Help choosing an air compressor...

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I've been lurking this forum for about a year now and finally decided to make an account. I'm in the market for a new air compressor to upgrade my current 3hp 30gallon. I've been searching online now and have narrowed it down to a few different makes/models.  There is quite a difference between the choices so wanted to get everyone's opinions and see if there is any compressors that are recommended that I don't have listed.The compressor will be used mostly for a die grinder, D.A. sander, HVLP paint gun, air ratchet and impact but, I want the capability to run a blasting cabinet. I want to choose one that can keep up with the demand without running itself to death or stop to refill the tank like my current one. I prefer to keep the price around $1,500 but, would be able to spend $2,000 max. I already have all my filters, regulators and such so basically need just a compressor.  Here are the ones I have been eyeing...http://www.tractorsupply.com/ingerso...ressor-3301332http://www.tractorsupply.com/ingerso...ressor-3452272http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg...N=0&sst=subsethttp://www.grainger.com/Grainger/SPE...U10?Pid=searchhttp://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/...sor/p3829.htmlhttp://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/...ssor/p705.html
Reply:I know this is comparing apples to oranges but, I'm willing to spend the extra money for the two stage if it would be worth it and more suited for my needs.
Reply:Grainger is overpriced, look elsewhere.Tractor supply I know nothing about is that a local outfit for you.Me I wouldn't buy any of the above, IR aren't what they used to be, older is better there. I will never own another speedair...ever, junk.The Jenny I know nothing about but what I have read is good.If I was buying I would buy one of three ( first two are tied buy on price alone ).1. Curtis Toledo I own one, about 15 years on it since I got it new, works fine lasts a long time. Mine is a 120 gallon tank with a 7.5 HP pump2. Saylor Beall3. QuincyIf your trying to save a bit and you know how to do it look on ebay at the Shulz SCHULZ MSL40MAX, put a 7.5 HP motor on it, on 120 gallon tank. a lot of compressor for the money.
Reply:PS, Whatever you do get a cast iron head, if it don't weigh a lot it won't last.
Reply:I have two of the 2 stage ingersoll-rands, a 5hp60gal and a 10hp120gal. The 5hp is 20 years old, and the 10hp is about 10 years old. I have been happy with both. I would suggest keeping an eye on craigslist, good deals come up all of the time. As for the size, the adage holds true, get the biggest one you can afford. I would suggest the 7.5hp if you only have single phase power. I use my 10hp for my blast cabinet, runs it no problem, I think it would probably tax the 5. My pressure blaster is too much for the 5. I am not familiar with the Jenny, but I have seen Quincy's, they look like nice units.
Reply:Originally Posted by fredschromGrainger is overpriced, look elsewhere.Tractor supply I know nothing about is that a local outfit for you.Me I wouldn't buy any of the above, IR aren't what they used to be, older is better there. I will never own another speedair...ever, junk.The Jenny I know nothing about but what I have read is good.If I was buying I would buy one of three ( first two are tied buy on price alone ).1. Curtis Toledo I own one, about 15 years on it since I got it new, works fine lasts a long time. Mine is a 120 gallon tank with a 7.5 HP pump2. Saylor Beall3. QuincyIf your trying to save a bit and you know how to do it look on ebay at the Shulz SCHULZ MSL40MAX, put a 7.5 HP motor on it, on 120 gallon tank. a lot of compressor for the money.
Reply:80 gallon is the largest size tank I can use but, I'm honestly more concerned with the cfm than whether it's a 60 gallon versus an 80 gallon.  No 3 phase and don't plan on having it anytime in the future so I have to stick with single phase.  I just want a compressor that I'm not going to be disappointed with as soon as I buy it.  Opinions on if the 5hp will be sufficient or will the price difference of the two stage 80 gallon be worth it?
Reply:The Curtis 7.5 hp is nice, my Curtis has a E-57 model head and they are bullet proof.No issue with the old IR stuff it was good gear, I know of two ( neighbor and local shop ) that have 20+ year old units and they were good machines. its just the new stuff that got dodgy.
