Which Compressor to get

[FordsnFishin]

Moving into my new house next week. Which will include my very own 28x30 shop!


Anyways, i'm looking for a new air compressor to suit my needs and looking for any suggestions to steer me to the right one!

I plan on using it for auto body work, DA sander, painting cars, and your general all around air tools.

My budget is $500 bones, give or take a 100 or so.

So please feel free to give your input and suggestions!

Thanks!

 

[pipsters]

Get an electric DA. Seriously. Air is a horrible way to power rotating tools like that.

It would take a 5 hp compressor pulling the equivalent of almost 50 amps to power what a 10 amp electric motor attached to a DA could do.

You're also going to have to double your budget if bought new, to come close to powering a DA continuously.

As for painting cars, if done seriously, you're going to need an after cooler and some sort of refrigerated system to get all the moisture out. Even a cheapie is around $300.

Some food for thought.

 

[C96]

Body & fender repair, painting etc is very demanding on an air compressor.

If you’re talking $500 for a new unit, you will be disappointed with what that gets you.

On the other hand, $500 for a used industrial unit is obtainable, but you must be patient. Many guys are just too impatient and don’t want to research the used market. They run out and buy a new under rated unit from a box store and expect it to perform tasks its not intended for. Just because one boasts a big tank doesn’t mean squat.

Craig’s list is a good start, get familiar with it and watch it closely, one will pop-up, they always do. Just be patient.

Don’t be afraid of the old ones, the oldies are going to be the ones in your price range, some to consider are:

• The old Kellogg-American, great units and can be found at reasonable prices.
• Saylor-Beall is a good choice, but I’m biased.
• Old Ingersoll-Rand
• Quincy
• Curtis
• Champion

These are all premium industrial units that can be had if your patient and do your homework.

Example: Re-branded Quincy, Binks 5hp 80 gal. $400 Decatur, IL

Click on image for more details

 

[BLACK DEATH]

$500 won't get you much air new

 

[mayday0017]

Here are 2 in and around your budget. The speedaire is a better unit, but the Puma will be fine for lots of people's home use too.

http://springfieldil.craigslist.org/tls/4854600267.html

http://springfieldil.craigslist.org/tls/4854746303.html

 

[930dreamer]

Look for a industrial unit on CL, I picked up the one in my avatar for .99 cents.

 

[MacMcMacmac]

Don't forget the older cast-iron DeVilbiss. They are superb quality compressors.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Body & fender repair, painting etc is very demanding on an air compressor.

If you’re talking $500 for a new unit, you will be disappointed with what that gets you.

On the other hand, $500 for a used industrial unit is obtainable,

DA, sand blaster, inline sanders and cut off wheels and die grinders ALL use a lot air. More than a good spray gun. You want something that can do at least 15 cfm.

Previous posts are on the money.

 

[sz0k30]

For as much as most guys laugh at and make fun of Harbor Freight, their 5 HP, 60 gal, 2 stage #93274 seem to have a lot of positive reviews. It'll probably handle most anything a home shop needs.

 

[wild cowboy]

• The old Kellogg-American, great units and can be found at reasonable prices.
• Saylor-Beall is a good choice, but I’m biased.
• Old Ingersoll-Rand
• Quincy
• Curtis
• Champion

These are all premium industrial units that can be had if your patient and do your homework.

I would add Dayton-Speedaire, DeVilbiss, Chicago Pneumatic, and Gardner-Denver to that list.

 

[CNGsaves]

OP ought to go check out that SpeedAire listed above on CL. Negotiate that price down a bit and he'd have affordable LIFETIME compressor for a bargain.

 

[Zeke]

Get the biggest and quietest you can for your money. Good thoughts on corded tools. Older corded tools got hot easily and new ones still do on long, skinny extension cords. Air was the choice in a production shop. You can get by with less, but this is one case where less ain't more.

 

[FordsnFishin]

Thank you guys for your input! This is exactly why i posted on here. Because i was about to actually go buy one from Rural King, but what stopped me is a buddy said their fire station just bought one and it quit working after 2 weeks... So i thought i better come ask you guys.

