Shop Air Compressors

[Jake]

I'm looking to get probably a 60 gallon air compressor for my garage. I want to be able to run a 1/2" impact without having to wait for it to fill, run air ratchets, run a paint gun on a rare occasion and fill tires, of course. Just lookin for some opinions if you think that is the right size for me and what brand i should look into. I've looked at kobalts but i've read reviews that they like to over heat the air they compress. I want something that is gonna last and work good for years, but would prefer not to empty my bank account to do it. Any suggestions?

[letitsno]

Get the most compressor you can. If you plan on using any sanders or anything that you run for a longer time, look at two stage units.
I know price doubles for two stage units.
Bought a two stage 5hp 80gal on craigs list about two months ago, now I can use my sand blasting cabinet. Like new paid $800 for it, look under tools.

[Jake]

What is the difference of stages? Explain that to me if you will.

[Jake]

How good is Iron Horse brand? Just found one on craigslist, 60 gallon, supposedly like new, asking $500.

[alberta 7.3]

One big thing you will need to consider is your electrical supply and ensure it will meet the needs of the compressor. Larger single phase 220/240V air compressors ~5hp suck back around 30 amps, about what a clothes dryer needs.

A 2 stage will have 2 cylinders, one receives fresh air and pushes it to the second cylinder (think sequential turbos.)

[erics diesel]

i have an c-aire 5 hp 60 gallon that worked great until the compressor locked up but i did get it used and believe it was made in 2000-20001 so i dont know the entire history of it but i used it roughly 200 hrs in the 2 yrs i've had it

[Jake]

Well the garage at my current residence has 200 amp service. So I'm good there. Once i move into my own place if it doesn't have enough juice, i'll have the garage rewired so it does. I plan on having a 220 welder also so i'll need the power.

So one cylinder brings in air, compresses it, then sends it to the other where it compresses it more? Seems like it would be more logical to have to cylinders bringing in fresh air for faster filling.

[Snake]

Simplified - a two stage compressor provides more air than a single stage. Basically its a cascade effect. But you'll be okay if you get a single stage with enough capacity (60 gal or more) and a high CFM rating at a high psi.

[ol_Blue97]

look at at the max psi on the tank too... some have 120psi while others have 150psi. when you turn the compressors up to 150, the air hammers, and impact guns really talk!!, but it prematurly wears them out.

also i dont belive anything uses over 10cfm@90psi and a good single stage compressor can put out 18cfm@90psi. so a doubble stage would be great, unless you running more then one tool at a time often. its not needed. was just looking at northern tools real quick and saw an off brand with a 60GAL/150psi tank, 18.2cfm@90psi for $900 and free shipping. im sure u can find something better on CL but make sure its not a 3phase motor.

EDIT... not free shipping. here is a link, IR makes one with same CFM but 130psi max and $100 more
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...5342_200455342

[2003kingranch]

we have a 80 gal snap-on one in are one garage. But we are going to buy a 80gal Quincy for out new shop. Just like this one

Amazon.com: - Quincy Compressor Reciprocating Air Compressor - 5 HP, 230 Volt Single Phase, 80-Gallon Vertical Tank, Model# 251CP80VCB: Home Improvement

Amazon.com: - Quincy Compressor Reciprocating Air Compressor - 5 HP, 230 Volt Single Phase, 80-Gallon Vertical Tank, Model# 251CP80VCB: Home Improvement

.

What ever you do don't buy a cheap one. like a $500 kobalt 60 gal. or a harbor freight one. their noisy as hell,wont keep up, and overheat.

Get a high pressure one also. one that is capable of 175psi+ if you get one that operates between say 95-125 it isn't going to run air tools for ****.
I have my regulator set at 130. compressor operates at 150-175.