In the market for a compressor...

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racin4ds

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Hi guys, I've been building my own powder coating business in the last year and have long overworked my poor Craftsman 2hp 15 gal compressor, especially with the blast cabinet I just bought. I have a budget of ~$500 and want something with at least 10cfm @ 90psi. Know of any deals out there?

So far all I have seen for options are the units from lowes and Home depot right at $499 for a 60 gallon 3.5 hp rated at 11.2cfm @ 90psi. Just wondering if I'm missing anything else I should look at.

Any of you guys sandblast? will 11cfm keep up? I also use various air tools in the shop such as a DA sander and impact guns...
 
Auctions, businesses or garages liquidating their equipment. Doesn't effect you but notice a garage auction in my area today that has a Snap-On compressor. Went to auctions in past where some commercial grade compressors with air dryer went for a reasonable price.
 
try to find a 13cfm 2stage that goes to 150psi

if will cycle back and forth above your 90psi.

and be much better. it can be regulated to whatever you need.


Craigslist is a possibility but buyer beware obviously

60 gallon 3.5 hp rated at 11.2cfm @ 90psi

wont be good enough.

also do you have 220v available? you will need it.

80 gallon 5hp 2stage .. most are similar rated.
until you get to the 2000$ range.


something like
http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/ingersoll-randreg%3B-5hp-air-compressor-80-gal

Quote:
5 HP (as rated by engine manufacturer) 230V 2-stage air compressor
175 max. PSI and 80 gal. ASME tank
15.8 CFM @ 90 PSI
100% continuous duty all cast iron pump


for 999$ is what you want. I didnt look for a deal.. but you dont want jobsmart or some other offbrand if you are using it continuously.


2-stage pump is more efficient at higher pressures.


IR 60gallon single stage continuous rated.
this would probably be sufficient and reliable.
650$
http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/ingersoll-randreg%3B-5-hp-air-compressor-60-gal

dewalt for 576$ kinda borderline. I'd get bigger
http://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-60-Gal...1vZc27pZ1z0v7nx
 
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It would help if you have 220 or 208 power available, can run a larger compressor and will run more efficiently.

I've bought several compressors off Craigslist with good results. There isn't a whole lot to a compressor, if oil has been changed and it still builds rated pressure there isn't a lot of risk in buying a used one. For $500 used you should be able to find a 60 or 80 gallon with a bit more HP than the 3.5 you are looking at.
 
I've been happy with this 3 hp 60 gal from TS:

http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/campbell-hausfeldreg%3B-60-gallon-cast-iron-air-compressor

At the time I bought it I had a coupon for money off and with ag exemption it was out the door for about $379, a no-brainer.

I run a HF pressure pot sandblaster from time to time with no problems and it keeps up fine with air tools. As mentioned I think a key factor is providing 220v supply. The unit needs to be anchored as well, I used equipment pads from McMaster Carr and anchor bolts to keep it in place and I've got a main shut-off between tank and air filter/regulator. Very happy with the setup and operation.

One other thing, I also ran the compressor for initial break-in, then changed the oil just to be sure any break-in crud was out.
 
Originally Posted By: racin4ds
Any of you guys sandblast? will 11cfm keep up? I also use various air tools in the shop such as a DA sander and impact guns...

Sandblasting and the DA sander use a lot of air. A small blast cabinet and impact gun will work okay on a 60 gallon single stage but not the DA or cutoff wheels.

Increase the budget or go used. I have an 7 HP 2 stage American Made Quincy that does everything without breaking a sweat but it cost about $2,500 new which isn't terrible for what it is, its a long term investment.
If your making a living with it you need a good unit.
 
Good points fellas, thanks.

Yes I have 220 available, I knew I wasn't getting another 110v unit!

I was looking at those PUMA brand compressors that Northern has, any of you guys have any experience with them?? I like the features and the price is great, claims to be made in the USA even. Darn shipping is killer tho... another $200 there..
 
I know Trav, I'd love to do it but just don't have the coin right now to drop $1400... I think I'm going to go grab that IR 5hp/60gal that Tractor supply has on sale... $649 and its in stock. 14cfm too!
 
Originally Posted By: racin4ds
I know Trav, I'd love to do it but just don't have the coin right now to drop $1400... I think I'm going to go grab that IR 5hp/60gal that Tractor supply has on sale... $649 and its in stock. 14cfm too!



the main thing is its not 2stage, also some have reported electric motors that dont last.

if you need alot of air at 90-100psi Id get a 2 stage. That IR should work but it would be the smallest/unit I would get.

The 999$ one is rated at 15000hours vs 8000 for the single stage.

also check your PM for $$$ off. its single use so i didnt post it in here.
 
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If you're using a lot of air at a standard pressure (90-110psi), look for a used rotary screw compressor. They are better at high volume flow compared to reciprocating designs. Make sure you keep a good oil in it. Preferably, an 8,000hr fluid with some diester base stock in it.
 
Originally Posted By: racin4ds
I know Trav, I'd love to do it but just don't have the coin right now to drop $1400... I think I'm going to go grab that IR 5hp/60gal that Tractor supply has on sale... $649 and its in stock. 14cfm too!


I know what you mean. If its temporary thing and you want to upgrade later go for the 60 gallon Husky from HD. Its going to do the job and give you a few years anyway then sell it for a couple of hundred.

JMHO
 
I blast all the time and minimum I go is 7.5HP 230 volt 20cfm at 175psi buy one in your life make it a good one or you're just throwing money away no you can't get on for $500.00 or one I would look at.
 
Originally Posted By: dave123
I blast all the time and minimum I go is 7.5HP 230 volt 20cfm at 175psi buy one in your life make it a good one or you're just throwing money away no you can't get on for $500.00 or one I would look at.


While that would be ideal those run 1400-2000$ IIRC

I have a 80gallon 2stage 5hp 14.x@90 and I use it in a glass bead cabinet, also for some limited airtool use and to blow water off parts its plenty for me.

but I can see where if you were running certain air tools it would nice to have an even bigger one.
 
TSC has a campbell hausfeld 60 gallon on sale for 449$

10.2@90psi 11.8@40psi

Thats the cheapest I've seen a decent brand ever.

If your budget is 500$ there you go.
 
I don't see a pump service life listed on the Campbell Hausfield. I tend to think of the brand as being consumer level at best, not a long lasting heavy duty brand. Not that I wouldn't buy one, I would, but think they are priced low for a reason.

Am I wrong about CH?
 
That's what I thought.

I bought a standup 40 amp charger/200 amp booster from Harbor Freight around 5 years ago, very cheap price. Funny, it works perfectly, and has been used a lot, so overall I'm fine with the purchase. It's built like a china doll though, plastic cable wraps broke off almost immediately, housing is very lightweight, really have to handle it gently. You definitely get what you pay for!

Not saying anything is wrong with buying a CH or Husky compressor, I bet in your shop you won't put 1,000 hours a year on it and will work fine.
 
IMHO, if you're going to run a DA sander or sand blaster, I would recommend getting a compressor which has a 100% duty rating. Since you're just starting off your sandblasting business, your clientele is probably expected to increase and you will need your compressor more and more.

I understand that budget may be tight as a new business, but I would look for a good used compressor like a quincy or an IR-T30 style pump. These run at lower rpm, run longer, run quieter and are infinitely rebuildable if there are problems. Another compressor I like is the Eaton compressor.

YMMV
Good luck with the new business!
 
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