I am finally ready to buy a compressor for my shop and could use some advice. I have been reading post after post and have learned a lot, but could always use another opinion. I am looking for a 5hp/80gal that is dependable and quiet. The budget is 2500 not including taxes or shipping. I started looking at Champion, Eaton and Saylor Beall. While the price on the Eaton is tempting, I would rather have a US made compressor that I can get parts and service for without shipping it back. I have narrowed it down to a Champion advantage VR5-8 and the Saylor Beall VT735-80. Is there any clear advantage one has over the other? Thank you for any and all help.
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Yet another compressor "which to buy?"
- Thread starter LazyD
- Start date
Busted_Knuckles
Well-known member
Do you have to have new ?
Both are good choices, for the money your going to spend, if you have the juice ( amps ), you can buy some real nice capacity/quality second hand. I kind of like a pressure lube with spin on filter myself.
If you want real quiet, look at a quincy QR-25 series. I think the pump on my tank is 500lbs alone, just for the pump, with that much metal and turning slow, its pretty quiet, and with 10hp turning it, it moves some air...
http://igor.chudov.com/manuals/Quincy-QR25-Compressor-Brochure.pdf
I also have an 80 gallon late model champion in my wood shop, while the Champ is a good piece, there is no comparing it to the Quincy.
I just gave a good friend an old school Saylor Beale, 80gal with a 5hp... The S/B appears to be another good USA pump, I just didnt need it. I clean out closed businesses, and have a habit of holding onto certain things from time time...
Both are good choices, for the money your going to spend, if you have the juice ( amps ), you can buy some real nice capacity/quality second hand. I kind of like a pressure lube with spin on filter myself.
If you want real quiet, look at a quincy QR-25 series. I think the pump on my tank is 500lbs alone, just for the pump, with that much metal and turning slow, its pretty quiet, and with 10hp turning it, it moves some air...
http://igor.chudov.com/manuals/Quincy-QR25-Compressor-Brochure.pdf
I also have an 80 gallon late model champion in my wood shop, while the Champ is a good piece, there is no comparing it to the Quincy.
I just gave a good friend an old school Saylor Beale, 80gal with a 5hp... The S/B appears to be another good USA pump, I just didnt need it. I clean out closed businesses, and have a habit of holding onto certain things from time time...
That's the SB I have. I bought it used off CL, rewired the pressure switch and starter correctly, and its been great for a few years.
Looks like the Champion is more money ~$2900 but has a standard intercooler. The SB is one more CFM and is ~$2200.
Looks like the Champion is more money ~$2900 but has a standard intercooler. The SB is one more CFM and is ~$2200.
Busted_Knuckles
Well-known member
If I could find a great deal on a used unit I would buy it...but I've been looking for several months and have yet to fine one. The ones I have seen are all within 1000 of a new unit and for that I'd rather have new.
I suppose markets differ, with all the industry within 150 miles of me, you cant throw a dead cat, and not hit a good deal on a real compressor. Which is one of the reasons I gave away the Saylor, for what it would bring around here, it wasnt worth screwing with, and my buddy needs a back up for his shop.
I think I paid $1750 for a $7800 set up, including an 110v fan forced air to air aftercooler, and a zurn refrigerated drier that will handle 30cfm, all in like new condition, from the original owner, with service records, spare air and oil filters, and the original invoice for everything. Even got to see it, running and all working before I paid.
md21722
Well-known member
The Champion Advantage is fully packaged with the after cooler & tank drain. It also uses the disc valve pump rather than the reed valve pump. If you get the Saylor Beall fully packaged also then you're comparing apples to apples. The Champion pumps are unique in that the top end is all one piece. It is aluminum with steel sleeves for the cylinders. Valves can be serviced by removing the top ports with basic hand tools. The SB requires some sort of tool to remove the plugs. The SB is all cast iron, including the intercoolers. SB also has a neat intercooler design that is a fan bolted to the motor that ***** air across the intercooler. Nice and integrated. I have a 1955-1965 era Champion that's still trucking along, but when I upgrade to bigger I expect to get about a 10HP Saylor Beall.
I would go with a Saylor Beall it's all cast iron and you won't have different material expanding and contracting that could create a head gasket leak. To take the valve plugs out use 2 dowels in the holes.
In any case you will be happy with either machine.
In any case you will be happy with either machine.