good air compressor...?

[Dave Smith]

right on GG---my compressor is a 60 gallon tank 5 or 6hp and I add on extra storage tanks using quick connects when I need a lot of quiet air--the storage tanks can be outside under a cover so they don't take up shop space---the large propane tanks work good for extra storage---just put good ball valves on tanks to seal them off when not using and check your system for any leaks--they will waste a lot of air---I have about ten compressors in different sizes--and my quietest one is a 4 cyl compressor off an refrigeration unit---it doesn't pump up as fast to 120psi but it runs so quiet you can hardly hear it----I haven't got 220 wiring to my new shop yet, and when I do then I will start selling or trading my smaller compressors.----three compressors should be enough,----just remember you can get by now with a smaller compressor as long as you have an 80 or bigger storage tank and others to connect on.--I would look for an older large air compressor for sale---lots of people think the smaller newer compressors are better--so you may pick up a large one cheap----Dave

 

[GK1918]

Look for an "industrial" compressor. Brands like Ingersoll Rand, Quincy, Gardener-Denver, etc. You will pay more, but you will only have to buy it once. I had a 2/hp. Ingersoll Rand for over 30 years. It ran everything from paint guns to sanders. Sanders were a little slow, but not unacceptable for my needs. The only reason that I no longer have it is because I traded up.


Happy Trails

The proof; in our shop bought new by my father in 1939 dual stage Ingersoll Rand 2 stage 5hp 220 1 phase vertical 80 or +gal . anways its never been touched workes
just about 7 days aweek and parts are still available...
sam

 

[mzayd3]

Scfm of the pump dictates the size of the tool you can continuously drive. The volume of the tank dictates how often the pump kicks on. That said, go huge, as big as you can. If I had to skimp on something, I would make it the tank size. Get as many scfm that you can afford.

 

[nickmckinney]

....Could never see the point of most air operated tools....

Our compressor runs the blast cabinet, paint booth, blow guns, and once in a blue moon an air tool. I too prefer electric wherever possible.

I rebuild/sell new compressors in the dental world where they are near silent and 100% duty cycle even when oil free but man you pay a price for that (one I just sold was over $7K, 2HP, and installation was NOT included at that price)

 

[chips&more]

Well, you are all right, but sorry, I like my set-up better. I have 5 portable compressors that feed a common manifold that supplies the shop air. Each compressors pressure switch is adjusted for a 8psi difference from the others. The highest setting is 130psi. That compressor which is set at 130psi is the only one that turns on for the majority of the air demand in the shop. If I do any high demand CFM like sand blasting then eventually all five compressors might turn on. The one main/first compressor is the only one that runs for about 95% of the air in the shop. This way I don’t have a big bertha compressor always turning on. It’s only a $50 flea market find (and it’s been about 10 years and the darn thing has not died yet). And if I need more air/CFM, more compressors automatically turn on…Good Luck, Dave.

 

[Downwindtracker2]

There are some good points:
Go by amps draw, not advertised H.P., my "5hp" draws 15 amps ,so does my 3hp table saw, both at 220volt .
10 SCFM is a minimum for a home shop, 3hp, that's the cut off for most spray painting.
Better quality air tools use less, some times much less air.
The pressure drop over line length is very noticeable, don't use 1/4" hose
Air tools are nice, you are not packing a heavy motor.

 

[coolidge]

To run a standard die grinder requires about 4.5 CFM @ 90PSI. So you are looking for a minimum of a 3HP compressor and it will run pretty continuously when running a die grinder. For commercial wood working use, I normally figure 5 HP for each air sander. If you want quiet, be prepared to spend a lot of money. They exist, but they are not cheap.

My 5HP (a true 5HP, not the ones that are said to be 5HP) runs about 50 % of the time when I'm using my die grinder.

A true 5HP compressor motor draws about 25 amps at 240V. Always look at the amp draw on the motor. Roughly 5 amps / HP @240V and 10 amps / HP @ 120V

Many of the so called ''5HP'' compressors have ''Special'' stamped on the motor data tag in place of an actual HP number. These are not 5HP compressors and I have see some that were actually closer to 1HP.

So having said all the above, HF is not a terrible place to buy a compressor, there are also the big box stores and farm supplies. If you are looking for used, Craigslist is a good resource. Just watch the HP rating.

I was comparing 3hp to 5hp motors offered by a machine vendor...they were spec'd as drawing the exact same amps at 240V...yeah I wasn't born yesterday.

PS: I admit to lusting for a rotary compressor.

 

[John Hasler]

I was comparing 3hp to 5hp motors offered by a machine vendor...they were spec'd as drawing the exact same amps at 240V...

That number is the rating of the circuit that they can be connected to.

Manufacturers do often lie about motor ratings, though. They state the peak short-term output rather than the continuous rating.

 

[COMachinist]

Hi All
I picked up one of these to use in the shop for little things that don't need my 80 gal, 10hp 2 stage. that thing will drive you nuts when it runs. http://www.ebay.com/itm/SALE-Califo...-Lab-Ultra-Quiet-Air-Compressor-/351242896390
I don't have any connection with these people but I like their service and they shipped fast. I use it to run my cut-off tool and die grinders as well as my Fog buster, and the air power drawbar on my CNC. you will be amazed at how quiet it is.
Here you here it run.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otME04bL2PA
Happy Machining
CH

 

[sgisler]

Wow! That's crazy quiet. Price seems really good too!


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