Thoughts on 5hp air compressors

[Smoker]

So its time for a shop upgrade... I want to be able to run a blast cabinet and such much more so I need a bigger compressor. I've looked at 3 different comparable units - the Quincy brand, the IR brand at Tractor Supply and TP tools Champion branded ones.

Anyone actually own any of these and can provide some insight?

I'm looking at the ~15cfm @ 170 psi ones. Tank size isn't really an issue as I'll probably piggyback my existing 60 gallon tank onto whatever I buy.

 

[Firebrick43]

All three make awesome compressors and make consumer grade compressors. Their is no free lunch.
The cheaper ones use a smaller pump and turn it faster. This creates more noise(much more), more heat, and less life.

You need to be careful on ratings as many cheaper compressors use false advertisement on motor HP and cfm. The use terms like peak HP or just plain lie and with cfm they will rate it a zero psi.

You need to figure out if you are just concerned with cfm only or want to spend extra for a quieter and longer lasting.

Desirable would be a compressor that the motor turns 1750 rpms and have a name plate draw of ~23amps , the pump under 600 rpms

 

[PT Doc]

I have a Quincy qt5 and have been happy with it. Quincy is a solid company. I would buy another again. But with their estimated lifespan of the pump I should be covered for decades.

 

[930dreamer]

My vote will always be for a vintage made in the USA compressor that needs a rebuild if necessary. It must be an oil fed and slow turning i.e 1750 rpm. I have a 5hp Champion in 3 phase, plus others.

This one.
https://saltlakecity.craigslist.org/tls/d/80-gallon-3-phase-duplex-air/6370726573.html

 

[matt_i]

I own an IR T-30 since my 20s, but if it ever came time to replace it, it would be a Quincy. I beat one of those half to death (or so I thought) during a plant shutdown maintaining a critical fluid system while the main plant air was down and it did not care in the least.

 

[skippydoo]

Quincy or Champion . As stated watch pump rpm, higher equals noise, longevity, and more water.

 

[Tech89]

Have you looked at a Industrial Air? I got mine from air compressors direct, I got mine on sale, but it's still priced good for what you get. Shipping was super fast. I have four years of warranty. Pretty slow running pump too. Just a suggestion.
Industrial-Air-IV5076055-Air-Compressor/p67979.

-Pat

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

 

[Tech89]

Got the link messed up. Sorry.

https://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Industrial-Air-IV5076055-Air-Compressor/p67979.html

- Pat

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

 

[BADSIX]

All three make awesome compressors and make consumer grade compressors. Their is no free lunch.
The cheaper ones use a smaller pump and turn it faster. This creates more noise(much more), more heat, and less life.

You need to be careful on ratings as many cheaper compressors use false advertisement on motor HP and cfm. The use terms like peak HP or just plain lie and with cfm they will rate it a zero psi.

You need to figure out if you are just concerned with cfm only or want to spend extra for a quieter and longer lasting.

Desirable would be a compressor that the motor turns 1750 rpms and have a name plate draw of ~23amps , the pump under 600 rpms

THIS^^^ and should be a 2 stage
Jay D.

 

[marinusdees]

I own an IR T-30 since my 20s, but if it ever came time to replace it, it would be a Quincy. I beat one of those half to death (or so I thought) during a plant shutdown maintaining a critical fluid system while the main plant air was down and it did not care in the least.

And now you are 31??

 

[pcmeiners]

Quincy, have a QR325 and a Curtis.....
Like others stated, get a used unit and rebuild if needed. There are quite a few out there, if your patient you can get one at a decent price on Ebay or CL. Another reason for a Quincy is parts availability, just look on Ebay. As to support, Quincy has a knowledgeable staff and there is good public support, likely more then any other compressor on the market. Forget IR except for the older units.

 

[BADSIX]

I have a IMC with the t39 pump ,its about 30 years old. I have a restoration shop and that compressor has run a million hours in those 30 years. I've replaced the valves twice in that time and it works today just as good as the day I bought it. be carful buying used some can be rebuilt some parts are getting scarce. the t39 like I have some major parts are not available.
Jay D.

 

[Nivekdodge]

https://www.ingersollrandproducts.c...r/products/reciprocating-air-compressors.html

In the middle of this page are the TS compressor and a IR regular compressor. the TS is made for Tractor Supply. Just look at the difference in the picture.

 

[chaosracing]

My dad has one of the industrial air compressors. We had to replace the pump on it. It had light use on it, but the reeds were cracked. Funny thing is it says made in the USA with global components......the pump is from China. Funny thing is, the IR compressors at Tractor Supply have the exact same pump on them. SO I would stay away from them.

I bought a good slightly used 80 gal Kobalt compressor off Craigslist. I would love a Quincy, but $$$ was a limiting factor.

My vote would be for a decent used older unit. I almost scored an older IR at auction, but went for more than I had that day.

 

[matt_i]

And now you are 31??

I'd trade the T-30 even-up if I could be The compressor is 21 yo as best as I can recall.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I built my IR T30 from parts I collected over five years. The motor is new and 5 hp. The tank was new and surplus from a swimming pool contractor. I bought the compressor at an auction for $25. It was in pieces in a large box and covered in leaves.
I had a Speed-Air that was at it's limit, so the completed T30 was a good replacement and just on time.
I was not in a hurry and was wiling to take my chances with luck. This will not work for most persons.
I am gong to look for a truck filter can to fit the filter. As it is, the compressor is quite loud.

 

[marinusdees]

To be honest, I have a two stage devilbiss horizontal with a leeson 5 hp 1750 rpm motor that I bought used from a bicycle manufacturer in Lynnwood 20+ years ago. Three run capacitors on the motor, tested at the time, replaced one that was out of value. Have changed oil once, was clean as new Doesn't get continuous use now, used a lot for ten years. I don't think devillbiss makes 'em like this anymore. I have never even come close to pushing this thing to its limit. Oh, by the way, paid $400. I was given a 5 hp vertical Curtis, no motor. Some broken reed valves, needed a wrist pin bushing. Rebuilt compressor. Found a brand new Baldor 5hp 1750 for it on flea bay. Sold it for $850. Had about $500 in it. If I was looking, and found a used Curtis for a reasonable price, I'd buy it. That said, I'd look at IR if I was looking.

 

[synchro7]

I have an IR 7.5hp/80gal with a T-30 pump I bought for $450.00 35 years ago. I don't have 3 phase so I put a 5hp 1750 rpm motor on it with a smaller sheave now the pump turns about 580 rpm instead of 750. Using my blast cabinet continuously, it starts, recovers and shuts off.