New to me compressor...how did I do?

[89MustangGX]

While surfing CraigsList yesterday, which I do often, I was looking for the normal tool boxes, tools, and air compressors. I don't really NEED anything, but I like to look and pick up a deal when something catches my eye.

I've been using a little 20 gallon 110v generic air compressor for a while now and wishing I could find something better than the big box store compressors for about the same price...tough to find. Until I happened to type in "Snap-On" in the search yesterday. Don't normally, but I did for some reason. A shiny red "commpressor" popped up, which had been posted days ago -- but had the title spelled wrong, so I thought maybe it was still available since anyone looking for a compressor wouldn't see it. I sent an email right away. Needless to say, the guy who had it was right at 2 miles from my house and I jumped at the deal.

He apparently had a twin set of these for his business and since closed has been selling the equipment off. He said he thought it was a little over 5 years old and it wasn't used much as the other was the primary. He changed the oil yearly (it looks fresh in the sight glass), and just put a brand new air filter on it.

I think it's way more compressor than I needed or thought I would have, but I think it will fit nicely in my current smaller garage and hopefully be the last unit I will ever have to buy. Of course, I don't really know all that much about it, other than I now have to wire a 220v circuit into my garage!

Unfortunately I couldn't hear it run, but other than needing a new cord (it has a repair done to it and might as well) and one mismatched bolt, it appears to be all there, pretty solid, and in good shape.

I'm sure I will have more questions, but for now...look at the pictures, tell me about the compressor, and tell me whether you think I did alright or not -- I'm sure it was expensive originally and it should be of higher quality, but I'm honestly not sure. I gave $600 for it.

 

[Shocker]

Looks nice. Whats the CFM output and the size of that tank?

 

[LoneGunman]

It looks nice. My personal opinion is I think $600 is steep for the amount of air you are going to get out of it but I also use my compressor for blasting. Any idea who made it?

 

[89MustangGX]

I've been searching for specs on it, and finally found a Snap-On Mexico web page that lists specs (US page only lists the price).

Here is what is listed:

Horsepower 5
Tank, gal. 40
Tank Style Horizontal / 2-stage
Electrical Req. 208/230V, 1-phase
Amp Req. 30 @ 208/230V
Mag Starter Not Req.
Hour Meter No
Auto Tank Drain No
Air Delivery (SCFM @ PSI) 14.0 @ 175
Max. PSI 175

The model number matches, so I'm inclined to believe these are accurate.

Adam

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Kinda odd. 37 gal tank on a true 5 hp compressor (22 amps) is unusual to say the least. It almost is like the tanks used on gas powered units, but with an electric motor.

Snap On's current retain price is way over the top (as if anyone expected otherwise), $2,369.00. They call it 40 gal on the web site, the tag clearly shows 37.3 GAL

Charles

 

[89MustangGX]

Kinda odd. 37 gal tank on a true 5 hp compressor (22 amps) is unusual to say the least. It almost is like the tanks used on gas powered units, but with an electric motor.

Believe it or not, that was one of the things that attracted me to it. It's not a monster 80 gallon unit (still took two people to move), but it still seems to be of good quality and hopefully will be a good performer.

I am not familiar with two-stage compressors -- my other unit runs up to about 110psi and is rated at about 5 CFM at 90PSI. This one runs up to 175PSI and is rated 14 SCFM at 175PSI. What will the equivalent output be at 90PSI where I run tools?

Adam

 

[Kona Cruisers]

my opinion a slightly below avg deal... c+

 

[Jokeman]

For what that compressor retails for I think you did very well. Plus its perfect if you don't have a huge garage and do not have room for a monster 80 gallon 2 stage. Plus you will have plenty of air to run pretty much anything you can throw at it.

 

[Kona Cruisers]

yeah but everyone will agree that snap on compressors are WAYYYYY overpriced.

 

[norry]

Kinda odd. 37 gal tank on a true 5 hp compressor (22 amps) is unusual to say the least. It almost is like the tanks used on gas powered units, but with an electric motor.

Some of the higher-end stuff was designed this way; basically the high CFM rating avoids the need for a large tank. Don't forget, the purpose of the tank is basically to let a smaller motor store up energy (in the form of a large quantity of compressed air) slowly, to run an air tool that uses air quickly.

If you have a big compressor head with a big motor, you don't need a big tank because the compressor head can supply air as quickly as you're using it. Emglo designed a bunch of stuff the same way in the pre-DeWalt days, and it worked great. I sandblast with mine and it's got power to spare.

IMHO this was a nice find and not a bad price for a good, strong compressor that's had an easy life.

 

[Shocker]

Wow, that is a lot of CFM. I would guess it is pretty close to 17cfm at 90.

 

[the spyder]

Honestly, if it works for your needs and you felt you got a good deal, its a good deal! $600 can buy ALOT of compressor, but you got a nice compact, well taken care of, power house compressor.

 

[nissan_crawler]

Kinda odd. 37 gal tank on a true 5 hp compressor (22 amps) is unusual to say the least. It almost is like the tanks used on gas powered units, but with an electric motor.

Snap On's current retain price is way over the top (as if anyone expected otherwise), $2,369.00. They call it 40 gal on the web site, the tag clearly shows 37.3 GAL

Charles

yes, but if it fits the space... I'm building an 18cfm one on a 30 gallon tank.

 

[wineslob]

Donno about the 5 hp rating on that motor. 22 amps is a little low. It should be closer to 28.

 

[the spyder]

Donno about the 5 hp rating on that motor. 22 amps is a little low. It should be closer to 28.

22amp is most likely the continuous draw. I have always assumed that manufactures rate their motors under 24 amps (80% of 30amp breaker per NEC)
to ensure you can use a 10gauge feed.

 

[89MustangGX]

Thanks guys. I feel good about the buy now that I know a little more about it.

Adam

 

[rockwithjason]

I think its a fine unit. It may not be the deal of the century but its a deal.

 

[fordbroncodave]

my snap on dealer had one very similar at his swap meet for a little over a grand.

 

[Shop Towel]

BRA prefix stands for Big Red Air Machine.Ex snap on guys desined it to be a top player in the market place.Snap on dealers I've spoken to say parts are available through BRAMA in Indy. Hope so... just found an older one yesterday.First GJ post.Hope it helps, cause I'm searching for more info on these myself!