Air Compressors

[yomax4]

That's interesting Yomax, I wasn't aware that the cutmaster only needed 2.6cfm, I had a old Thermal Dynamics 20 amp machine years ago that would only do about .125 but man did leave a nice finish. I use a DAD500 by Devilbliss for a dryer. I used to use way back for painting cars.

It's the SL40 torch that only needs 2.6 or something close. If you put the SL60 on it it goes back up to 7.0 or close to it. 1/2" or more you really need the high flow.

 

[yomax4]

You have to consider how much air you are turning over.
Compressed air has moisture in it and condenses at point of use if it is not allowed to rest/cool down.
Moisture kills consumables with plasma cutters.

True. The only consumables I've seen that are designed to take some moisture are what Thermal used with the Dragon Plus. It has the built in compressor and it will pump and spray moisture. They went with larger hafnium in the electrode and higher alloy in the electrode and tip. I think Lincoln, Hypertherm and Hobart are currently experimenting with the better consumables in their built in compressor machines.

 

[dragoneggs]

True. The only consumables I've seen that are designed to take some moisture are what Thermal used with the Dragon Plus. It has the built in compressor and it will pump and spray moisture. They went with larger hafnium in the electrode and higher alloy in the electrode and tip. I think Lincoln, Hypertherm and Hobart are currently experimenting with the better consumables in their built in compressor machines.

Interesting... if you have further details or links... Please post. I am a sucker for material technologies.

 

[11B2620]

I bought a big one for my fab shop. Made in the USA by Polar air. Made in Ohio. GREAT product. Its pricey but I will never need a new one in my lifetime. I was told I could use this until I couldn't do the work and sell it for good money.
They even let you pick the color.....

1 HP Air Compressor, Single Phase, 12 Gallon Tank, Vertical

 

[yomax4]

Interesting... if you have further details or links... Please post. I am a sucker for material technologies.

Google Thermal Dynamics Dragon Plus. I had one or two over the years. 40A 230v. They also had one called the Dragon. 115v 20A for HVAC.

 

[yomax4]

I bought a big one for my fab shop. Made in the USA by Polar air. Made in Ohio. GREAT product. Its pricey but I will never need a new one in my lifetime. I was told I could use this until I couldn't do the work and sell it for good money.
They even let you pick the color.....

1 HP Air Compressor, Single Phase, 12 Gallon Tank, Vertical

Nice. I wish I had bought something like this instead of the low buck 6hp 60gln jobs I buy that rust out in a couple years.

 

[sea2summit]

I bought a big one for my fab shop. Made in the USA by Polar air. Made in Ohio. GREAT product. Its pricey but I will never need a new one in my lifetime. I was told I could use this until I couldn't do the work and sell it for good money.
They even let you pick the color.....

1 HP Air Compressor, Single Phase, 12 Gallon Tank, Vertical

Marital bliss would suffer from that one

 

[BLSXJ]

My "need" for a plasma cutter pushed me towards installing a 60 gallon compressor.
https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/rural-living/388829-shop-air-compressor-set-up.html?highlight=

this spring I'll complete the set up with a fresh air intake and running the drain line out doors. In prep for a plasma and a paint spray gun, I'm installing a filter/regulator/dryer on one of my pipe drops.

I believe my compressor is overkill for a 1 person shop, and filtering and drying the air to the plasma cutter will result in longer consumable life.

 

[fried1765]

My "need" for a plasma cutter pushed me towards installing a 60 gallon compressor.
https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/rural-living/388829-shop-air-compressor-set-up.html?highlight=

this spring I'll complete the set up with a fresh air intake and running the drain line out doors. In prep for a plasma and a paint spray gun, I'm installing a filter/regulator/dryer on one of my pipe drops.

I believe my compressor is overkill for a 1 person shop, and filtering and drying the air to the plasma cutter will result in longer consumable life.

My Quincy 5HP two stage is overkill also, but I love it.
My Quincy exceeds the Polar specs., and unlike the Polar, the Quincy model that I have has pressure lube, rather than the Polar splash lube system.
I bought My Quincy new, many years ago, but I note the current price is $2900 + tax.

 

[newbury]

Well OP I don't read any $$ specs from you other than the IR at $590.
Have you looked at the HF 29 gal. 2 HP 150 PSI Cast Iron Vertical Air Compressor? $330 w/ coupon from hfqpdb. Not IR quality, but also not IR price.
Get two of them for $660 and you should be able to get plenty of air.