New Puma 60 gallon compressor setup

[BBC71Nova]

So for the last few years I've been looking at getting a new compressor to replace my Craftsman oil free setup. It has been a good compressor but just never seemed to handle a cutoff wheel. I would also like to be able to do some light painting and sandblasting. That said, I knew I wanted 60 gallon w/oil lubed pump. I already was wired for 220v using 10/3 cable and didn't want to re-wire the shop.

I toyed with the idea of a true 5hp and maybe even a 2 stage unit. At the end of the day I couldn't justify the cost and the possibility that my wiring would need to be modified. That left me with the 3hp range of single stage compressors. The current models at HD/Lowes just seemed like they've gotten worse the last few years. I had decided on the IR model but the reviews were so-so and turned me off. I then found Puma. I could not find anything bad review wise and they are more affordable as well. Much nicer looking setup than what you'll find at the big box stores for really not much more money.

I decided on the Puma PK6060v from Northern Tool. I brought it home and started ordering the items I needed to get it setup.

I started with vibration isolation. Searched and read lots of forum post here and elsewhere about various options. I decided on the Mason ND-B-GREEN setup (available at Amazon). They are rated at 70-170 lbs so with 3 of them the 250lb compressor will be more than covered.

I had my previous compressor in a insulated (vented) closet with a solid core door to cut down on noise. I have a remote switch at the hose reel located outside the closet. I felt my previous switch might not be up to the task for this new compressor so I started researching this. Turns out with motor switches they are rated by HP instead of simply amps. Who knew . Anyway, I ended up with a Leviton MS302-DS (also via Amazon). It is rated at 5hp in a 220v setup which is more than enough for the 3.2HP motor on my compressor.

 

[BBC71Nova]

Re: New Puma 60 gallon setup

I built the base out of 2 X 6 lumber with a 7/16" OSB top since I had that around. Glued and screwed it together and threw a few coats of paint on it. The size is roughly 23" x 23".

Then I glued on the bottom a trimmed piece of anti-fatigue mat from HF. I did this to also help with vibration just in case.

Here is a pic of one of the Mason vibration isolators

 

[BBC71Nova]

Re: New Puma 60 gallon setup

Here is the base all finished up with the compressor mounted. I used 5/16 lag screws with washers to attach the mounts to the base. The mounts attach to the compressor with the included 3/8" bolts and washers. I like how it turned out. I wanted the footprint as small as possible since I didn't want to waste floor space in my junk closet .

 

[BBC71Nova]

Re: New Puma 60 gallon setup

Here is a pic of the full setup. Thus far I've only ran it for the break-in cycle. I need to pickup some fittings and decide what I want to do about hooking it up to my existing plumbing. The compressor will be spun around and up next to the wall when in final position. The existing water separator/regulator is gonna have to be moved .

 

[BBC71Nova]

Re: New Puma 60 gallon setup

So far I'm happy with the purchase. It is definitely quieter than the 6hp oil free that it replaced. The extra volume should come in handy as well. I hope to be able to throw a cutoff wheel or die grinder on it before long and see how it keeps up. I think it will be fine for my purpose. If I were using high consumption, continuous usage tools frequently I'd have gone larger and maybe 2 stage.

Admittedly I was a little concerned about the vibration mounts when I first mounted it up. I could push the top of the compressor and move it 2 inches side to side. They are much more pliable than I anticipated. I had ordered solely based on weigh ratings. The "red" models might have been better as they are stiffer I think.

That said, they seem to actually work fantastically. With the compressor running they are clearly doing there job since you can see some vibration in the compressor feet. However, if you feel the base there is near zero vibration there. When you consider there is still more foam between the base and the concrete floor, I'm getting zero noticeable vibration into the floor. That's what I was after so I'm happy with that.

That's all. I read a lot of posts here that have been helpful so I figured I'd throw this post out there to maybe help the next person. There isn't a whole lot of info out there on the Puma compressors.

 

[Vernon29RW]

Not a whole lot of info is right!! I really need to buy a compressor for my house for various reasons. I'm not doing soda blasting or body work just would like the convenience of using my impact guns/ratchets for car work and just having air readily available. Almost bought a Craftsman Pro or Kobalt then started reading on here and talked myself out of it. Now I'm either toying with the idea of finding a deal on some older USA made unit through CL or looking to alternative vendors like Northern Tool for other options. BTW great install! WOW that is real pro looking!! I'm subscribing and hopefully you'll update this thread with your opinions and experiences with this unit as the price is right and the numbers look good as well.

Steve

 

[BBC71Nova]

If you are willing to wait, and have a Northern Tool local to you, signup for their email deals. They'll send you coupons like $50 off $250. That brings this compressor down to the price of the Kobalt. This is MUCH nicer unit in my opinion. Just little details like the pressure tube from pump to tank is much larger and also wrapped in some coil like "after cooler" type setup.

