Air Compressor Dilemma
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Air Compressor Dilemma
Currently looking for a compressor to use with automotive air tools, and small cabinet sand blaster, etc., trying to decide which is the best route to take. I currently do not have 240v circuit to the shop so I am looking for a compressor with the best bang for the buck on a 120v circuit. Came across a 2-3 options; I like the oil belt driven compressor over the oil-less but in looking into the specifications a couple are listed as 'duel voltage', except for the Ingersol Rand, and I am not clear what the 'duel voltage' option means?
Thought I would check with member's who may have experience with the list of compressors I have posted? ** I am open to any other suggestions. Appreciate comment/suggestion!!
Sears.com
Sears.com
Sears.com
Thought I would check with member's who may have experience with the list of compressors I have posted? ** I am open to any other suggestions. Appreciate comment/suggestion!!
Sears.com
Sears.com
Sears.com
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Joined: Apr 2004
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"Dual Voltage" is the ability to run on 120v or 240v with a simple wiring change. That would be a good option if you can eventually run the 240v circuits.
IR units are well regarded. There are several air compressor threads here if you scroll back enough pages.
IR units are well regarded. There are several air compressor threads here if you scroll back enough pages.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
Likes: 18
From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Appreciate the input, thank you!!
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2015
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From: very South Texas
belt drive, oil crankcase are the only way to go. .. for Air Work.
I have an IR 3L3SS 60 gallon... a real good unit for the Home Garage.
240 volt if possible.. a lot less motor heat.
remember the Duty Cycle... exceeding it can shorten motor and pump life.
retired auto mechanic... using air tools for 47 years...
I have an IR 3L3SS 60 gallon... a real good unit for the Home Garage.
240 volt if possible.. a lot less motor heat.
remember the Duty Cycle... exceeding it can shorten motor and pump life.
retired auto mechanic... using air tools for 47 years...
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,515
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From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
i would pass on those units and just go for a 220 volt 60 gallon tank compressor.
the larger motor and tank will cut power use almost in half, and they cost the same as those small units.
i picked up a last years floor model 60 gallon ingersol compressor from lowes 3 years ago for $399.
the money save by purchasing the larger compressor offset the cost of running the 60 amp 220 line out to the garage.
the larger motor and tank will cut power use almost in half, and they cost the same as those small units.
i picked up a last years floor model 60 gallon ingersol compressor from lowes 3 years ago for $399.
the money save by purchasing the larger compressor offset the cost of running the 60 amp 220 line out to the garage.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Agree, a 220v circuit would be the way to go, as an ole timer, and a back yard mechanic for the past 50 plus years, being limited to a 120v circuit has been a major pain in the backside. Trenching up, down, and over 100' of very difficult terrain would be extremely difficult, and costly; not to mention it would require upgrading the main panel. Having said that, it has given me food for thought, before deciding on a 120v compressor I should have an electrician check out the site to determine if I have any options?
Thanks to all, appreciate the suggestions!!
Thanks to all, appreciate the suggestions!!
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,515
Likes: 5,567
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
another option is to get a 10 KW generator, and then when you need to run the compressor plug it into the genset.
this way you have backup power in case of a power failure.
this way you have backup power in case of a power failure.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Have discussed replacing our 5k generator, which is only used on occasions when there's a power outage; although it works fine pumping 220v thru the house I am fairly certain the 5K is not sufficient to operate a compressor under a load. I am going to have an electrician scope it out but whether I have a 220 v circuit installed, or not, the next time these ole bones have a problem starting the 'pull cord' generator on a cold winter day, I am going shopping!!
Again, appreciate the comments and suggestions!!
Again, appreciate the comments and suggestions!!
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i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,515
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From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
i have a 50 year old 10KW with 20 hp "onan screamer" power.
it will produce 50 amps at 220 volts, and run my whole house, or my garage with lights, air compressor, and plasma cutter running.
the 6 hp 60 gallon tank compressor only uses 14 amps in run mode. i think it is 20 amp start up.
i will never own another pull start anything after getting spoiled with the electric start generators, welders, snowblowers, and lawn mowers.
it will produce 50 amps at 220 volts, and run my whole house, or my garage with lights, air compressor, and plasma cutter running.
the 6 hp 60 gallon tank compressor only uses 14 amps in run mode. i think it is 20 amp start up.
i will never own another pull start anything after getting spoiled with the electric start generators, welders, snowblowers, and lawn mowers.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2015
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From: very South Texas
Have discussed replacing our 5k generator, which is only used on occasions when there's a power outage; although it works fine pumping 220v thru the house I am fairly certain the 5K is not sufficient to operate a compressor under a load. I am going to have an electrician scope it out but whether I have a 220 v circuit installed, or not, the next time these ole bones have a problem starting the 'pull cord' generator on a cold winter day, I am going shopping!!
Again, appreciate the comments and suggestions!!
Again, appreciate the comments and suggestions!!
the very reason I replaced my Coleman generator (24 years of service) ...
tried to start it in 20 degree weather... messed up my shoulder....
got a Generac GP7000E with spin on oil filter.... 7K and electric start... used with 90 hours.
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,515
Likes: 5,567
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
one day i will find a diesel. but for now i have to settle for the old onan, or the miller bobcat welder, which is also a 10 KW genset. the miller also has a 2 cylinder onan 20 hp gas engine on it.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Intend keeping an eye out for a higher output generator. I signed up for a monthly email newsletter when I was shopping for a tractor, it's published by Ag Resources' and I would describe it as a forum similar to 'auto traitor' or Craig's list on steroids. The entire newsletter covers everything imaginable from farming equipment, agriculture equipment, trucks of every variety, and power tools for sale, to include a section on generators, etc. I have not paid much attn. for past couple months but intend to in the future.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Before putting this thread to rest; in checking Ingersol Rand, noticed they offer same/similar size compressors, or generators, with either Honda or Kohler engine and thought I would check if member's, who may be familiar with them, for suggestions or comments. I am not particularly using friendly with my outdoor power equipment and impressed with the smaller Honda engines? Also curious what is meant when item is described as a Compressor with Alternator?
Senior User
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One option you might think about is get the nice big compressor and then swap out the motor for a 2-3 hp 120V unit. Keep the old motor just in case you ever do run a 240V line back to the shop. Most of the difference between a high CFM compressor and an only slightly cheaper low CFM unit is in the pump not the motor. You can get a 2HP 120V motor for $100-150. Just something to keep in mind if you find a smokin deal on a 240V compressor. As a side note Northern Tool has their Quincy units $100 off and free maintenance kit until 11/7.
Thread Starter
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
Likes: 18
From: Boulder Creek, Ca
One option you might think about is get the nice big compressor and then swap out the motor for a 2-3 hp 120V unit. Keep the old motor just in case you ever do run a 240V line back to the shop. Most of the difference between a high CFM compressor and an only slightly cheaper low CFM unit is in the pump not the motor. You can get a 2HP 120V motor for $100-150. Just something to keep in mind if you find a smokin deal on a 240V compressor. As a side note Northern Tool has their Quincy units $100 off and free maintenance kit until 11/7.