Need advise on buying an air compressor - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**ScottH** · 10-11-2005, 03:37 PM

I want to buy an air compressor for my garage and would appreciate any suggestions or feedback. It will be used for basic garage work with occassionally painting a car. I am looking at a min 7hp 60 gal unit but was wondering if I should go for an 80 gal two stage? Of course price goes up accordingly.

**StingRay** · 10-11-2005, 04:23 PM

The 7Hp they are calling it is a joke. That's peak HP. It is really more like 3 HP. CFM is everything. If you ever want to sandblast find one that has a about 18 CFM at 90 PSI. I wouldn't settle for anything less than the 80 gal 2 stage. I'm guessing it's around 12 CFM at 90 PSI. Even with that bigger air tools will be able to drag it down over extended periods. If you have ever seen a true industrial 10HP compressor you will know why I say the 7HP is a joke. Look at the amp rating on the motor and do some math including motor efficiencies and it's not even close.

cdowns · 10-11-2005, 05:16 PM

the 7hp would be adequate for most home mechanics at around $500-$600 at lowes and home depot// or if you can afford what stingray is talking about in the 2-3thousand dollar range thats even better and probablly more than you'll ever need

Fred T · 10-11-2005, 06:10 PM

When I was at Sams they had the Delta 2 stage for a good price. Can't recall exactly what it was, but it was about $800.

rmrtndl · 10-11-2005, 06:14 PM

If you have a Tractor Supply Store nearby, check them out.

1969bb · 10-11-2005, 06:16 PM

check out TpTools they have a great selection and some quality equipment. I just bought a 7.5hp 80gal 2 stage and I absolutely love it. Check out their line of champion compressors. These cost a little more than the lowes or home depot compressor but are twice the compressor. I also own a devilbis that I bought from lowes and it is a joke as compared to the new one.

cdowns · 10-11-2005, 06:29 PM

twice the compressor at 4X the price that's a deal

**ScottH** · 10-11-2005, 07:06 PM

Thanks for all the info. How does this one sound for $850?
Craftsman Professional 80 gal. Air Compressor, 7 hp, Vertical Tank, 2-Stage Pump with Splash Lubrication
Sears item #00916780000 Mfr. model #16780
Splash lubrication. Includes pressure gauge, check valve, safety relief and shut off valves with male connections. 17.4 SCFM at 100 psi, 16.9 at 175 psi. 175 max. psi.

Skruffy · 10-11-2005, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottH

Thanks for all the info. How does this one sound for $850?
Craftsman Professional 80 gal. Air Compressor, 7 hp, Vertical Tank, 2-Stage Pump with Splash Lubrication
Sears item #00916780000 Mfr. model #16780
Splash lubrication. Includes pressure gauge, check valve, safety relief and shut off valves with male connections. 17.4 SCFM at 100 psi, 16.9 at 175 psi. 175 max. psi.

If it were me I would spend a little more and get something of quality. I have been the Craftsman and Sanborn route and would never do it again. I was planning to get a Quincy or Champion, but this guy has been on E-bay for a while and sounds like he knows what he is talking about.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/EATON...QQcmdZViewItem

I would NEVER AGAIN buy the 3450 RPM compressor, but I know that sometimes you have limitations and don't have much choice.

Rod · 10-11-2005, 11:51 PM

Personally I like the older units better..must be something about older quality I like...

anyway I've had a few compressors over the last few years as I had a knack of being at the right place right time..but had no where to store them all..so after some time storing them regardless..I sold them all..regreted it and bought this one this summer. This is my newest but smallest one I've had. 2 stage 4 cyl V twin style.. It now has a 5 hp 26 amp motor..looks like the 10hp you see today. It's a devilbiss 1976 era with a 60 gallon tank..as I figure it ..it can do 18 cfm at 90 psi easy.
It's small enough I can move it myself if need be. I unloaded it myself..if you gotta move them around some I'd suggest a horizontal unit like this.

And stingrays right on HP rating listed are peak..at the time they attempt to start turning the units over...big law suit about the nonsense compressor manufacturers were hyping...now the ratings are displayed a little more wisely...but there still over rated...call it peak and people think thats the running HP. People dont know what they read sometimes.

Good thread on compressors...as I was researching this stuff this summer is http://www.shopfloortalk.com/forums/...ight=devilbiss

anyway..my unit pictured before I had motor on it.
I paid less than new one of the 7hp peak range..its used but it will last longer..older stuff usually does.

