Noobie needs a compressor

[The Moonshiner]

Hi guys. This is sort of my intro/ 1st need help post.

I just jumped over from the jalopy journal after several years on the 67-72 chevy trucks forums. I am almost done building a 72 Chevy truck and I need some help buying a compressor. I dont have 220 in my garage but could get it wired. I have also looked at Lowes for the campbell Hausfeld 60 gal 3.2 hp vertical compressor for around $500. Any thoughts?

I will be mostly using a 1/2 inch air gun for tire changes and will eventually buy a medium sized sandblasting booth when I get the cash. I will also need something that can run a grinder and cutoff tools when I expand my shop one day. Of course I want the best for my money but dont have a lot of it. Trying not to go over $1,000.00 cause I still need to buy a 1/2 inch gun.

That brings me to my next question, I am looking at the Ingersoll Rand thunder gun and would like to know what everyone thinks of it.

Im open for comments. Thanks, Brian.

 

[pcpro15]

I am not the best to help with compressors... but I've had my eye on the IR compressors.

Tractor supply has some good pricing on the IR compressors compared to everyone else. I've heard these are made in the USA, but don't quote me.

5hp 60gal $849
5hp 80gal $999

My buddy has an older Quincy which is made in the USA. The same compressor costs more through them.

5hp 60gal $1375 on a quick search.

EDIT - actually that CH air compressor you were talking about at tractor supply is 399 I think.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/tools/...eg-60-gallon-cast-iron-air-compressor-3310006

 

[930dreamer]

Welcome, I'd look at 240v compressors if at all possible, skip oil-less ones also. Check out CL for a oldie but goodie.

 

[kansas]

I just got the I-R 80 gal. from TSC, haven't got it hooked up yet. I asked around and most said I-R was as good as any.

 

[bobcatdan]

If you plan on doing any real work, the bigger the better. I have an IR 7.5 hp, 80 gallon, 24 scfm at 175 psi. Awesome. I bought it at TSC for $1800, in stock, picked the one I wanted. I studied for a long time, the same compressor else where was $2500 plus shipping on 500 lbs. I love it, using a die grinder or cut off, it will kick on while using and kick back off with me never stopping. That right there is worth it. I use to work with a buddy that had a 60 gallon craftsman, that couldn't run a cut off wheel 30 seconds before you had to stop. I got mine 3 years ago, last time at TSC, I only saw a 16 scfm 80 gallon, don't know if they still carry the big 24. It may pay to spin a little more now to do what you want. Almost anything can run an impact, but sandblaster demand a lot of air. Look at what you would want for a sandblaster and see what the air requirments are for it before buying a compressor.

 

[crewchief888]

Hi guys. This is sort of my intro/ 1st need help post.

I just jumped over from the jalopy journal after several years on the 67-72 chevy trucks forums. I am almost done building a 72 Chevy truck and I need some help buying a compressor. I dont have 220 in my garage but could get it wired. I have also looked at Lowes for the campbell Hausfeld 60 gal 3.2 hp vertical compressor for around $500. Any thoughts?

I will be mostly using a 1/2 inch air gun for tire changes and will eventually buy a medium sized sandblasting booth when I get the cash. I will also need something that can run a grinder and cutoff tools when I expand my shop one day. Of course I want the best for my money but dont have a lot of it. Trying not to go over $1,000.00 cause I still need to buy a 1/2 inch gun.

That brings me to my next question, I am looking at the Ingersoll Rand thunder gun and would like to know what everyone thinks of it.

Im open for comments. Thanks, Brian.

if you can avoid buying a 110v compressor you'll be a lot happier, and avoid the oil less compressors as well, unless you like a LOT of noise.

grinders and sanders **** up a lot of air, i'd be looking for 2x's of the max CFM air requirement of the tool.

the (street legal) thunder gun dont impress me, it has a faster free speed and is louder than a 231
IMHO the best bang for the buck is an IR 231.

 

[pipsters]

You don't care about gallon size (ie anything in the 30-80 gallon would be fine). Running a sand blaster, grinder, cut off tool, etc. you care about CFM. 15, 20 if you can afford it. You want the compressor to put out at minimum what you use.

A 120v unit won't really do what you want unless you can take lots of breaks. I have a 120v 25 gallon 5.8 cfm compressor that handles all my air needs great, but I do very little grinding (ie just cutting off nails in wood for example, or sharpening my lawnmower blades). An impact is actually a pretty low consumption tool (20+ CFM running but averages much less) because you aren't using it all the time.

 

[oilslick]

my local napa has a special going on tools, I would check there

 

[The Moonshiner]

Thanks guys. I was leary about buying one from Tractor supply or an auto parts store just because I was worried I would end up with junk after a year. I need one that will give me a lot of years of minimal weekly work.

 

[countryroad82]

I know it is a little more than you want to spend but I will say this compressor is the best bang for your buck, I just bought one for my shop after my Porter Cable died while in the middle of a paint job. I bought it by the recomendation of a few on this forum and it is just flat out awsome!! http://www.eatoncompressor.com/catalog/item/504747/172993.htm I have a **** Blast sandblast cabinet and with the old compressor I would have to stop within a minute of blasting to let the compressor catch up, not with this one! All I can say is it is first class. Here is another that is a little more in your price range http://www.eatoncompressor.com/catalog/item/504747/172983.htm I was almost ready to buy an Ingersol from TSC myself but after I checked out the specs on the Eaton/ Polar Air compressors I thought they were a better deal for my uses, I have a small body/ paint shop so my compressor runs almost constantly. Hope this helps.

 

[Mickey_D]

Most of the consumer grade Ingersol (like the ones from TSC) pumps are actually made in India. I went through a couple of pumps and a motor in 2 years on mine. Try to find a decent used Champion, Quincy, or other real compressor and you will be much happier.

 

[SMKS]

What part of the country are you in?

Menards used to have 60 gal compressors for $399. I can't remember if that was a sale price or not. That was a few years ago, so they've probably increased in price.

My friend bought one and has used it is his professional shop for several years. Works great.

 

[toyotadriver]

I have a 60 gallon CH that I bought at Lowes during a sale. They had all tools 15% off, I used another 10% off coupon and then charged it (and paid off immediately) on my Discover card that pays cash back. I ended up getting a $400 compressor for just under $300. I've been happy with it but then it only gets used occasionally. If I wanted something for heavier duty use, I'd look at another brand. But for my purposes, I'm happy with it.