Used Air Compressor vs. new

[roofster]

I have read many posts on here and started looking for used compressors from K-A, SB, Champion and Quincy within a 2 to 3 hour drive . So far, I have found a couple QR325 with 3 phase motors for $1,000 and up, a KA 331 & 332, some SB 705's and Champions also. The lowest price was $650 for a 3 phase VR5-6 that's been sold. Local shop has a single phase VR5-8 for $1,500. They have this to say:

Compressor has been fully serviced, including new valves.
90 Day pump warranty
1 year motor & starter warranty

I am looking for 5 to 7.5 hp, 80 gallon, 2 stage unit for sandblasting, and DA's to restore my truck. After that, back to more occasional use unless I get into another car or something else. I will have to hear it run, so I want quiet to not-unpleasant. I need a compressor that will last 15 to 20 years, then my estate can sell and who cares.

If I spend a 1,000 and then need a $400 single phase motor, I'm $1,400 into a used compressor with a used 3 phase to sell. Often sellers don't have 3 phase, so seeing run and measuring buildup time is out.

At what point would you just go new?

Also can someone comment on a remark concerning valve retention in post 4 on a KA331: Something to stay away from or really not to worry about?
http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/general/kellogg-american-331tv-compressor-rpm-145753/

Prices and warranties for new with shipping to me are:
Puma TN5080VM $1,500 1yr (probably loudest in list)
Eaton Polar Air $1800 5yr, no mag starter
Champion VR5V-8 reed valve, $2,000 2 yr pump, 5yr motor, 1 year rest
SB VT-735-80, $2,300 1yr

Pretty much leaning towards the Champion or maybe the SB

Many will suggest Quincy, but I don't care for needing to spend another $90 to extend the warranty on the QT5's , plus they are $100 more than the Champion before that, so basically $2,200 and still reed valves.

 

[Ross/Kzoo]

I think that it was Steevo that showed a place on the east coast that had Baldor 5HP motor single phase for around $400 and that's a steal. Sounds like you really want to go BIG.

I just picked up a 5HP IR 80 gal upright with 10-20 hours on it for $700. A steal in my book.

 

[ptgb]

TP Tools in NE Ohio has new, 80 gallon, 5HP, 240V, 16CFM, single phase, Campbell Hausfeld refurbs on sale for $599.

They carry the same 1 year warranty as a brand new one.

I bought one of these the beginning of November. It looks and works just as a new one.

They aren't listed on their website, but they advertise them on Craigslist under "Youngstown, Ohio" under "tools". Don't know where in the mid-west you are, nor do I know their shipping price/policy on one of these.

http://www.tptools.com/

http://youngstown.craigslist.org/tld/4240567955.html

 

[Ross/Kzoo]

TP Tools in NE Ohio has new, 80 gallon, 5HP, 240V, 16CFM, single phase, Campbell Hausfeld refurbs on sale for $599.

They carry the same 1 year warranty as a brand new one.

I bought one of these the beginning of November. It looks and works just as a new one.

They aren't listed on their website, but they advertise them on Craigslist under "Youngstown, Ohio" under "tools". Don't know where in the mid-west you are, nor do I know their shipping price/policy on one of these.

http://www.tptools.com/

http://youngstown.craigslist.org/tld/4240567955.html

A super sale right now @ $379.


http://youngstown.craigslist.org/tld/4218588777.html

 

[TAMPAGT07]

A super sale right now @ $379.


http://youngstown.craigslist.org/tld/4218588777.html

That's not a true 5HP, it's peak....A true 5HP should be at about 19 amps...Also the cfm is low...

 

[Ross/Kzoo]

My 5 HP IR is 21 amps. You're right though, there is so much misleading HP, peak HP and all the other ways that they figure it. Many times they use the electric draw as the HP.

 

[metal4130]

I was in this situation not too long ago and just about bought a new Saylor Beall after seeing one at the local supply house. I found what you have found; the used compressors were too expensive, condition unknown, 3phase, really old tank etc. etc.

A lot just depends on how long you want to wait to buy. If you don't need it now then I am sure in the next 2-3 months you will come across exactly what your looking for. If you go this route I would suggest expanding your search radius. If you need it now then just buy new if you can and save the time and work.

For me, I had time to wait and ended up buying a Saylor Beall 707 120 gal horizontal unit for $300. I had to put a lot of time and money into it (had to buy single phase 7.5hp) but now I wouldn't trade it for much.

Your list has a bunch of great units but for me personally I would not spend my money on a newer Quincy product or a reed valve Champion for $2000. The extra $300 is well worth it to get the SB705.

 

[HMCFab9]

If you don't have 3 phase available, don't bother looking at those.
By the time you either buy a motor for it, or buy / build a phase converter, it's not worth the hassle. (unless you get it really cheap because of being 3 phase)
If you want to sandblast (more than very occasionally), you need a pretty big compressor. I have a 7.5 HP 32.6 CFM / 80 gal compressor & it just keeps up to my sandblaster (with a fairly small tip)
It also runs quite a bit while using a D.A. sander.
You will never regret buying a big compressor, you will always regret it if you buy one that's too small.

 

[sberry]

Buy a new one and get on with your life.

 

[Ross/Kzoo]

It probably boils down to "do you need it now" or can wait a few months? If you can wait and broaden your scope you should be able to land something off Craigslist for 1/2 to 2/3 of retail price but it will be used.

 

[Daddyoneleg]

I am putting together a compressor and it can be a lot of fussing around,but an interesting learning curve. 5hp,80gal, 242 IR. When doing it your self you can rig up an oversized head,oversized tank and low rpm motor and keep things turning slow and quiet,something that could break the bank if you bought new. Feel free to inbox me if you have any questions. -Cheers

 

[mmouse]

I do the old compressor thing as a hobby. You have to be very patient and wait for the right one at the right price. You can easily spend hundreds on the little nickel and dime stuff to fix up an old compressor, such as fittings, valves, gaskets, rings, etc. If it needs a new tank, you wil be better off buying a new compressor. 3 phase motors are only worth scrap value. Converting from 3 ph to 1 ph will run you about $500 depending on which parts you will need (motor, mag starter, belts, pulley, pressure switch)

The champion you mentioned is not that good of a deal. You can get a new One for $1800 delivered.

 

[TAMPAGT07]

Buy a new one and get on with your life.

Eventually, when I replace mine, I will either buy new, or pretty close to it...

 

[roofster]

Thanks all for the advice. I was concerned about getting nickel and dimed with an old compressor and I really didn't want to make a hobby out of finding one or making long drives to see them and be disappointed. So I did this http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=3588319#post3588319. Didn't mention it in that post, but I did get 180 day warranty. BTW, this from the place that had the Champion which was comparable to the advantage line or $2,400 for a 5 hp.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I am looking for 5 to 7.5 hp, 80 gallon, 2 stage unit ...

Why 2 stage ? I never really understood why people want that kind of pressure (> 175psi).

 

[ddawg16]

This is a pretty good link on single vs 2-stage

http://www.jennyproductsinc.com/howtochoose.html

 

[larry_g]

Why 2 stage ? I never really understood why people want that kind of pressure (> 175psi).

Air under pressure is stored energy. The higher the pressure in a given volume tank the higher the stored energy. If you start with a tank full of air at 175psi you can run a tool longer before the tank needs recharging. If you are regulating the air down to 90psi leaving the tank then the compressor can kick on well above the 90 psi your depending on and give you a perty constant 90psi. On a single stage compressor that is running 100 psi cutin your getting awfully close to the 90 psi regulator and risk dropping below.

lg
no neat sig line