need compressor suggestions

[Werner R.]

i want to buy a compressor for general use, not painting. i intend to use air tools and to do an occasional leak down test. any advice on hp and maximum/steady pressure and cfm specs???
werner

[Mike M.]

Re: need compressor suggestions

have worn out 3 compressors in my lifetime. like a garage, i've found that they can never be big enough. current comp is 80 gal, 5 hp 220 volt, two stage Emglo. ran about 1500 bucks 15 years ago. been trouble-free. good luck, mike

[Brian Monticello]

Re: need compressor suggestions

I have the largest lubrication free compressor that craftsman offers - the "6hp" 30 gallon upright version @ 150 psi.

SCFM Delivery At 40 psi 8.6 SCFM
SCFM Delivery At 90 psi 6.4 SCFM

This thing is great for impact wrenches, the blow gun, and other occasional burst tools but it runs continuously when I break out the die grinder and cut off tool. I had to cut a brake rotor off a spindle on my daily driver and it took me 2 hours because I had to constantly wait for the compressor to recharge.

BUT... it's about as big as you can go on 120V and it was $300 and it is portable.

I agree with Mike go big but if you are limited by power and budget, you might consider the craftsman. Since mine runs continuously at times and is not lubricated, I suspect the life will be shortened but for $300 I will get a lot of use out of it.
Brian

[Mike R.]

Re: need compressor suggestions

A good source for that type of thing is a heavy equipment auction. It is considered to be support equipment by industry and usually goes for a reasonable price. One source is Ritchie Brothers, www.rbauction.com.

[Dennis A.]

Craftsman is good... *NM*

[Dave F.]

Re: need compressor suggestions

Werner,

The best possible way to select a compressor is to first determine what your tools will be, and use the highest cfm/pressure requirement from your tool list as the guide to compressor selection. Factor in the convenience/time issue as well. Just as in a previous post, if you are going to do a lot of grinding and don't want to wait for your compressor to catch up, then size the compressor on the grinder's specific cfm/pressure/tank capacity ratings then take it from there. Of course, other factors like available voltage, space requirements, and don't forget the noise these puppies generate. My preference is to have the compressor located in an insulated closet adjacent to my shop area so I can still here myself think when the compressor fires off. One more tip - never fail to drain the tank of condensation. You haven't lived until you've been in the same room with a tank that blows out the bottom due to the effects of the rusting process.

[Dave F.]

forgot to say this...

When you are developing your potential tool list, keep in mind that certain lower pressure tools simply won't get the job done....like a 90psi air wrench won't break loose a rusted spring bolt. Gotta go with something closer to 150 psig rated tool. If you have a pro shop you have dealt with where it wouldn't be a problem to ask them what they use, I'd start there as a good beginning point in learning what you really need. Unless you're very lucky, you won't be finding that kind of advice at your local Sears store.

[Gene M.]

Ingersoll Rand

Ingersoll Rand, get the model 2340L5 14+cfm at 175psi this will handle everything. I pressure sand blast and never run short on air. Got mine at Harbor fright was just under a $grand. If you buy something marginal you will never forget how much you paid for it, but if you buy what you want you won't remember the cost.

[John H.]

Re: Ingersoll Rand

Four years ago I tired of waiting for a 3-1/2hp 25-gallon Craftsman oilless to catch up all the time, and bought a 6.5hp 60-gallon vertical DeVilbiss; single-stage oiled two-cylinder (iron sleeves) belt-driven (220V) compressor, mounted it on rubber body cushions. Handles all my needs very nicely (10.5 cfm @ 90 psi), got it from Harbor Freight, truck-delivered to my garage for $400 and change; today I think they're around $500.

[Werner R.]

Re: Ingersoll Rand

thank you to one and all for the excellent suggestions.
werner
ps i like the one about the bottom blowing out. pass the clean underwear,please!

[Patrick H.]

Re: Ingersoll Rand

What, no picture???

[John H.]

Re: Ingersoll Rand

OK, Doc - here's a picture

[Dave F.]

Re: Ingersoll Rand

As you get older (and your compressor), you may want to keep some nitro glistern pills handy

[Harmon C.]

Re: Ingersoll Rand

I have a Qunicy two stage runs on 220. Allways have plenty of air and scares the socks off visitors when it kicks in and pounds the concrete. I even floated it on cushions. Lyle

[Dick W.]

Re: Ingersoll Rand

A very good resource for compressors would be Mike Cranford. A fellow NCRS member. Has access to some very good commercial compressors

mike427cranford@aol.com