Opinion on Screw Compressor

[Pstychologist]

I was wondering what the group thought of this unit. It doesn't have any reviews attached so thought I'd see what y'all thought.

screw compressor at Northern Tool

 

[Lx460]

Maybe it's just me but the pic looks like a photoshop cut and paste.


Or you can get the real deal...

Have no idea where you are located, since it's not in your profile.

http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/tls/4907396599.html

 

[Lx460]

Or this?

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200393617_200393617

 

[CompressorPros.com]

I'm partial to the CP QRS rotary compressors because I sell them, but I can say they do make good machines. They are Italian made, not from China, which seems to be the trend and stocked in Charlotte, NC. CP's tech support team is top notch also. Be glad to answer any questions you might have.

 

[Pstychologist]

Maybe it's just me but the pic looks like a photoshop cut and paste.


Or you can get the real deal...

Have no idea where you are located, since it's not in your profile.

http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/tls/4907396599.html

I'm in Iowa. We have a Northern a couple of hours from me.
ETA: and I'm on single phase only.

 

[Pstychologist]

I'm partial to the CP QRS rotary compressors because I sell them, but I can say they do make good machines. They are Italian made, not from China, which seems to be the trend and stocked in Charlotte, NC. CP's tech support team is top notch also. Be glad to answer any questions you might have.

I want to ensure that it can be wired as single phase. What will the draw be at 220-230V?

I like the idea of continuous service for using air to blow off dirty machines like combines or doing some sand blasting. Is there a unit that is nearly the same price but a better unit?

 

[RV77]

We have one at work but its german made.You can stand next to them and talk w/o yelling and I think they build preesure faster.

Its a little louder with the encloser off..but not as bad as some twin cylinders.

 

[just a noob]

For blowing off combines and balers we had one of those portable air compressors. Like the type you see used to run a jack hammer.

 

[iajonesy]

No you can't wire it for single phase and you would need 440-460 volt power to run it. Even with a phase converter you'd be out of luck. I am guessing if you don't have 3 phase,you probably don't have the high voltage either. Look for a big Quincy or something similar with 220 volt single phase.You'll get plenty of air and less cost up front. Just my opinion,for what it's worth.

Mike

 

[Lx460]

The second Ingersoll from Northern is single phase.

 

[Pstychologist]

This one (the OP) said it was able to be wired for 230, but I wanted to ask compressor pros since he says that he makes them. Sometimes I don't trust Northern's specs.

I would probably be best off finding a gas-powered cylinder compressor, but thought I should look into the rotary screw units because I'm in it for the long (multi-generation) haul.

 

[CompressorPros.com]

You can get up to 7.5HP in single phase with either the CP unit or IR. EMAX does make a 10HP single phase. If you have a specific model CP or EMAX model you are looking for, I'm sure I can give you a better deal than Northern. The CP would ship from NC regardless of who you bought it from. Send me a message or email me if interested

 

[Pstychologist]

You can get up to 7.5HP in single phase with either the CP unit or IR. EMAX does make a 10HP single phase. If you have a specific model CP or EMAX model you are looking for, I'm sure I can give you a better deal than Northern. The CP would ship from NC regardless of who you bought it from. Send me a message or email me if interested

Nice, I'll let you know if I decide to go that way. Won't be soon, though. Thanks!

 

[stonesfan68]

Why do you want a rotary compressor? Is this for a home shop or business? Rotary compressors need to run to keep water out of the coolant or you'll have trouble.


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[Pstychologist]

Why do you want a rotary compressor? Is this for a home shop or business? Rotary compressors need to run to keep water out of the coolant or you'll have trouble.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I don't "have' to have one. I run a farm and do my own machine repair.

 

[redmondjp]

I don't "have' to have one. I run a farm and do my own machine repair.

From everything I know about screw compressors, where they really shine is in situations (typical heavy commercial or industrial) where they is a constant need for air all day every day. For intermittent duty (and using a cutoff tool or sander, even for several hours at a time, I would consider to be intermittent duty for the purposes of this discussion), you are better off with a reciprocating compressor.

And for the price of an entry-level screw compressor, you can get a very nice pressure-lubricated cast iron commercial-grade 2-stage compressor - one that will outlast your need for it.

If you get a unit that has 18cfm or more, it will do everything you need it to do.

 

[MacMcMacmac]

You might want to cross shop a small Hydrovane if you're looking for a 100% duty cycle machine. They might have a price advantage over a screw.

 

[redmondjp]

Some more info on screw vs. reciprocating:

http://www.woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Rotary_Screw_Compressors_Pros_and_Cons.html

 

[smiffy]

If your looking at blowing out machinery as said above get a compressor designed to power a jack hammer or the largest hand held stihl blower the stihl blower will do an incredibly good job on combines

 

[Lhead]

At my work we have an Italian FIAC 7.5 hp screw compressor with attached dryer. We have a need in my building for constant dry air to run pneumatic systems all day and the FIAC works great. Its mounted on a 100 gallon tank and is always on, but not always running. Meaning, the compressor portion loads and unloads as needed. It's always turning, but the pulley is clutched like a car AC unit.

They are sensitive to oil (synthetic $$) and maintenance (spin on oil filter cartridges and dryer filters. Plus the occasional belt change. Ours is powered up 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Turns on as needed. Constant 6 bar 90 psi pressure at 14cfm output.

Hope this helps. Not cheap though.

 

[Pstychologist]

You've all been very helpful. I've been using an electric blower to get the big bits out, but the detailing needs a finer touch/more power.

But I do think I've been convinced not to buy a new screw compressor. Maybe I can find a cheap portable gas powered construction model. Then I could pull it to the fields if I have a tractor tire blow a bead.

 

[sberry]

You don't need a screw comp. There was a thread here earlier about a 3ph 10 hp for sale for a grand and it would have been teets for someone that had the service as auxiliary for specific chores, the cost couldn't be beat.
If you don't have a gas you probably need one if you are making a living with a combine. A leaf blower used first is money well spent.
This is often a poor question,,, w2hats the best, how do I etc. The intent and the background are critical. Advice is like putters, poor input poor output.