I run a 1000sqft shop and i am investing in an air compressor and outfitting myself with air tools. tools are not the issue but i am trying to decide which compressor i should go with.

Needs: i will be doing only mechanical repair, impacts, rachets, blow gun, ect.

Ill be using it for 8-10 hours a day 6 days a week. i am the only one working as of now but most likely there will be one other tech at work soon.

i don't want it to be kicking on every time i pull the trigger. will a 60 gallon be enough or do i need an 80. i think ill need a 60 gallon at 150 psi. would that be a good fit?

 

Get a used Quincy, Speedaire, or IR for about half the cost of a new one, and as big as you have the power to run.

 

what do they run for new/used ones? where can i find one? what brand is "IR"?

 

New, "inexpensive" compressors are in the $1-2k range.

IR == Ingersoll Rand

I suggest looking at Northern Tool's site, they used to have some pretty decent sizing
help in an FAQ there 9and likely still do).

Portable Generators, Welders, Pressure Washers, Power Tools | Northern Tool + Equipment

Check out your local CraigsList for used variants.

 

I got mine (5.5 hp, 25 gal.) at Sears, turns out it's twin is a Porter-Cable, for less than $300. I know it's smaller than what you are looking for, but if you do enough research you might find a really good quality one that has been re-branded and is cheaper. At the time I bought mine, the company that I was working for was selling the same identical Porter-Cable model for $200 more than I paid for the Sears model.

 

in looking at 2 IR compresors on northern tool

model ss3l3 $599.99

60 gal, 135 max, 10.3cfm@135psi, 3hp

model ss5l5 $899.99

60 gal, 135 max, 18.1 cfm @ 90psi, 5hp, (15.5@135psi)

both have free shipping making them good buys over other new compressors.

i think the 3hp would be enough for my shop and when i expand. as stated only mechanical tools, but i want to be able to have three techs working off it.

most likely 2 techs for a long time but possibly 3.

 

Ingersoll Rand is always a good choice.

 

The 5HP 2 stage IR is a good compressor, but you really need an 80 gal tank to keep it from running constantly with more than one person using it. Think future requirements and buy the biggest you can afford. Even if you have to buy used. Look thru the IR website for model numbers and compare what you can get it for somewhere else. If you look closely at the specs, a lot of the Northern tool compressors are different than listed on the IR website.
Tractor Supply, if you have one close, is a good place to shop for one.

 

Worked on compressors all my life and the best bang for the buck is Quincy. Hands down the best compressor under 10 HP. Get a 5 horsepower, two stage model mounted on an 80 gallon receiver. Any receiver larger will only net you zero gain and a few $ lost on initial purchase. This should give you plenty of air for yourself and an occasional helper.

Look in the yellow pages under compressed air any you may find a dealer that has some used units.

 

I don't know if they all have this deal or not but I was in the local Tractor supply store yesterday. They had a 80 gal up right IR brand new for $999.00.

Last year I gave $989.00 for a 60 gal IR at Northern Tool. I'm happy with the 60 but for $10 I would go with the 80 for sure.

 

I would definitely recommend a 2 stage and large tank. I currently have a craftsman 20 gal at 150psi but the CFM is so low that it is running alot while using impacts and air guns. I want a bigger one and have the power for it but not the money yet! if anyone knows a good website for used compressors please post it, i have been checking craigslist too.

Thanks

 

I'm sorry that I resurrect the old topic, but it's just that I myself once encountered this issue, and spent a lot of time to find really useful information
The best is always going to be an industrial quality compressor that has the capacity in CFM and the size tank you need. Figure out which tools you intend to drive off of the compressor and learn how much air in CFM they need, then get the best bargain you can find that provides what you are looking for. I got a Schulz compressoron sale for $400, and have had zero problems.

If you don't intend to paint with it, you can get adequate compressors from any of the sources you mentioned in the range of $350 - $500. As long as they are oiled, they should do fine for your application. If you intend to do a substantial amount of painting with it, that's another story. People have built RVs with the smallest compressors you can imagine, as well as the largest. You can do a search and find several threads discussing this over the last few years.

If you get a 220V compressor, be sure and figure in the cost of wiring to accommodate the compressor, if you don't already have a 220V outlet.
On YouTube there are a lot of useful videos on a similar subject, I'll leave here one, I hope this will help someone in the future.