Pick a compressor for me

[Gore]

I have finally decided to bite the bullet and buy a compressor.

I want one that I can use to paint with, blast small parts, and run a DA...of course this is in addition to filling tires and what not.

I do not want to go used as I don't have any experience with compressor repairs and I am just not in the mood to hunt on CL for hours.

So here are my top four...please pick one

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200455340_200455340

http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/ingersoll-randreg;-5-hp-air-compressor-60-gal

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-hp-60-gallon-165-psi-two-stage-air-compressor-93274.html

http://www.lowes.com/pd_48365-1126-TQ3126_0__?productId=3370338

 

[GarageWrench]

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200612355_200612355

For around the same price you can get a decent Quincy, this will most likely be the one I upgrade to in a couple years.

 

[Gore]

Shipping drives the price up by over $200 for me...the ones I listed are all available locally.

 

[Durka]

Neither.

 

[Durka]

If you look around, you should be able to find a nice 2 stage 80g just under 1000.

 

[wild cowboy]

You can have your headache inducing mind-numbing choices that wake the neighbors when you want to work on the car at night, I will take this one and no one will even know there is a compressor running!

 

[roscoe2000]

For me it would come down to Tractor Supply or Lowes. Harbor Freight just doesn't give me the comfort level for something like an air compressor. I would suspect the Ingersoll-Rand to be more durable than the Kobalt. But the Kobalt would win out (for me) because of it tank size.

I'm sure the Kobalt is built on the same line of one of the larger air compressor manufacturers and slap with different name plate and hand full of design compromises by the bean counters.

 

[kazlx]

You can have your headache inducing mind-numbing choices that wake the neighbors when you want to work on the car at night, I will take this one and no one will even know there is a compressor running!

You have no idea what you are even talking about. Go try to run a blast cabinet with that and report back.

OP, couple options.
http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Ingersoll-Rand-SS5L5-Air-Compressor/p689.html

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Puma-PK6060V-Air-Compressor/p591.html

 

[b-body-bob]

Lowe's should have a Quincy model on the floor just about any day now (my store shows 4/4 IIRC). Search this forum for the thread discussing it.

 

[Davefr]

Those IR consumer grade units are garbage. I'd get the HF unit over IR any day!! Contrary to popular belief the HF unit is not Chinese. It's a rebranded Bel Air with a pump from Europe vs. the IR that has a single stage "toy" grade pump from India.

The problem with the HF unit is a pretty short warranty (90 days). That can be solved with some extra $'s.

Quincy is good but you have to step up in price substantially to get a good one. I'd avoid the low end Quincy's and Quincy Airmasters.

 

[ssentt]

Can't remember who but someone on here had named some place that sold reconditioned 5hp CH for like $600. New motor & pump IIRC.

 

[ssentt]

Those IR consumer grade units are garbage. I'd get the HF unit over IR any day!! Contrary to popular belief the HF unit is not Chinese. It's a rebranded Bel Air with a pump from Europe vs. the IR that has a single stage "toy" grade pump from India.

Quincy is good but you have to step up in price. I'd avoid the low end Quincy's and Quincy Airmasters.

^^^Good advice^^^ I heard same thing about consumer IR's too.

 

[Durka]

I don't believe it. Same goes for Quincy as it does IR. Except for now, I'd choose an IR over the Quincy consumers since I've put the IR to test. At least I know for a fact that the IR's I've had were and are good. Had two since 01, first I sold with the old house. No problems at all here.

Go with a two stage 5hp 80Gal 175 IR. It'll cost a little more, but it's a great machine for the money, and close to your category. I'm not sure about anything less than that, in the IR line up. If your TSC doesn't have it, they can get it for you for about a grand. So far, I can't say anything bad about them.

 

[Durka]

Look for the IR's that have the USA motors motor and the T5 2 Stage pump (not the V).

 

[Gore]

I have heard various things about three compressors I have mentioned...and almost all of it has been through here lol.

I feel like the HF unit is the dark horse in this race. Most people, including myself, stay away from HF for big purchases, but this compressor seems to be the exception. By all accounts it has quality parts and people that actually own it seem pretty happy although I have heard it is a little noisy.

The IR has the good brand rep going for it but I think I heard that the motor spins a little faster than one might like, but it is still a decent unit.

