Hi,
I want to get some recommendations on air compressors.
I have been toying around with purchasing an air compressor, and can’t figure out how much is enough, how much is just right, how much is overkill. I have kind of settled on the following criteria
- needs to be 230 V single phase
- needs to make at least 10 cfm @ 90 psi
- probably a vertical tank makes more sense than horizontal
- would be nice if it were portable, but not likely to meet item 2 if portable
- probably will be oil lubricated and slow rpm for durability and noise
- needs to be compact enough so that two or three guys can get it down into my basement
My immediate needs are to do framing and finish nailing, and use a palm nailer. You may think that 10 cfm at 90 psi is enough for that with plenty to spare, but I would also like to be able to run DA sanders, paint sprayers, and a small sandblaster at some point. I’m afraid if I go for a little side stack or pancake, I’ll be disappointed when it comes time for my auto body work and cast iron radiator refinishing.
Does anyone have any recommendations for something that will meet my needs without being total overkill, something that will hold up to years of use, but won’t break the bank? Particular brands to look at (or stay away from)?
thanks!
Replies
I like Quincy and Ingersol Rand. Campbell Hausfeld makes a nice compressor, as well as some not so nice. Big and slow is also usually quiet, but you can get mufflers for the compressor which will quiet things down more.
Quincy, I have used the larger Quincy compressors in a couple of wood shops. That's why I bought a small one for my own shop, 3hp 20 gallon tank. These are excellent compressors made in Quincy Illinois.
Mike
I use an Ingersoll Rand Model SS3 I bought from Northern Hydraulic on sale for $450 including shipping and no sales tax. It sounds like it meets all the criteria you outlined. I think they are $550 when not on sale.
Karl
Before you buy a compressor, check with some your local suppliers that deal strickly in air tools. Many of the "Home Depot" type stores sell compressors by ingersol, cambell hausefeld, and other that don't have the duty rating that you may be expecting to get. They are great for the "occasional" use. But, when it comes to running airsanders, air drill, sprayers on continueous use, they tend to overheat, and parts wear out. Trying to replace some of those parts can and will be very expensive. As in a friend of mine's pressure switch went out from over use and i believed it was going to cost in excess of $125.00 just for the switch alone. Next will be the motor and at that point, you will definately realize a "inexpensive " compressor isn't so in expensive any more. Don't feel to bad, I bought one of those 80 gal. models also. No mater what brand you buy, if you are going to use it on a very continueous basis, then upgrade you wiring to the next size larger. Usually #8 wire will work. DO NOT use #10 ot # 12 wire for compressors, nor should you use 20 amp plugs/receptacles. Use 30 amp or 40 amp plugs and receptacles and put the compressor on a dedicated circuit.
Hope some of this helps. I realize that every thing revolves around money. Just make sure you are not shooting yourself in the foot at a later date. -Brian
Thanks everyone for their comments. I have kind of settled in on a 60 gallon vertical tank mounted compressor. Does anyone have any further recommendations based on my "short list"?
I am considering these makes/models....
Porter Cable (made by DeVilbiss) CPLC7060V 7 HP, 60-Gallon Stationary Vertical Air Compressor with Oil Lubrication (240-Volt), available at Woodworker's Warehouse for $400
Ingersoll Rand SS3L3 - available from Northern Hydraulic for $550, or Grainger for $530
Campbell Hausfeld VT-6275, available at Harbor Freight for $430
Speedaire 4B236, available at Grainger for $480
A rebuilt Quincy industrial grade single stage pump with pressure lubrication, on a 60 gallon vertical tank, for about the same money as these others.
The last one is a heavier duty industrial grade machine compared to the others, and is a deal of sorts from a guy that I know who rebuilds compressors. The price is about the same, but my only real worry is that it would be too heavy to easily move around and that it's overkill. Also, it would be a rebuilt pump, a new receiver tank, and a used motor, a mix and match job, if you will.
Any thoughts? Thanks....
You may want to look up Thomas Ultra they make air compressors that are suposed to be very good. I believe that it is Thomas Industries and that it is in the central U.S.. FHB covered compressors with in the past two years so you may be able to look up some info to help you out.
Turtleboy
I have a 100# pressure sandblaster, I run it off of two (plumbed together) 5hp, 20 gal gasoline-powered compressors, I have all the air I want, and it doesn't bog down. Bot both at yard sales, at the time I got the last one, a comparable model was about 550 or so at Lowe's.
I have a single-stage, 60gal 5hp electric, but it doesn't keep up as good as the two gas-powered in tandem when running the sandblaster. I can basically run the sandblaster until I empty the sand, and have to refill.
BTW, well worth the $$ to buy the carbide nozzle (about $100) for your sandblaster, I can go thru a couple of the ceramic ones in a day, much cheaper in the long run. I'm only on my second carbide one. (I bot 3 a year or two ago, thinking they'd last longer, but not this long.)
PB (sand in my pants)
you said you are counting on 2 or 3 guys to put this thing in your basement.....
Just how "portable" are you looking for?
Up and down the steps?
I'm confused.
Where's it moving from the basement to?
I'm thinking you need less portable and more hose.
JeffBuck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite
Jeff,
I was originally thinking something portable would be nice, but when I started figuring out what size compressor will meet my current and future needs, my definition of portable became: I want to be able to get it down into my basement without having to remove the staircase!!
In the meantime, I borrowed a Hitachi twin tank from my father-in-law. I'll use that for my immediate framing needs while I figure out what I want to get.
Alec
it's the spray work that'll tie ya down.
anything else reguarding home building I can get done with my twin stack.
but like I was hinting at...even if it's repainting your entire house with a gun......
you'd just need to run more hose.
that's the general rule with any compressor anyway......plug in off the compressors cord...try to avoid an extension cord......or.......as I often have to on different sites....run the compressor on as short and thick a cord as possible...then lay out the hose to get ya where ya need.
I have a dedicated compressor extension......25'....10 ga......
and my compressor is "extension cord approved". I still want it to last as close to forever as possible.
more hose don't kill them...more cord does.
JeffBuck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite
I bought a Porter Cable pancake compressor a couple of years ago--it arrived with a split in the small pipe leading to the tank--got fixed under warranty but it took two more weeks before I could even use it. Later the off/on switch just broke for no reason. It's just under occasional use--my experience with the PC is bad.
You aren't going to use that to clean computer parts, are you ?
; )
Quittin' Time