matemike
Well-known member
So I'm done with my 1.25 hp 3 gal Craftsman compressor. It worked for me for 8 years and still works, however the regulator valve handle is broken, the on/off switch spins freely so I never know if it's off or on until I plug it in, the drain valve handle spins freely (at least it's closed, can't drain it), and I tend to outrun the little tank/motor with everything I do nowadays.
Generally I use a 3/8" impact, die grinder, an air drill, blow off the bench, and fill tires (4 wheeler, 3 cars, motorcycle, tandem trailer and tractor) with my shop air. I have plans to use a 3-1/2" framing nailer and maybe even a paint sprayer in the future.
I know the 20 gal Ingersoll Rand Garagemate will be a huge improvement to what I currently have. 2hp and 5.5 Cfm. I'm leaning towards it because I can transport it between the shop and the garage (about 150 feet away) if needed. I've seen it for as little as $499 on sale and won't require me to run a 230V plug in my shop. (I have 120V everywhere)
link:
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200375221_200375221
Or should I go with a bigger stationary unit and just add more hose when needed since air hose does not drop a lot in pressure per linear foot; About 1 psi/5 ft so I hear.
Hence I'm looking into the SS3L3, the SS4L5 and the SS5L5. All would require me to run a 220-240V plug, not a huge ordeal.
The SS3L3 should suit my needs. (For now until I wished I went bigger), but 3 hp and 10.3 Cfm is a bigger improvement than the garagemate and it not much more expensive. It is the cheapest stationary compressor in my list at $620. I've read many reviews saying the 3 hp motor and pump don't last long despite being a 100% duty rating.
The SS5L5 is the cream of the crop in my list. 5hp and 18.1 Cfm is huge! At $900 is it worth it?
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_211720_211720
And just today I came across the SS4L5 at my local Tractor Supply. Also 5 hp motor but the pump is downgraded to only 14.1 Cfm. It's only $650 right now. Unfortunately I read many reviews saying the pump capacity is not enough for the tank so the motor keeps running constantly if used moderately. Still a 100% duty motor though. Thinking this should not be an issue though because the ss3l3 seems to work on a 60 gal tank.
Remember it is just me using this compressor and I'll use it a couple days a week at most, semi heavily (for one person) on those days.
Can anyone please add some insight as to which compressor should suit my needs best? I can't figure out why the SS4L5 is about the same price as the SS3L3. Is the SS3L3 a better match between motor/pump than the SS4L5?
Really thinking I could just leave all guess work out of it and just be happy with the SS5L5. I simply don't have the need for a two stage 80 gallon compressor at over a grand in price.
All responses are appreciated.
Generally I use a 3/8" impact, die grinder, an air drill, blow off the bench, and fill tires (4 wheeler, 3 cars, motorcycle, tandem trailer and tractor) with my shop air. I have plans to use a 3-1/2" framing nailer and maybe even a paint sprayer in the future.
I know the 20 gal Ingersoll Rand Garagemate will be a huge improvement to what I currently have. 2hp and 5.5 Cfm. I'm leaning towards it because I can transport it between the shop and the garage (about 150 feet away) if needed. I've seen it for as little as $499 on sale and won't require me to run a 230V plug in my shop. (I have 120V everywhere)
link:
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200375221_200375221
Or should I go with a bigger stationary unit and just add more hose when needed since air hose does not drop a lot in pressure per linear foot; About 1 psi/5 ft so I hear.
Hence I'm looking into the SS3L3, the SS4L5 and the SS5L5. All would require me to run a 220-240V plug, not a huge ordeal.
The SS3L3 should suit my needs. (For now until I wished I went bigger), but 3 hp and 10.3 Cfm is a bigger improvement than the garagemate and it not much more expensive. It is the cheapest stationary compressor in my list at $620. I've read many reviews saying the 3 hp motor and pump don't last long despite being a 100% duty rating.
The SS5L5 is the cream of the crop in my list. 5hp and 18.1 Cfm is huge! At $900 is it worth it?
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_211720_211720
And just today I came across the SS4L5 at my local Tractor Supply. Also 5 hp motor but the pump is downgraded to only 14.1 Cfm. It's only $650 right now. Unfortunately I read many reviews saying the pump capacity is not enough for the tank so the motor keeps running constantly if used moderately. Still a 100% duty motor though. Thinking this should not be an issue though because the ss3l3 seems to work on a 60 gal tank.
Remember it is just me using this compressor and I'll use it a couple days a week at most, semi heavily (for one person) on those days.
Can anyone please add some insight as to which compressor should suit my needs best? I can't figure out why the SS4L5 is about the same price as the SS3L3. Is the SS3L3 a better match between motor/pump than the SS4L5?
Really thinking I could just leave all guess work out of it and just be happy with the SS5L5. I simply don't have the need for a two stage 80 gallon compressor at over a grand in price.
All responses are appreciated.
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