Not another Air Compressor thread…

[DentalDart]

Ok I lied, it’s another air compressor thread…

I need one. I got a plasma cutter and my old 15+ year old 15 gallon air compressor is not going to cut it… I know everyone says buy bigger than you think you need and CFM is king.

Well I don’t do much with the air compressor as of yet but I want one that will be enough for my plasma cutter. Maybe paint a car in the future but that’s a far away future.

Has anyone used one of these Eaton 60 gallon air compressors? 19 CFM at 90psi, seems to be a lot of compressor for a good price? Plus I can use my CC points and get it for free on Amazon.

Or do I go with an Ingersol Rand from Tractor supply?

 

[1MeanA]

5 hp (around 20 cfm at 100 psi with a 60 or 80 gallon tank) has been the typical size for body work. This will require 230 volts. You usually get what you pay for although the IR is probably good enough for light use. I would check out the reviews. I'm jaded as the new stuff is pretty light duty compared to what the old 5 hp compressors like my Curtis which is 40 years old now. Of course a compressor like that would cost a fortune these days.

 

[Mopar Momzee]

Buy once cry once I bought an emax 10hp, bigger issue you will have is if u get a blasting cabinet u need something that will keep up with it.

 

[4spdragtop]

5hp minimum, skip the oilless junk. 50 gal minimum. With a spread like you have get an above average quality. Keep eye out for local auctions. Rebuildable.

 

[Michael Siple]

If I were to replace my junk - buddy has got one - very nice , QUIET . capable. $$$$.$$

 

[DentalDart]

I was really hoping to stay around 1500-2k.

 

[1WildRT]

That IR Should do everything you need it to do... If you pick up a blast cabinet you'll have to let it catch up... Blast for 10 minutes, wait two minutes... Not a big deal, I did that for years till I got a bigger compressor..

 

[DentalDart]

Buy once cry once I bought an emax 10hp, bigger issue you will have is if u get a blasting cabinet u need something that will keep up with it. View attachment 1716494511View attachment 1716494510

That’s the Emax air compressor which is Owned by Eaton Compressor… so the compressor you posted is from the sister company of the one I posted above and they are made in the same factory in Ohio. Learning this all as I research today.

This Northstar compressor at Northern Tool is also produced by Eaton Compressors which is why it looks exactly like the Eaton Polar Air one and has the same exact specs as the Eaton Polar Air compressor.

 

[DentalDart]

View attachment 1716494525 If I were to replace my junk - buddy has got one - very nice , QUIET . capable. $$$$.$$

That is nice, reminds me of the ones at my office. It’s not the most expensive either.

I have 2 that are airstar 50s and a back up airstar30 that’s a little cheaper at my office. If my air compressor made me money I’d have no problem spending more for it but, I just want something to dunk around with in the shop.

 

[1WildRT]

Medical grade oilless compressors are kinda specialized... Not a lot of air, but really clean consistent air... I had a Corkin Medical compressor forty plus years ago... Big/Heavy... Only made a maximum of 90 psi... Got if from a Dr that needed some resto work... I shoulda demanded all cash...

 

[Mopar Momzee]

That’s the Emax air compressor which is Owned by Eaton Compressor… so the compressor you posted is from the sister company of the one I posted above and they are made in the same factory in Ohio. Learning this all as I research today.

This Northstar compressor at Northern Tool is also produced by Eaton Compressors which is why it looks exactly like the Eaton Polar Air one and has the same exact specs as the Eaton Polar Air compressor.

View attachment 1716494544

View attachment 1716494551

Yes I just didn’t want to keep upgrading as I got more into the cars. U have a good size shop long distance on hoses blasting cabinet in future, painting using a DA, plasma cutter. My thought was just do it once. I also built a radiator for water separation.

 

[DentalDart]

Yes I just didn’t want to keep upgrading as I got more into the cars. U have a good size shop long distance on hoses blasting cabinet in future, painting using a DA, plasma cutter. My thought was just do it once. I also built a radiator for water separation. View attachment 1716494558View attachment 1716494557

That’s a clean set up! I just know a 4-6k air compressor is not in my cards at the moment unfortunately. Maybe I’ll take the time and just get one after the shop remodel and car is painted.

 

[DentalDart]

Medical grade oilless compressors are kinda specialized... Not a lot of air, but really clean consistent air... I had a Corkin Medical compressor forty plus years ago... Big/Heavy... Only made a maximum of 90 psi... Got if from a Dr that needed some resto work... I shoulda demanded all cash...

Yeah these things run all day long but they aren’t cheap. It’s not super high pressure like a shop would need.

 

[1MeanA]

My 5 hp keeps up with my blast cabinet. I built an enclosure around it that cuts the noise down 10db which is a lot.

 

[1MeanA]

5hp minimum, skip the oilless junk. 50 gal minimum. With a spread like you have get an above average quality. Keep eye out for local auctions. Rebuildable.

Got mine at a divorce sale Good for me, bad for him.

 

[Yote]

Although I have a large compressor, my plasma cutter operates well at 50 psi, (up to 1/2” thick material). Check your plasma cutter requirements. Unless you are doing sustained thick cutting, I would think a lot of compressors could handle it.
Yote

 

[DentalDart]

Although I have a large compressor, my plasma cutter operates well at 50 psi, (up to 1/2” thick material). Check your plasma cutter requirements. Unless you are doing sustained thick cutting, I would think a lot of compressors could handle it.
Yote

Didn’t think of that. Says it’s set at post flow for 5 seconds at 60psi which will cut up to 1/2 in thick metal

 

[fishmens67]

Buy once, cry once, a compressor capable of operating a DA or inline sander continuously.
The only thing holding up progress is waiting for a compressor to catch up.