Pls help me select a 60-gal air compressor

[Huffduf41]

Hey guys I need a 230-volt air compressor for my residential hobby barn. 75% of it’s use will be filling tires on my truck & trailers, will run the occasional pneumatic tool.

I want it to last but would like to keep it under $1k.

Thanks for the help!!!!

 

[Swervyjoe]

I have the 5 hp 60 gallon 2 stage from harbor freight. It was just over $1000 after taxes and with an extended warranty. Haven't had any problems with it in the 2 years I've had it.

 

[Schurkey]

Will run WHICH pneumatic tools?

Impact wrenches, air ratchets, and many other tools use air in short bursts. A single-stage compressor can generally keep-up if the tank is big enough. 20 gallon isn't enough but some guys try with that anyway, 60 gallon should be.

Die grinders, sand blasters and some other tools use air for long periods of time. TWO STAGE compressor is required; you're going to need a shitload of air. 60 gallons is probably not enough, 80 would be more like it; and stored at 170-ish psi instead of 120. If you're using tools that use air like these do, $1K only works if you're buying a used compressor, or junk. Sorry, aim higher.

 

[Huffduf41]

Good question, just impacts and ratchets.

 

[Pontiac787]

The Harbor Freight would meet all your criteria if you could find one. I’ve heard they are being phased out. The Belaire 216v or the NAPA equivalent would fit the bill but both are just under $1,200.

 

[mike93lx]

60 gallon to fill tires and run an impact gun?

Any value to something on wheels? A 30 gal would be portable and plenty for what you are talking about

 

[Rinspeed]

I picked this Dewalt up for $450 on Black Friday and it has worked out great so far. TC just had them on sale a couple weeks ago for $500. For the money tough to beat if the 11.5 SCFM at 90 PSI works for you.




https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/dewalt-60-gallon-air-compressor-155-psi-dxcm601

 

[Davefr]

Good question, just impacts and ratchets.

Buy the Milwaukee Fuel Stubby Impact and get a 30 gallon, cast iron, dual voltage, portable, belt driven, oil lubricated compressor and you'll have all the compressor you need.

About the only thing that dictates the need for a large compressor these days is an air hammer, paint guns, sand blasting, tire machines, etc.

 

[Citation]

OP,
I agree with others, what tools? Do you currently have a compressor?

First, looking for used is always something I recommend. It's not uncommon to find a decent to nice 5hp, 80 gallon compressor for ~$500 used.

For what it's worth my feeling is 60 gallon compressors generally only make sense if you are going for the ~$400-500 models. Those are typically single stage, two cylinder models though Kobalt does have a 2 stage Campbell Hausfeld unit.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-60-Gallon-Two-Stage-Electric-Vertical-Air-Compressor/1000542193

These are typically 15 Amp models so they can run off 12 gauge wire (yes, some will argue this as the rules say you size the wire based on the name plate HP, not the full load amp rating of the motor).

The next option in my book is a low end 80 gallon or used 80 gallon. For under $1k you can get into a low end 80 gallon model.
It seems like a number of companies have models that use this pump. On sale they are often under $1k
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-8...Stage-Electric-Air-Compressor-C801H/203187346

This one is a Campbell Hausfeld similar to the one my father currently has
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-80-Gallon-Two-Stage-Electric-Vertical-Air-Compressor/1000528985
Dad's is Husky branded but very similar setup and again OEMed by CH. It does occasional work with a blast cabinet common work with air drills, sanders, grinders etc.

A lot of people like the 60 gallon HF with a 2 stage pump. I think it was a 5 hp motor. That's not bad but then you are near the cost of an 80 gallon unit with the same setup. Unless space is critical, I would go for the 80.

All that said, depending on the air tools a 20-30 gallon compressor may be plenty. This is especially true of it might be a while between uses. For a while I used a 4 gallon roofing compressor. A clear advantage of such a small tank was it would fill quickly if I wanted to fill tires. In less than a minute I was ready to start airing tires. With a large compressor that takes quite a bit longer.

 

[driftpin]

If you put your location under your screen name, someone by you may know of a good used compressor, or a sale on a new one.

Get > you need, because then if you want to do media blasting or use pneumatic body tools you have the capacity.

 

[Steve_P]

Any of the 230V 15A ~$500 compressors will do what you need, including run a die grinder for limited use - not all day. Media blasting is an air hog, so if you have that planned then you'll have to spend more than $500-600. A DeWalt or Milwaukee battery impact and the batteries is ~$300, not a cost savings. Especially since a decent compressor with limited use will last decades

 

[bugnut]

As driftpin said post up your location. I have a cman I'm looking to part with 60 gal lying 7hp 2.9hp actual and 220v.

 

[driftpin]

If you put your location under your screen name, someone by you may know of a good used compressor, or a sale on a new one.

Get > you need, because then if you want to do media blasting or use pneumatic body tools you have the capacity.

As driftpin said post up your location. I have a cman I'm looking to part with 60 gal lying 7hp 2.9hp actual and 220v.

I didn't put it in, I was waiting to-see if the O.P. was anywhere near-me, but since bugnut said the same thing, and with the possible sale of his now-surplus machine, I have a Campbell-Hausfeld, 30 gallon portable tank, 2-stage, cast-iron compressor, 240 V-1 Ph. 15 amps, new switch & unloader, new head gasket. Still unaware as to the O.P.'s location.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

I picked up a sanborn from menards. Hf says it puts out more air but i was skeptical about that much for a hf compressor. Hf is also more $.