single stage with three cylinders vs two-stage compressor

[a3tripod]

Hi all. I noticed that Costco is selling an 80 gallon three cylinder single stage air compressor for $799 and was wondering what you could tell me about that kind of set up. I can get a 60 gal 2-stage for the same price. The CFM appears to be about the same (slightly higher on the 2-stage) give or take 1 CFM at 40 and 90PSI.

Should I be compelled by the 3 cylinders, or is 2-stage almost always going to be better?

 

[trboxman]

It really boils down to delivered CFM at a specific PSI and if that meets your needs. However a 2 stage will typically store more air for a given volume because it compresses to a higher PSI...this may or may not matter to you and your use.

 

[Pro-Painter]

The 2 stage will be a better compressor.(they always are) It has a more powerful & efficient pump if it has the same specs with 20 gallon less storage.

The 3cly will have some advantages. It will run quieter, and cooler. Which is always a plus if your compressor is going to be near you while running, and the cooler temps will reduce moisture in your lines.


I base this completely off experience with two similar compressors. Results will very.

 

[a3tripod]

Does it matter if the 3-cyl is made in the USA vs the 2-stage being chinese?

 

[Outlawmws]

Does it matter if the 3-cyl is made in the USA vs the 2-stage being chinese?

I would say yes because I hate buying anything from the worlds largest slave state.

If it meets your needs, go with the US made comp.

 

[Jim Johnstone]

Do you have a link to the two compressors?

 

[a3tripod]

Do you have a link to the two compressors?

The Chinese made one is the 60 gal one at harbor freight. its on sale for $799 and the store is including a life replacement warranty program for it.

Costco does not carry the compressor in their online warehouse, but it is available locally (new item for this store too). I don't recall the brand, but it says made in the USA right on it. Costco has a great return program, but if the compressor dies in 5 years, i'm not the kind of guy to return it..though some ppl do.

I'll take a pic of the compressor during my next visit.

 

[trboxman]

On that HF compressor...the tank is made in the US, the pump is made in Italy, the motor is either made in Mexico or the US, the pressure switch is the only thing on it that I think is made in China.

 

[Jim Johnstone]

personally I would take a 2 stage unit any day of the week over a 3 piston single stage. I can say that because I have a 3 piston single stage from princess auto and it is the hottest running, loudest compressor I have ever been around. It's only saving grace is it makes a lot of air.

http://www.princessauto.com/pal/product/8355182/Stationary/60-Gallon-Single-Stage-Air-Compressor
that is my compressor, I suspect its the same pump you're talking about, don't be fooled, it's not quiet at all.

2 stage compressors generally run lower RPM which means less heat and noise, and because they are more efficient, making pressure it two steps, not one, they make less heat as well.

 

[pop pop]

A two stage unit will use less power per cfm compressed. The intercooling is the "magic". The intercooler pressure should be about 32 psi on a 115 psi unit, so single stage and two stage are doing the same work up to 32 psi. The two stage then cools the 32 psi air then compresses it on up to 115 and it takes less work than the single stage that carries the hot air on up to 115psi (for example, could be any pressures). The single stage should run hotter and give off more heat on identical powered machines. I could show you the engineering, but this covers it