I have a friend with the 60g Kobalt and he has painted a couple of cars with it so I feel safe stepping up to a bigger motor and tank, especially since I want to be able to blast some stuff with it. Plus, Lowes is literally right down the street from me. I wouldn't mind waiting to see if they begin stocking Quincy.

That 10g jobber might be quiet but it just won't do what I need it to. I already have a 33g oil free Craftsman that wakes the dead...so I doubt any of three I asked about could be any worse.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Unless you are going to be running a DA, sandblaster or a die grinder for a more than 5 minutes at a shot, a 2-3hp 20-30 gallon single stage is adequate for all other jobs.

 

[Steve in Louisiana]

I just bought a 7.5 HP Quincy PRO 271CS80VCB with magnetic starter and extended warranty. . Paid $2,400.00 Drop shipped to me from factory. So far happy with it . . .

I already had an Ingersol-Rand. If you order from a local Quincy Dealer they will drop ship for free.

Steve

 

[b-body-bob]

Unless you are going to be running a DA, sandblaster or a die grinder for a more than 5 minutes at a shot, a 2-3hp 20-30 gallon single stage is adequate for all other jobs.

When I read that I thought, if you're going to use a compressor for what they're really useful for, a 2-3 hp 20-30 gallon single stage won't do the job.

 

[Gore]

Well after doing some measuring I think I am limited to a 60g.

I have a little nook in my garage that i want to squeeze it into. I guess I could always add another tank if I decide I need to.

Chime in if you actually own the HF 60 gallon.

 

[crewchief888]

You can have your headache inducing mind-numbing choices that wake the neighbors when you want to work on the car at night, I will take this one and no one will even know there is a compressor running!

you're kidding

 

[Gore]

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200455340_200455340

What do you guys think about this Puma?

 

[PT Doc]

It's always a tough call when looking at prices. The 60 gallon units seem cheap but will you be able to get parts 10 or 20 years down the road? Going with a brand like Quincy, you would likely be able to get what you need. But it will cost more up front.

With regards to the Puma, maybe inquire about some parts availability and price now and consider buying then now in case you need them in the future. Obviously you can't buy too many parts because of cost but you could cover yourself up front.

 

[Gore]

That's sound advice. I never considered parts availability down the road

 

[Speed-Racer]

Some of the intended uses that you mention consume a lot of air. I started shopping for a 60 gallon and after chatting with a few air compressor co, decided on the 80 gal. The 80 gal takes about the same space as a 60gal. Allows the pump/motor to cool between cycles. You need to decide if you are going to use it hard at times. Save a little more and purchase a quincy, curtis, champion or other industrial model. Shipping weight is one way to seeing how much metal is used in the construction, the HF seems awful light.

The link below is a Curtis 60 gallon tank. Not a bad deal and IMO better than the choices above.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/FS-Curtis...ith-thermal-overload-in-place-of-sta/26631709

 

[Gore]

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/tls/4420139022.html

What do you guys think of this one?

 

[Durka]

Seems like an okay deal...So far. If it makes at least 16 CFM. It should. Could be a nice two stage. Very nice motor. Yea, check the CFM's and motor operating rpms. You know it's 220 right?

 

[Durka]

I see that the seller states low rpms, but doesn't say what they are. Yea, I would be interested in that one, if I was looking for one. I bet it makes some nice cfms. Call on it.

 

[Gore]

Seems like an okay deal...So far. If it makes at least 16 CFM. It should. Could be a nice two stage. Very nice motor. Yea, check the CFM's and motor operating rpms. You know it's 220 right?

I was hoping someone would be familiar with that particular compressor and chime in.

I already ran some 10/2 with a 30A breaker in preparation for a compressor, hopefully that would be enough for this compressor.

 

[Wuaname]

You can have your headache inducing mind-numbing choices that wake the neighbors when you want to work on the car at night, I will take this one and no one will even know there is a compressor running!

That is a good idea for the garage if noise is a factor, but kind of pricey for such a small compressor, no? How much can you really do with that?

 

[Wuaname]

Unless you are going to be running a DA, sandblaster or a die grinder for a more than 5 minutes at a shot, a 2-3hp 20-30 gallon single stage is adequate for all other jobs.

