Yet another compressor comparo question....

[Shocker]

Ok, I have been saving up for a new compressor for the shop. I currently have a CH 26 gallon oil-free compressor and it has been great, but with the new shop, I wanted to get the compressor now instead of later.

I have a small pile of Lowe's gift cards saved up along with a Visa and AMEX gift card as well. The 2 compressors I am looking at are:

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=102750-1126-VT6275

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=292655-1126-DP5810-Q

I was pretty much set on the 10.3 cfm 60 gallon, but I have enough to get the 16 cfm 80 gallon unit.

Will I need it? I will be using some DA sanders, maybe a blast cabinet, but not now. I like the idea of buying the 80 gallon for the future, but I also like saving the $350 by buying the 60 gallon.

Decisions, decisions...

Oh, and I know what some will say, but you can get a better compressor over here or there... and I know that, but I am not sure I am in a position to buy somewhere else.



Oh, forgot to add that they will honor the 20% off Harbor Freight coupon on either model.

 

[Major Ramifications]

Wait, they will give you 20% off at Lowes because you have a Harbor Freight coupon? Really? Is this at the store or online? I have never heard of this.
Anyway, I don't know which compressor to tell you to get. That 80 gallon is still a single stage compressor, but if it puts out a good bit more it might be worth it. Either one will work for what you want to do, but compressed air is something that you can't have too much of. I guess you will have to decide if you would rather get the 60 gallon and some other tools or the 80 gallon by itself. I don't know how much you have in Lowes cards and how much is in Visa and Amex, but I would probably use the Lowes cards for the 60 and maybe use the others somewhere else. You will have to decide what is right for you.
BTW, how do you get all of these gift cards?

 

[wineslob]

Go with the 80 gallon (meaningless). It's 5 hp and should have more cfm available. Make sure the 5hp unit is at least 16-17 cfm, hopefully more like 18.

 

[Shocker]

The 80 gallon does mean something; it will last longer between running the air pump.

The 80 gallon is 16.1 cfm. The 60 gallon is 10.3 cfm. I think that is a significant difference to make the 80 gallon more appealing.

Lowes and Home Depot both said they would take the 20% off coupon on the single item purchase. Just ask if they will accept it and I think most would.

Thanks for the ambiguous response there Major. Hehe, that is the exact dilemma I have been struggling with. As for the gift cards, I am a gigolo in the evenings and I get paid with gift cards. I usually have a choice between Lowes and Bed, Bath and Beyond.

 

[LoneGunman]

Once you get into DA's and blast cabinets the 5hp 80 gallon isn't going to be enough, well not for me, I'm impatient. I'd also be willing to bet that the so called 5hp is not a true 5hp motor, air compressor ratings are full of meaningless number. If it's a choice between the two obviously get the 5hp 80 gallon.

I had pretty much the same compressor as the 5hp 80 gallon and killed it in two years, I blast a LOT though. I'm currently running an Eaton 7.5hp 3 cylinder pump and a Baldor true 7.5 hp motor, I can now blast to my hearts content.

 

[GSSFC]

I have an Eaton, customer service prior to the sale is so-so. Lead time is BS. Customer service after the sale has been great! I have a couple, and my next would come from Eaton as well. Budget for an air dryer too, you'll need one. I am always AMAZED at how much water is in my dryer every day.

Tim

 

[Shocker]

So, the 5hp motor is rated at 22amps which I believe is correct.

I sure wish I could find a 2 stage at a price closer to the 80 gallon.

 

[Major Ramifications]

Where I work, we sell the reconditioned CH 80 gallon two stage for less than that single stage 80 gallon, but we don't take Lowe's gift cards.

How can I break into the gigolo scene? I would love a pile of Lowes gift cards.

 

[wineslob]

Here are some current ratings (accepted averages) for single phase electric motors so you can tell (if they DID put the current rating on the motor, not that "special" ****) that the HP rating is not bogus.

1 HP 115 V / 16 amps 230V/ 8 amps

1.5 HP 115V/ 20 amps 230V /10 amps

2 HP 115V/ 24 amps 230V/12 amps

Beyond 2 HP you must use 220/230/240 volt

3 HP 115V/ 34 amps (example of why it's not really usable in home @ 115 V) 230V/17 amps

5 HP 230 V/ 28 amps

7.5 HP (as big as you can go) 230V/ 40 amps

This should help determine if the rating is "real". If the numbers are off a little bit (on the motor plate), say 2-3 amps, the HP is still correct.

 

[wineslob]

So, the 5hp motor is rated at 22amps which I believe is correct.
I sure wish I could find a 2 stage at a price closer to the 80 gallon.

Sort of, it's a little low, but maybe an IEC rating. That should be a 230 V rating.

 

[Shocker]

Ok, so it could be 4.5hp then.