Santa is thinking about bringing an air compressor. Each one is 240 volt and draws about 21 to 22 amps. Each one claims about 15 to 16 cfm at 90 psi. The Delta is a 2 stage 80 gal, 175 psi max. Ingersoll Rand is single stage, 60 gallon, 135 psi max. Price is about the same. Team Camaro, which one? :confused:

http://members.aol.com/beeskerdog/deltacomp.jpg http://members.aol.com/beeskerdog/ircomp.jpg

Delta. Two stage is the only way to go for bodywork and painting. Also the the eighty gallon tank is great for running air tools for extended periods,like Da's,grinders ect. Just make sure you can get parts for it.

2 stage is the way to go but I don't know about the Delta brand. Look closer at the details of each compressor. Engine cast iron? Tubing used? Brand of motor and specs? Warranty? Total weight of each compressor will give you some insight on quality of materials that were used.
How much are you willing to spend and how ofter will you use your compressor? I bought a new compressor this fall and told myself that $1k was my limit. I ended up spending more by going with the IR 80gal 2 stage but I'm really glad I did.

Delta 2 stage 80 Gal. ;)
Don’t forget about the hidden extra's that go along with the compressor if you are not already set up for it. Such as, plumbing a dedicated 240 A/C circuit, running air lines, ball valves, filter, lubricator, regulator, fittings, couplers, air hose ext...

Example:

http://www.oldsmobility.com/images/ACpipinglayout2.jpg

I recently purchased a 7.5 hp 2 stage Husky compressor from Home Depot. It cost me about 1400, but after years of working with an inadequate compressor It's like I died and went to heaven. I can actually use my 100 lb.pressure sandblaster and this thing will recover. It was slightly cheaper, or about the same as comparable compressors, but I picked it up myself and saved a bunch on the shipping.

Everyone -thanks for the replies.
I like the features of the Delta 2-stage, but I think Ingersoll Rand probably makes a better machine. At least, IR has been around forever and I thought Delta only made table saws (good ones). I've seen the Delta compressor head (aluminum body and cast iron cylinders) used on other brands such as Porter Cable and Northstar (house brand for NorthernTool.com). Anyone have one of these machines?

So far, I'm not hearing it would be a mistake to go with Delta over IR.

Thanks also for the plumbing input -it helps alot. graemlins/thumbsup.gif

I bought the 2 stage,60 gal IR with the T30 compressor, Northern Hyd. and Auto, right at $1K delivered. This thing weighs a ton or it seems like it. Parts are easily available from IR or Grainger. Bought the start up kit to get a total of 2 year warranty.
Mine had a faulty motor, quit on me about 2 weeks after I got it. I called IR,the next day they CAME TO MY HOUSE and put on a NEW motor, BAM, no charge, who is gonna do THAT for you? LOVE my IR.

Guy

[ 11-28-2003, 04:42 PM: Message edited by: gjohnson ]

Wow, that Delta looks Just like my Craftsmen pro 80 gal 2 stage I just installed in my shop!
One reason I went with the Craftsmen is there is a Sears sevice center nearby, parts-service-etc.!

My vote would be for the 2 stage also.


Good luck, Roger

check out Harbor Freight for compressers,best price best deal for a 2-stage 80 gal.7.5hp.I purchaced mine from them 4 yrs.ago,Ingersall Rand,shipping was free! trouble free!item #35130-2vga,get one that is wired 240v-single phase.$1649.99.24cfm.

Thanks for all the information guys.

Turns out, Delta, Porter Cable and Devilbiss have all been bought a company called Pentair. The Delta comes with a 2 year warranty and there are 5 authorized service centers in the LA area. Anyhow, we brought the Delta home today graemlins/hurray.gif -boy that thing is really heavy!

rated: 16.9 scfm @100psi / 240VAC / 23A / 1ph

thanks again, beesker