Rod · 10-12-2005, 12:05 AM

Here's an air compressor tutorial. http://www.energysolutionscenter.org...cating%20Units

an autobody 101 about compressors also.
http://www.autobody101.com/forums/ab...tml&highlight=

rigo · 10-12-2005, 12:17 PM

yeah...as everyone else has said...if you are buying a compressor from a chain store...then you can pretty much rule out the accuracy of the horsepower claims....I would go by the cfm's....I'm partial to the Quincy compressors....I have a 7 horse, 2 stage that is capable of putting out a little over 20 cfm at 175psi....down side is...they are very expensive...I gave $1200 for it lightly used...but the up side is...I will NEVER have to upgrade or wonder if my compressor will run ANY new tool I buy...or buy another one cause it broke...

other comparable brands are:

champion
bel-aire
cambell hausefield industrial line

Rod · 10-12-2005, 12:28 PM

I'd say ther Ingersol Rand are good too...look at the bigger units though. Devilbiss were made in Canada...so thats why there not as well know down south. There's been a name change also in the past so there now known as Devair. Although I think there 2 different companies now. Devair is the good stuff now also.

dwcsr · 10-12-2005, 06:22 PM

One other thing to mention is that if at all possible get one with a cast iron compressor. They are rebuildable in most all cases the aluminum one most always are not and do change the oil once a year or more if you use it daily.

**ScottH** · 10-12-2005, 06:36 PM

Thanks to all - as usual great info!

10-11-2005, 04:23 PM	#2
StingRay Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Saskatoon,SK,Canada Posts: 2,487	The 7Hp they are calling it is a joke. That's peak HP. It is really more like 3 HP. CFM is everything. If you ever want to sandblast find one that has a about 18 CFM at 90 PSI. I wouldn't settle for anything less than the 80 gal 2 stage. I'm guessing it's around 12 CFM at 90 PSI. Even with that bigger air tools will be able to drag it down over extended periods. If you have ever seen a true industrial 10HP compressor you will know why I say the 7HP is a joke. Look at the amp rating on the motor and do some math including motor efficiencies and it's not even close. __________________ Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada

10-11-2005, 05:16 PM	#3
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	the 7hp would be adequate for most home mechanics at around $500-$600 at lowes and home depot// or if you can afford what stingray is talking about in the 2-3thousand dollar range thats even better and probablly more than you'll ever need __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

10-11-2005, 06:10 PM	#4
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	When I was at Sams they had the Delta 2 stage for a good price. Can't recall exactly what it was, but it was about $800. __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

10-11-2005, 06:14 PM	#5
rmrtndl Hey ya'll, Watch this! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 117	If you have a Tractor Supply Store nearby, check them out. __________________ Rick M. 72 GMC SWB Fleetside 25 Chevrolet Superior Series Truck 95 Mazda Miata 06 Dodge Charger RT http://ram92.ods.org/blog.html

10-11-2005, 06:16 PM	#6
1969bb Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Beaver Falls PA Posts: 24	check out TpTools they have a great selection and some quality equipment. I just bought a 7.5hp 80gal 2 stage and I absolutely love it. Check out their line of champion compressors. These cost a little more than the lowes or home depot compressor but are twice the compressor. I also own a devilbis that I bought from lowes and it is a joke as compared to the new one. __________________ 69 cst 10 396/th400 12bolt fact air buckets console spotlight and cut in bed steps 64nova ss 406/th350 69 Lincoln markIII

10-11-2005, 03:37 PM	#1
ScottH Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Hampstead, NC Posts: 8,193	Need advise on buying an air compressor I want to buy an air compressor for my garage and would appreciate any suggestions or feedback. It will be used for basic garage work with occassionally painting a car. I am looking at a min 7hp 60 gal unit but was wondering if I should go for an 80 gal two stage? Of course price goes up accordingly.

10-11-2005, 06:29 PM	#7
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	twice the compressor at 4X the price that's a deal __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

10-11-2005, 07:06 PM	#8
ScottH Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Hampstead, NC Posts: 8,193	Thanks for all the info. How does this one sound for $850? Craftsman Professional 80 gal. Air Compressor, 7 hp, Vertical Tank, 2-Stage Pump with Splash Lubrication Sears item #00916780000 Mfr. model #16780 Splash lubrication. Includes pressure gauge, check valve, safety relief and shut off valves with male connections. 17.4 SCFM at 100 psi, 16.9 at 175 psi. 175 max. psi.