Reply:How do you feel about building your own?You might be able to find some parts at surpluscenter and get more compressor per $$ than buying a prebuilt unit.  These things are heavy; the freight isn't going to be a small price.https://www.surpluscenter.com/sort.a...r&keyword=APBP"Great spirits have always encountered violent oppostion from mediocre minds."  --  Albert Einstein
Reply:Originally Posted by fredschromThe Curtis 7.5 hp is nice, my Curtis has a E-57 model head and they are bullet proof.No issue with the old IR stuff it was good gear, I know of two ( neighbor and local shop ) that have 20+ year old units and they were good machines. its just the new stuff that got dodgy.
Reply:Originally Posted by razerHow do you feel about building your own?You might be able to find some parts at surpluscenter and get more compressor per $$ than buying a prebuilt unit.  These things are heavy; the freight isn't going to be a small price.https://www.surpluscenter.com/sort.a...r&keyword=APBP
Reply:I bought my Husky at Home Depot, 6 hp (I think) with upright tank. It was about $800. I have had no issues with it. When deciding on a compressor how much money in your pocket goes a long way. Either way I have been told that when specing an aircompressor to get the one that does the most with the lowest RPM. Lower RPm doesnt build as much heat and has a better life span. Thats just info. I was given.
Reply:On choosing pump heads always get cast iron. Most air compressor companies use the same head on different size air compressors by changing the pulley. Get the big head with the small pulley ( low rpms above ), the compressors last a lot longer that way.
Reply:Originally Posted by bhardy501I bought my Husky at Home Depot, 6 hp (I think) with upright tank. It was about $800. I have had no issues with it. When deciding on a compressor how much money in your pocket goes a long way. Either way I have been told that when specing an aircompressor to get the one that does the most with the lowest RPM. Lower RPm doesnt build as much heat and has a better life span. Thats just info. I was given.
Reply:I bought this Quincy earlier this year and it has been flawless.  They do have them "on sale" at times so if you are not in a hurry, bookmark this site and keep checking.  I paid quite a bit less than the current advertised price.I also found this site good for comparing the various compressors.http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/...ssor/p855.html
Reply:Originally Posted by Mooney1elI bought this Quincy earlier this year and it has been flawless.  They do have them "on sale" at times so if you are not in a hurry, bookmark this site and keep checking.  I paid quite a bit less than the current advertised price.I also found this site good for comparing the various compressors.http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/...ssor/p855.html
Reply:I looked at the link above for air compressors direct, and looked at the IR, it stated it was made in the USA, the ones at my local Tractor Supply are 5 HP 60 or 80 gallon tank, cant remember, and are priced at $1000, the pump is marked , made in india. Does IR have a "home owner" grade and a industrial grade made in USA??  Im gonna be in the market for a 5 HP 60-80 gallon tank and was planning on IR, but not sure now.
Reply:In my opinion, Champion and Quincy are the best. That said, I have a 5hp Champion. It's awesome. HOWEVER, I wish I went with the 7.5hp. For Arcair carbon arc gouging, it would help."Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:Most of the mid size ir's use higher speed pumps. My 5 hp 80 gal salyor beall will run most of our air tools although the 1" impact will drain it after a while. If all else you can hook your old tank to the new comp for more reserve so it doesnt  start so often.Millermatic 252millermatic 175miller 300 Thunderboltlincoln ranger 250smith torcheslots of bfh'sIf it dont fit get a bigger hammer
Reply:Looking at the voltage and amperage tag on the motor and you can generally figure out roughly how much HP a compressor has, and it almost never matches the fancy sticker they put on the side of the tank :-)
Reply:look at eaton compressors great products good warranty and not to far of a drive for you to pick up if you wanted. http://www.eatoncompressor.com/page/page/504413.htmi bought a bare pump from them about 2 years ago when the warranty on my TSC IR unit ran out and it quit again IR had replace 3 motors and 2 pumps on my unit in the 2 years that i had it the 3 motors were due to bad reed valves in the pump overworking the motor causing it to over heat.
Reply:I have heard that the IR tanks are made in China these days and are not what they used to be.I looked into compressors and was really disappointed in what you get for serious money like $1-2k. So I started looking around and found a 1964 Brunner compressor that I bought for $500. It is a single stage 2 piston unit on a horizontal 60 Gallon tank with a 3hp 220V motor (113 pounds just for the motor!). It runs at about 700rpm and makes excellent 90psi air all day long. You can barely hear the thing run. I had the motor checked out at a motor shop for $75 the guy told me the motor will outlive me!
