Help me pick an air compressor.

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I am looking at air compressors for my home shop.  I have a 30 gallon Craftsman that is probably close to 10 years old and just doesn't cut it any more.  I want to go to an oiled type vertical setup.  Right now, I just run one hose from the compressor when I need it.  I don't use air as much as I would like to because of the compressor I have now.  I would like my next compressor to be the last one I ever buy and don't mind spending money to get a nice one.  I know most tools operate around 90 psi and I plan on plumbing hard line with multiple outlets around the garage (it's only a two car right now, but I will have a larger garage at some point down the road) along with a drop down reel from the ceiling.  Is it worth the extra money for a two-stage compressor for the extra capacity?  I want the ability to run basically any air tool and not have to wait for the compressor to catch up, which I constantly do now...which is why I'm usually using electric stuff.Obviously everybody's needs are different, but I just want to double check my logic.  It seems like the higher psi models would get you more working time with the same size tank.  I can't think of any tool that needs high pressure, so I would probably just regulate at the tank down to 90 or so.I like the Quincy compressors and have read nothing but good things about them.  I am looking at either their single stage or dual stage compressor and contemplating if it's worth the extra money, or if it would be better spent elsewhere for a single man shop.I have the typical assortment of air ratchets, grinders, HVLP guns along with a Hypertherm Powermax 30, which I may trade up to a 45 at some time to use with a Torchmate table.  I guess my biggest concern is buying one that seems to fit and regret it down the road.  I want something that will last a lifetime.  The biggest difference I see is that the two stage puts out 30% more CFM at 100psi.http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...9713_200479713Or the dual stage:http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...0475_200350475
Reply:Originally Posted by kazlx The biggest difference I see is that the two stage puts out 30% more CFM at 100psi.
Reply:There may be something else to try.Maybe you can just add some more tank storage capacity. You say, you regulate your use point to 90#. But what is your compressor cycle points set too? If you put in more storage capacity and increase the compressor set points to something like max, should be able to jack up the pressure setpoint (operating band) that the compressor cycles at.Say that results in the storage being at 105-115# for talking points and the compressor cycles to maintain it. Your desired storage pressure is a bit higher than your use pressure and the extra storage capacity gives more usable volume, hence working time where full flow / pressure is available and the compressor will start earlier. It will run longer during the recharge cycle too. Anywho, you should get the drift of what I'm saying. Bit of the flywheel effect in action. Try something like that first and see how it works out. Those extra tanks are cheap, tube them in parallel with the existing tank. Cuts down the mobile factor but doesn't sound like that is a factor here.
Reply:we have the 2 stage quincy at my dad's farm, it will out run about anything we have tried to do with it. I highly recommend it. I actually look forward to my 60 gal single stage sanborn giving up someday to get one like it at my place. and they are still made in the US.VinceHobart CyberTig 300 stick/tig w/water cooler (my CL score)Victor 315/1060 on LP            mostly farm repairs/projects
Reply:So the advantage of the two stage would only be pressure then?  I have seen the screw machines and would love to have one, however my budget would be about $1500 max.
Reply:Originally Posted by CosmicRamblerThere may be something else to try.Maybe you can just add some more tank storage capacity. You say, you regulate your use point to 90#. But what is your compressor cycle points set too? If you put in more storage capacity and increase the compressor set points to something like max, should be able to jack up the pressure setpoint (operating band) that the compressor cycles at.Say that results in the storage being at 105-115# for talking points and the compressor cycles to maintain it. Your desired storage pressure is a bit higher than your use pressure and the extra storage capacity gives more usable volume, hence working time where full flow / pressure is available and the compressor will start earlier. It will run longer during the recharge cycle too. Anywho, you should get the drift of what I'm saying. Bit of the flywheel effect in action. Try something like that first and see how it works out. Those extra tanks are cheap, tube them in parallel with the existing tank. Cuts down the mobile factor but doesn't sound like that is a factor here.
Reply:Originally Posted by kazlxSo the advantage of the two stage would only be pressure then?  I have seen the screw machines and would love to have one, however my budget would be about $1500 max.
Reply:Good timing on the subject. I'm shopping for a new compressor. What's the minimum machine it takes to run a Hypertherm PM 30? I've spotted a couple of the cutters on c'list and need to know what a reasonable compressor would be to go with it.Lincoln Square Wave 175
Reply:It looks like that model Quincy is the only single stage they have available.  I don't see twin cylinder single stage compressors.  Would the increased pressure from the two stage decrease running time?
Reply:Originally Posted by macvanceGood timing on the subject. I'm shopping for a new compressor. What's the minimum machine it takes to run a Hypertherm PM 30? I've spotted a couple of the cutters on c'list and need to know what a reasonable compressor would be to go with it.
Reply:I have a lowe's Kobalt or whatever they sell, 80 gallon it has been working excellently for about two years now. Some days it runs all day long in the cold or in the Georgia heat.... the only problem I had is the pressure shut off valve popped the nipple off, and I had to replace it. The compressor will run everything I have, paint guns,die grinders,7'' grinder/polisher even the 3/4'' impact and a decent sized sandblaster. I think I paid around $500 for it, end of the year close out price, plus the salesman in the tool dept saw me eying it and he dropped the price down from $575 or something. All in all I'm pretty pleased with it.Lincoln pro mig 180Lincoln Square Wave Tig 300/wp 20/home built water cooler Victor, Purox, Harris, O/A welding/cutting setupsVintage Craftsman drill pressVintage Craftsman/Atlas 12"x 36'' lathe7''x 12'' w/c band saw Everlast 140 st
Reply:since compressed air is my main implement, ive developed quite a compressor fetish and hav come to many weird conclusions.  Was quite shocked when i saw that quincy was dipping ther hands into this also....frome everything ive read in the past , these three compressors are built in the USA , but tell me they dont all come from the xact same manufacture with different paint and different labels. Attached Images        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 switched from a 5hp 30 gal tank Craftsman compressor 15 years ago to the 80gal 2 stage compressor for the same reasons you have. Last weekend I thought my compressor was going bad (wasn't but that's another story) and this is the compressor I would have bought to replace mine.http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...8501_200318501I like the "V" style pump and at 14.7 CFM at 175 psi that will run any tool you have. Attached Images