Air Compressors

[nascar]

I'll be in the market for a air compressor after I build my garage. I'm interested in a 220v, vertical type. I don't plan on doing any painting, but would like some decent air tools. Any input on what type to buy? Price range is $800-$1000.

 

[Tim1]

Compressor

Hey bud, a little advice here, go to the local compressor shop and buy directly from them. Here in Portland it's Portland Compressor. I got a Ingersol Rand, but thats just my thoughts, as you will find some very good info when you talk to these people. It not that much more than Sears or those places. Use anti foaming compressor oil when you service it. Good Luck. Tim

 

[csevers]

Spend as much as possible to get the biggest and best one you can I used to use a 5hp 20 gal that wouldn't keep up with anything, now I have three compressors hooked together for the VOLUME two 60 gals and one 20 gal and this is still not enough to keep the duty cycle of one of the compressors down to where it should be, while sand blasting with a small pot type blaster. 1 60 gal should keep up with most air tools. Ingersoll is good name.

Good Luck



Craig

 

[Philip]

Some things to think about.



Do not buy a single stage compressor. Buy two stage only.



Do not buy a alumiumn compressor model. Make sure it is cast iron. Cast iron compressors can be rebuilt very easy. Alumiumn models can't.



Look at the operating rpm of the compressor. Find one with a low operating RPM. It will be quiter. If it will be inside your shop where you are working. This means a lot.



Look for one that uses a electical contactor and make sure it is included with the price. By using the contactor you can have the motor protected better than you would by using a breaker inside you main switch panel. This model of compressor also will have a better quality motor.



The last item. Where ever you look at one at. Ask if they can get you parts for it if the need ever comes up. If they can not. Find another place to buy from.



I use a IngerSoll model T30 with a 80 gallon upright tank. The T30 is a low RPM cast iron based compressor.

 

[MFalkinham]

I agree with all the advice that has been given. You can't go wrong with new Quincy, Champion, or Ingersoll-Rand, provided that the pump and head are made of cast iron.



However, I went a different route when I bought my compressor recently. I took the $700 I was planning on spending on a new compressor, and bought a used 220v industrial compressor from a fabrication shop that was going out of business. Although it is over 30 years old and has some scratches on it, it runs great, and the pump has a 24" diameter flywheel/pulley, so it runs at very low RPM's for long life. The pump and motor are much beefier than anything I could have afforded new. While most new compressor pumps I've seen have a 2-quart oil capacity, this pump holds 2-gallons of oil. Although I may have trouble getting spare parts if something breaks, I'm betting that with proper maintenance nothing will go wrong anytime soon. Just be sure anything you look at doesn't require 3-phase power, unless you have that available at your shop (I don't).



Basically, I always try to buy high-quality used equipment, rather than buying cheaper-made new equipment. Something to think about.



- Mike