Gunsmithing Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

[468shot]

I recently acquired a new blasting cabinet, but I don't have the right air compressor to run in it. The specs for the cabinet call for 120 PSI@15 CFM.

What brand and size would you guys suggest for this application? Budget wise I want to stay as low as possible, but I'm willing to spend for something that's quality and will last. I'm looking at a $2K max at this point, but really want to stay below that. I've looked around locally for a good used US made compressor with no luck.

Another alternative. Going through some of my grandfather's things I found an old Gardner Denver ACM 1003. It's a single stage twin cylinder with a 3.5 bore and stroke. I can't find any information on this, but it looks to be in new condition. I also have a new 100 gallon propane take not being used. I think this has potential, just can't find any info on the compressor.

Your thoughts and suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

[LRI]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

Just go to a blast media/abrasives shop and buy a new nozzle and/or gun rated to the right cfm of your compressor. The carbide ones cost around 50 bucks and will last around two years.

Good luck.

C.

 

[Teggy1]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

I will be buying the 7.5 hp Quincy, rated at 22 CFM at 90 or 175 PSI in the next few months. Retail is about 2400.00 but can be had for less than 2000.00. Also, should last a lifetime with a 50,000 hour rated pump life.

 

[468shot]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: C. Dixon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Just go to a blast media/abrasives shop and buy a new nozzle and/or gun rated to the right cfm of your compressor. The carbide ones cost around 50 bucks and will last around two years.

Good luck.

C. </div></div>

Thanks for the advice, I might do that to get by for the time being. I do need to upgrade to a bigger compressor though, I have a large painting project coming up I need it for as well.

 

[468shot]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Teggy1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I will be buying the 7.5 hp Quincy, rated at 22 CFM at 90 or 175 PSI in the next few months. Retail is about 2400.00 but can be had for less than 2000.00. Also, should last a lifetime with a 50,000 hour rated pump life.</div></div>

I've been looking at the Quincy as well. The 5 hp model fits my budget better. I've also been looking at this one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/AIR-COMPRES...&otn=5&po=LVI&ps=63&clkid=5154444483834598023

I like the low rpm's and it seems well built, can't find a lot of info on them though.

Where did you find the 7.5 hp Quincy for under 2k?

Thanks.

 

[Teggy1]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

Local retailer has 17% off sales rather frequently, and a couple times a year they do a friends and family 20% off sale. Almost bought one about a week or two ago (F&F 20% off), but some of the cash went for tires for the truck and Christmas presents.

 

[cal50]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

Match your nozzle to your CFM of your compressor. I recently picked up an Ingersoll Rand compressor from TSC for $800

http://fwd4.me/0j9p


It a single stage BUT it puts out 18 CFM @ 90 PSI which is pretty good. My old one was OK but only 9 CFM @ 90 so I increased my air through put a lot and the price was right. It seems for blasting you never have enough air so you have to compromise at some point or throw more money at it.

The TP tools / skatblast gun (S-25-M) is matched well for the above compressor output. They have a wide selection of parts and nozzles also.

http://fwd4.me/0j9q

 

[468shot]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

Thanks for the help. I'm going to pick up a smaller carbide nozzle for now. I'll keep saving and do some used shopping in the mean time.

If anyone knows anything about the gardner denver compressor or somewhere I can find some information on it that would be great.

 

[woodsy]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

I have a 5 hp Quincy and absolutely love it. It's a solid machine that runs my impacts, blast cabinet, and paint guns with no problem.

Don't just let price be your guide. Oftentimes, spending a bit more on a quality product ends of being a lot cheaper in the long run. But you probably already know this.

 

[stangfish]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

Build one that will spank.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/p...-Product%20Page

 

[Powder_Burns]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

Don't buy an import pump. The Ingersolls SUCK too.
Stick with Quincy or Champion.
You will thank me in the long run.

eta: The "7.5hp" Quincy is a 5hp rated pump slapped on a 7.5hp motor. Hi-rev = less service life.

