Finally, I am ready to purchase my own Air Compressor. I'm somewhat familiar to them and have used them in my buddy's shops. I have never bought one myself and want to be sure I am on the right track. I'll be setting this up in my own 900sqft garage.
I will be using the following tools:
Impact Gun
Grinders
Wheels
Spray Guns (with moisture filters)
and others I'm sure!
I know it's all about what the tools requires (CFM requirements). I want to find an affordable Air Compressor that won't limit my use. This will be for my own garage/shop. I am still a rookie and don't want to break the bank. I want something that I will use for many years to come.
My lovely fiance found a set up for me at our local Lowe's but I am not sure if this is the way to go. Here are the details:
First
KOBOLT 60 Gallons Wertical Cast iron Compressor (Lowe's own brand)
13.4 SCFM @ 40 PSI
11.5 SCFM @ 90 PSI
155 PSI Max
Single Stage
3.7 HP
208-240 Volts / 15 AMPs
Auto Start/Stop operation
3 year limited Warranty with option for an extended Warranty
Assembled in the USA
Was $438
Now $399 plus a $100 gift card (so really $299)
They also have at Lowes:
Second
KOBOLT 80 Gallon Hi Flo Cast Iron
16.1 SCFM @ 40 PSI
14.0 SCFM @ 90 PSI
155 Max PSI
4.5 HP
Single Stage
Belt driven
3 year limited warranty
Price: $799
Here's the link: http://www.lowes.com/pd_221580-14989-LL ... 087_?No=15
Third
Also at Lowes is the Campbell Hausfeld 80-Gallon Air Compressor
Very similar to the KOBOLT.
Item #: 292655 | Model #: DP5810-Q
For: $799.00
Here's the link: http://www.lowes.com/pd_292655-1126-DP5 ... 4294937087_
I also found these at NorthernTools.com
Fourth
FREE SHIPPING — Ingersoll Rand Electric Stationary Air Compressor —
3 HP, 10.3 CFM @ 135 PSI, 230 Volt, Model# SS3L3
Max. PSI 135
Volts 230
HP 3
Air Tank Size (gal.) 60
Tank Description Vertical
Pump Single-stage splash lubricated belt-driven
Air Outlet Size (in.) 3/8
Portable or Stationary Stationary
Dimensions L x W x H (in.) 20 x 23 x 66
Additional Specs
* Motor: 3 HP with thermal overload and manual reset - single phase motor
* 100% continuous duty
* Drain System: Manual Drain
* Extended 2-year warranty on the pump when you use start-up kit Item# 15920083 (sold separately)
For: $599.99 plus Free Shipping
Here is the link: http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/ ... 284_158284
Or a bigger Unit but more expensive of course,
Fifth
FREE SHIPPING — Ingersoll Rand Electric Stationary Air Compressor
5 HP, 18.1 CFM @ 90 PSI, 230 Volt, Model# SS5L5
CFM at 90 PSI 18.1
Max. PSI 135
Volts 230
Amps 30
HP 11.5
Air Tank Size (gal.) 60
Tank Description Vertical
Pump Oil lube, cast iron, belt-driven
Air Outlet Size (in.) 1/2
Portable or Stationary
Dimensions L x W x H (in.) 20 x 30 x 71
Additional Specs
* Motor: 5.0 HP/11.5 Peak HP - single phase motor
* 100% cast iron cylinder
* Belt guard shields flywheel and motor sheave
* 100% continuous duty
* Tank includes drain, relief and discharge valves
* Meets OSHA standards
* Drain System: Manual Drain
* Start Up Kit: 15920088 (sold separately)
For $879.99 plus Free Shipping
Here's the link: http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/ ... 720_211720
And last:
Sixth
FREE SHIPPING — Chicago Pneumatic Reciprocating Air Compressor
3.5 HP, 60 Gallon, 208/230 Volt, 1-Phase, Model# RCP-3561V
Max. PSI 130
HP 3.5
Air Tank Size (gal.) 60
Tank Description Vertical
Pump 1-Stage
Air Outlet Size (in.) 1/2
Portable or Stationary
Dimensions L x W x H (in.) 30 x 22 x 68
Additional Specs
* Cast iron construction
* Start/stop pressure control
* Fully enclosed belt guard
* Thermally protected electric motor
* Easy-to-view oil sight glass
* Tank pressure gauge
* ASME code tank and safety valves
* Durable powder-coat finish
For $649.99 plus Free Shipping
Here's the link: http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/ ... _-Products
Not sure to go with an 80 or 60 Gallon. How do these sound to you or if you have any recommendations? I greatly appreciate it!
