Air compressor suggestions.

[Spooled-up]

I'll be getting an air compressor sometime next month. I'll be using it for impact wrenches, Grinding, Nailing, possibly sanding and maybe a drill. I don't think I would need more than 10 scfm. Most tools I see have versions that use less than 10 scfm.



The models I'm looking at are Campbell Hausfelds 60 gal vertical with 10. 3 scfm that I can get at Wal Mart for $389.



Another option is the Farmhand at Tractor supply for $399 which is made by Campbell Hausfeld and has a place to hang air tools and a hose right on the compressor. It also has the benefit of 10% off (making the total price $360) for using a tractor supply credit card which will be paid off within the month after purchase so I don't have to pay any interest.



The third option is also at Tractor supply with the 10% off deal. It is an Ingersoll Rand that puts out 11. 3 scfm and retails for $499. With the 10% off deal I can get it for $450.



My question is: Is it worth the extra $ for the extra 1 scfm and the Ingersoll Rand? Is Ingersoll Rand a significantly better compressor?



Thanks for any input guys.



IR



Farmhand

 

[Camara]

I have an IR T30 80 gallon vertical compressor in my shop. 7. 5hp 2 stage 480v 3phase. Keeps up with everything but the sand blast cabinet. I have an Ajax 5 hp single phase, single stage at home. It has to work a little to keep up with a DA sander or a cut-off tool.

 

[E7mack96]

your tools may use more air than you think. My 1" impact is rated for 10 scfm at 90psi. - but - at max tourqe of 1400 ft/lbs it uses 47 scfm. Big jump huh.

 

[bmoeller]

If their compressors are anything like my IR air tools, I'd get a the IR.

 

[Philip]

If you are thinking of using body sanders such as a DA. Most brands of DA's use 10 CFM by their selfs. If you have a compressor the same CFM as the tool. That means you will be waitng for the compressor to catch up all the time.



When it comes to compressors I recommend two stage only if you are planing on doing more than airing up tires.

I have an IR T30 80 gallon vertical compressor in my shop

Mine is to. Mine is a 5 HP model 220 volt.



BTW Camble Hausfield compressors are loud when operating. Make sure you install them somewhere you are not working.

 

[Dane]

I agree, you will probably wish later that you got a bigger compressor. The ones you are looking at will be running on the edge of being able to supply enough air. These give by far the best bang for the buck imo -



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Click here for Eaton compressors

 

[Rman]

220v 2 stage IR is the way to go. Don't mess around getting cheap stuff. It's always ended up catching up to me in the long run.

 

[Spooled-up]

Dane,

The eaton compressor looks good. They claim that due to it's design that it's quiet (low rpm's). Is 14 scfm enough for most of the stuff that I might use around the house? I'm not going to use a "DA" sander (not sure what this is) or 1" impact wrenches. I also agree with Rman about not buying the cheap stuff as I've spent more on cheap tools than buying the good stuff once. Lesson learned.

 

[Rman]

For everyday household stuff, 14 scfm is sufficient... more than sufficient. You can never have too much! hehe

 

[Philip]

I don't call a single stage compressor at $750. + shipping as a good deal myself.



I gave $1250 for my T30 IR and I picked it up at IR. No shipping cost.

I'm not going to use a "DA" sander (not sure what this is)

http://www.drivewerks.com/catalog/ShopCart/TOOL/POR_TOOL_CAT270_pg25.htm

You can never have too much!

When looking at compressors. Try to only buy one in your life time. If you know other people with compressors. Go and listen to them. Find out how hard they use them.



Find out where you can get parts for one. If the place you are looking at does not keep parts in stock or will not order them. Find some place else to buy from.



Another point. Most if not all single stage compressors have reed valves. These are held in with 4/40 screws. Most of the time if you break a reed valve. The screws break off when trying to replace them. So this means a new cylinder head. Or pay someone $50 an hour to EDM out the old broken screws.



It is hard to find parts for Camble Hausfield compressors. Almost every little place sells the things. But most do not stock parts and do not order if you need anything. These compressors are classed as throw aways.

 

[Dfeland]

I have that IR that tractor supply sells and with synthetic oil that comes with it it has a 100% duty cycle. It runs a cut off and impact no problems and in my opinion it just looked like so much better quailty than the CH it was clear which to go in my mind. Its pretty gosh darn quiet for a compressor to and not so cumbersome that it took a lot of space up and I was able to move it by myself. Good machine in my opinion.