Reply:PK, just my two cents here.  175 better than 130 lbs.  If you go 175 remember all componants downstream needs to have the same rating or better.  240 better than 120.  Cheeper wire price as current rating of the wire size is less.  Cu ft per min is important.  More is better.  Remember that when you have a compressor you will be purchasing more air tools.  Trust me!  Sand blasting takes a lot of air,  reason why more cu ft per min is king.  If you go with a 175 lb pressure unit you can adjust the pressure switch to turn off at 150 therefor regulators/filters etc. can be lower rating.  Larger volumn air lines are important also.  More reserve.  Bob
Reply:you have a huge budget for an air compressor .....just look for them on sale....  mine  is bigger then you could ever need and i bought it on sale from Lowes seven or eight  ago for $568 + tax.....the big compressors get in their way fast and they discount them heavily to move them.  this is a 2 stage unit has lots of CFM and is bigger then most shops.  motor tag says 240 v 23.5 amps.  i have used this for sand blast cabinets, die grinders, impact guns and HVLP guns.   i have  never run out of air......the two stage produces so much PSI  and that with an 80 gallon tank is a great combination....for regular use around the shop it goes weeks with out ever cycling it self.   when i painted a camper with the HVLP was the first time  i noticed it cycling itself....it turned on at about 130 psi  and never dropped below that and quickly went back to the 160 range.Last edited by 37ford4dr; 11-25-2011 at 09:17 PM.bobs77vet/37ford4drEastwood digital TIG200HH190Lincoln Invertec 155sLincoln weldpak 100sears/craftsman (lincoln) 50a 240v buzz boxO/A rig Harris gaugesnexion cut 50 dxchicago electric (HF) 240v spot welder
Reply:I have a baldor 5 horse with an 80 gallon tank that I got used at an auction for 500 dollars its a great compressor and runs every thing I have except the 1" impacts,it will do that too just have to wait to refill the tank every few lugs. As for heavy sandblasting it doesnt have a hope of keeping up thats what the 170 cfm diesel is for, spot blasting a few square inches works though. most hand tools for wood or metal working that a normal home shop will have will run very well off a 5 horse. just get a high quality one and verify the horse power by the amps. you dont want harbor freight horsepower.Last edited by idacal; 11-26-2011 at 12:40 AM.Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.Are any made in USA any more? The sites are deceptive.....starting to think made in USA is way out of my budget, unless I can find an older unit and rebuild it. When did  IR stop making stuff here?
Reply:I have heard good things about this outfit and made in USA. You could probably drive there and save a ton on shipping.http://www.eatoncompressor.com/catal...747/172983.htmDave ReberWadsworth Ohio
Reply:Originally Posted by monkersAre any made in USA any more? The sites are deceptive.....starting to think made in USA is way out of my budget, unless I can find an older unit and rebuild it. When did  IR stop making stuff here?
Reply:IR packed up and moved 10-15 years ago. They are not a American company any more. They moved off shore to tax dodge. I still think they make some stuff in the US but its all high dollar rotary screw and mega dollar machines. Mainstream stuff the average person can afford is all made overseas, and a lot of the low end stuff is made in China.If your looking for strickly American made...Saylor Beale, Curtis for sure. Somebody else needs to chime in on the other brands I don't know.Here is an Ebay link to a Curtis E-57 head ( no I am not affliated other than I own one ).http://www.ebay.com/itm/FSCURTIS-E57...item1c1f728530The Saylor Beale model head is a 705 run that with a 5 HP motor. Now another compressor head I would look at is a Shulz no its not American made, but a MSL40max ( made the same place new Ford diesels are ......Brazil), is a low RPM cast compressor head. Its a couple of hundred cheaper than a Curtis or Saylor, and although I haven't owned one they look pretty good.I have owned or bought for shops where I work three Curtis compressors their not cheap and it shows in the way they are built, their service is top notch ( I can still get parts on my 12-15 year old unit..actually they still sell the same head  a E-57 ).Your indecision reminds me of what I went thru about 15 years ago, I had buried two compressors and knew I needed a decent unit but I was suffering from sticker shock. I am glad I bought in then as they have just about doubled in price.On last thought there is a used 15 HP Saylor Beale on Ebay.