I'll try and update maybe with a video later if I can get it to do right. Ohhh. Just a thought I had. I'll do a decibel check comparing the old and new as well...

 

[dmeadow]

Thanks for posting this. I'm very interested in this compressor and look forward to your video/decibel checks. I had narrowed my search to this one and/or perhaps the HF two-stage model.

Noise is important as this will go into an attached garage.

 

[nmcqueen469]

Thanks for posting this. I'm very interested in this compressor and look forward to your video/decibel checks. I had narrowed my search to this one and/or perhaps the HF two-stage model.

Noise is important as this will go into an attached garage.

This.

EXACTLY this!

 

[Spudland_Dave]

I've had that compressor for over a year now...been a great unit for me. No complaints thus far.

 

[BBC71Nova]

Just a small update. Right before my old Craftsman compressor sold I turned it on and grabbed some decibel readings using an iphone app. Unfortunately I didn't think to do that before I moved the compressor out of the closet where it was. Anyway, I got 93 decibels as the reading. That was with the old compressor sitting out in the open part of the garage.

I started up the new compressor which is located in an under stairs closet and the reading was ~87 decibels with the door open.

So not a huge difference but a noticeable one for sure. I'm think the size of the space makes a difference. When the old compressor would startup you could hardly stand to be in the closet.

With the new compressor I can shut the door and only hear a hum about as loud as an HVAC air handler unit (inside part ).

John

 

[dmeadow]

Just a small update. Right before my old Craftsman compressor sold I turned it on and grabbed some decibel readings using an iphone app. Unfortunately I didn't think to do that before I moved the compressor out of the closet where it was. Anyway, I got 93 decibels as the reading. That was with the old compressor sitting out in the open part of the garage.

I started up the new compressor which is located in an under stairs closet and the reading was ~87 decibels with the door open.

So not a huge difference but a noticeable one for sure. I'm think the size of the space makes a difference. When the old compressor would startup you could hardly stand to be in the closet.

With the new compressor I can shut the door and only hear a hum about as loud as an HVAC air handler unit (inside part ).

John

Thanks! I believe we were promised some video, as well!

 

[gsmornot]

87 to 93 decibels is a big difference. Every 3db is double the perceived volume. So, 87 to 90 is double....90 to 93 is double again.....93 to 96 yet doubled again and finally we make it to 97db. In reality is feels quieter, in measurement its much better but not invisible. Nice writeup and nice looking compressor. I still have a small oil-less unit myself with the intention to upgrade to something like what you have now.

 

[dmeadow]

This Puma just went on sale at Northern Tool (also posted this in Hot Deals thread - hope I don't get into trouble, but I know there are a number of folks subscribed to this thread that are considering this compressor). Use coupon code 166343 for another $50 off for a net $400. Ships to a Northern Tool store for free. I've been waiting a looonng time for this to go on sale!

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200455341_200455341

 

[JimmyTheMonkey]

87 DB seems really really high for this model. I have read on other threads that the Husky Pro and Kobalt units in the same price range are in the low to mid 70 DB. Anyone else with a Puma or a Husky/Kobalt out there that can measure the DB rating of their units?

 

[r_egan]

I have been considering this compressor but am somewhat hesitant given the 3hp motor. I would like to do some auto restoration work down the road and am concerned that this won't be able to handle cut off wheels, sanders, etc. I would also like to do some smaller painting projects. For those of you with this compressor, are these valid concerns?

I hate to spend 2x what this model costs to get a 5hp motor if it is not necessary.

 

[Vernon29RW]

Jimmy It's just my $.02 but remember he has this compressor installed in a closet. He took the sound measurement while the compressor was installed inside this closet. Imagine how much more the sound is amplified by being in the small confined space. I'd bet its much quieter if you had it out in your open garage space where the sound waves wouldn't be condensed in such a small area. Just something I thought of and figured I'd share. Although I still don't own one, I'm very impressed with the build quality and positive reviews it seems to get across the internet.

Steve

 

[metal1313]

also, in regards to the sound measurements, many are taken at a set distance, something like 8-10ft away

 

[Travinsky]

Strange that Puma does not publish their dB score, I plan on getting a 60 gallon soon and even thinking of the 40 gal 2-stage Puma for $900+ at HD. Sound is not a big deal for me, but I don't want the neighbors going nuts and knocking on my door.

 

[cj58]

If anyone has used the Puma PK6060V to restore a car can you tell me how it performed, did it handle the sanding and painting okay.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

I didnt restore a car, but I did just do a ton of "Bodywork" on my recent workbench build using it... Used my IR 300G Sander extensively with it. Absouletly no problems shooting paint with it. She ran a fair amount when doing extensive sanding. I probably wouldnt/couldnt reccomend it for a professional shop or if you had a buddy with you doing 2x sanding.
Put it this way, the compressor held up her end of the bargain, I quit to grab a sip of gatorade and change the paper, NOT because I had to because of the compressor.