Need a new air compressor

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Usually single stage compressors are rated at 90psi and 2 stage are rated at 175. The two stage compressors store more volume in a given tank size and can be regulated down to 90 psi. The pressure rating is not just marketing.

The receiver or tank is what stores the compressed air. There is no volume storage in either stage (or single stage). Two stage compressors are more efficient (compared to single stage) for providing higher pressure. If the two stage compressor has a heat exchanger (intercooler) between the stages, then it’s even more efficient than a two stage without intercooling.

Some manufacturers use the pressure rating for marketing. Why else would a company lead with 175psi when virtually no tools use that pressure? Why not just list the free air delivery at 90 or 100psi?
 
I agree with @toolmanmike. I recently bought a Champion compressor from TP Tools. My North Star compressor from Northern Tools lasted about 16 years. I really like the new Champion. It has slightly better air flow, and it is much quieter.
Champion-5HP-2-Stage-80-Gal-Air-Compressor_8550-65ds_R_242e5f99.jpg
 
I agree with @toolmanmike. I recently bought a Champion compressor from TP Tools. My North Star compressor from Northern Tools lasted about 16 years. I really like the new Champion. It has slightly better air flow, and it is much quieter. View attachment 1715542466
And they have the second best warranty. 5 yr but it is prorated
 
I have an older 5 HP Champion, 2 stage 80 gal. It is an excellent compressor, runs a pressure pot blaster with no problem.
 
I have an older 5 HP Champion, 2 stage 80 gal. It is an excellent compressor, runs a pressure pot blaster with no problem.
I’m sure it is still good. I doubt the new one I buy will be running as good as the Compair/Kellog I’m replacing 36 years from now.
 
First three rules of compressor selection for blasting-

1- CFM

2- CFM

3- CFM

(*4) psi and gallon capacity mean almost nothing as you will exhaust the tank almost instantly unless you have 50 CFM

You are right about 12 @90 being about the minimum for any semi-serious blasting.

My 1980's Bel-Air model 318 (was originally a 338 converted to 220 from 3 phase with factory parts) keeps up great with my medium sized cabinet.

As long as you're above that 15-20 @90 I don't think you can go wrong with Quincy, Bel-Air, Speed-Aire, even IR for Mid-level equipment.
 
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That was to top of little tube so you might squeeze it in. Now that sucker is heavy and shipping won't be cheap. I think they make the same one horizotnal, Joe
 
I'll tell you what I'm using, FWIW. Two old Campbell-Hausfeld twin-cylinder reciprocating compressors, plumbed to a 60-gallon tank. I have found these old C-H compressors to be quite reliable when properly maintained, available cheaply if you look around (they're one of the most common compressors; used on Sears, Monkey Wards, etc. compressors for years), and all the repair parts are available. I've got hefty 220-volt motors driving each one. When I want shop air I'll run only one of them, and when I want to media blast I'll run them simultaneously.
 
Was afraid shipping would be high but they are really good conpressors
 
That T-30 I bought after tornado tore up Dodge dealer and got a deal at $500
 
That is what I’m holding out for. Finding a really good compressor some one needs to sell.
 
For the price of shipping and the Eaton, you can get free shipping from Northern Tool on a Quincy.

Northern Tool has a sale promo.

ei.jpg
 
Lemme show some pictures of the compressor graveyard at work here. Been at my work about 8+ years and we use a compressor some but not really a lot. We’re on our 4th one. It’s only 2 guys in a shop.
The first one here lasted longest but really not much maybe 2-3 years
FAB8E417-EB0C-4AEB-9745-21C66C147727.jpeg
1B627D32-2BEB-4545-A20B-EEF923873D44.jpeg
01E19120-3EF8-4D8F-9973-9CA5AA82CB6D.jpeg

this last husky one has been a good one so far.
13FB7F5F-65DD-46B5-9048-350264358595.jpeg
 
Lemme show some pictures of the compressor graveyard at work here. Been at my work about 8+ years and we use a compressor some but not really a lot. We’re on our 4th one. It’s only 2 guys in a shop.
The first one here lasted longest but really not much maybe 2-3 years
View attachment 1715542738 View attachment 1715542739 View attachment 1715542740
this last husky one has been a good one so far. View attachment 1715542741
Doesn’t say a lot for Husky does it?
 
Doesn’t say a lot for Husky does it?
Lol Home Depot is closest store and when the compressor breaks it shuts us down. Our CNC bender runs off air but not much. But yeah I’d say the husky brand isn’t so great. Maybe one step up from harbor freight. They just don’t make compressors like they used to.
 
Lol Home Depot is closest store and when the compressor breaks it shuts us down. Our CNC bender runs off air but not much. But yeah I’d say the husky brand isn’t so great. Maybe one step up from harbor freight. They just don’t make compressors like they used to.
"They" don't but someone does. You do get what you pay for.
 
Spend the extra money on a quincy and be done with it. It will last your lifetime and whoever snags it after your dead.
I think I got free shipping on mine through northern when I bought mine couple years back.
You can also spend a few extra bucks for the "maintenance kit" and it will extend the warranty quite a bit.
 
If you still haven't decided yet, I will throw this out there. Air Compressor Product Selector | Atlas Copco

We have them where I work. Much bigger than what you need but if the little ones hold up like our big ones, you should never have to buy another. And shipping is included or so it says.

I can speak with experience that those compressors are well made as they are full on industrial grade units. However, since his budget is a main priority, something from Lowe’s or Homedepot is likely going to be the solution.
 
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