The unit i was looking at is called a "Industrial Air" Compressor. It is made in the USA and actually in illinois at that. Specs being 230v, gallon 3.7 hp. Says it produces 13.4 cfm at 40 psi and 11.5 at 90 psi. Picture of it below. $450

I honestly don't know much about air compressors. So hopefully someone can chime in and tell me about them. What makes one better over another, what to look for in one, ect. That way i have more of an idea what im looking at and can make a smart decision.

That speedaire posted above is actually a town i frequent for schooling, from the sounds of it, it would be a good option? My question for you is, how hard is it to find parts for these older compressors, and are they very easy to rebuild if neccessary.

Thanks alot guys!

 

[bsaint]

I would add Dayton-Speedaire, DeVilbiss, Chicago Pneumatic, and Gardner-Denver to that list.

Esp those two.

 

[CNGsaves]

Go see the SpeedAire in person and time how long to fill up from empty. Get the story of why they are selling, and inspect tank for any potential rust. Open up drain valve on bottom of tank and see what comes out. Listen for any clatter like rod knock.

IMHO that SpeedAire is twice the compressor of new store bought you're looking at.

Negotiate the SpeedAire down into upper $400's or $500 and you'll have Lifetime compressor.

 

[C96]

The unit i was looking at is called a "Industrial Air" Compressor. It is made in the USA and actually in illinois at that. Specs being 230v, gallon 3.7 hp. Says it produces 13.4 cfm at 40 psi and 11.5 at 90 psi. Picture of it below. $450

…a buddy said their fire station just bought one and it quit working after 2 weeks... So i thought i better come ask you guys.

This is exactly what I’m talking about, people buying under rated units and putting them to work on heavy projects that are over and beyond what the compressor is designed for.

The type of work you want to do is extremely demanding from an air compressor. You would not be happy with the one in your picture unless you don’t mind always having to play catch-up with the compressor.

A two stage industrial unit is what you want, something with a true 5hp and a delivery rate in the neighborhood of 17-18 cfm @ 175psi.

These will run you some serious $ new, that’s why I suggested you look for a quality used machine. You can still stay within your budget, but you must be patient and do the homework.

Good luck in your quest for the right compressor.

 

[FordsnFishin]

Garage is getting closer to being ready to move tools in and getting things moved in. So been searching for a compressor.

Been looking at compressors on craigs list. Came upon a a older Cambell Hausfeld unit today. Wanted your guys opinions on it.

From the photo the unit looks to be in good condition. Its a 5 horse, 80 gallon, 230v single phase compressor. Guy bought it from an auction and has it hooked up to show it works. Believes its a dual stage and puts out around 15 cfm. (wasn't home to tell for sure) He's looking to get $775, i figured id try to negoiate him lower when/if i go look at it.

Things i should be sure to check? How am i positive it is a 2 stage unit? Think this is a solid compressor? Thoughts concerns welcome! Thank you !!

http://images.craigslist.org/00t0t_C1yIUQtGbw_600x450.jpg

 

[bcradio]

Things to check for... Why he bought it at an auction and is trying to sell already. He doesn't even know much about it.

 

[FordsnFishin]

Its an older man. He said he thought about putting it in his garage but is more than he needed. Said he hadn't had any takers on it and still thought about using it himself. Being a auction guy myself, i too buy stuff that is just a good deal and try to resell. I suppose that could be the answer?

But def could be reason of concern. He did say if i had any problems with it that if i could show him what was wrong he would be glad to give my money back. Seemed as a honest man.

 

[dnschmidt]

There must have been a thousand posts exactly like this and in every case it's the same old story. IF YOU WANT TO DO BODYWORK you need at least an 80 gallon two/stage 5 HP but 7.5HP is better compressor. These go for about 2K. If you can't afford it don't do it. I'm sorry to piss on your parade but I've been there and done that and this is the stone cold reality of air compressors. Sadly physics doesn't care what your budget is. You need at least 17CFM at 175 PSI to do this stuff. If you're using a SATA HVLP gun, which I do, you'll need even more if spraying a complete car.

 

[FordsnFishin]

Previous poster, please read my above post. I am not looking for a new unit. But an old used unit. You're not ******* in my cherrios, i can take a reality check haha.

But looking in advise on if this is a good used unit.

