Thoughts on Speedaire Compressor?

[Gore]

I'm thinking of picking this compressor up from Zoro tomorrow, https://www.zoro.com/speedaire-electric-air-compressor-1-stage-4me97/i/G2618183/ . It would be for general use, a little painting, blasting, and grinding...maybe a few times a year.

Thoughts?

 

[larryq]

Sounds good for occasional use, a new 60 gallon compressor that puts out ~13 cfm at 90psi (pretty sure the 14 cfm number they listed is for 40 psi) that goes for $750 shipped after Zoro's 25% off sale is a solid deal.

I personally would wait for a deal on a gently used 2 stage compressor on Craigslist but if you want new and want it now this is a good price.

 

[FunkyfullWidth]

I wouldn't expect it to win you any races. I have an older speedaire single stage and if i'm using a cut off or die grinder I run out of air after extended usage. Almost a grand can buy you one hell of a used compressor. especially for what you want to do with it, I would hold out and buy a used compressor and a case of spray paint.

Long or short of it is that I'd hold out for a 2 stage pump with a tank rated for 200 psi.

 

[Gore]

I could have sworn that after looking at various sites that it produced 16cfm at 90?

 

[Gore]

I have been looking for awhile, a long while, on CL for a decent used compressor, but in CA they want stupid money. Plus, I don't trust my ability to rebuild the motor/pump if need be.

 

[zkling]

Not a bad choice at all.

 

[Gore]

Not a bad choice at all.

Thanks

 

[Gore]

If you guys know of any other compressors that would be better, and around the same price, please please please chime in. I would have to buy that Speedaire today to get the sale price so I'm gettin' jumpy.

 

[md21722]

Don't expect to be doing much grinding with this compressor. Running a die grinder with a Roloc disc may be fine because of the short time you'll need it. But a 4.5" angle grinder will generally use 30-43 SCFM. I'm not seeing anything in this compressor listing to show its significantly better than something you can get for $500 from Lowe's. Speedaire is Grainger's house brand, often just Campbell Hausfeld.

 

[Gore]

Point taken...I saw this listing http://buy.gissn.com/Compressor-60-G-5-HP-230-V-p/4me97.htm which shows 16 cfm @90. I was either going with this one, or the older style Harbor Freight unit which is something like 15.8@90. Again, realize I don't do any serious work, if I ever paint one car I'd be surprised.

 

[md21722]

The older HF units seem highly rated. You might want to buy the 2 year extended warranty with it which costs about $179. I almost bought one or two but my local store only had the new ones. Keep in mind NAPA Performance Piston, Belair, probably CP and etc. are the same as that HF with a different paint color. All are made by Atlas Copco. The Speedaire you've linked looks OK for the price. Tractor Supply and Northern Tool also sell compressors that can compare against.

 

[Gore]

Looks to be this same compressor http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200431257_200431257

I went ahead and bought it...OTD $797

 

[zkling]

Don't expect to be doing much grinding with this compressor. Running a die grinder with a Roloc disc may be fine because of the short time you'll need it. But a 4.5" angle grinder will generally use 30-43 SCFM. I'm not seeing anything in this compressor listing to show its significantly better than something you can get for $500 from Lowe's. Speedaire is Grainger's house brand, often just Campbell Hausfeld.

IMHO, a casual home owner* is foolish to purchase a pneumatic 4.5" angle grinder. Not cost efficient or easy at all.

*That does not specalize in body work.

 

[Gore]

^ I agree, but I asked for advice so I usually try not argue.

I have electric grinders if the need arises, fwiw

I do have a die grinder that I use very occasionally, but it kills my 33gal. Craftsman.

 

[md21722]

LOL, I mentioned it because in the first post grinding was referenced. Many see "6 CFM" as the advertised air usage and think their 3 HP 10 CFM compressor will run it handily... Just didn't want anyone to pay $700-1000 and expect it to run well.

As far as the 14.2-16 CFM difference, its probably the difference between 90 PSI and 125 PSI... single stage compressors "slow down" as pressures increases whereas dual stage compressors are generally very linear throughout their operating range. This is why you'll see a single stage as 17.7 CFM @ 90 PSI and 18.1 CFM @ 175 PSI but single stage compressors are usually rated at 40 and 90-100 PSI.

Good deal on your purchase.

 

[Gore]

You're right, I did mention grinding, but I guess I assumed people would know I meant roloc style die grinding. I can't say I've even seen a 4.5" pneumatic grinder, lol.

I also agree with you that most compressors state cfm @40 and @90, but this one list "free air cfm at max pressure," so I assume that's 14.2 @140. The other site listed it as 16 @90, so I would assume 16.5+ @40.