New Compressor

[timc930]

Looking for New Compressor

So, After about 15 years, my craftsman let go. I want a small vertical, with a tank size no larger than 30gl, and runs off 120, with a min CFM of 6.0 at 90. Looking at these two:

https://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Chicago-Pneumatic-RCP-226VP-Air-Compressor/p2041.html

https://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Eagle-EA-6500-Air-Compressor/p72651.html

Both would satisfy my needs. I am not really sure the difference between oilless and oil/belt drive. Does anyone have pro's con's on either of these?

90% of my use is tires, and using the air knozzel, but I do have a few tools that I use from time to time that require around 5-6 at 90.

BTW: This forum is one heck of a slippery slope, maybe even a ledge, but excellent information, it has really helped on several recent purchases and decisions for tool brand direction....

 

[Tallpilot]

All things being equal oiled compressors have a higher gear ratio so they operate slower making them quieter. Ostensibly being properly lubricated they should last longer but oil will be introduced to the tank. So you will need a filter if you want to paint with one.

 

[American Locomotive]

There are two main types of compressors you can buy:

Direct Drive and Belt Drive. Of those, you can get oil-less, and oiled. Belt drive compressors are almost always oiled, while direct-drive compressors seem to have a 50/50 split between being oiless and oiled.

Historically direct-drive compressors of any type were screamers, while belt-drive compressors were much quieter. Within the past few years, many manufacturers have been working on getting direct-drive compressors to be quite.

In my experience, oil-less compressors tend to wear out after 10-15 years or so of normal use. On the other hand an oiled compressor will last just about forever for the average homeowner. My vote out of those two would be the CP compressor since its oiled.

 

[timc930]

Any preference on these three:

https://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Quincy-Q12126VPQ-Air-Compressor/p12333.html

https://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Chicago-Pneumatic-RCP-226VP-Air-Compressor/p2041.html

https://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/BelAire-5026VP-Air-Compressor/p4743.html

 

[American Locomotive]

The Quincy and CP might have better support, but all three of those should be pretty much the exact same quality. If you google search those model numbers and look at other images, it becomes apparent that those three compressors are basically the exact same compressor. Same pump, same motor, different colors. They probably all come from the same supplier.

 

[timc930]

yeah, that's exactly what I am seeing. I think it boils down to support.

 

[Citation]

First, I would hope any of those would be cheaper than their sticker price. You basically have two different types of compressors on your list. The oil free is a compressor using a pump similar to what California Air Tools has made popular. These are VERY quiet compared to more traditional compressors (oil, oil free, direct or belt drive). First hand experience says they are as quiet as many of the videos try to suggest.

The down side is they are typically low peak pressure and low flow rate. However, if you don't need continuous draw and the tank can buffer your needs then the quiet part is REALLY nice. Also, most of these compressors (oiled and oiless), even if they are rated for 6 CFM, can't deliver that continuously because the pumps are only rated for 50-75% duty cycle.

Here are similar quiet models from CAT and Lowes. Not quiet as powerful but the Lowes is much cheaper. The CAT on the other hand has just a 10 gallon tank. However, adding a second tank isn't too hard and when you don't have a big job, it's nice to only wait for a 10 gallon vs 30 gallon tank.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0188XBTLY/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-QUI...tric-Vertical-Quiet-Air-Compressor/1000405189

The belt drive models similar to what you are considering are typically at big box stores for $400-500
For example here is a similar model at Home Depot
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-3...table-Electric-Air-Compressor-C302H/206695048

Personally I haven't seen much reason to prefer one vs another. Some will be noisier, likely due to differences in the air intake design. The intake filter housing is one source of noise. Some housings are just quieter than others.

Two "by the ways"
1. Traditionally oil free, direct drive compressors were the noisiest. However, models like those sold by CAT turn that idea on it's head. My CAT 1055 is oil free and direct drive but VERY quiet. My Campbell Hausfeld belt drive compressor (similar to the ones shown here) isn't too noisy but is significantly louder than the CAT.

2. What's wrong with the Sears model? Unless the tank is rotted, you could probably just fix what you have. If the compressor is an older oil free model then a new piston and cylinder set may be the ticket.
Not endorsing
this guy but the video shows what's involved in fixing a worn out oil free piston and cylinder. Not that hard and far cheaper than a new compressor.

 

[timc930]

All three compressors are manufactured in the same plant in AL. The CN and Quincy are identical, except the paint, and same support number. Quincy different support.

 

[TRWham]

All three compressors are manufactured in the same plant in AL. The CN and Quincy are identical, except the paint, and same support number. Quincy different support.

That may be, but I noticed they show slightly different specs for output. The Quincy is 7.4 cfm at 100 psi but the others are both 7.1 at 90 psi. Quincy is so good that the name alone is apparently worth 0.3 cfm and 10 psi.

 

[timc930]

That may be, but I noticed they show slightly different specs for output. The Quincy is 7.4 cfm at 100 psi but the others are both 7.1 at 90 psi. Quincy is so good that the name alone is apparently worth 0.3 cfm and 10 psi.

Yeah, When I called Belaire, the guy told me all three were made on the same line in AL, but the Quincy could have spec'd a different pump/motor for the difference in CFM, as it also requires a 40amp breaker as opposed to a 20. He also said, that even though the others spec out a 20, that I'd be much better off running them on a 30.

Still undecided and researching.