I will soon be in the market for a new air compressor for my shop. I will be doing the normal hobby related things, using air tools, maybe even paint an occasional car or two. I've been looking at a Quincy. Here are the specs:

cfm: 15.7 @100psi, 15.2 @ 175psi
60 gallon tank
5 Horsepower
two stage
compressor rpm:1310
motor rpm: 3450

Does these specs seem okay for what I intend on using it for? This particular compressor is $999. I can jump up to the next size (or maybe 2 sizes) bigger for an additional $500. I don't want more than I need, but I don't want less either.

Which model? Quincy has many. I have one in the warehouse waiting for me, 241C80VCB-$1,499(reg 1,699), but I can pick it up. Other companies offer free shipping. Ram Air Dave posted a company ( http://www.industrial-air-compressors.com/air-compressor-3-2.html ) also that has free shipping. Better to get one with a better motor such as Baldor or equiv. Lower RPM's at 1725 are better as opposed to your choice at 3450. Aftercoolers on the oulet lines are a plus of a good design. If you have to burp for shipping you may want to get a comparable model/company w/ free shipping. If Dave's recommendation still stands I may go that route instead. There are other good compressor companies. You get what you pay for in a compressor, Skimp and it'll cost you more in the long run.

My CambelHousfield <sp> is 6hp,60gal,125, 9.5 @ 90.... keeps up with everything I do... including blowing off the riding mower and driveway :D

Paint gun
blow gun
air ratchet
impact gun
air chisel

I'm looking at the QT54. Shipping is not an issue, our local Rural King has them in stock. This model does have a Baldor motor on it. It also has a 2 year warranty on the pump and a 5 year on everything else. I am not looking to skimp, I just don't want to over-buy on a compressor that will mostly be used for weekend work, but I do want one big enough and that will last a long time.

I have been told the lower rpm motors are better.Take a look at Eaton they are real nice to deal with. heres a link.
http://www.eatoncompressor.com/page/page/504747.htm

If I go with the next model up on the Quincy that the store has in stock, it does run at a lower rpm...so it is worth the extra $500-$600? I don't mind spending that much more if that is what I need.

This is information I got from Eaton as far as the RPM go's and they do run quieter for sure I would give the guys at Eaton a call and check there web site out they are very informative.

I don't think I have any local places near me that sells Eaton...and that is a major consideration.

I was only considering RamAIrDave's Bel-Aire because it puts out more cfm for the same coin as the Quincy and free shipping. I picked up a Quincy Model 271 7.5 HP for my friend's shop for $2600. Nice and quiet. I don't need that much so I went with the 241. They make good compressors. So do other companies. Bottom line is shipping and who's got a better price for the same quality and specs. Like I said, I can pick it up.

I certainly wouldn't say the B-A comp we have is the best/$$ out there since I haven't looked at comps since we bought it, just the one we've been using for almost 4 years now with good performance/cfm and zero problems. Ive never checked which motor it has or the rpm.

We bought it through our paint supplier, so it was pick-up. Just a quick google of the model # 318VN shows a few places that have free shipping and/or may be more nearby to you.

Thanks for all the information guys...I will let you know when I purchase something.

I got around to checking on a Quincy that does run at a lower rpm. The first model to fall into that category is over 3k. If they are all like that, I will be going with a higher rpm, even if it doesn't last as long and is noisy.

They are not all that expensive for the 1725 RPM models. There is a multitude from which to choose. $3000 will buy you one with a 15 HP motor. More motor than what you need it for. Look at the smaller models.
http://www.tools-plus.com/power-tools-pneumatic-compressors-stationary.html

If I was buying a new compressor today I'd pick a price point and shop every compressor I could find in the range (+ or _ $100) including shipping. I'd buy the one with the most CFM. Properly maintained you probably won't wera otu even the cheapest built compressor doing what you do. I bought a Puma Compressor from Builders Square close to 20 years ago and haven't worn it out yet. I replaced the motor early in it's life becuase of oversray on the armature caused it to burn out. That replacement has been running it ever since. Just my .02

Jeff

Thanks for the link to tools-plus.com. They do have some that are cheaper than 3k, but it looks like most of them are 3 phase. Is there another brand of air compressor that runs the low rpms that can be purchased at a place like that for around $1500?

