[Teamchevy]

I've been looking for a compressor to install in the new garage I'm building. I know that lots of people say to go with a 2 stage versus a single stage, but money is a limiting factor. The TSC ad has a 60 Gallon 4 cyl on for $799, reg $999. I think it's still a single stage, but the CFMs seem to be higher than the single cylinder. Thoughts & comments anyone??

Thanks,

Dave
:wavey:

 

[NHRAmike57]

Looks like a nice unit Dave..Cast iron oil filled is so much quieter..they just chug along

 

[Teamchevy]

Looks like a nice unit Dave..Cast iron oil filled is so much quieter..they just chug along

Thanks Mike. Here's a couple of pictures from the other day. I have until Thursday to decide.

Dave
:wavey:

 

[DW 55]

i have had my old compressor for around 12 years now .got it from lowes 5 hp with 60 gal tank.it is starting to make a littler more noise when it runs but it has never let me down.it is the single stage but i have painted alot of cars with it over the years and also used it for some sand blasting.i need to get a bigger one before this one died on me one day.

 

[Teamchevy]

Well I didn't get the Farmhand Compressor, but the Iron Horse 80 Gallon unit goes on sale Friday for $799.99 CAD, regular price is $1199.99 CAD. I was thinking I'd buy it as a "garage warming gift" as it's almost complete!! Any thoughts??

http://www.eaglecompressor.com/air_compressor_model.php?recordID=278

Here's the spec sheet on it:

http://www.eaglecompressor.com/download/IHD7160V1_fs.pdf

I wasn't sure if it was made in China or not, so I checked out their webpage. Says they are being produced in Belmont, Mississipi. Doesn't say where the components come from:

http://www.eaglecompressor.com/corporate_history.php

Dave
:bowtieb:

 

[55ChevDelray]

( 3 cylinders- cool. ) Looks like a fairly decent one for the price. But I think maybe you should look at a two stage one. check the air requirements for the biggest air hog piece of equipment you have. Sanders and sand blasters tend to use a lot of air. I have an 8HP 80 Gal that needs recycle time to keep up when using sanders and sand blaster.

 

[BO185]

I just paid $800 bucks for my Koboalt 80gal 3 cylinder from lowes! Well worth it, now it never comes on!!! haha


I can even run a decent sized pressure sandblaster with it.

 

[Rick_L]

I paid $800 US for a 2 stage 16 cfm 7hp 80 gallon cast iron unit at Home Depot maybe 4 years ago. You probably can't get it for that now but I expect it would still be under $1000. It's made by Campbell-Hausfield, not a top of the line brand but not a no name either.

I don't know how the $US vs. the $Canadian affect this, they were growing closer months back but I haven't followed it lately.

I had a 5 hp 60 gallon 13 cfm compressor prior to that, it was a cheapie but it gave me 8 or 9 good years. I can definitely tell the difference in performance, especially when sandblasting.

 

[Teamchevy]

( 3 cylinders- cool. ) Looks like a fairly decent one for the price. But I think maybe you should look at a two stage one. check the air requirements for the biggest air hog piece of equipment you have. Sanders and sand blasters tend to use a lot of air. I have an 8HP 80 Gal that needs recycle time to keep up when using sanders and sand blaster.

I can't find a decent 2 stage for less than $1500 CAD. I actually still have to buy the air tools!! Plus a lot of other stuff! I'm trying to go big without completely draining the bank account.

Dave
:bowtieb:

 

[Teamchevy]

I just paid $800 bucks for my Koboalt 80gal 3 cylinder from lowes! Well worth it, now it never comes on!!! haha


I can even run a decent sized pressure sandblaster with it.

I've think I've seen that one, I think it goes for about $1200 CAD up here.

Dave
:bowtieb:

 

[Teamchevy]

I paid $800 US for a 2 stage 16 cfm 7hp 80 gallon cast iron unit at Home Depot maybe 4 years ago. You probably can't get it for that now but I expect it would still be under $1000. It's made by Campbell-Hausfield, not a top of the line brand but not a no name either.

I don't know how the $US vs. the $Canadian affect this, they were growing closer months back but I haven't followed it lately.

I had a 5 hp 60 gallon 13 cfm compressor prior to that, it was a cheapie but it gave me 8 or 9 good years. I can definitely tell the difference in performance, especially when sandblasting.

Rick, I've seen that at the HD nearby, but it's $1500 Canadian. From what I've been told, items like these units cost more up here because of supply & demand. Not as many are sold as in the US, thus the higher prices. The dollars were about equal today, but it doesn't seem to help!

Dave
:bowtieb:

 

[100%Chevy]

Just looking over the specs on your choice.
They don't show the duty cycle.
Or the motor/pump rpm.
You might want to ask before buying it,as motor speed is important to the life of the compressor.
Duty cycle determines how long it will run before over-heating and tripping the re-set.
Peak h.p. means nothing except they can advertise a higher h.P. rating.Ask what the real h.p. is.(what got the lawn equipment industry in trouble).
I know you mentioned your budget,but if it's not going to hold up,you'll need another-sooner.
Not being a spoil-sport here,just trying to help.
And,I'm in Ms.!And an electrician too!
Mike.:bowtieb:

 

[jpblues]

CFM'S IS KEY!!!!! JUST REMEMBER THAT. I LIKE A BIG PUMP WITH A SMALL TANK MYSELF. IT WILL RUN MORE OFTEN BUT NOT AS LONG EACH TIME. WILL RECOVER FAST. THATS JUST MY OPINION. GOOD LUCK

 

[Rick_L]

100% brings up a good point on the power ratings.

There were class action lawsuits relative to air compressors on this 3-4 years back. Some of the advertising has backed off or clarified a bit regarding this.

The best thing to do is go by cfm ratings and continuous amperage ratings. Electric motors, including those on compressors, will draw about twice the amps on start as when running continuously. Volts times amps = power. These guys were rating compressor motors on the startup power and amps, not continuous.

Cfm ratings are where it's really at and they've not been lied about and have been consitent. But many don't know their meaning, so they don't buy based on cfm. Informed car guys are ahead of that game, since we appreciate cfm.

Remember that some air tools can still consume more air than even a 16-20 cfm compressor can put out. But since air grinders and things like that are rarely used continuously and at full pressure, that usually is not a problem. Spray guns and sandblasting equipment are another story and need a certain airflow.

The biggest thing though about having either a more efficient or bigger compressor is that the air in the output is cooler. That means it doesn't have as much water in it. And that's very important.

 

[ekimneirbo]

Bigger is better

Think of your air compressor as your garages heart......because so many things will rely on its ability to perform. Truth is, everyone trys to rationalize every time they buy a tool. When you buy a compressor, buy a good one and it will last a lifetime. Save a few bucks and you will spend a lifetime waiting for it to pump up and one day you will spend the extra money you saved on an overhaul or another new compressor. Google compressors and read about what the quality compressors have for rods and bearings.....some of the nice looking ones don't have replaceable bearings, the rods just wear. A small tank will pump up faster, but it will deplete faster too....and the air has less time to cool after being pressurized. Don't skimp on compressors, welders, or wives.........or they will cost you more in the long run.

 

[Tuned55]

I'm a bit late on this post but I had to offer my 2 cents. I can't say enough good about these guys. http://www.eatoncompressor.com/page/page/504413.htm

I've bought several compressors from them in the past years.
Thet offer a great product and a fair price. 5 year waranty to boot. They add a lot of the items you want on a shop compressor. :tu