 

[468shot]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

Thanks for all of the input, it's really helped. I'm going to save a little more and go with a 5 hp Quincy, should do every thing I need.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/p...-Product%20Page

This one seems to have the best features for the money and uses a baldor motor as well.

 

[Teggy1]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Powder Burns</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Don't buy an import pump. The Ingersolls SUCK too.
Stick with Quincy or Champion.
You will thank me in the long run.

eta: The "7.5hp" Quincy is a 5hp rated pump slapped on a 7.5hp motor. Hi-rev = less service life. </div></div>

According to the quincy product manual, the bore on both low pressure cylinder and High pressure cylinder are larger on the 7.5. It does spin faster, but the pumps are different than the 5 hp.

Model Typical Bore Bore Stroke No. Min. ACFM Max.C ACFM Approx.
No. hp L.P. H.P. (in) Cyl. RPM @ Min. RPM @ Max. Ship
Range (in) (in) rpm 175 PSIG rpm Weight (lb)
PLT-5 3-5 4.00 2.25 3.00 2 400 6.70 1060 18.30 140
PLT-7.5 7.5 4.50 2.50 3.00 2 540 11.80 1060 23.20 150
PLT-15 10-15 4.50 2.50 3.50 4 400 22.10 1150 63.50 375

http://www.aceair.com/PDF/PLT.pdf

Quincy QT® Basic compressors
Model Typical Bore LP Bore hp Stroke No. of Min. ACFM @175 psig Max. ACFM @175 psig Shipping
No. hp Range (Inches) (Inches) (Inches) Cyl. RPM @Min. RPM RPM @Max. RPM Weight
QT-5 3-5 4.00 2.25 3.00 2 400 7.00 1050 18.30 140
QT-7.5 5-7.5 4.50 2.50 3.00 2 540 11.80 1060 23.20 150
QT-10 10 5.00 2.75 3.50 2 400 14.45 968 35.00 220
QT-15 10-15 4.50 2.50 3.50 V4 400 22.10 1150 63.50 365
QT-25 20-30 6.00 3.25 4.00 V4 400 46.10 940 108.30 740

http://igor.chudov.com/manuals/Quincy-QT-3-30HP-Brochure.pdf

I would like to see the info you have on pumps.

 

[Bradu]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 468shot</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for all of the input, it's really helped. I'm going to save a little more and go with a 5 hp Quincy, should do every thing I need.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/p...-Product%20Page

This one seems to have the best features for the money and uses a baldor motor as well.</div></div>

I have that model and really like it, it runs my plasma cutter no problem.

 

[hero's machine]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

I have an older ingersoll that is rated at [email protected]d rig, much better than the current models. If I were to buy one today, I would buy a champion. They are pressure oiled and very good machines. Not to take anything from quincy as my dad has one of their 22@175 machines and it has been solid as well. Buy one you can get parts for...it will last forever.

 

[468shot]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hero's machine</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have an older ingersoll that is rated at [email protected]d rig, much better than the current models. If I were to buy one today, I would buy a champion. They are pressure oiled and very good machines. Not to take anything from quincy as my dad has one of their 22@175 machines and it has been solid as well. Buy one you can get parts for...it will last forever.</div></div>

I've looked for an older IR, quincy, champion, etc that's pressure lubed with discs valves. I can't find anything that's a good enough value over a new one due to the freight charges.

I like the 5 hp PL-series champion, but it's out of my budget being ~900 more than the quincy. I have a nice road trip stringing from here(NM) to GA next week, might do some looking around then.

 

[LRI]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

The pair of 50 gallon 3.5hp Ingersol compressors I have sure seem to work well enough.

Plumbed in parallel they run my whole shop. Three CNC machines, a manual mill/lathe, blast cabinet, paint booth, etc. . .

I also have a line conditioner/dryer from Premier.

Dry, clean, oil free air all day long. At $500 bucks each when one chits the bed after 5 years you pitch it and get a new one.

Unless I was running a 6000 square foot shop that did nothing but run air tools 60+ hours a week I'd go the cheapest route possible.

Take that extra cash and build a paint booth for cerakoting or build a bigger/better oven.

