Kobalt Compressor - Opinions Please!

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Sep 30, 2006 | 05:10 PM

#16

49willard

Cargo Master

Joined: Apr 2005

Posts: 3,337

Likes: 165

From: Harpswell Maine

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowtrkn2k

Well, looks like your guys are talking me into the 2 stage. I for one hate to replace later because I didn't do it right the first time. I think I will cut some costs somewhere else, if that's possible continuing with the do it right the first time theme. I'm going to take a little more time and do some more shopping around. I have also been looking at www.craigslist.com (great place to find things) and have barely missed out on some good tools. You have to be quick on there because the deals can be great but they go fast. I'll keep looking and see what I can come up with.

I watched ebay for a while last fall looking for a good used 2 stage. I almost bought a 2 stage 5hp IR on ebay but really wasnted 7 1/2 hp. I had run cobbled up setups for years and wanted a compreessor to replace both my electric units and my Gordon Smith compressor head on a Model B block that I use to sandblast with. I ended up pulling the trigger and bought a new IR 2 stage 80 gallon 7 1/2 hp in January. It is the berries! I have not been able to pull it down with my sandblast pot. I put an air regulator on the pot to keep the pressure down for blasting sheet metal. It delivers over 24 CFM at 175 psi. It was a late xmass present to myself.

Be very careful on claimed hp. Cobalt, Husky, Sears and others have gotten into using "peak" not running hp ratings. 7 hp peak comes out to less than 4hp running. You need running hp.

Last edited by 49willard; Sep 30, 2006 at 05:14 PM.

Oct 3, 2006 | 05:13 PM

#17

mkabwe

Junior User

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 66

Likes: 0

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Gaddy

mkabwe, is this the one you have?BELAIRE 5 HP 220V/1 60V 2 STAGE AIR COMPRESSOR
Item ID: PBE 9BA 216V
Weight: 300.00 LBS
List Price: $ 1,148.85
Your Price: $ 999.00
You save: $ 149.85

\

Yes thats the same compressor I have, but I did not pay that much for it. I paid 797.00 for mine I just checked. Its still that price at http://www.asedeals.com/. Thats where I got mine. Free shipping but you do have to pay a $40 residential delivery fee. If you got some buddy like I do you don't need a lift gate which would cost $100.00 more. My buds and I picked it up and put it on a dolly and rolled it in the garage.

Last edited by mkabwe; Oct 3, 2006 at 05:17 PM.

Oct 3, 2006 | 05:52 PM

#18

AXracer

Hotshot

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 15,882

Likes: 88

From: Durham NC

The cheaper compressors also rate by "free air delivery" the CFM coming directly out of the pump with no backpressure. When you start pushing against pressure in a storage tank, thru manifold piping and a regulator, and 25' of flex hose the actual output drops to 1/2 or less! Also check duty cycle, the percentage of time the compressor is running vs shut off while in use when comparison shopping. Lighter duty units may have a duty cycle of 25% or less whereas a commercial unit is likely to be rated for 100% (continuous running). The lower the duty cycle the more likely the compressor will overheat and/or fail if used for more than tire inflation or blowing parts dry. I agree, you can never have too much air a lot of water in the lines is a sure sign you should have bought a larger unit. An automatic tank drain is another worthwhile feature or option especially in a unheated/cooled shop IMHO.

Oct 3, 2006 | 05:58 PM

#19

lowtrkn2k

Thread Starter

Elder User

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 741

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From: Katy(Houston), Texas

I was in Sam's today to check out their compressor I saw a few weeks back. It is a pretty good deal. It is a Delta 80gal, 6hp, 2 stage and puts 16.9 cfm for a price of $782.00.

I thought that seemed like a pretty good deal. What do you all think about it?

Oct 3, 2006 | 06:33 PM

#20

AXracer

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Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 15,882

Likes: 88

From: Durham NC

Sure it's a 2 stage? looks just like the IR single stage with near identical specs.

Oct 3, 2006 | 06:36 PM

#21

lowtrkn2k

Thread Starter

Elder User

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 741

Likes: 0

From: Katy(Houston), Texas

Yes, it is a two stage. Does this sound like a pretty good compressor?

I tried to do a search online and even whent to Delta's web site but they didn't even have it listed (they didn't have anything that big). I guess it is a rebranded model?

Oct 3, 2006 | 07:12 PM

#22

AXracer

Hotshot

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 15,882

Likes: 88

From: Durham NC

There are only a couple actual manufacturers of compressors Mostly IR and CH all the rest are rebranded from one of these or an overseas knockoff. They mix and match components for the rebranders to provide units with the specs features or price they want. That sounds like a good price. My local Sams doesn't stock that unit. The used to sell an 80 gal "Black Max" here.