air compressor for the home shop

rfuerst911sc · 07-05-2010, 12:07 PM

As I will soon be basking in the glory of a detached 3 bay man cave

I am considering a new air compressor. The seller currently has a 60 gallon Porter Cable but he's taking it with him

. I currently have a Campbell Hausfield 20 gallon horizontal tank 110/220 volt compressor that works fine. But the tool gods are calling for more

. Today I went on Tractor Supply's website and they have a Ingersoll Rand 5 hp 60 gallon single stage compressor for $799.00 - 10% + 719.00. Output is 18.1 CFM @90 PSI with 135 psi maximum. I think this is more than enough for my DIY garage. I generally run air ratchets, impact gun that's about it. Because the new man cave has lots of room I may add a medium sand blast cabinet. Keep in mind this is mainly a weekend warrior setup not used every day. So what do you guys think of this compressor ? I know IR is a quality unit.

widebody911 · widebody911's Garage

You should be able to get a 2-stage compress in that price range, but the specs sound good.

rfuerst911sc · 07-05-2010, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by widebody911

You should be able to get a 2-stage compress in that price range, but the specs sound good.

Also on the Tractor Supply website they have a 5 hp 2 stage 80 gallon for 999.00 - 10% = 899.00. It is a vertical compressor pump vs. a V not sure if that matters. Output in CFM is about the same but max pressure is 175 vs. 135. A lot of money for a tool that will sit idle for most of its life

.

LakeCleElum · 07-05-2010, 12:37 PM

I'd keep your current setup. I have about the same that's craftsman. I run all my air tools, Impact wrench and even paint cars with it........Very rare I've needed more?

rick-l · 07-05-2010, 01:18 PM

That is the setup I have (220 20 gal tank). After 10 minutes of sandblasting it is more like pressure washing sand with water. I think the bigger tank and 30 feet of 1" black pipe might take car of that.

If you want to paint HVLPs take a lot of air HVLP gun. Click the technical details tab. 20 cfm

Porsche-O-Phile · Porsche-O-Phile's Garage

I'm a little leery of the newer Craftsman stuff - I'm in the market for a decent-sized compressor too (going to be doing some sandblasting and HVLP painting in the next few months). I've heard that all their newer stuff is made-in-China garbage with associated poor metallurgy and not very reliable, although this is just going off of third-party comments.

The Home Depot stuff looks like junk. I'd consider an Ingersoll-Rand (this is what most of the pros use) but does anyone have first-hand knowledge of how the newer stuff is versus going for an older model off of CL or someplace?

Given the state of "new" tools, I find that looking for 15-20 year old stuff isn't necessarily a bad idea and can yield better overall quality (and a better price).

I've heard the Campbell-Hausfields are good also.

Joeaksa · 07-05-2010, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

Also on the Tractor Supply website they have a 5 hp 2 stage 80 gallon for 999.00 - 10% = 899.00. It is a vertical compressor pump vs. a V not sure if that matters. Output in CFM is about the same but max pressure is 175 vs. 135. A lot of money for a tool that will sit idle for most of its life

.

It will not sit idle if you have it. I have a 6 hp single stage that goes up to 140 psi and 14 cfm and it does 95% of what I need. There are times with a sand/bead blast cabinet that I push its limits but rarely.

Get the best one you can afford and use it the rest of your life. Do not even think of anything that is not 220v either.

Joe A

bell · bell's Garage

the only time you should need more than your 20 gal is if you plan on doing lots of bodywork, sanding, etc.......the blast cabinet will use a fair amount of air, but unless you're doing very large pieces that's the only time you would need more imo......
personally i'd stick with the 20gal and just save up for the larger tank should the need arise.....

rick-l · 07-05-2010, 09:19 PM

I have heard that the largest compressor at Harbor Freight is made by Ingersoll Rand. Can anyone confirm this.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bell

personally i'd stick with the 20gal and just save up for the larger tank should the need arise.....

It is all about CFM. The tank is just like a capacitor in an electrical circuit.