Like I said earlier, $50 bucks will buy a carbide nozzle and the right regulator for the CFM requirements your current compressor runs at. I bought the big monster size cabinet from Grizzly. Changed out the gun and now its a blastin foo.

Not trying to be a know it all. I just know that when doing this chit for a living you have to be careful/creative with how you spend the $.

Good luck.

C.

 

[hero's machine]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 468shot</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hero's machine</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have an older ingersoll that is rated at [email protected]d rig, much better than the current models. If I were to buy one today, I would buy a champion. They are pressure oiled and very good machines. Not to take anything from quincy as my dad has one of their 22@175 machines and it has been solid as well. Buy one you can get parts for...it will last forever.</div></div>

I've looked for an older IR, quincy, champion, etc that's pressure lubed with discs valves. I can't find anything that's a good enough value over a new one due to the freight charges.

I like the 5 hp PL-series champion, but it's out of my budget being ~900 more than the quincy. I have a nice road trip stringing from here(NM) to GA next week, might do some looking around then. </div></div>

I have a friend that just bought one for $2400 I don't recall if it is 5 or 7.5 HP but it is quick, quiet and reeks of quality.

 

[cal50]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: C. Dixon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The pair of 50 gallon 3.5hp Ingersol compressors I have sure seem to work well enough.

Plumbed in parallel they run my whole shop. Three CNC machines, a manual mill/lathe, blast cabinet, paint booth, etc. . .

I also have a line conditioner/dryer from Premier.

Dry, clean, oil free air all day long. At $500 bucks each when one chits the bed after 5 years you pitch it and get a new one.

Unless I was running a 6000 square foot shop that did nothing but run air tools 60+ hours a week I'd go the cheapest route possible.

Take that extra cash and build a paint booth for cerakoting or build a bigger/better oven.

Like I said earlier, $50 bucks will buy a carbide nozzle and the right regulator for the CFM requirements your current compressor runs at. I bought the big monster size cabinet from Grizzly. Changed out the gun and now its a blastin foo.

Not trying to be a know it all. I just know that when doing this chit for a living you have to be careful/creative with how you spend the $.

Good luck.

C. </div></div>



What he said.....

I cant bag on Ingersol Rand too bad, they have been in business over 100 years and my compressor works great for my application.
Would a Quincy serve me any better? Doubtful and I liked the price vs performance. I could buy 2 1/2 new IR models for the cost of the one Quincy and the air output is similar.
(Quincy 17.7 CFM@100 / IR 18.1CFM@90 continuous duty)

Change your oil yearly and use synthetic regardless of what you purchase (unless you buy a screw type.

 

[Mark Housel]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

Is there an advantage of the higher priced Quincy in terms of noise level?

Seems that some of the cheaper compressors seem to make one hell of a racket.
I'm in a small 2 garage area and don't have a good option for placing the compressor outside.

So, for me noise is a big consideration. I work with ears on for some things already, I'd hate to have to wear them all the time.

 

[hero's machine]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mark Housel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Is there an advantage of the higher priced Quincy in terms of noise level?

Seems that some of the cheaper compressors seem to make one hell of a racket.
I'm in a small 2 garage area and don't have a good option for placing the compressor outside.

So, for me noise is a big consideration. I work with ears on for some things already, I'd hate to have to wear them all the time. </div></div>

I have my ingersoll in the shop and can talk on the phone while it runs...except today when the pop off tripped at 180psi...sounded like a sub gun...lol.

 

[Powder_Burns]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

I stand by my statement. The Ingersoll pumps are garbage, and won't last more than 2 years under regular use even with scheduled preventitive maintenance. You are better off with Quincy or Champion. The pressure lube champions will leak like a bitch though, I'd stick with the regular splash-lube pumps. You better be changing oil at least 3 times a year if you decide to get an Ingersoll, and keep the intake filter clean. Start saving for a replacement pump now, I guarantee you will need one.

