Shop Air Compressor

[LarryRB]

I use to do a lot of painting pick ups and small dump trucks. You can have all the PSI you want.. Means nothing... I learned the hard way after losing two compressors and finally smartened up and started buying by continuous CFM output. To do it today all over, I would have two stage, 80 gallon or 110 and a minimum of 29 CFM at 100 PSI.. Less than this and air files, DA's and the like have a short life being overworked..

 

[GEB]

I run my compressor dam near everyday, and sometimes
all day long!
Being in the automotive refinish biss, doing side jobs, and all
sorts of other stuff.....
15 years ago I bought a cheapo 80 gal 2 stage 220V.
As of today it pumps as good as new!
Long story short, for around $800 you can get a compressor
that will work your tail off rather than you working the
compressor to death!
I change the oil about once a year and all is good.
I refuse to wait on air, this 80 gal 2 stage has served me well !
Gene

 

[Junkman]

I also am a fan of the Quincy air compressors, however, today you have to be careful since Quincy is now manufacturing a lesser quality compressor for homeowner use that are splash lubricated, so I have been told. The best one to look for is the model that has the oil filter on the side of the compressor crankshaft. Some of their lesser quality units are pressure lubricated, but not filtered. I see Quincy compressors on eBay all the time, and you just have to be patient till you find one near enough for you to drive to pick up. I only wish that I was closer to one model that I have seen on eBay a few times. It is a dual head, dual motor, 80 gallon horizontal that will produce more CFM at a constant PSI than you can reasonably use.....

 

[JimR]

Jason, I have two units. One is an old American Kellog that I bought used for $800.00 back in 1978. The motor and compressor head were both rebuilt when I bought it. That unit has never let me down. It is a cast iron two stage compressor that will put out more air than you could ever use. I have never done a thing to this compressor other than change the oil in it. It gets pretty good use in the barn. I use to do body work with this one. It is a 5 horse 80 gallon horizontal. My other unit is a Devilbiss 6.5 hp two stage with an 80 gallon vertical tank. This unit is in my garage. It gets heavy use with air grinders. The downfall of these cheaper units is that they do not last forever. This unit is 12 years old now. In the last year I had to replace the motor, it burned up. I replaced it with a Baldor. Then the head gaskets blew out. It has earned its keep over the years and was worth repairing. Buy a good unit with a two stage compressor that will give you plenty of air in the 15-21 cfm's @ 90 psi and you will be a happy camper for whatever needs to get done. 100% duty cycle motor is also mandatory. A larger tank will give the motor/compressor a rest if you are going to use it heavily.

 

[bordercollie]

I bought a Sears 80 Gallon oil less compressor a few years ago and have already spent about 80$ replacing the broken pistons myself.Had I known it was so loud, I would never have gotten it.The noise level is unreal.I like Sears belt driven much better,and if it breaks you can order parts easily.I agree with the other poster about having the cast iron makeup ..It will last much longer. Good Luck!!Bordercollie

 

[kenmac]

Like others have said, depends on what the compressor will be used for as to size , brand ,type & yes CFM. I had a 5 hp 2 stage compressor 80 gal. tank for several years, then I aquired a large glass bead machine ( like a sand blaster).This compressor didn't put out the CFMS needed . I just purchased a 7.5 hp 2 stage 80 gal. tank compressor off the net that pumps out 26.5 cfm @ 90 psi. at a cost of $ 1300.00. I now have no problems when operating the glass bead machine.If you need alot of air check CFMS. I don't think you can have too many CFMS