Picking the BEST air compressor...... Help Please

[BrianDT]

I am working to outfit my shop with a good air compressor that will allow me to run large impact wrenches, a fair sized sand blaster, die grinders and polishers. Air tools are cheap and seem to last a long time, but the air compressor that runs them is not inexpensive!

I have been searching and watched this video on a single stage Vs a two stage. I see where I want the two stage for performance, but not the noise.

 

[BrianDT]

(Two threads due to videos)
Then all **** broke loose in my head when I watched thier next video.....

That thing is SUPER Quiet and looks like it would do everything i need, plus supply all my neighbors....

So, does anyone have a rotary screw compressor or have they found the best way to not spend 2 grand on a compressor that will do a really nice job with some large tools. The sand blaster is an air hog...

Thanks for any help!

 

[KWentling]

That's a sweet little compressor. I didn't see what the cfm is. You are right that a sand blaster is an air hog. I don't think a scew that small would run a blaster. I've been around a few screw compressors but they were all much larger than that, and most are much louder than that. You need to determine the size of blaster you want and its required cfm, and size your compressor accordingly. Additional tank storage might let you get by with a smaller compressor depending on how its used. My experience with sand blasters were large ones running for extended periods and typically had 75-100 cfm compressors.

 

[fried1765]

I am working to outfit my shop with a good air compressor that will allow me to run large impact wrenches, a fair sized sand blaster, die grinders and polishers. Air tools are cheap and seem to last a long time, but the air compressor that runs them is not inexpensive!

I have been searching and watched this video on a single stage Vs a two stage. I see where I want the two stage for performance, but not the noise.

If you want to buy a lifetime 2 stage compressor then buy a Quincy!

You could get their QT (slow speed- quiet) model that is pressure lubricated, 2 stage)

their QP model that is pressure lubricated, 2 stage.

or their QR model that is splash lubricated, 2 stage.

All are better quality than anything else on the market, but ....they ain't cheap!

I bought my 5HP, pressure lubricated, 2 stage Quincy, W/80 gal. vertical tank, 30 years ago, and it is still an absolutely wonderful machine!

You might also want to consider a Champion compressor (my ex brother-in-law is a former president of Champion).
The Champion line is decent, and a bit less pricey than Quincy.

In my opinion Quincy is the best however.
I also have a 3.5 HP single stage Quincy.

 

[dodge man]

I agree, Quincy air compressors are suppose to be good but I have no personal experience. I have something cheaper, a 60 gallon 5hp ingersol Rand, maybe $700? It’s lasted me maybe 20 years so far but I don’t use it a lot but do run a moderate sized sand blaster with it.

 

[Ortimber]

I will agree with buying a Quincy, either 5HP or 7.5HP w/ 80 gallon tank. They are just great machines. I have a QR and a QT.

If you have a really big budget, look at Mattei rotaries. My dad just put one in his shop. It's insanely quiet and makes a lot of air fast.