New Shop Air Compressor

George2615 · Apr 28, 2008

Finally had to bite the bullet and buy a new shop compressor. My old one was a 5HP, 60 gal, 2 stage 120# max rated compressor I bought from Northern Tool (was called Northern Hydraulic back then) over 25 years ago. It served me well with annual compressor oil changes, one belt change, and one relief valve replacement. The motor and compressor are still fine but the bottom of the tank rusted out. I bottom blew the tank at least twice a week but eventually the moisture in the tank took its toll. I thought about patching the tank but found it to be paper thin and the whole tank needs replacing.

New compressor I bought from HD and is 4HP with an 80 gal. tank, 175# max and has a built in pressure reducing regulator that feeds two ports plus I have two more ports off the side at full pressure. The unit is made and warranted by Campbell Hausfeld for HD using the Husky name.

And of course I used my tractor and forks to remove my old one, unload the new one off the truck and set it in place. Also splurged and bought a new hose and replaced all my quick connect fittings on tools and old hoses.

Bird · Apr 28, 2008

Good looking compressor. Seems to me it ought to last at least as long as the old one did.

CATMAN · Apr 28, 2008

I have a 80 gallon; 5 HP; 175 PSI unit. I actual "turned down" the regulator/cutoff switch to 155 psi. I didn't like the high pitch noise when I removed a 50 foot air line extension. Turning the pressure down a little helped out somewhat. Really, how many times does one really need a full 175 PSI. This worked for me. I do like the 80 gallon volume.

Bird · Apr 28, 2008

I agree that you seldom need 175 psi, but I have enough hose to reach anywhere around my house, so I don't have anything like a leaf blower. Instead, I have a little short blow gun that I use for many things, then I have a 2' blow gun I used to clean the lawnmower and string trimmer after use, and I have a 4' blow gun that I used to blow off the driveways, walk, garage floor, and breezeway. And I can sure tell the difference in the 155 psi vs the 120 psi for such cleaning chores. Of course I currently only have a 30 gallon tank and 155 psi capacity.

ToadHill · Apr 28, 2008

When I was in college, let's see that was over 40 years ago, I worked for a guy repairing player piano's. He bought an old collision shop and was going to demolish it to build a new building. It had a 5hp 80 gal 2 stage compressor in it and he said he didn't want it. I borrowed a friends truck and we removed it to my garage. I replaced the motor about 15 years ago but that old girl continues to serve me very well.

3RRL · May 1, 2008

Nice ...
I've been eyeballing those every time I go to HD myself.
I kick myself in the butt for getting rid of my Campbell Hausfeld and Ingersoll Rand compressors when I moved my shop. Now I'm building a new shop and have to get a couple more.
Let us know how it works.

George2615 · May 1, 2008

So far most tools work like never before with the additional pressure. Sometimes the air gun would struggle (using the old compressor) on a tough lug nut but no problem now. I do have to use the regulated side to cut the pressure for my grease gun (which has a max pressure of 130#) and of course my paint gun. I used it this week to remove my trailer wheels so I could pull and grease the bearings. Also used my DA sander and paint gun to sand and repaint a used safe I picked up cheap. I'm expect this compressor will outlast me.

Bird · May 1, 2008

So far most tools work like never before with the additional pressure

Most of your air tools are "rated" at 90 psi. More pressure will certainly give them more power, so many (probably most) mechanics run them at the higher pressure. It'll shorten the life of the tool, possibly break it, but for most individuals who are not using their air tools every day, there's a very good possibility you'll never have a problem if you keep the tools well lubricated.