Recommend a compressor

[zekeymonkey]

So, I'm going to be buying a new compressor in the next couple months to go in my attached two car garage. Someday I'll be building a bigger garage. I'll be using it for general automotive repair and body work. I want to buy a compressor that I'll likely never replace. With that said, I'm thinking at a minimum 5hp with a 60 gallon tank.

Below are the three units I'm currently considering. What would you recommend? Is there another model I should add to my list?

Ingersoll Rand single stage 5 HP, 18.1 CFM @ 90 PSI, 230 Volt, Model# SS5L5

Ingersoll Rand two stage type 30 5 HP, 14.7 CFM @ 175 PSI, 230 Volt, Model# 2340L5-V

Quincy Compressor Reciprocating Air Compressor — 5 HP, 15.2 cfm @ 175 PSI, 230 Volt Single Phase, Model# 2V41C60VC

 

[rodm1]

Everyone forgets Saylor Beall but they should be on everyone's list. NAPA re brands there compressors but had some good models a few years ago. Have you looked at used ones?

http://www.888saybecks.com/parts/cart.php?target=product&product_id=255
http://www.saylor-beall.com/air_compressors/tank_mounted_vertical.php
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...sg=AFQjCNEZ3E790qAFKucOV2mJ6vQtrYzB1Q&cad=rja

 

['04 Cummins]

So, I'm going to be buying a new compressor in the next couple months to go in my attached two car garage. Someday I'll be building a bigger garage. I'll be using it for general automotive repair and body work. I want to buy a compressor that I'll likely never replace. With that said, I'm thinking at a minimum 5hp with a 60 gallon tank.

Below are the three units I'm currently considering. What would you recommend? Is there another model I should add to my list?

Ingersoll Rand single stage 5 HP, 18.1 CFM @ 90 PSI, 230 Volt, Model# SS5L5

Ingersoll Rand two stage type 30 5 HP, 14.7 CFM @ 175 PSI, 230 Volt, Model# 2340L5-V

Quincy Compressor Reciprocating Air Compressor — 5 HP, 15.2 cfm @ 175 PSI, 230 Volt Single Phase, Model# 2V41C60VC

I have the Quincy you linked. Very nice compressor although I wish I could have sprung for the QT-5 (80 gal. with a slower motor/pump speed but still more CFM). All of the Quincy's come with USA Baldor motors all USA contruction, the IR will probably have a non-USA Emerson motor. The Quincy is definitely a higher quality compressor than those particular IRs.

Definitely get a 2-stage machine, you'll kick yourself later if you don't. Air sanders for body work use a lot of air. Plus, 2-stagers aren't that much more expensive than a large single.

Another good option would be a Champion Centurion II...

 

[alan camby]

Out of the three you listed, i would go with the Quincy. I regret buying my Ingersoll Rand.
The single stage pump runs hot and is made in India. The tank is made in Mexico. There is no magnetic starter for the motor and the contacts in the pressure switch have worn out. The Motor is a piece of junk, I am about to replace it with a Baldor motor.

The Quincy you listed has a very high pump speed which means more noise, wear and heat.
I would look for a Compressor with a Baldor motor, magnetic starter, all cast iron pump, and LOW PUMP RPM, and don't forget tank thickness. I would research Champion air compressors, Quincy, and some of the Polar Air (Eaton) compressors look good. I have never seen the Saylor Beall, so can't comment on them. Also, If you want dry air a aftercooler is a good option for the compressor. There are ways to treat the air after the compressor, just the after cooler is part of the compressor unit most of the time because it goes between the pump and tank.

There is a lot of information about the poor quality motors on the 5hp IR comps. Here is a example of just one thread. http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=103549 Sure the IR might be cheaper. Once you have to add a new motor and pressure switch the price goes up. I have also noticed that lately the pressure tanks has been getting
thinner on the IR's. Maybe everyone is doing this. The tank thickness also translates in to
the life of the unit.
Just search the motor part number 54421193 for the IR's and you will see all the issues they are having. After one year IR will not help you.

Here are some of the Champions. http://www.tptools.com/Product.aspx?display_id=3267

The advantage series is even better. http://www.tptools.com/Product.aspx?display_id=3268

The PL is the pressure lube series but it is made more for all day running in a business. http://www.tptools.com/Product.aspx?display_id=3269

 

[PT Doc]

Qt5 should be looked at closely and explain to yourself why it is not right for you. Forget price for a moment. Look at the Saylor also. Find out who will service it if you need to have work done. You won't be hauling a 600# compressor to the repair shop, I don't think.

