What air compressor do YOU use......

**v8shadow** · 10-28-2006, 02:57 PM

where did you get it, and how much was it?
There are so many out there. Most of them look the same. Different engine features. Once you get to the 60gal plus ones, then they definately look the same. I had to break and get the 33 gal one from sears/craftsman. It was $329 with a set of air tools included. Nice deal I thought. I look around though and see the big ones for about that much. Wish I couldve done that, but I wasnt in the position of wiring my place for 240 volt. When I am though, I would like to get a jump on what big one to get. I really dont think this 33 gal one is gonna cut it. Sandblasting has shown me that.[img]/forums/images/smiles/icon_frown.gif[/img]. They sell the big ones everywhere; Lowes, home depot, etc.. and if it were me making the call i would say they are all made in the same place by the same people the same way.
Another thing; when is it neccessary to go with 1/2 as opposed to 3/8 air hose? It's just me and my garage.

_________________
KEN
Factory 65 Galaxie 500 390/4v

[ This Message was edited by: v8shadow on 10/29/06 4:59am ]

**Murff** · 10-28-2006, 03:58 PM

My acquisition was a bit convoluted and took a while.

I bought a 20 gal Ingersoll from Costco some years ago for around $250. A year or so later traded it to the Ford dealer I was working at for a 100 gal twin cyl upright. They needded a small compressor for their detail shop. Cool deal until I realized it was set up for three phase and a convertor was going to cost me about $700.

Well, I went for another year or so without air until a friend said the trans shop he was working at was looking for a compressor and did I want to sell mine. I said no, but I would trade it for something I could use in its place. Following weekend a Snap-On truck rolled into my driveway & the rep said he was here to pick up my compressor and drop off a btand new twin cyl 100 gal upright Blue Point compressor.

So over the course of about three years I was able to parlay my 20 gal Costco into a $1000 220 volt "B" line Snap-On unit. Pure luck I know but sometimes these things can happen.

Have had this compressor for close to 12 years now. Replaced head gaskets once, bleed it off a couple times a year. Pretty cool.

Oh, yeah, I installed a Harbor Freight $20 regulator into the line a few years ago too. Works great. I also (and I know I'll get slammed for this) plumbed my garage with 1/2" PVC for my air when I got this compressor. That too works well.

Murff
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**n2omike** · 10-28-2006, 05:30 PM

THIS is the place to buy an air compressor!

http://www.eatoncompressor.com/page/page/504747.htm

They've got some KILLER units for great prices. If you go there to pick it up, they will also do a flow test for you to guarantee performance. They are only one state over from me, so when I can afford to upgrade, that's where I plan to go. These have some killer features, such as GIANT, cast iron underdriven pumps that loaf along at low rpms and build minimal heat and moisture.

Read all about them. GOOD STUFF for a GREAT PRICE!

Currently, I have a crappy Coleman 'professional' 120V 20 gallon unit that has a 5hp motor. That 5hp is VERY wishful thinking. It's one of those INFLATED claims that many air compressor companies put out. This machine is fine for air wrenches, but you're not going to do much grinding with it.

For any amount of sanding and grinding, a unit with a 220V motor and a 2-stage pump is needed. Check out the units above. Quality, and guaranteed performance!

Click on the units and read their specs!

Good Luck!

_________________
66 mustang
302 4-speed 289 heads, 10.63 @ 129.3
http://www.mustangworks.com/cgi-bin/moi-display.cgi?220

[ This Message was edited by: n2omike on 10/29/06 7:33am ]

**64 TBOLT** · 10-28-2006, 08:10 PM

i have this one
http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS...rd%2findex.jsp

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**v8shadow** · 10-28-2006, 09:05 PM

Oh wow. Iv'e been seeing the big ones at various places for less than $400. Either I'm seeing a good buy, or a piece of crap, or I need to learn a lot more about these things.
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**64 TBOLT** · 10-28-2006, 10:26 PM

that one was 849 i think

**n2omike** · 10-29-2006, 05:13 AM

Don't be fooled by a 'big' tank. If it has a 120V motor and a single stage pump, it's still a 'hobby' unit. Go to my link above if you want GUARENTEED results with a GOOD compressor at a great price.

64TBOLT has a decent compressor at $849. But again, it's probably 220V and it has a 2-stage pump. Compare it to the ones in the link above, and you'll see similar prices, and the ones in the link will have larger motors and pumps.... and guaranteed results.

I'm growing tired of my 'hobby unit' and want to upgrade to one of the compressors in the Eaton link. One of their 220V 5hp 2-stage units would be more than I'd ever need. They have one on there that has TWO 10hp motors and pumps on one tank! I can't imagine what you'd need that for!

Eaton's 220V 5hp 2-stage delivers a GUARANTEED 17 standard cubic feet per minute compared to the claimed 12.6 of the Husky. You can get into one for $1100, and it's already pre-wired with a magnetic starter. The motor itself weighs 99 lbs and the bare pump is 222 lbs! They use oversized components and underdrive them at lower speeds for less heat, moisture and noise... and more service life. Your cheaper compressors will use smaller motors and pumps, then gear them up and 'claim' their maximum flow rates. Eaton will demonstrate their flow with a meter right in front of you!

I'm not saying that the Husky is a POS that will die next week, I'm just saying for an extra $150 the Eaton will be quieter, will produce less heat and moisture, and will last your lifetime. It will also deliever FAR more air and comes pre-wired... which helps cover the extra cost.

Home Depot doesn't sell ANYTHING that doesn't have at least a 100% mark-up. Eaton is able to sell a much better unit at a very comparable price.

_________________
66 mustang
302 4-speed 289 heads, 10.63 @ 129.3
http://www.mustangworks.com/cgi-bin/moi-display.cgi?220

[ This Message was edited by: n2omike on 10/29/06 7:26pm ]

**OleDutchD** · 10-29-2006, 08:35 AM

Bought my Ingersoll from TSC about 4 years ago. Single stage, 5 HP, 80 gallon tank, 135 psi max, 18.1 cfm, 100% duty-cycle. Gave about $720 for it.

It's marketed as a commercial grade unit with a minimum 5000 hr life cycle. Would have liked to have bought a 2-stage, but just couldn't justify the difference of an additional $400 or $500 for it back then. Even being "only" a single stage, I've never run it out. This things just flat breathes!

http://www.mytscstore.com/detail.asp...productID=9181

Kevin
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**psivory** · 10-29-2006, 11:25 AM

I have a Binks. 220V 5HP, that's about all I know about it. It was in the garage when I bought my house.

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**retyler** · 10-29-2006, 07:07 PM

quote:

Oh, yeah, I installed a Harbor Freight $20 regulator into the line a few years ago too. Works great. I also (and I know I'll get slammed for this) plumbed my garage with 1/2" PVC for my air when I got this compressor. That too works well.

Murfh,
Anyone who slams you for using pvc is wrong. I know several big time repair shops that plumb their air with pvc. never had a problem long as you don't exceed the max pressure.
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