 

[cal50]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Powder Burns</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I stand by my statement. The Ingersoll pumps are garbage, and won't last more than 2 years under regular use even with scheduled preventitive maintenance. You are better off with Quincy or Champion. The pressure lube champions will leak like a bitch though, I'd stick with the regular splash-lube pumps. You better be changing oil at least 3 times a year if you decide to get an Ingersoll, and keep the intake filter clean. Start saving for a replacement pump now, I guarantee you will need one. </div></div>


2 years tops?
Yea, right.

Unless you posses some psychic abilities that's a pretty bold statement bordering on pure BS. Your better off with the compressor that matches your air requirement and your pocket book. Also any compressor should have normal PM's and clean filters be it a Quincy, IR or Kmart machine.

 

[468shot]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

C. Dixon,

I appreciate the suggestion, I'll look into running two smaller compressors. I'm not a machine shop or have a demand for large quantities of air all the time, but sometimes I do. It gets old waiting for my current compressor to build air when I'm working on ranch trucks, changing tires, etc. A big factor I have in my purchase is freight; no one around here carries/deals anything I'm interested in.

Mark Housel,

I obviously don't have direct experience with the noise levels, but I have been doing a lot of research. It seems a lot of the cheaper air compressors that are rated to produce the same air as a more expensive quincy, champion etc. are doing so by higher rpm's and a smaller compressor. From what I've read this leads to more noise and a shorter compressor life. The 5 hp quincy I linked in a previous post has the lowest rpm's of the 5 hp models they offer and a lower rpm than most of the competition. Hopefully this will make it last longer and run a little quieter than most. Maybe someone else with a little more knowledge can clarify.


Thanks for all of the input, I'm slowly learning.

 

[Powder_Burns]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

Cal you are right I only replace about 5 of those pumps a year, I must be full of it.

 

[DP425]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

If you are in the military, or maybe fire/LE, lowes has a 10% discount and they carry IR compressors. That might be a thought.

For years I had a small 25gal 5HP craftsman oil-less compressor... that thing was ran like I was trying to kill it. Had one compressor rebuild in the 15+ years I had it. What's my point? Cheap shit sometimes lasts long enough to make a repair or replacement with another cheap item worth it. Sure it was possibly the loudest compressor ever built and my airtools would have it running near constant... but it still lasted more than two years.

I don't see any but the biggest piles of junk, far undersized for their constant high-demand use failing in two years.

 

[Powder_Burns]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

...but do you sell and service air compressors for a living?

 

[DP425]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

No, you're right- I do not. But you're not going to tell me every IR that goes out the door gets a new pump in within 24 months. If that's the case, and you're only replacing about 5 a year... you must have an absolutely miserable share of the market in your area.

I don't doubt you- when compared to other, more expensive brands I'm sure the IR's fall far short. I just think your view may be a little more skewed toward what you know to be the best quality. But he may not need the best quality. I'm not a smith, so I have no idea what their air-usage is like, but I have to believe it's less than an auto shop... and plenty of them are running IR's without issue.

As a matter of fact, a fairly high-end pontoon boat builder I know for a fact runs a large IR coupled with a brand I don't recall, of rather old age to feed their entire shop. And they haven't had any problems.

 

[LRI]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

Competiton Distributing is a vintage motorcycle business in Sturgis SD. From 2009 to 2011 (first part of the year) I was personally responsible for the manufacturing of almost every machined part in the catalog.

The compressor room has two IR 3.5hp 50 gallon compressors and a Kaiser dryer.

Lonnie bought one in 2005 when he moved here from Houston. The other was brought here from TX so its at least 6 years old.

In 2010 the older of the two spun the rod bearing. I machined a new one from bronze, honed it to size, reinstalled, and its worked everyday since.

This is what compelled me to get the two I have now. Air in a shop is kinda like sex. Not a big deal till your not gettin any.

Based on my personal experience, I don't see the issue with the Lowes/Menards/Home Depot level compressors.

Any number of outside forces can lead to premature failure. Poor wiring, dirty power (voltage conditioners are almost a must), high humidity, lack of maintenance, poor oil/low oil, and lack of free circulation around the units will all contribute to premature failure.

