The Heart of The Shop

Any questions about tools or supplies. Post your compressor/gun questions here.

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PostPosted: Sat Dec 09, 2017 11:59 pm
Yeah, shipping can eat into saving pretty quick. I'm lucky, I'm about 2 hours or so from the plant so I can just go visit some relatives with my trailer when the time comes. What you are putting together there....that's a lot bang for the buck with CFM.
Metal, wood, fiberglass, we work it all... www.furniturephysicians.com We can restore the irreplaceable!



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PostPosted: Mon Dec 11, 2017 1:40 am
'68 Coronet R/T wrote:You want the biggest/best you can afford.


:goodpost:

A 5 hp/60 gal is a base starting point. I got a great deal on a 3.5 hp 60 gal 8-9 years ago and it's been great. On high duty cycle operations it runs continuously and for something like media blasting after an hour or so constant my coalescing and desiccant filters can't keep up with the water from the heat even after 30' or so of copper tubing. I broke down this weekend and bought a refrigerated dryer. Get it as big as you can afford.



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PostPosted: Mon Dec 11, 2017 4:12 pm
Thanks to everyone for their input. I had about $1000 budgeted for my compressor. I would very much like to have an Eaton or Polar Air model but as mentioned by someone else, by the time I pay shipping, my cost has increased quite a bit.

I am really thinking about pulling the trigger on the model posted by INXS2, the IR two stage 80 gallon on sale at TSC. As my intended use is very normal home use and this project ahead of me I believe it will suffice. Anyone see any real weakness with the unit or have a strong opinion otherwise?

Thanks,

TXPower

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PostPosted: Tue Dec 12, 2017 12:26 am
Well, if it's coming down to a choice here....I'd go with the IR at TSC. I just saw it in person at my local TSC the other day. I think parts would be a lot more accessible and you could always spring for the extended warranty (I think they are either a 3 or 4 year choice on most of their compressors) on the unit. If they can't fix it they replace it which would also be handy since they always have a few of the 2 stage units in stock in most of the larger stores.
Metal, wood, fiberglass, we work it all... www.furniturephysicians.com We can restore the irreplaceable!



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PostPosted: Tue Dec 12, 2017 9:40 am
TXPower wrote:I would very much like to have an Eaton or Polar Air model but as mentioned by someone else, by the time I pay shipping, my cost has increased quite a bit.

I am really thinking about pulling the trigger on the model posted by INXS2, the IR two stage 80 gallon on sale at TSC.

TXPower


Ya Who ever Eaton uses for shipping aint nice! Shipping is what has kept me and continues to keep me from a new machine purchase.
I can build my own using my Old Tank from my current compressor with a new pump and motor and save a little its the only way I am gonna get a a 43 CFM pump still shipping is almost as expensive as the Pump itself that's just ridiculous in my book.

That IR unit aint bad if what was said about pump speed, That would not be a bad starter garage unit not at all, you could certainly do worse! and it will last you for many years to come. Plus you can get it local and not get killed on shipping!
Just make sure you build a good water separator for it.
Dennis B.
A&P Mechanic, FCC General radio Telephone Operator
Line Maintenance A&P Mechanic and MOC Tech specialist.



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PostPosted: Tue Dec 12, 2017 10:24 am
'68 Coronet R/T wrote: You want the biggest/best you can afford.


i dont think ive read someone say,"i should have gotten a smaller compressor."
a few that have said they should have bought a bigger one.

similar to reading new shop builds- i dont think ive read someone say,"i should have built it smaller."

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PostPosted: Tue Dec 12, 2017 10:33 am
Yep, lot of truth in that......^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Metal, wood, fiberglass, we work it all... www.furniturephysicians.com We can restore the irreplaceable!



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PostPosted: Mon Dec 18, 2017 4:06 pm
It looks like the 2-stage IR at TSC for $999 is the best bang for the buck for a quality compressor. It should last you for decades with home use.

If you are on a strict budget, then another one to consider is the HF 2-stage for $799 plus whatever coupons they have going. I have no experience with it but I do see good reviews, your money and decision to make but IMHO, the IR is your best bet.

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PostPosted: Tue Dec 19, 2017 12:18 am
Don't waste your money on Harbor Freight! :splat:
1968 Coronet R/T


ACTS 16:31



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PostPosted: Wed Dec 20, 2017 11:48 am
Harbor Freight won't let you use the 20% or 25% off coupons on air compressors. Get the IR from TSC, I've had mine for at least 3 years and it works great for all the tools I have (air tools, blast cabinet, paint guns, sanders).
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