabinet now).. Only been running it a few years but zero issues.

The bigger Quincy stuff is definitely great..just not sure you're getting much vs other options in these (relatively), small compressors.

Champion also has some good options mostly-made in-usa - around $1800,,although it may be relabelled bel-aire (not sure). I'd make a spreadsheet of features vs models - mag starter, oil sight glass, us-made motor, low oil shutdown, intercooler type (finned pipe or a real heat exchanger), etc. And compare the options.. Another good starting point for options is https://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/tools/80-gallon-2-stage-air-compressors.html

ahm

 

[Elsinore13]

With your screen name being what it is, I see you have wisely chosen vertical tank mounted compressors. Go for the 80 gallon tank and get as much compressor as you can afford...and then some. You can never have too much available air.

Do you have a compressor retailer locally who can actually service and repair your compressor as needed?

 

[Lelandwelds]

Yes, that Quincy turns a nice slow 1440 rpm! The above saylor-beall is a sweet machine. If you need fifty years of reliable use, it is a good choice. I like Champion. People say nice things about the Eaton and the Shulz family.

There are too many good c9mpressors to name all of them. Here's a nice one no one has ever heard of: http://oemaircompressor.com/castair-air-compressor/I518VC2.aspx

Its pump turns 445 rpm.

LaPlante dealers have some good deals. Ranch- Rite and others ell them.

I think Chinese, Indian, Brazilian, Italian, and eastern European pumps can all be made with fine quality. The trick is finding a US assembler who can warranty and QC out all the garbage that slips in. (Reliably. Day in -day out.)

I prefer Leeson, WEG, or Baldor. Any big box that uses peak hp ratings only succeeds in making me question everything on their shelves.

Evidently, vessel fabs in the USA are top dog. Anything else I can swap myself when and if it dies.

 

[Wamsutta]

What's wrong with the Ingersoll-Rand compressors? Nobody has mentioned them yet so I figure there must be a reason for that.

 

[Need more space]

IMO, the inexpensive splash lube quincy's sell on the rep of their higher end brethren. For similar money, I think the saylor-beal is a much better unit.. https://www.nhproequip.com/saylor-beall-vt-735-80-tank-mounted-vertical-air-compressor vendor is one random seller I found but VT-735-80 is the model. They make a pressure lube version if you're feeling flush.

That said, for half that money I got one of the 'bendpak' three cylinder 80gal 2-stage units. The same (Indian-made?) Pump is available from multiple vendors I believe. Mag starter, us-made leeson motor, oil sight glass, etc. I'm not a pro shop but it gets a fair bit of use (I'm able to enjoy using my blast cabinet now).. Only been running it a few years but zero issues.

The bigger Quincy stuff is definitely great..just not sure you're getting much vs other options in these (relatively), small compressors.

Champion also has some good options mostly-made in-usa - around $1800,,although it may be relabelled bel-aire (not sure). I'd make a spreadsheet of features vs models - mag starter, oil sight glass, us-made motor, low oil shutdown, intercooler type (finned pipe or a real heat exchanger), etc. And compare the options.. Another good starting point for options is https://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/tools/80-gallon-2-stage-air-compressors.html

ahm

Funny you mention saylor-beall, I was just looking at their stuff because the company selling me my hoist offers them and the are made two hours from me. However I've never knew much about them.

 

[Need more space]

IMO, the inexpensive splash lube quincy's sell on the rep of their higher end brethren. For similar money, I think the saylor-beal is a much better unit.. https://www.nhproequip.com/saylor-beall-vt-735-80-tank-mounted-vertical-air-compressor vendor is one random seller I found but VT-735-80 is the model. They make a pressure lube version if you're feeling flush.

That said, for half that money I got one of the 'bendpak' three cylinder 80gal 2-stage units. The same (Indian-made?) Pump is available from multiple vendors I believe. Mag starter, us-made leeson motor, oil sight glass, etc. I'm not a pro shop but it gets a fair bit of use (I'm able to enjoy using my blast cabinet now).. Only been running it a few years but zero issues.