Reply:Teens, the Eaton looks good but is only single stage if I read correct. I think I want two stage, even though I don't have a lot of air tools, but once I have a larger compressor im sure ill be getting more.....I will look into the others as well. Lots of good info here thanks guys
Reply:Just looked at the Eating site a little more, says they use "international pumps" though most of the piston pumps are made here. And starting back in 2008the they started putting american flag stickers on the usa made parts. Their tanks are made here, they do not try to hide anything it seems. They also have a disclosure form listing all sorts of info......
Reply:When i was looking to buy, i found out that there is only one compressor that is all made in the USA, including motor and pump. I could have bought cheaper (and inferior), yes...but i am tired of sending my money oversee along with our jobs.I bought a http://www.quincycompressor.com/and i am impressed and completely happy with it.
Reply:78 Vette, Ive looked at them, they are impressive. They look very well made for just a touch more money. Id rather save up a little longer to get something quality like this than to get something from China (just my opinion, not bashing anyones choice) thanks for the link
Reply:My neighbor repairs IR for the past 20 years. They fix mainly the high end stuff. He says the low end stuff has a lot of issues.Dave ReberWadsworth Ohio
Reply:we had a eaton 15 hp 120 gal. Seemed good claim alot of made in america but pumps are imported pos's we had three go bad in  less than 2 years. Might be allright in limited use ours was running 40 percent duty cycle 7 days a week. Now we bought a boge screw comp way nicer.Millermatic 252millermatic 175miller 300 Thunderboltlincoln ranger 250smith torcheslots of bfh'sIf it dont fit get a bigger hammer
Reply:Might want to check into cast-aire machines.Millermatic 252millermatic 175miller 300 Thunderboltlincoln ranger 250smith torcheslots of bfh'sIf it dont fit get a bigger hammer
Reply:Check Northern Tool if you are buying a Quincy...http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...ncy-compressor
Reply:The 5HP 60Gal Quincy in only a few hundred more than the Tractor Supply IR 5HP compressor, after reading up on here and another forum, I will steer clear of IR.....
Reply:I've had a chance to "try out" the 5hp 60gallon IR from tractor supply.  It is a lot quieter than I expected and was rather impressed how long it took to fill the tank from 0-130 but, using a die grinder it was slow catching itself up.  With the DA it would catch itself up depending on the speed adjustment.  Mostly the compressor would keep an even pressure with the DA.  I don't see it keeping up with a blasting cabinet at all.  It would be a good compressor for a home garage but, a home shop it appeared to be a little lacking.  Not to mention the reviews I have read concerning the pump problems.  I think I've narrowed my search between a Quincy and an Eaton.  Both are supposed to be made in the US(except Eaton's compressors are foreign) and both seem to have great reviews.  I did read that Eaton had a legal issue with someone posting that the compressors are foreign but, nothing bad about the quality.
Reply:We had 2 different eatons bought 1 swaped one on warranty. First had brazillian made weg motor second had baldor. First one motor mount broke loose from tank after 200 hrs second one pump ran maybe 500 hrs third pump ran 1500 hrs all while using amsoil full synthetic oil with religous changes. when it went down each time our 12 year old 5 hp saylor beall carried its dead weight rill we could get parts. Is the northern tool quincy the same as others or is it a cheaper entry level model to be price competitive.Millermatic 252millermatic 175miller 300 Thunderboltlincoln ranger 250smith torcheslots of bfh'sIf it dont fit get a bigger hammer
Reply:Good question about the Northern Tools Quincy, does anyone know if its the same or a cheaper made version? Would the part numbers be the same in Northern and the Quincy web site or is that something I can not count on to tell the difference?
Reply:" when it went down each time our 12 year old 5 hp saylor beall carried its dead weight rill we could get parts" LOLPretty much what I have been saying, not really any free lunches in the air compressor world.About Quincy my next door neighbor has one and likes it he has had it a few years, not new. He doesn't use it hard though, mostly mechanics tools, and an impact, no air hogs like sandblasters, DA's etc, I probably use my compressor more in a week or so than he does all year.
Reply:Getting a lot of water in your compressor tank is not the fault of the compressor. It just means that the air is carrying a lot of water that you are pumping in to your tank. You could pump the air through a refrigerator type dryer before having it go in the tank. That would condense a lot of the water out. Or you could take your air off the bottom of your tank, through a condenser and a dryer and cure the whole problem. any condenser you buy will make water in your tank.  Mac
Reply:Originally Posted by monkersGood question about the Northern Tools Quincy, does anyone know if its the same or a cheaper made version? Would the part numbers be the same in Northern and the Quincy web site or is that something I can not count on to tell the difference?
