Who makes a good air compressor for under $1000

[5030]

I bought 5 HP PUMA three cylinder single stage from Compressors Direct for $925. Free shipping no tax. It made screeching sound (like bad bearing) right out of the box but I found and fixed the cause. The set screws on the motor pulley were not tightened and pulley rattled on the shaft. I added Harbor Freights automatic drain to it. The plastic tubing supplied with the drain exploded shortly after installation so I replaced it with copper. I don't have too many hours on it so I can't comment on reliability but it seems to me that there are not many things that can go wrong.

I didn't know HF had an auto drain. I'll have to check that out...

 

[5030]

Craigslist is your friend. My last two compressors were purchased there. I found a nice 220V 6 HP 30 gal low hour unit that I used for several years before it was stolen. Purchased a 60 gal unit with the same specs. The 30 gal was bought for $200 and I found the 60 gal for $225. Both were like new. The 60 gal is still running like a charm.

You do better than I do. Everytime I look at something on CL, it's junk.

 

[5030]

Only a couple things will destroy a compressor before it's time... Not changing the oil (don't use automotive oil) and not keeping the air filter clean.

 

[Redneck in training]

I didn't know HF had an auto drain. I'll have to check that out...

It is connected to "unloader" and spits water out anytime the pressure changes. If I remember it right I paid about $7. I figured that for that little money it is hard to be wrong.
Search results for: 'compressor drain'

 

[5030]

It is connected to "unloader" and spits water out anytime the pressure changes. If I remember it right I paid about $7. I figured that for that little money it is hard to be wrong.
Search results for: 'compressor drain'

Next time I swing by the 'stinky store', I'll pick one up. I'll do mine in copper as well. My rotary screw has a built in dryer but the reciprocating units don't.

 

[Ed of all trades]

Thanks everyone. Lot of good info. Think I will keep an eye on Craigslist. If I don't find what I want I'll go with the Northern and add the HF compressor drain to what ever I get. Ed

 

[BAP]

Tractor Supply carries Ingersal Rand air compressors that are under $1000. They have sales on them from time to time.

 

[Redneck in training]

Next time I swing by the 'stinky store', I'll pick one up. I'll do mine in copper as well. My rotary screw has a built in dryer but the reciprocating units don't.

AC11V 1 2" Electronic Timed Air Compressor Automatic 2 Way Drain Valve | eBay

This might be a better drain for only little more money. The HF acts only when compressor stops or starts so it might not drain enough when in continuous running. I might buy this timed one.

 

[Fallon]

I've had 2 of the $10 auto drains. Both blew the plastic hose. Replaced em with copper. First one worked OK. 2nd one never worked properly.

My next compressor will have an electric auto drain.

I traded a snowblower I got for $100 for my 60 gallon "5hp" compressor. It ran pretty good for 2 years, then pinholed the bottom of the tank 2 months ago. Who knows how well it had been drained previously. Somebody said air filters & oil changes were the most important. I disagree... daily draining the water out of the tank is more so.

I picked up a tank off Craigslist, which turned out to be not much better than my pinholed one.

Also got an old Saylor Beall clone that I'm about to rebuild. Will probably buy a brand new tank for that one.

 

[5030]

I said that but forgot to add, draining the condensate daily.

I'm gonna get 2 and try them out. Electric drains are very expensive and clog too. I had a timed one on a compressor (from MSC) that was prone to clogging.

The plastic might work for me. I don't run a high head on my compressors, I run 135 psi. Thats plenty for my uses. I need CFM, not pressure. All 3 are capable of 180 psi, I have them all cut back to 135.

Receivers with pin holes are basically scrap. It's almost impossible to weld one because the metal is contaminated and you can only prep one side.