shopping for a compressor!
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 656
Likes: 0
From: Westford,Ma
shopping for a compressor!
Looking for some input on a good yet affordable compressor for my home garage. For the tools I have I think the blast cabinet is the biggest user of air at 9.5 cfm at 90 psi. I believe this would have me in the 3 to 3.5 hp 60 gallon range. Any info would br great!
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,099
Likes: 379
From: Southern California
I would recommend Senco. We have had one (a twin piston, twin tank, wheel barrel type portable unit) for 30 years and it has yet to even need a single part replaced. We have run 3 framing nailers simultanously for days on end, in the dirt, hot & freezing weather.
Cranky Old Guy
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,562
Likes: 6
From: Raphine, Virginia
You're on the right track. Consider that the smallest to buy. A two stage , 80 gal. would be be better. If you have a Tractor Supply store near you, check there for an Ingersoll-Rand, Campbell-Hausefield will be a bit cheaper, and I believe they still have a three year warranty.
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 38
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Don't overlook Jenny brand air compressors.
They used to be Emglo before Black & Decker/ DeWalt bought them out for the name and moved production to Mexico.
Jenny Hand Carry, Wheeled Portable, and Industrial Stationary Air Compressors Home Page -
Otherwise I'd also recommend Quincy & I/R. They also seem to do things right.
A Senco is fine on a jobsite but won't keep up or last long with the continuous demand of a blast cabinet or a couple of DA's.
I agree that 3 1/2 Hp & 60 gallons is a minimum.
I'd be looking for a 5 horse dual stage unit.
They used to be Emglo before Black & Decker/ DeWalt bought them out for the name and moved production to Mexico.
Jenny Hand Carry, Wheeled Portable, and Industrial Stationary Air Compressors Home Page -
Otherwise I'd also recommend Quincy & I/R. They also seem to do things right.
A Senco is fine on a jobsite but won't keep up or last long with the continuous demand of a blast cabinet or a couple of DA's.
I agree that 3 1/2 Hp & 60 gallons is a minimum.
I'd be looking for a 5 horse dual stage unit.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,168
Likes: 10
From: San Ramon Ca.
The Sears Professional 175 PSI pump has been working well for nine years. Keeps up well for the work I do. I had a Quincy single stage and it was a good compressor But the Sears unit is quieter and keeps up better. Since its a stand up it fits in the garage better too.
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,388
Likes: 0
From: Saratoga, NY
I accidentally found a IR 60 gal on sale at TSC for $500, thats $100 less than usual, glad I put off buying it for a year. The first store just sold their last one but I found one at a store 30 miles away, and all this happend the day it went on sale.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,922
Likes: 152
500$ is a little steep for a 60 gal single stage. You are paying for the name there. Tractor Supply sells in my area 60 gal single stage for around 400$ Can't remember the brand but they are just as good as any other. If you are going to run a pressure feed sand blaster, DA sander, die grinder, they won't keep up. You would need a 2 stage 80 gal. Have you been watching Craigs List, local papers ? Used ones pop up from time to time. I sold a used 60 gal single stage not too long ago for 200$
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,388
Likes: 0
From: Saratoga, NY
I live in NY there's no such thing as cheap here. They did sell a CH 60 gal for $400 but the IR has a Emerson motor, an IR pump, and a Manchester tank. I could buy a similar compressor from HF for around $360 if I didn't mind it being made in China or wherever. I could buy a Korean car for less money than an American car, but is it just as good? You'd know if you ever worked on that junk. Doesn't really matter what I paid for it I can write it off my taxes next year anyway.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 3
From: Sapulpa OK
Whatever you choose, ask the salesman for a price on a set of connecting rod inserts. If he cannot give you a good answer such as price and availability, then go somewhere else. There is plenty of cheap stuff out there but they do not have a parts network. It would be a shame to have to scrap your compressor next year because you couldn't buy repair parts for it.
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 656
Likes: 0
From: Westford,Ma
500$ is a little steep for a 60 gal single stage. You are paying for the name there. Tractor Supply sells in my area 60 gal single stage for around 400$ Can't remember the brand but they are just as good as any other. If you are going to run a pressure feed sand blaster, DA sander, die grinder, they won't keep up. You would need a 2 stage 80 gal. Have you been watching Craigs List, local papers ? Used ones pop up from time to time. I sold a used 60 gal single stage not too long ago for 200$
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,922
Likes: 9
I got an IR SS5E from Northern Tool. Had it about 18 mos and never had any issues. Runs my blast cabinet and all the other tools in my garage. I've see some Kobalt units but they seem to vary greatly from one Lowes to another as to selection. They seem to be in the same price range as the IR.
Cranky Old Guy
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,562
Likes: 6
From: Raphine, Virginia
Don't know about some of the others, but at least I can get rebuild kits for my IR. I use the crap out of my 3hp 60 gal and need to rebuild it every two years. Next one will be a 5hp 80 gal.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,165
Likes: 0
From: Union Lake MI
Do not skimp on shop air. Put it on a credit card.
Quincy 60 Gal 5 HP 2 Stage Air Compressor 2V41C60VC America's Farm & Home Store
Or better yet:
Quincy 80 Gal 5HP 2 Stage Air Compressor 251CP80VCB America's Farm & Home Store
A blaster & die grinder will kill the normal junk & ware out.
.
Quincy 60 Gal 5 HP 2 Stage Air Compressor 2V41C60VC America's Farm & Home Store
Or better yet:
Quincy 80 Gal 5HP 2 Stage Air Compressor 251CP80VCB America's Farm & Home Store
A blaster & die grinder will kill the normal junk & ware out.
.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
annaleigh
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
17
Apr 7, 2016 11:16 AM
annaleigh
1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis
5
Apr 1, 2016 04:30 PM
Mark Kovalsky
General Automotive Discussion
1
Oct 21, 2013 01:40 PM
251cp80vcb, 5hp, 80, air, compressor, craigslist, gal, ingersoll, ingersollrand, quincy, rand, richmond, ss5e, stage, va