Reply:Water in the reciever tank can be attributed to compressor heat. the warmer the air the more moisture it holds than it cools and condenses in the tank so the cooler the pump runs the less moisture to remove.Millermatic 252millermatic 175miller 300 Thunderboltlincoln ranger 250smith torcheslots of bfh'sIf it dont fit get a bigger hammer
Reply:my 80 and 60 gallon compressors cycle minimum few dozen times a day.  Last 10 years all compressors are only splash lubricated and  finding crank&rod bearing failure mostly in just a few years time.  Search hard for new ones like the older with the centrifufal oil pump on the front bearing cover of the pump , you can usually recognize it by a small pressure gauge on the pump itself...they pressurize oil through a journal in the crank to the connecting rod.  These pumps were labeled 50,000 hour pumps and are rare now. All the new ones are splash lubricated and rarely ever reach ther 10,000 hour labeled life.        thermal arc 252i  -  millermatic 350P -   miller XMT, cp300ts, 30a 22a feeders, buttload of other millers, handfull of lincolns, couple of esabs  -   Hypertherm 1250 G3
Reply:I got an email notice from Northern Tool about Quincy compressors on sale, there is a 5hp 8080 gallon single phase vertical model number 251251C580VCB. On sale for $1899.99. So I emailed Quincy, they said that model is made in USA and its a Pro package, comes only with a magnetic starter. Can get the Max package that includes starter tank drain and some other options. It can also be ordered as a PLT. package with pressure lubrication.
Reply:After an off thread discussion with pkwelds, I decided to do an experiment today to see how often my Quincy  2V41C60VC cycled during unusual use.  I brought the compressor up to the 175 psi cutout pressure, set the line pressure at 90 psi, then ran my die grinder (s) at full throttle and measured the time to restart (135-140 psi cutin pressure).  I also ran an industrial nibbler and my soda blaster.  The compressor cycled with the following times.  I also ran my IR 1/2" impact at full throttle and it would not hit the cutout, but remained at 140-150 psi.  I did not get a chance to run the sand blaster (an ALC pressure fed, rated at 7 cfm at 90 psi) but will do so in the coming days if there is any interest.Die Grinder (Sioux)  Full Pressure to cutin (135-140)  1' 30", Restart to full (175)  2'  03"Die Grinder (DOTCO)  1'  35",  2' 05"Nibbler (Industrial, brand UNK)  47.6",  4'  00"Soda Blaster (HF)  55",  3' 35"Impact  no data, would not reach cutout pressure
Reply:interesting numbers why is there  such a large difference between the 1st numbers and the 2nd numbers on the nibbler and soda blaster?  maybe i dont understand the relationship of the numbers to each other, bobbobs77vet/37ford4drEastwood digital TIG200HH190Lincoln Invertec 155sLincoln weldpak 100sears/craftsman (lincoln) 50a 240v buzz boxO/A rig Harris gaugesnexion cut 50 dxchicago electric (HF) 240v spot welder
Reply:Originally Posted by Mooney1elAfter an off thread discussion with pkwelds, I decided to do an experiment today to see how often my Quincy  2V41C60VC cycled during unusual use.  I brought the compressor up to the 175 psi cutout pressure, set the line pressure at 90 psi, then ran my die grinder (s) at full throttle and measured the time to restart (135-140 psi cutin pressure).  I also ran an industrial nibbler and my soda blaster.  The compressor cycled with the following times.  I also ran my IR 1/2" impact at full throttle and it would not hit the cutout, but remained at 140-150 psi.  I did not get a chance to run the sand blaster (an ALC pressure fed, rated at 7 cfm at 90 psi) but will do so in the coming days if there is any interest.Die Grinder (Sioux)  Full Pressure to cutin (135-140)  1' 30", Restart to full (175)  2'  03"Die Grinder (DOTCO)  1'  35",  2' 05"Nibbler (Industrial, brand UNK)  47.6",  4'  00"Soda Blaster (HF)  55",  3' 35"Impact  no data, would not reach cutout pressure