What do you guys think about this compressor

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PostPosted: Sun Aug 04, 2019 7:27 am
After hearing from you guys and researching online this is what I've learned about "What to look for in a compressor":

The following is for 5HP 2 Stage 230V single phase with 80 gallon tanks

Pump RPM - Less expensive units (under $1500) usually have small cylinders so they have to run at higher RPM's to produce the same CFM output as larger cylinder low RPM Pumps. The higher RPM means noisier, and they wear out fast. Most units I've found in the under $1500 range are the small pump, high RPM version. The point - Look at the RPM, LOW RPM and High CFM is good. Also make sure rebuild kits are available for the pump.

CFM for compressors, as mentioned above, are generally going to be in the 17 to 19 CFM at 90 PSI range for the low rpm larger pump style compressors ($2000 range). Units in the 13 to 15 CFM range usually have high rmp pumps but are lower cost units ($1000 range).

Lubrication - Two types on units above: splash oiled and pressure oiled. Pressure oiled is better but is also usually about a $500 increase and generally found on units that are in the $3000 plus price range. Plan on splash oiled.

Starters - Two types on units above: Magnetic and flip type switch. Magnetic is better but also about a $250 increase. Some brands offer the magnetic starter as an option. Most if not all units in the $1000 range are not going to have a magnetic starter.

Some name brands I've found that appear to make good units worth looking at in the $1500 to $2500 range:
Eaton (Polar Air)
Quincy
Saylor-Beal
Champion
Kellog-American
Ingersol Rand

Box Store Brands that offer low cost units that will get the job done for the backyard hobbyist and seam like a good value for what the are:
Husky (Home Depot)
Northern Tool
Last edited by Lenny B on Sun Aug 04, 2019 12:35 pm, edited 2 times in total.

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PostPosted: Sun Aug 04, 2019 7:47 am
Well, now that you are edumacated on compressors.....what do you think for your selection?
Only comment I'd make on your lists there....Northern Tools is a hit or miss thing. I bought a pro grade power washer from them about 10 years ago and it lasted 30 days, tops. They did nothing...... Bought a decent compressor from them about 15 years ago and it made it a year (just past warranty). Bought a house brand generator (7000 size) from them 6 years ago, runs like a top, no problems, starts every time. At least if you went Home Depot you could have someone in front of you to throttle if things go south. I had 3 bad pressure washers in a row from them, the last one finally took..... Again, buy as much on-site warranty as you can get.....
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PostPosted: Sun Aug 04, 2019 10:26 am
DarrelK wrote:Well, now that you are edumacated on compressors.....what do you think for your selection?


I think the Home Depot unit would be ok for what I do but I'm going to get the "Eaton 5 HP Air Compressor, 2 Stage, Single Phase, 80 Gallon Tank, Vertical, Industrial" just because I think I'll forget about the $800 price difference after a short while and will be glad I bought a quality unit down the road. I like the higher 19 CFM@90, low 800 RPM pump, and the disc valves at $1660.

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PostPosted: Sun Aug 04, 2019 5:03 pm
Well, since buying one of these isn't too far off (probably going 7.5 hp, single phase, 120 gallon) for my wood shop do me a big favor.....tell us all how it's working out, good or bad. So are you having it shipped or picking it up? I think you are just a shade over 200 miles from them. I'm only about 100 miles from them and I have relatives out that way so I am definitely picking it up when the time comes.
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PostPosted: Sat Aug 10, 2019 9:51 am
I am sold on Building my own any more, After fixing so many of my own over the years replacing pumps & motors, switches and such building one your self isnt so bad. you can get a lot more bang for your buck. I think you get a better deal in the end just buying a Good Pump adding or using your own motor especially if you already have a Tank and such.
For instance I was looking at buying two of these pumps for my compressors before I bought my Ingersol.

https://eatoncompressor.com/product/10h ... mp-43-cfm/

Nice Pump and the price isnt bad either. of course if you have to add a Bigger motor and pully you quickly start coming to the Box name $$ prices but you end up with a higher quality tool in my opinion.
Dennis B.
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PostPosted: Sun Aug 11, 2019 11:24 pm
And of course, now that listing says....."Out of Stock" I was considering that "build your own" thing a few weeks ago and had looked at this pump. I'd swear it was in stock then.....
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PostPosted: Mon Aug 12, 2019 8:53 am
When I was shopping they where available at least two where when I called them about being available.
I am sure they wont be out of stock for long very popular pump.
That really is killer deal on a great pump! up to 43 cfm depending how fast you turn it.
That's some serious air flow!
A quick phone call would confirm when they would be available again.
I my self am done buying the already built compressors, Build my own from now on.

By the way they do have ready built units with same pump available. you can buy a ready made unit with same pump? $2100-$2400 still a great deal. when you consider a 10 hp single phase motor gonna cost you about $600-$1000 depending on where you buy and what manufacture you buy. 10 Hp single phase motor's are not cheap!
https://eatoncompressor.com/product/10h ... ifications
They are only turning it 800 rpm to keep it cool only puts out 34 cfm @175 psi should last a very long time with the disk valves as long as oil is changed at least annually.
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 Aug 13, 2019 7:59 am
Yeah, I think I'm just back to buying a complete set-up......
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PostPosted: Wed Aug 28, 2019 12:38 am
JCCLARK wrote:That Husky will keep up just fine for painting, but if you plan on using
air sanders you need a little bigger one. Air sanders will pull 15 CFM at 90 PSI.
And you should have something putting out a little more than that, otherwise
the compressor will run constantly and start getting hot and making a lot
of water. For air sanders, you really need a 2 stage.
But you can get by just fine with electric sanders. I pretty much don't use the air ones anymore and use electric for most everything now.

What type/brand of electric sanders do you use? I agree with what you said about the compressor being fine for paint, but it runs out of steam with extended sanding or grinding with air tools.
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