Air compressor…… needed.

[Billw69]

Looking for tips as I replace an underpowered, failing air compressor. I know this may generate a bunch of very diverse input but figured I tap the brain trust here for knowledge and recommendations.
The largest demand I use it for currently is prolly the sandblaster or some of my air tools and sanders. Curious about oil or oil free, single or double stage, 60 or 80 gallon. I may also include painting in my future as another operational need.

Brands, horizontal or vertical are also questions I have.

Thanks in advance for any input!

Bill

 

[Steve McMahan]

My input, buy as much as you have room and $ for, dual stage, oil type.

 

[Sheriff41]

I vote for 2 stage, oil (follow the break-in procedures and change the oil), and either size (based on your needs) vertical tank (takes less floor space).

 

[Billw69]

Thanks guys, appreciate the input!

 

[Go Time]

I purchased a 80 gal 2 stage ingersol Rand from Tractor Supply more than 10 years ago. I recently had to replace the motor. Make sure you have the proper size wire powering the compressor, this may be hard on the motor causing excessive amp draw. I had wore than enough but the motor may fail quickly if you skimp on the wire to powere it. I was shocked at how much more expensive they are now because I priced them before I bought a new motor. I used a price match from rural king to tsc to get it under 900.00 if I remember correctly. I’ve also had to change the pressure switch once. It is serving me well but by no means is it a high quality unit. It’s what I would call a good use it when you need it home owner small shop type that gives enough capacity to run a sand blaster and da sander. Hope this helps.

 

[Hemikiller]

I bought a Quincy QT-54 two stage about five years ago, when my 30 year old 6hp/60gal single stage gave up the ghost. They've gone up a bit, but it's a darn nice compressor. 100% made in the USA, quiet and I've never run out of air.

https://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Quincy-2V41C60VC-Air-Compressor/p855.html
I had a 6hp/ 30 gallon Craftsman oilless compressor that I bought in the early 90's - do not buy an piston style oilless compressor unless you like really loud compressors, and rebuilding them often. It did work well, but blew up on a regular basis.

 

[Steve McMahan]

My compressor story is different. I purchased my vertical Ingersoll-Rand used compressor from ISKY cams. They were nice enough to deliver it to the Inland Valley. When I moved from that location, I sold it to my neighbor.

 

[MAD IRISHMAN]

My vote is for a vertical, oil, 2-stage compressor. Before my present unit I had a "oil less" model that just about made me deaf. "Fortunately"
it blew up many years ago. LOL My current one is not exactly low decibel but much more tolerable. Make sure you get enough capacity. Too much is a lot better than too little. Spend the money and get a quality piece. You'll never regret it.

 

[turtle5353]

Another vote for ingersoll rand. I got mine from tractor supply probably 15 years ago and I only thing ever replaced was the starter capacitor. $15.

 

[Billw69]

I purchased a 80 gal 2 stage ingersol Rand from Tractor Supply more than 10 years ago. I recently had to replace the motor. Make sure you have the proper size wire powering the compressor, this may be hard on the motor causing excessive amp draw. I had wore than enough but the motor may fail quickly if you skimp on the wire to powere it. I was shocked at how much more expensive they are now because I priced them before I bought a new motor. I used a price match from rural king to tsc to get it under 900.00 if I remember correctly. I’ve also had to change the pressure switch once. It is serving me well but by no means is it a high quality unit. It’s what I would call a good use it when you need it home owner small shop type that gives enough capacity to run a sand blaster and da sander. Hope this helps.

Great input, thank you

 

[Billw69]

Thanks all for chiming in. All great notes and sounds like oiled, two stage (and 2 phase) with a minimum of 60 gal tank is where it’s at. I usually see a large display from a company named Castaire at our local larger shows (GSTA, Back to the 50s, street rod nationals) they always catch my eye but it sounds like for a bit less dough I can get a suitable box store unit that would perform as well for my (non commercial shop) needs. Anyone have any experience with units from Northern hydraulics?
Thanks again guys for your time

 

[detritusmaximus]

The box/farm store stuff can be okay. Watch out for iffy on/off switches. Not the greatest quality but they can be replaced.
Something to consider, if you have the room, is to pick up a used/dead 60gal compressor and just use the tank in addition to your new compressor. I acquired a 60 gal tank years ago and plumbed my 3 or 4hp Craftsmen 25gal compressor to it. It took a while to fill, but frequently I could complete some high cfm tasks without having to wait for the 25 gal tank to refill.

 

[Billw69]

I like the way you think, I have a 60 gal. tank that came from an orthodontist office (looks like new) and my plan is to plumb it in as well. Although if I upgrade the whole system to a new larger output compressor maybe the need for the extra storage is overkill?

 

[detritusmaximus]

Maybe. But if you have it, why not?

 

[Billw69]

Agreed

 

[Ron Tanzi]

Vertical is the way to go. They take up less space. I have a 30 gallon De Walt that replaced my Craftsman 25 gallon horizontal oil-less that I bought when I was 19. It blew it's cookies at the most inopportune time. Although that purchase initiated me getting my first credit card. The oil-less compressors are loud as F$%# compared to a dual piston oiled version. Their recovery time is far superior as well. Hook it up to 240 volt if possible.

 

[detritusmaximus]

I bought a 3hp 25 gal Craftsmen horizontal that wouldn't get above 80 psi for $50 for my first compressor. Ended up needing an unloaded valve and a piston/rod kit. Spent about $30. That was 25+ years ago.

 

[c9zx]

I agree with Hemikiller. The QT-54 is the best bang for the buck. Mine has done everything I've asked of it for 10 years. It is a quality piece of gear. Chuck

 

[Stevieray]

I’m a Quincy dude. I’ve owned a horizontal 30 gal two-stg for years. Changed the head gasket once. I’ve just purchased a 80 gal vertical 5 hp unit as an add-on when requiring heavy demand. I researched the IR units prior to purchase. They are also top of the line.

 

[basstrix]

I like the way you think, I have a 60 gal. tank that came from an orthodontist office (looks like new) and my plan is to plumb it in as well. Although if I upgrade the whole system to a new larger output compressor maybe the need for the extra storage is overkill?

I have it on my list to pick up a tank if I come across one for cheap. I'm thinking of putting it in my attic...although there's something unnerving about that.