Air compressor choices

[WagonCrazy]

For $660 delivered, I can get this 2 cylinder, single stage Puma 3hp 60 gal 220v single phase, 12cfm at 90psi Puma PK6060V.jpg

For $1110 delivered, I can get this 3 cylinder, single stage Puma 5ph 60 gal 220V single phase, 18 cfm at 90psi Puma PK7060VS.jpg

For $975 delivered, I can get this 3 cylinder, single stage Magna Force 3hp 80 gal 240V single phase, 14 cfm at 90psi MagnaForce 69122.jpg

What I reaaaaaaallllly want is a dual stage 3 cylinder single phase 240v one with about a 60 gallon tank. Those are close to $2K delivered.

I am looking for them used for sure, on Craigslist all over the place, but they are few and far between (somewhat in the greater SoCal area) and when the good ones come up, they want a few hundred less than new. Why take a chance on someone elses used equipment. Especially compressors...I'd bet 90% of the reason why people are selling them is because they are lame, putting out low air, worn out, tripping breakers, etc.

Dang. Lotta bucks for these.

Why wouldn't I just be better off to buy 3 $400 dollar 7cfm compressors, and hook em all up in tandem? Sell 'em one at a time when I dont' need em.

But in fact, I do need the cfms to do blasting and stuff like that.

Aaargh...

[chevynut]

Paul, I bought an Ingersoll-Rand compressor for $1200....240V single phase 5 HP 60 gallon two-stage and 15 CFM @ 175 PSI. I can tell you that my blasting cabinet and even my die grinder taxes it. When I'm using my blasting cabinet, I can run the pressure down but usually don't have to wait for it to come back very much. Here's what I bought:

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/...ssor/p705.html

If I had it to do over again, I would buy even a higher CFM one. But it's hard to find them over 15-17 CFM.

I think I got mine here...check them out. Free shipping.

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/

[chevynut]

Also, when comparing CFM ratings, make sure you're comparing them at the same pressure.

It looks like the Puma 18 CFM one you posted is a good deal if the specs check out...but remember that's 18CFM at 90 PSI. The IR compressor is 15 CFM at 175 PSI. NO WAY will a 3HP compressor do what you need.

[chevynut]

I think this is what I should have bought for a few more bucks....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SCHULZ-AIR-C...item35b6cc702e

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-INGERSOL...item1e6fc145e2

[Bakins]

This is the one I have: http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...0475_200350475
I like it a lot, but my use has been fairly light. I have a local northern tool, so I picked it up. A local-ish shop also services them (on-site) if needed - that helped make my decision.
Not affiliated in anyway, just a happy customer If I did more work, I'd go bigger like Laszlo said. I probably won't paint with mine as I found out my neighbor has a paint booth.

[chevynut]

Actually my experience is that painting takes a lot less air than blasting or using some air tools. My compressor doesn't run much when I'm shooting primer, even using HVLP.

[Bakins]

Actually my experience is that painting takes a lot less air than blasting or using some air tools. My compressor doesn't run much when I'm shooting primer, even using HVLP.

I was talking about moisture, etc.

In my playing with tools last couple of weeks (finally got some time) I've been happy with my compressor.

[Rick_L]

The bigger and more efficient the compressor, and the less it runs, reduces moisture in the lines.

[Bakins]

FWIW - using the compressor more now in the hot and humid Georgia summer. I am getting some moisture. With 95% humidity, that's not really surprising. My moisture separator is doing okay, but I probably need to do something better - a better filter and/or more pipe with another water trap.

[warren57]

I pretty much agree with everyone that has answered, with just a few comments. I build my own units (retired pipefitter and mechanical contractor) Definitely a two stage. Try to get Cast iron in lieu of aluminum and years down the road you rebuild it just as you do a car. As for tank, I disagree with some of the others, it has a lot to do with your system. When you compress 175# into a large tank and start using it at 100 lbs or less, It will run your tools longer before the compressor has to start. It also allows for longer run time when the compressor cycles and running is much easier than starting/stopping. In heavy industrial use they still use compressors that run continuous and have cylinder unloaders to control pressure. No different than a light bulb, turning them on uses more energy and continual on/off burns them out. Motor windings are no different. Also a larger tank gives the compressed air better cooling to separate the water at the tank (dryer, cooler air) About the largest HP 220V single phase motor made is 7 HP, although 5 HP is much more common. Get the largest CFM and highest pressure you can with one of these motors.