Large Compressor - Build vs. Buy?

[George2615]

For a single stage compressor with lower CFM and a good 220V motor you could probably end up with a cost of about $500. or so. Plus misc. parts and your time to assemble it.
But then again if you have now decided you only need a single stage with less CFM than your original post might have required, you can buy the completed unit ready to plug in for the same $500-600.

 

[MrJimi]

This looks like a good deal
7 HP (Peak) 60 Gallon Stationary Oil Lubricated Air Compressor

 

[dholly]

George, I think I could build the single stage for about $400 if I could find a used motor. As much as I enjoy this type of project, it looks like enjoyment would be about all to get out of it. Not enough savings here and, according to the one holding the Honey Do jar at least, my time is worth more elsewhere. If only the tank was free... ah, well. Thanks all.

 

[dholly]

As a point of interest with apologies in advance if this is reposted info, I found many compressors are manufactured by ABAC/American IMC in Rock Hill, SC. In addition to Kobalt, they make Mac Tool, Cornwell, Harbor Freight, Northern Tool, Bel Aire, Rockworth compressors and I'm sure there are others.

I was surprised about the HF, but the black US General Air Superiority 80 gallon 2-stage compressors selling for $1349 have a true 7.5hp Baldor motor and American IMC B6000 pump. If you look at the specs and part numbers from the manual http://www.harborfreight.com/manuals/90000-90999/90836.pdf, they will match the part numbers off ABAC/American IMC's website. If you look at the B6000 pump on abacparts it costs $575 and the 7.5hp Baldor motor costs $750. An 80 gallon tank costs $572 and the mag starter costs $173, total $2070. Use the 20% off coupon (mentioned earlier on TBN) and you can buy the compressor for $1079 at HF. If you caught a 10% off sale and combined the 20% coupon, bottom line would be $970. Not trying to be a salesman but that sounds like a pretty good price for a quality 2-stage with those specs. I also see ABAC/American also has scratch and dent sales on their website periodically for even less.

 

[john_bud]

George, I think I could build the single stage for about $400 if I could find a used motor. As much as I enjoy this type of project, it looks like enjoyment would be about all to get out of it. Not enough savings here and, according to the one holding the Honey Do jar at least, my time is worth more elsewhere. If only the tank was free... ah, well. Thanks all.

Build? Our local home center (Menards) has single stage 7 hp, 240v, 60 gal air compressors with 12 cfm at 90 psi (from memory, so don't shoot to kill!) for under $400.

 

[schmism]

Ive tryed to accumulate the parts i need to build one from scratch, but the parts are just way to expensive.

IMHO for a "LARGE" compressor you should be talking 2 stage 175psi 60-80 gallon. 5-7 hp

for that size i have been unable to find any stand alone head for less than about $500.

not including a heavy duty 5hp compressor motor and tank.

so for $800 you can buy a complete package, why bother trying to build it from scratch

 

[Lynkage]

I went here 4.5 - 10 HP Air Compressors:

They are very nice people and shipping is reasonable.
I got a 5hp 3 cylinder 2 stage 25 CFM@90psi 80 gal for 1475 inc shipping to Denver. Also has auto drain.

Great warranty as well.

I looked for over 3 months before I bought.

They have parts as well!!

 

[dholly]

Yup, agreed, better to write the check I think...

Q.) Is anyone familiar with Quincy Compressors? Local finish shop spent thousand$ upgrading their painting equipment 2-3 years ago just in time to have EPA and NYS come down hard on the chemicals and make the biz cost prohibitive (ouch!). This included a new, $1200+ 5hp 60gal Quincy stationary. All I have to go by is 18cfm@90psi, 21cfm@40psi, Max psi (?), model #151184-612 (?), but that # doesn't get a hit on the Quincy site or Goggle. The comments I found on Quincy compressors in general have been very, very good. Asking $500 w/ water separator (pic attached). Any thoughts?

 

[schmism]

quincy makes great compressors... my dad has one... (i wish i had it)

 

[dholly]

Lots of good press on TBN for the Quincy compressors. Just hoping someone recognized the model so I can get the specs before trudging over. To be honest, $500 is about all I want to spend so I'm leaning this way vs. box store.