Air compressor choices

[WagonCrazy]

I've been working from an 8 gallon tank - 2 hp 4cfm compressor for years, and since I've been involved in restoration/fabbing...have realized this thing is good for about 2 minutes of tool time followed by 6 minutes of wait time.

This lack of cfm's and volume was (again) brought to light this weekend with a great find on Craigslist of a freestanding media blasting cabinet that I picked up. Time to start cleaning up all the aluminum C4 components as I continue the Nomad project.

Researching on the Internet for days now and am resolved not to be tempted by 300 to 400 dollar units that are less than 60 gallons, and less than 10 cfm output. This blaster needs cfms and tank volume or I'll never get anything done!

My budgets about 750 tops. Id like to get one with wheels for portability. I can wire up a 240 volt plug in my garage if needed. 115 v would sure keep it versatile though.

What do you guys recommend? What should I avoid? What's working for you?

[Run-em]

Go, big, bigger, biggest....never can have too much air. You will find things to run on air and for reasons you never imagined. And the proper use of power tools will allow you to keep working on hobbies for far longer during your life. Arthritis has reared its' ugly head for me & I know I couldn't attempt many of the things I do without air.

[chevynut]

The tank size really has nothing to do with much of anything. Once you start blasting and the compressor kicks in, all that matters is CFM. I would get a 60 gallon compressor with as much CFM as possible...no need for an 80 gallon tank. Shoot for 20 CFM+. Also, get a 2-stage compressor. I'm not sure you can get what you need for your $750 budget.

[Bakins]

I got a 2 stage Quincy with a 60 gallon tank from northern tool. Was $1300 or so.

[WagonCrazy]

$750 does seem a bit low for a high cfm 2 stage 60 gallon unit. More like $1K to $1300 by the time I get it home (delivered or picked up at a freight terminal)

This one's a hard one to swallow because it's such a substantial purchase. Its like buying a 1/2 ton truck, then towing your heavy arse toyhauler all over the place, wondering why you evetually burned up the tranny and it has no power anymore. Shoulda bought the big deisel puller...But i'm stuck with mediocrity for air if I don't go for broke at this juncture...

Where's that money tree I know I planted a while ago? Dang, every dollar has been plucked from it.

Saw some "Puma" compressors online that have 3 cylinders and are 2 stage units. 17cfms on the small end and 22+ on the larger ones. About $1200 to $1500 by the time I get it here...

[WagonCrazy]

And the other frustrating thing about looking at these online is they don't all show the decibal specs. Some on various forums complain about them being very loud, and others compliment the quietness...

Many of the listings i look at don't post that spec. Frustrating also.

[567chevys]

Hey Wagoncrazy

Look for a used one
There are good ones out there , just have to check them out before you buy just make sure it's not 3 Phase motor unless you have that kind of power

[Bakins]

And the other frustrating thing about looking at these online is they don't all show the decibal specs. Some on various forums complain about them being very loud, and others compliment the quietness...

My Quincy is loud, but it's in my garage. I'm going to do a "baffle wall" - in my testing that quieted it down a bunch. Basically a wall with some sound insulation between it and the main part of garage. Have to make sure I maintain proper ventilation, etc. I've also looked at some of the intake mufflers, but haven't bought one.

[Rick_L]

I find that my 2 stage compressor is a bit quieter than than the single stage it replaced. And it has about 60% more airflow.

You will not find a 120V unit that has enough power to fill your needs.

As a minimum, if you can afford it, buy a 11-13 cfm single stage, usually comes with a 60 gallon tank. Better yet, 16-18 cfm two stage.

There are lots of choices out there for both of those basic specs.

[chevynut]

If you put your compressor on pads, instead of on the concrete floor, it should quiet it a lot. Mine is going into the new enclosed closet under the stairway in my new shop.