Evans, Marv · 07-05-2010, 09:21 PM

I haven't installed it yet & have to finish rebuilding it, but I scored an old Champion compressor for $0.00 from a school maintenance shop being demolished. It's a commercial, 220V, two stage, 80 gal., w/ a 5 hp motor. I rebuilt the compressor with new valves, rings, rods, etc., and have to put the thing together with the electricals I have in a box somewhere. I checked out the motor & it seems fine. The thing must be 50 to 70 years old. The shop I went to for parts is the largest commercial shop around here, and they had to scrounge through their old stock of parts to get what I needed. Maybe it'll be ready for another 50+ years after I get it going.

enzo1 · 07-05-2010, 10:37 PM

I've read bad reviews on IR from tractor supply, do a search

aigel · aigel's Garage

Key is that it is an oiled unit. Stay away from the oil free stuff. Doesn't last, runs hot and is noisy.

I had a crapsman 60 gallon that I rebuilt 3 times before finally tossing it. At that time I did a lot of sanding and die grinding type stuff. Bought a 20 gallon no name unit at Costco (oiled) and it has served me well since. I am fairly light duty now though, having sworn off rusty vehicles - mainly impact and air ratchet.

George

rfuerst911sc · 07-07-2010, 01:29 PM

Yes I know to stay with a oiled unit, I would never consider oil less. Found this one locally.

Kellog American used compressor
5 hp. single phase 220v
2 stage compressor with 60 gallon tank
Leeson motor
Seller got from a friends estate and has another so he's selling. Recently had new bearings and " tune up " type work done. Seller says I can hear it run he says it works fine. Asking 450.00 but I think I can get for less. Price new is well over 2000.00. What do you guys think ?

Porsche-O-Phile · Porsche-O-Phile's Garage

I vote stolen.

sammyg2 · 07-07-2010, 02:17 PM

The cheapest air capacity you can get is larger storage. run large diameter sweated copper pipe around the garage, dropping a line at every corner. That'll increase the storage capacity and slow down the pressure drop. it'll also increase the time it takes to pressure it back up, but it'll smooth out the highs and lows. it makes a smaller compressor act like a big one.
oh, and don't try to run a 1/2" impact gun with a 50 foot coiled 3/8" hose.
Match the hose to the tool.
Don't let her fool you, size does matter

sammyg2 · 07-07-2010, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Porsche-O-Phile

I vote stolen.

Lots of liquidating companies out there right now, lots of cheap equipment.
$450 for a WELL used compressor isn't that unrealistic.

Joeaksa · 07-07-2010, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sammyg2

The cheapest air capacity you can get is larger storage. run large diameter sweated copper pipe around the garage, dropping a line at every corner. That'll increase the storage capacity and slow down the pressure drop. it'll also increase the time it takes to pressure it back up, but it'll smooth out the highs and lows. it makes a smaller compressor act like a big one.
oh, and don't try to run a 1/2" impact gun with a 50 foot coiled 3/8" hose.
Match the hose to the tool.
Don't let her fool you, size does matter

We did the same and anytime I am doing something that requires more ooomph I have a "piggy" separate 40 gallon air tank that I hook inline to the system to increase the capacity.

rfuerst911sc · 07-07-2010, 03:29 PM

Any thoughts on the compressor ? The seller to the best of my knowledge is not a liquidator. He stated his friend was killed in a motorcycle accident last year. He helped sell off some of his stuff and kept some. This compressor was one of the items he kept. I think the guy is hurting for cash so he's selling. He stated it was probably built in the mid 70'S. The picture I saw it sure looks like a brute. Made in the USA and repair parts are available.

dad911 · 07-07-2010, 04:12 PM

IMHO tank from the '70s is too old. Could rust from the inside out.

Joeaksa · 07-07-2010, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dad911

IMHO tank from the '70s is too old. Could rust from the inside out.

It all depends on the condition and where its been stored, as well as if the owners even know that there is a water drain on the tank.

I have a lot of things from the 1970's or older that are way better than the cheap chinese crap we seem to have everywhere.