What kind of air compressor to buy??

benmack1

benmack1

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 13, 2010
Location
USA
Any recommendations (from experience please) on upright air compressors? I want to have capacity to do some home shop sand blasting, prefer 240 volt single phase. I am looking for specs like HP, CFM and pressure as well as suggestions on brands and even where is a good place to get one (and how much to expect to pay for a fair deal). I live between Durham and Burlington so recommendations within a reasonable distance or online would be the most useful. Thanks folks! (I hope this isn't too techy for this section, but I'd be happy to hear folks honest opinions here on what they have and what they are able to do with it).
 
I have a Black Max 80 gal w/ a 3450rpm motor 220v and it has done everything I've wanted to do and I do quite a bit. I roofed my garage last week w/ a air nailer and it probably didn't kick on twice or so. I've never sandblasted w/ it but 80 gal is quite a bit of volume. If you can find a compressor w/ a 1750 rpm motor they are consider industrial and will last much longer considering it turns half as much but you will generally pay lots more for that. I'm no expert but this is the extent of what I know.
 
Quincy air compressors are by far the best I have ever used. The cfm is generally a good bit higher than other compressors but they cost a decent amount more as well. They have a much better pump design as well for cooling. Northern sells them but I'm sure it'll have to be ordered in.
 
Yeah its hard to beat a Quincy air compressor. Even the small 60 Gallon upright is a badass unit and would power most off road shops. 175 psi at 15 or 16 cfm I think and most northern tools store that I have been to have had them sitting on the floor. They have really good warranties, especially when you get into the pressure lubricated pumps. Plus you get all that in a low rpm pump 1750 and which means they run quiet
 
x2 on a 1750rpm motor. That means you're getting a good pump, and it'll be quiet. You can stand right next to mine when it's running and have a conversation.

I've heard good things about Eaton Compressor. They're out of Ohio, so you'd have to get it shipped or something, but they've got some tech articles on what makes their compressors better than the competition, etc... should be good reading if only to highlight what you are/aren't interested in.
 
Shawn said:
x2 on a 1750rpm motor. That means you're getting a good pump, and it'll be quiet. You can stand right next to mine when it's running and have a conversation.

I've heard good things about Eaton Compressor. They're out of Ohio, so you'd have to get it shipped or something, but they've got some tech articles on what makes their compressors better than the competition, etc... should be good reading if only to highlight what you are/aren't interested in.
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what he said, I recently bought a 12v portable oil lubed compressor from them, nice unit, shipping was reasonable, and so far no problems.

looks just like one of the 120v contractor portables, only 12v. works an impact pretty well, you won't work the pits with it, but that wasn't the primary goal.

When I build a garage, I'll be looking to Eaton again.
 
Shawn said:
x2 on a 1750rpm motor. That means you're getting a good pump, and it'll be quiet. You can stand right next to mine when it's running and have a conversation.
I've heard good things about Eaton Compressor. They're out of Ohio, so you'd have to get it shipped or something, but they've got some tech articles on what makes their compressors better than the competition, etc... should be good reading if only to highlight what you are/aren't interested in.
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Thanks, I checked out the Eaton website. That looks like a quality company. It's a shame, I just came through Ohio on Friday. Could have picked one up at the factory and saved some shipping - Doh! I also looked at the quincy, both look very good. I need to do some more thinking but the eaton is at the top of the list right now after doing some reading. I've got to run past there again on Aug 26th when I fly up to Michigan to drive my father back to NC (he spends the summers fishing up there and I'm the chauffer). The truck will be full though so no room for a compressor - I feel like Homer Simpson again - Doh:mad:
 
Fyi if you go Quicy you HAVE TO run their oil to keep the warranty, they do a oil test and if you have another brand you get denied.
 
RenegadeT said:
utility trailer.
you're welcome :)
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Yeah, very funny - why didn't I think of that. Seriously though, I wish I had one in place. Dad's already in Michigan and I fly up to drive him home each fall after he spends the summer fishing. The problem is the trailer is in my barn in NC and the truck is 900 miles north of here. The truck is always packed to the max with his crap so no room for an 800 lb compressor. It's unavoidable right now so I guess I'll have to pay shipping when I will have gone within 30 miles of their factory twice this month. Oh well, bad planning I guess. The more I think about it though, this eaton unit seems like the way to go. I appreciate the info, I had never heard of them before.
 
DavidG4x4 said:
I bet a small enclosed uhaul trailer would run you like 80 bucks for that trip
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That's a great idea actually. I checked, but at least on the website rate calculator it's around 300 bucks to rent their cheapest trailer one way trailer from OH, to NC at least from U-haul. Thanks for the suggestion though.
 
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