If noise is a problem, build a dog house and insulate the noise. Its only plywood and insulation. Put an air source in it so that it pulls cool air over the head. Don't let it regurgitate the same hot air.

Good luck and hope you get up and running. Buy a dryer! Moisture free air is a real blessing when running a cabinet. Premier and Kaiser make really good ones. Not cheap but very very worth it.

Footnote: I see that the compressor service guy is from south florida. No wonder they die like flies. In 1979 my ol man got orders to Patrick AFB. Within three years his mint 429CJ powered Grand Torino Sport was hauled to the bone yard because of the salt spray induced cancer that destroyed the car. The ocean eats chit with iron in it. . .

C.

 

[LRI]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

Last. Get yourself some snake oil called tx7 and add it to the compressor oil. TX7 has 70 flourocarbon resins in it. I seasoned one of my rc plane race motors with it prior to running it in for the 1st time. Picked up 400rpm over identical engines broke in conventionally.

Its around $40/quart but worth every penny imo.

 

[cal50]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

Kaiser makes excellent air dryers. We use Kaiser's at my day job drying air for two LK G90C CMM machines with pricey air bearings.
They are fed from an IR compressor of 50's vintage. Actually our manufacturing plant has a variety of air compressors and vacuum pumps so I have seen several run 24X7 and yes, some last better than others.

Even the Harbor Freight 2 stage compressor is a good buy with stainless steel valves:

http://fwd4.me/0jFS

Again, unless you need the higher PSI the CFM is lower at 90 over the IR single stage compressor I mentioned before.

Buy based on your CFM needs #1 and then look at the cost and buy accordingly. I think any of the choices people have mentioned will serve you well.

 

[koodbe]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

FWIW Quincy is very expensive to purchase & maintain as well as their warranty support is not real good. Unless you use their filters and oil etc that are very overpriced they will not support any warranty. We are on our second screw compressor at work and im not real impressed with it at all.
I would not hesitate for a minute to use the Champion units. My small compressor at home 5hp 60gal vertical is over 20 years and its a Campbell Hausfeld... broke a flywheel once! Like Mr Dixon said set the nozzle size for the compressor not the other way around.

 

[468shot]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

Thanks for all of the suggestions, lots to think about. Right now I'm leaning toward the 5 hp quincy. I'm going to do some shopping around and see what kind of deals I can find over the next couple of weeks. If the quincy or champion are too high I might go with a couple smaller IR's.

I'll look into the Kaiser dryers. Not sure how bad I need one? It rarely gets over 15% RH where I'm at. I'll also check out the TX7; the stuff better work miracles for $40/quart.

 

[bigwheeler]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

I am a retired bodyshop owner. Quincy and DeVilbiss were the standard fare in
most smaller shops. They last generations as do the old Ingersalls. I bought a 5 horse Quincy with no oil pump, poppet valves, one wide belt and no magnetic
starter at a Ranch and Home store 12 years ago. I use it pretty heavy when I'm
working in the shop but not on a daily basis. Plenty of air for one guy and should
last the rest of mine and my kids life. (had a 5 horse Champion and only the motor ever went in commercial use)

 

[1snowcat]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

FWIW I used to work in a cabinet shop, for the most part all the tools we used, worked w/ air... We had a two-stage Quincy/Binks 3 phase (monster size compressor head) we used it all day everyday for 5-6 days a week... It was built in the 70's still runs today only thing that's been done to it is compressor has been re-built... the shop finally needed more volume and ended up buying a screw-type compressor only a couple years ago... So I got the old Quincy (changed the motor to a 10hp single phase) since I was the poor sap that got to rebuild it. My boss gave it to me since I took upon myself to rebuild it after hours...
Im sure IR will work until they cant keep up with the volume... Makes total sense what Mr. Dixon is saying running them 2 at a time... Heat is the enemy whem it comes to most engines/compressors... heat them up and they will show you there weak points....

 

[Mike Casselton]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

One more thing to seriously consider is if you are in a high humidity area and run IR compressors is to add an auto drain valve.
I also echo the South FL compressor guys comments. IR's do not last in FL conditions and they make a ton of water.