Thanks you
Shopping for a good Air Compressor for Auto/Bike Restoration
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- aircooledtechguy
- Posts: 1709
- Joined: Sun Oct 28, 2001 1:01 am
Re: Shopping for a good Air Compressor for Auto/Bike Restoration
Get the largest compressor you can afford; period. Consider springing for a 2 stage pump if you can; you won't regret it. The oil type compressors you mention here are all nice units, but you won't want to run a paint gun with them as they will all have oil in the air from the compressor motor. SO if you paint, you will need an oil separator as well.
Check your local craigslist for really good prices on lightly used compressors. I bought my 60 gal IR for under $200 off my local CL. It's a buyers market.
Check your local craigslist for really good prices on lightly used compressors. I bought my 60 gal IR for under $200 off my local CL. It's a buyers market.
- doc
- Site Admin
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Re: Shopping for a good Air Compressor for Auto/Bike Restoration
IMO, most of your choices are on the small side. I limped along on a Campbell Hausfield 4hp, 12 gal for many years and did a lot of work. I rebuilt it once for $50 worth of parts and it still runs fine. But...
I recently sprung for a Puma 7.5hp, 80 gal model and it is just great! It cost about $1500. It doesn't even breathe hard if you just stand there and run a die grinder full time. It will last the rest of my life. NO regrets.
I would think that a guy could do well with a 5hp, 60 gal. model in a home shop. I think the Puma was under a $1000. As aircooledtechguy said, this is not the place to cheap out. Save up and spring for a good one. You'll never regret it.
doc
I recently sprung for a Puma 7.5hp, 80 gal model and it is just great! It cost about $1500. It doesn't even breathe hard if you just stand there and run a die grinder full time. It will last the rest of my life. NO regrets.
I would think that a guy could do well with a 5hp, 60 gal. model in a home shop. I think the Puma was under a $1000. As aircooledtechguy said, this is not the place to cheap out. Save up and spring for a good one. You'll never regret it.
doc
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- Posts: 3011
- Joined: Fri Apr 20, 2001 1:01 am
Re: Shopping for a good Air Compressor for Auto/Bike Restoration
soon you will start thinking of using grinders and even sandblasters... and those need a LOT of compressor. As already stated, get the biggest CFM and HP you can afford. Those would go hand in hand with a big tank usually, 80 gal or so. You can add more tanks later if you need a longer period of continuous work between charging. But then the charging will take longer too. I have used extra tanks with a manual valve in between, so I can choose whether to use the extra capacity or not. Just keep the extra charged up and close the valve, and it will act as an instant backup if you do happen to need it and can't wait for the main tank to charge back up
I used brake air tanks from semi trucks for example.
I used brake air tanks from semi trucks for example.
- Dale M.
- Posts: 1673
- Joined: Mon Oct 05, 2009 8:09 am
Re: Shopping for a good Air Compressor for Auto/Bike Restoration
Get biggest compressor you can afford....
Get a 220volt machine if you have 220volts available in shop....
Dale
Get a 220volt machine if you have 220volts available in shop....
Dale
"Fear The Government That Wants To Take Your Guns" - Thomas Jefferson
1970 "Kellison Sand Piper Roadster"
1970 "Kellison Sand Piper Roadster"
- fusername
- Posts: 6806
- Joined: Sun Jan 28, 2007 11:26 am
Re: Shopping for a good Air Compressor for Auto/Bike Restoration
for a shop 220 should really be a given. 60 gal is fine IF you have a mean comp. remember you can always piggy back on a second tank cheap off craigslist. just search for a broken compressor, run a line between the two, and voila. I think a better bet is to buy a used NAME BRAND two stage off craigslist. Every now and then they pop up, and right now folks are selling a lot of tools. Basicly you can't afford what you want new, and most SEARS/LOWES etc shop tools are junkier every year, so I would steer clear for shop use.
give a man a watch and he'll allways know what time it is. give him two and he can never be sure again.
Things are rarely just crazy enough to work, but they're frequently just crazy enough to fail hilariously.
Things are rarely just crazy enough to work, but they're frequently just crazy enough to fail hilariously.