The bigger Quincy stuff is definitely great..just not sure you're getting much vs other options in these (relatively), small compressors.

Champion also has some good options mostly-made in-usa - around $1800,,although it may be relabelled bel-aire (not sure). I'd make a spreadsheet of features vs models - mag starter, oil sight glass, us-made motor, low oil shutdown, intercooler type (finned pipe or a real heat exchanger), etc. And compare the options.. Another good starting point for options is https://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/tools/80-gallon-2-stage-air-compressors.html

ahm

Also what makes you say the saylor-beal a better option, I'm trying to see a difference. thanks

 

[amolaver]

All iron pump, mag starter, 845rpm pump (100rpm slower) to start. All else equal, slower pump = less wear and quieter.

Wamsutta - I think IR make a fine compressor. Like this Quincy, not sure you get all the features at the same price..but certainly not a bad unit.

I did neglect to include pump and motor rpm in my earlier post - both important to wear and especially noise. The slower motors (1740rpm) are MUCH quieter. Sub-1000rpm pumps also quieter and generate less heat.

This is my little guy http://www.bendpak.com/Air-Compressors/LS580V-601

ahm

 

[Need more space]

All iron pump, mag starter, 845rpm pump (100rpm slower) to start. All else equal, slower pump = less wear and quieter.

Wamsutta - I think IR make a fine compressor. Like this Quincy, not sure you get all the features at the same price..but certainly not a bad unit.

I did neglect to include pump and motor rpm in my earlier post - both important to wear and especially noise. The slower motors (1740rpm) are MUCH quieter. Sub-1000rpm pumps also quieter and generate less heat.

This is my little guy http://www.bendpak.com/Air-Compressors/LS580V-601

ahm

Thanks, all makes sense. I like the one you got as well, it used to be easier when I was younger and dumb and just bought anything without research.

 

[amolaver]

Like lelandwelds said, there are lots of good choices. I would hazard a guess that you could buy any of them listed in this thread (and almost certainly others) and be completely satisfied. At least for me, the research is usually fun, but I have definitely had paralysis by analysis at times - the mixed blessing of having unlimited information at your fingertips at all times..

There is very little I imagine any one of these compressors could do that another couldn't - you picks your features / compromises and pays your money. They're all going to run a 1/2" impact till the end of time. A small blasting cabinet, no problem. A dozen guys running blast cabinets? Nope, not one of these can do that. Just feature details that you can decide if important..

ahm

 

[Need more space]

Can't wait to update this thread with a picture or two of my choice when she finishes getting built, thanks agian guys!

 

[Lelandwelds]

What's wrong with the Ingersoll-Rand compressors? Nobody has mentioned them yet so I figure there must be a reason for that.

Old or straight up industrial IR are tough workhorses. The mutt sold through TSC and others is not.

Also what makes you say the saylor-beal a better option, I'm trying to see a difference. thanks

S-B uses four piston rings. Advanced two grit CNC honing. Iron connecting rods. Bullet proof valves. Better balance. Supposed to be better cast iron quality. Supposed to be a better ring package. Biggest negative is they are primarily distributed on the east coast.

All iron pump, mag starter, 845rpm pump (100rpm slower) to start. All else equal, slower pump = less wear and quieter.



Wamsutta - I think IR make a fine compressor. Like this Quincy, not sure you get all the features at the same price..but certainly not a bad unit.

I did neglect to include pump and motor rpm in my earlier post - both important to wear and especially noise. The slower motors (1740rpm) are MUCH quieter. Sub-1000rpm pumps also quieter and generate less heat.

This is my little guy http://www.bendpak.com/Air-Compressors/LS580V-601

ahm

I think Bendpak may be using displacement instead of actual cfm. Most compressors only manage about 17 cfm at 175 psi with 23 amps. 20.2 cfm from 20.2 amps sounds a bit inflated.