Air Compressors, any recommendations?

[Surreal001]

I got myself a Kobalt brand 60gal 3.5hp. It was made by IR at the time, been a great compressor so far. Belt powered, 230v, oil sump. I run a lot of air tools and have shop air piped from it. A good water filter and regulator with 50ft of air line between it and the compressor (I use a cheap hose, coiled up) will make a world of difference. Build an enclosure around it without restricting the air intake and you will be able to converse next to it while it runs.

 

[Jeepnford]

I have this one. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200350475_200350475 The only time it runs a lot is when I'm using a tool with a continuous draw such as a die grinder. It works great with an impact gun or plasma cutter. If you build an enclosure make sure it gets enough ventilation to avoid over heating.

 

[fried1765]

I got this guy and couldn't have chosen a better one.
QP | Quincy Compressor

You ABSOLUTELY made the BEST CHOICE!
Pressure lube is THE BEST!
I have had my Quincy pressure lubed compressor for 30 years.

 

[TemporaryKubotaOwnerMark]

I wonder how two of these would work side by side? They are on sale for $149.00 each with the coupon. That would give you 9.4 cfm @ 90 psi for $300. I am super cheap though. Ratings are so-so, not too bad.

21 gal. 2.5 HP 125 PSI Cast Iron Vertical Air Compressor

You'd have $300 worth of side-by-side throwaway junk.

 

[JLwoodworks]

I have this one. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200350475_200350475 The only time it runs a lot is when I'm using a tool with a continuous draw such as a die grinder. It works great with an impact gun or plasma cutter. If you build an enclosure make sure it gets enough ventilation to avoid over heating.

I just installed the same compressor last week. Haven't had a chance to put it through it's paces. I was disappointed to see it's a 3450 rpm. Quincy lists it as low rpm as does some other online sellers.
I added an hour meter for maintenance.

The ingersolrands at tractor supply have been tempting for a while but the poor reviews deterred me despite the low prices.

 

[jbwilson]

I just installed the same compressor last week. Haven't had a chance to put it through it's paces. I was disappointed to see it's a 3450 rpm. Quincy lists it as low rpm as does some other online sellers.

The 3450 rpm specified is for the electric motor which is the normal speed for a single phase 2 pole AC universal motor operating under normal load on a 60 hz supply. The noise of the electric motor itself is just a quiet hum. The real loudness of the compressor is dictated by the rpm of the compressor pump. This can be attenuated by reducing the speed of the pump (eg by having a bigger pulley on the pump allowing for a higher reducing rpm ratio between the electric motor and the pump). The rpm of your compressor pump will be a lot less than 3450. John

 

[Fallon]

The 3450 rpm specified is for the electric motor which is the normal speed for a single phase 2 pole AC universal motor operating under normal load on a 60 hz supply. The noise of the electric motor itself is just a quiet hum. The real loudness of the compressor is dictated by the rpm of the compressor pump. This can be attenuated by reducing the speed of the pump (eg by having a bigger pulley on the pump allowing for a higher reducing rpm ratio between the electric motor and the pump). The rpm of your compressor pump will be a lot less than 3450. John

Motors pun at 3450 or 1800 depending on the number of poles they have. Then have a small pulley on the motor & big one on the pump. So the pump is turning 1000rpm or so. Better ones turn 600-800rpm at the pump.

Somebody mentioned pressure lubrication. It's definitely better than splash lubrication, but also more expensive. Splash lube will be fine for a home user. My 30+ year old Saylor Beall came out of years of abuse in an auto shop just fine & is only splash lubricated.

Quincy & IR were great industrial machines. However they also have cheaper machines to compete in the big box stores. Not nearly the same quality, but also not nearly the same price. Not saying they are bad machines, but they aren't the storied industrial machines the name is usually associated with.

 

[rustydollar]

Old two stage Quincey with some unique features, cast iron construction it has an oil pump the bearings are pressure fed, also the oil pressure has to reach a certain pressure before the unloader valve kicks in or out.

I still have a few things tp do before it's a completed project, yet to install an magnetic motor start switch wired to the pressure switch.

This compressor came from an old grain elevator.

 

[ultrarunner]

I got this guy and couldn't have chosen a better one.
QP | Quincy Compressor

I always thought Quincy to be tops but not anymore.

Have a 20 year old Quincy here at the Hospital and Quincy told me they no longer have parts for it... this took several calls.

At the time I bought it one of the big selling points is that Quincy services what it sells and has parts going back decades...

Not what I was expecting to hear at the first sign of trouble...

I have older Devellbis Compressors that have been running 50+ years...

 

[fried1765]

Old two stage Quincey with some unique features, cast iron construction it has an oil pump the bearings are pressure fed, also the oil pressure has to reach a certain pressure before the unloader valve kicks in or out.

I still have a few things tp do before it's a completed project, yet to install an magnetic motor start switch wired to the pressure switch.


This compressor came from an old grain elevator.

Something is not quite right with the belt slapping like that.