That good to know for my case

Those IR consumer grade units are garbage. I'd get the HF unit over IR any day!! Contrary to popular belief the HF unit is not Chinese. It's a rebranded Bel Air with a pump from Europe vs. the IR that has a single stage "toy" grade pump from India.

The problem with the HF unit is .................

Does that apply to all HF compressors? I was looking at the 20-30 gallon one myself.

 

[Durka]

I was hoping someone would be familiar with that particular compressor and chime in.

I already ran some 10/2 with a 30A breaker in preparation for a compressor, hopefully that would be enough for this compressor.

Hard to say, -sounds a little week. I've told yuh a few pages back how to get that info.

 

[Tbirdtc]

I have one of those puma 3 cyl compressors 20 years old changed oil once
At 20 I needed to put a switch on it
It's a great compressor super quiet

 

[evintho]

I've had the I/R 5hp SS5N5 model since 2006 and it's never let me down. It's much like the I/R you listed except mine has the 80 gallon tank. One thing though, the I/R you listed delivers 14 cfm @ 90 psi. Mine delivers 18 cfm @ 90 psi, yet it's the same motor. Might wanna check into that. CFM is everything in a compressor.
I runs lots of air tools and sandblast also. More than enough air. I/R has been around and will be around for a long time. Parts availability is excellent. I vote for the I/R! Also, a 30a breaker is not enough. I installed a 50a breaker.

 

[onebadbowtie86]

The harbor freight compressor you posted is a very good deal. My $1200 chicago pneumatic I bought a couple years ago has the same exact 2 stage pump and motor.

I used mine to do a full frame off restoration, including body work on a car. I would worry more about getting a better 2 stage pump then an 80 gallon single stage. About 4 years ago I bought an 80 gallon sanborn with a 3 cylinder single stage pump from menards. BIG mistake, nothing but problems from the pump.

 

[onebadbowtie86]

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Chicago-Pneumatic-RCP-581VNS-Air-Compressor/p2045.html

Thats my compressor, same pump and motor.

 

[Gore]

The harbor freight compressor you posted is a very good deal. My $1200 chicago pneumatic I bought a couple years ago has the same exact 2 stage pump and motor.

I used mine to do a full frame off restoration, including body work on a car. I would worry more about getting a better 2 stage pump then an 80 gallon single stage. About 4 years ago I bought an 80 gallon sanborn with a 3 cylinder single stage pump from menards. BIG mistake, nothing but problems from the pump.

Thanks for the reply. The HF compressor gets a bad rap because...well...it's Harbor Freight after all. It does have the specs I need and it's listed at 22A which would would work with existing wiring which would be nice. Also it's local so I wouldn't have to pay shipping.

The other one is that Puma I listed, which has even better specs and lower amperage. But shipping is over $300 which would be a deal breaker unless I can find a free shipping deal or something.

 

[Speed-Racer]

I would take a look at the used two stage quincy(guessing based on the head design) If you can read the tag, give Quincy customer service a call 217.222.7700 (8-5 M-F CST). The superior customer service is another reason I chose to purchase this brand.

They may take a little less and that compressor is way better than the HF or puma. Guessing you could sell the Quincy in a few year for what you paid for it.

Good luck

 

[jdwilson44]

I just bought a 7.5 HP Quincy PRO 271CS80VCB with magnetic starter and extended warranty. . Paid $2,400.00 Drop shipped to me from factory. So far happy with it . . .

I already had an Ingersol-Rand. If you order from a local Quincy Dealer they will drop ship for free.

Steve

How do you like the Quincy now that you've had it for a little while? I'm looking at getting a compressor - something in an 80 gallon tank, 2-stage, either 5 hp or 7.5 hp (haven't quite made up my mind yet on that part of it).

I was reading a number of people on aircompressorsdirect.com who were saying their Ingersoll compressors were damn loud. Seems like the Quincy's weren't getting those types of comments put in their reviews. I'd like to keep the noise down if possible. The IR's had an automatic drain listed as one of their features - nice but I could always add one to a compressor that didn't have one if I wanted to.

Any other recommendations on a decent unit in the 5-7.5hp range , 80 gallon tank, 2 stage?

I'm looking for something I won't have to upgrade for a while, plenty of air to run a blast cabinet, possibly a plasma cutting table, air tools - etc.