I worked in a desalination plant, and for our IR's we had to plumb a Y pipe and put two auto drains on them to keep up with how much water they would make. As the IR's would die off (with regular maintenance) we began replacing them with screw-type compressors. We had ten compressors rated anywhere from 5-50 HP. Lots of air use because pretty much every valve or other component was air operated.
Get a dryer for it no matter where you live.

 

[Powder_Burns]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

I don't know about up north, but auto-drains don't last down here. I end up removing a lot of bells and whistles from air compressors here. The thing about auto-drains I see a lot is people assume they are taking care of their water problem and put them out of their mind...the unit fails and then the tank fills up with condensate. I find it cheaper and more practical to just use a ball valve on the tank and leave it cracked open and/or pipe a hose out your shop.

Regarding the salinity in the air, I have seen what sea spray can do to equipment but i want to reiterate that while I see a high turnover rate with the IR 2545 pumps, I don't replace as many pumps from Quincy, Champion, or Campbell Hausfeld (which is worse than IR!)...and most of my customers aren't 'on the water' so to speak. Some of the pumps i service are older than I am..but I seldom see an IR pump moee than 5 years old down heee. The old ones had 'Made In USA' cast on the front of the pump, new ones don't. I wonder why...

 

[LRI]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

Understand that the moisture, although it does come from the outside air source, it's collected/condensed inside the tank. -Why you need to drain them routinely.

The air dryer ensures no water/oil makes it to your lines. You could live in South Phoenix and still have moisture/oil in your lines.

GET THE DRYER. Your blast cabinet, air tools, and machines will thank you for it.

 

[cal50]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

One other thing to consider is if you are purchasing a commercial quality machine you will also pay more for parts and needed replacements (filters, oil, etc.) where a home market machine might be a lot less and available locally.

My retired Campbell Hausfield compressor was old enough to vote before I retired it and got a IR with double the CFM and parts were / are available locally for reasonable cost.

When you compress air you get heat & water. The dive shop that fills my air tank has a small fortune in filters and air driers as does the fire department that fills their Scott air packs. You can spent a fortune and still not have the "perfect" rig.

 

[468shot]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cal50</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> You can spent a fortune and still not have the "perfect" rig.</div></div>

I'm figuring this out quickly. The expense for what I thought to be a simple compressor upgrade is getting out of control. lol

I'll start the hunt for a dryer as well. A quick search shows these can be pricey; I may have to do without for a month or so to let some funds recover.

What do you guys recommend? I see Kaiser and Premier mentioned. Is there a benefit to cycling vs non-cycling refrigerated dryers?

Thanks.

 

[Teggy1]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

Shop I worked at used a "Zeks" air dryer. I also see a lot of the for auction from closed industrial manufacturers. I am looking for one used, as they have been going for about $400-$500 around here.

ETA: I would like to hear some pro's and con's, or some supporting information, rather than "just buy this cause it works for me."

 

[bigwheeler]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

You are way overdoing it with the dryer. I lived on the ocean, my shop less than
1/2 mile from it and we just ran dryers on the booths. And just the replaceable
media canister types. Unless you have expensive machinery that has air operated
valves and the like it isn't a big deal.

 

[STR]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Teggy1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I will be buying the 7.5 hp Quincy, rated at 22 CFM at 90 or 175 PSI in the next few months. Retail is about 2400.00 but can be had for less than 2000.00. Also, should last a lifetime with a 50,000 hour rated pump life. </div></div>

This is what will replace mine if it ever goes and it's not worth rebuilding. The Baldor motor is one of the best.

 

[Mike Casselton]

Re: Air Compressor Help/Suggestions

Air for breathing is a whole different issue. It must meet certain air quality standards.
Your dive shop probably uses an AD-800 inline filter. It has five different filters all on one little cart. We used to use them when we were doing fuel tank repairs on aircraft.

And again to echo Chad's comments. Get a dryer. If we didn't run a dryer, it would ruin the filters on the cart...