10-11-2005, 11:51 PM	#10
Rod Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Eastern - Manitoba Canada, Winnipeg Posts: 4,369	Personally I like the older units better..must be something about older quality I like... anyway I've had a few compressors over the last few years as I had a knack of being at the right place right time..but had no where to store them all..so after some time storing them regardless..I sold them all..regreted it and bought this one this summer. This is my newest but smallest one I've had. 2 stage 4 cyl V twin style.. It now has a 5 hp 26 amp motor..looks like the 10hp you see today. It's a devilbiss 1976 era with a 60 gallon tank..as I figure it ..it can do 18 cfm at 90 psi easy. It's small enough I can move it myself if need be. I unloaded it myself..if you gotta move them around some I'd suggest a horizontal unit like this. And stingrays right on HP rating listed are peak..at the time they attempt to start turning the units over...big law suit about the nonsense compressor manufacturers were hyping...now the ratings are displayed a little more wisely...but there still over rated...call it peak and people think thats the running HP. People dont know what they read sometimes. Good thread on compressors...as I was researching this stuff this summer is http://www.shopfloortalk.com/forums/...ight=devilbiss anyway..my unit pictured before I had motor on it. I paid less than new one of the 7hp peak range..its used but it will last longer..older stuff usually does. Attached Images __________________ Senior active founding member. 70 3/4 ton GMC Suburban 4x4 250/4 spd. 71 1/2 ton Suburban Chevy 4x4, 350/350 72 Chev 1 ton tow truck 402BB w/Holmes 440 wrecker on propane 2005 FLSTSCI Harley Springer 85 FXSB Harley Lowrider 72 Triumph 650 Bonneville 5spd "Poor people don't have hobbies" Quote from wife. Last edited by Rod; 10-11-2005 at 11:55 PM.

10-12-2005, 12:05 AM	#11
Rod Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Eastern - Manitoba Canada, Winnipeg Posts: 4,369	Here's an air compressor tutorial. http://www.energysolutionscenter.org...cating%20Units an autobody 101 about compressors also. http://www.autobody101.com/forums/ab...tml&highlight= __________________ Senior active founding member. 70 3/4 ton GMC Suburban 4x4 250/4 spd. 71 1/2 ton Suburban Chevy 4x4, 350/350 72 Chev 1 ton tow truck 402BB w/Holmes 440 wrecker on propane 2005 FLSTSCI Harley Springer 85 FXSB Harley Lowrider 72 Triumph 650 Bonneville 5spd "Poor people don't have hobbies" Quote from wife.

10-12-2005, 12:17 PM	#12
rigo Flake Daddy Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Plainview TEXAS Posts: 456	yeah...as everyone else has said...if you are buying a compressor from a chain store...then you can pretty much rule out the accuracy of the horsepower claims....I would go by the cfm's....I'm partial to the Quincy compressors....I have a 7 horse, 2 stage that is capable of putting out a little over 20 cfm at 175psi....down side is...they are very expensive...I gave $1200 for it lightly used...but the up side is...I will NEVER have to upgrade or wonder if my compressor will run ANY new tool I buy...or buy another one cause it broke... other comparable brands are: champion bel-aire cambell hausefield industrial line __________________ 1968 SWB Fleet Daily Driver 350/TH400 shaved driprail,emblems,tailgate,air ride suspension 1964 Pontiac Catalina 2dr. hardtop shaved everything, air ride suspension 1998 Range Rover 1960 El Camino....in the works.....

10-12-2005, 12:28 PM	#13
Rod Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Eastern - Manitoba Canada, Winnipeg Posts: 4,369	I'd say ther Ingersol Rand are good too...look at the bigger units though. Devilbiss were made in Canada...so thats why there not as well know down south. There's been a name change also in the past so there now known as Devair. Although I think there 2 different companies now. Devair is the good stuff now also.

10-12-2005, 06:22 PM	#14
dwcsr Hollister Road Co. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Houston Posts: 6,131	One other thing to mention is that if at all possible get one with a cast iron compressor. They are rebuildable in most all cases the aluminum one most always are not and do change the oil once a year or more if you use it daily.

10-12-2005, 06:36 PM	#15
ScottH Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Hampstead, NC Posts: 8,193	Thanks to all - as usual great info!



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