 

[alan camby]

Forgot.

I saw a 2 stage IR, just like the second one you linked, at TSC the other day. The pump runs at 1500 rpm. This is the fastest I have ever seen one ran. I would not like that.

 

['04 Cummins]

Qt5 should be looked at closely and explain to yourself why it is not right for you. Forget price for a moment. Look at the Saylor also. Find out who will service it if you need to have work done. You won't be hauling a 600# compressor to the repair shop, I don't think.

Yep, if I had it again I'd have saved a few hundred more for the QT-5. That said, I'm pretty happy with my V-4, it's just a bit loud because of the higher pump rpm.

 

[e-tek]

I'm not a brand man, but for air tools, I would highly recommend an 18cfm at 100 psi a minimum.

 

[alan camby]

Qt5 should be looked at closely and explain to yourself why it is not right for you. Forget price for a moment. Look at the Saylor also. Find out who will service it if you need to have work done. You won't be hauling a 600# compressor to the repair shop, I don't think.

Here are some of the Quincy's
http://www.tptools.com/Product.aspx?display_id=2904

No, I don't work for TP.

 

[Davefr]

Ingersoll Rand is junk, get Quincy.

 

[zekeymonkey]

From what's been said on here and what I've found through further searching. I'm going with a Quincy. Well, unless I found a great deal on a used compressor.

 

[zekeymonkey]

For $1599, I think I'm going to go with a Champion 5 HP 60 gallon 19.1 cfm @ 125 psi, 805 rpm, Model # VRV5-6E. Is an 80 gallon tank worth an extra $400?

Champion 5 HP Air Compressor 60 Gal Vertical #8550-60DS

 

[mayday0017]

Champion makes some GOOD products, believe they are USA too!

 

[bornagainst]

For $1599, I think I'm going to go with a Champion 5 HP 60 gallon 19.1 cfm @ 125 psi, 805 rpm, Model # VRV5-6E. Is an 80 gallon tank worth an extra $400?

Champion 5 HP Air Compressor 60 Gal Vertical #8550-60DS

The 80 gal adds a "pre-wired magnetic starter and higher amperage motor". If you are thinking about spending the extra money on the Champion 80 gal I would recommend stepping up to an Advantage Series compressor... you go from a RV-15A pump to a R-15B (reed vs disc valves, integral cylinder/head, better bearings, balanced crankshaft, centrifugal unloader, and a 5 year warranty [vs 2 years on the RV-15A]) as well as some other bells and whistles. I have been looking at Champions hard lately .

Buy once, cry once as they say.

Centurion II Series
Advantage Series

 

[bobcatdan]

What every you buy, go two stage, and max psi of 175. If you plan on running anything like die grinders or sanders, spend the money and go 80 gallons. I have a 80 gallon IR and am very happy, but I wouldn't stop you from buying any of the other brands listed.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Quincy, Saylor Beall, Champion, Kellogg-American are all good USA compressors. In fact you see a lot of Chinese made compressors that are saylor beall pump copies.

What is your price range? Sure you can spend $1,300 on that quincy and as long as you take care of it, it will probably last the rest of your life... Or you can spend $3,000 and get something much bigger and beefer, but will you ever need that much?

If you are going to be doing any blasting or lots of air-tool work, spend the extra and get *at least* a 5HP / 80 Gallon / 175 PSI setup...

Quincy has been around a looong time, their pumps are bullet-proof, their service is great, their warranty is great... There are always local service places if you need parts or in-warranty repair. You can't go wrong with them.

 

[zekeymonkey]

My initial use is a complete restoration of a 1967 Firebird I've had since I was 19. So, it'll be used for blasting, grinding, and so forth. My budget is in the $1600 range. I can push it to $2000 if it's justifiable. $3000 is just too steep for me to justify for personal use.

 

[bobcatdan]

I got my 7.5 hp IR for $1800 from TSC. They carried in store, no shipping cost. I saw the same compressor eles where for over $2300 plus shipping on a 500 lbs unit. If you have a northern store anywhere by you, they carry their norhtern house brand 80 gallon. I have no idea how good it is, but they say USA.

 

[PT Doc]

This is right in your price range:
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200451863_200451863

1800 delivered.

 

[EOC_Jason]

You might also want to check CL in your area, you could save a considerable amount of money and still find a barely-used 60 or 80 gallon...