 

[FordsnFishin]

that above unit seems to be exactly of what you talk about, for a reasonable price, not 2k.

 

[dnschmidt]

This is exactly what you need. If the price is right and it works go for it. Anything less will not get the job done. That's the ticket.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Confirm it is a 2 stage (what is the max pressure?) It is over priced for a single stage. A bit steep even for a 2 stage but it looks like it is almost new condition.

 

[z28ke]

For as much as most guys laugh at and make fun of Harbor Freight, their 5 HP, 60 gal, 2 stage #93274 seem to have a lot of positive reviews. It'll probably handle most anything a home shop needs.

^Thats what I went with when I built a home shop last year after researching. No complaints thus far...

 

[andgott]

I looked for a LONG time before I found mine- it seems he bigger compressors are in pretty high demand where I live. I'd find them from time to time of Craigslist but if they were any kind of a good deal they sold before I could get to them. I FINALLY got lucky and found just what I needed, a virtually brand new 80 gal 15.8cfm@175 psi unit at a great price. Best of all, the guy was downsizing in preparation for a move, so I was able to get a package deal which included some air tools, a nice blasting cabinet, and a cutting torch and tanks for less than I would have spent on the new compressor that I had settled on from the big box store.

The deals are out there- just keep looking. I know that air is something you can never have enoug of!!

 

[Burgerkong]

http://decatur.craigslist.org/tls/5128570455.html

If that's the one, something looks really off with the motor pulley, I suspect it's not the original motor or pump. Looks like someone tried to increase the speed of the pump by upping the motor pulley size.

Here's a Quincy QT-5 which is an actual commercial quality compressor, try to negotiate it down to $750 (or less).

http://peoria.craigslist.org/tls/5214349464.html

 

[Finky198]

I can say that what has been said in this thread is the truth

I was in a similar predicament a few months back when our 2x 30 gallon oil less compressor Died within 1 week of each other 1 blew the head gasket the other snapped the connecting rod. I to had limited funds about $1000 at the time i searched high and low because I knew what I really needed was a 5 or 7 hp 2 stage 80 gallon but they are EXPENSIVE

living in a very populated area in the north east Craigslist is tough first response usually takes it. that went on for a week

I decided to go out a hit a few stores on a sunday morning coffee in hand. I hit 2 Home depots, 1 Lowes and Finally Tractor Supply. I need something and was getting....
turns out some young kid driving the forklift at Tractor Supply manage to tip over a IR 7.5hp 80 two stage a $2000 compressor I was in the right place at the right time the only issues were paint and the on/off knob got snapped clean off

so after a little haggling over the discount we settled at 25% off lesson learned it cost me a little more $1600 +tax but it only came out to $200-300 more than buying a used one

and now I don't know why I lived with out a real compressor for so long

I look at AIR as a big investment choose wisely and it will take care of you for years to come

 

[PT Doc]

I made a post years ago on all the rebranded units. Kobalt, Craftmana, industrial, and so many others. 3.7 hp? What's up with that?

Look at the brands that have been recommended if you plan on running the unit quite hard. The Industrial is simply not all that even though the name would make you think it's showing up for the long haul.

 

[md21722]

There must have been a thousand posts exactly like this and in every case it's the same old story. IF YOU WANT TO DO BODYWORK you need at least an 80 gallon two/stage 5 HP but 7.5HP is better compressor. These go for about 2K. If you can't afford it don't do it. I'm sorry to piss on your parade but I've been there and done that and this is the stone cold reality of air compressors. Sadly physics doesn't care what your budget is. You need at least 17CFM at 175 PSI to do this stuff. If you're using a SATA HVLP gun, which I do, you'll need even more if spraying a complete car.

I have been trying to figure this one out. Is there really a need for a dual stage if a single stage produces the same CFM @ 90 PSI? I understand that that there are very few 18CFM @ 90PSI air compressors, but there are a few. I am looking at a 13.8 CFM @ 90PSI air compressor because it will fit on the electric I already have available, and plan to run it in tandem with an existing single stage that I already have. It would put me at about 22.5 CFM @ 90PSI. The only qualifying difference I see is that dual stage compressors generally pump at the same rate through their entire pressure range, whereas single stage compressors "slow down" at higher pressures.

Thanks in advance.