1725's are not all 3-phase. The one I listed above is not. A good used unit
is fine. Less expensive but not always available. Good motor+good pump+higher cfm's=good compressor. Keep shopping; you're bound the find one offering a good price w/ good or free shipping. Quality compressor companies span the nation.

So far it appears that most of the lower rpm compressors are pressure lubricated, which always puts them in a higher price bracket. Does anyone know of a low rpm compressor that uses splash lubrication.

Jason, I also bought a eaton 80 gal twin cylinder 1750rpm.It's great and the best thing I ever bought. pumps up quick and doesnt make that much noise.The price was right and the owners were very nice. Its 4yrs old and no problems!

Okay, you guys have me looking at Eaton units:) What about the specs on this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Eaton-Compressor-5-HP,-2-Cyl,-80-G-Air-Compressor_W0QQitemZ400038390889QQcmdZViewItemQQim sxZ20090321?IMSfp=TL090321179010r6676

The price is certainly right.

After doing a little more reading, it looks like that one is a singe stage...I will move on up the line a little more and see what they have in a 2 stage.



What about this one: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110367877915QQssPageNameZMERC_VI_RSCC_Pr8_PcY _BIN_Stores_IT&refitem=400038390889&itemcount=8&refwidgetloc=active_view_item&usedrule1=StoreCatToStoreCat&refwidgettype=cross_promot_widget&_trksid=p284.m184&_trkparms=algo%3DDR%26its%3DS%252BI%252BSS%26itu%3 DISS%252BUCI%252BSI%26otn%3D8

The one you have posted w/ the pic of the man on the phone does not state it's 2 stage, just two cylinder. Below in an direct Eaton link with that model and others that are 2 stage. 2 stage is the way to go. I've heard of people buying a two cylinder thinking they were 2 stage. How much is shipping to your door? Just make sure they give you a good motor. http://www.eatoncompressor.com/page/page/504747.htm

Yeah, I couldn't find 2 stage listed on that page either. I emailed them and asked them about that and how much shipping would be. The one they actually have listed as a 2 stage is just a little bit more. When I hear back from them I will let you know what they say.

See the aftercoolers on the 2 stage? Different from single stage. What about the Bel Aire's? They offer free shipping to most businesses and appear to be a quality product. Somebody HAS to be able to cut you a deal on shipping.

Eaton wants $186.00 for shipping.

Looks like I will just stay with a Quincy. This one: http://www.ruralking.com/air-compressor-5-hp-80-gal-2-stage.html runs at a fairly low rpm (1725) and I can buy it locally cheaper than I can the eaton. It also has a Baldor motor on it.

That's $200 cheaper than Tools Plus for the 251. A good price. The 241 I posted before does not have the 1725 motor unless you ask for it. Features vary greatly between models. You did well. It will outlive you. Giddy Up.

I'm glad you like it. I like the fact I can pick it up locally and avoid shipping charges. I might try to pick one up in the next week or so.

I pulled the trigger on the compressor purchase today. Rural King ran a 10% off special on almost everything just for today. I got the compressor for $1525 tax and all. I can't wait to finally get it hooked up. Thanks for all the help!

Just for info...Me, my Son and a Friend have all bought Eaton Rotarys thru Eaton on Ebay and it worked out fine. Friend had one fail and they shipped him another one under warranty with no problems.

I just bought the Eaton 5hp, its awesome, I never run out of air, blasting, sanding, whatever I do, even with two people working. I also paid extra and got the flames on the tank, it looks cool.

The Eaton specs were about the same as the Quincy I got, I just hated to pay close to $200 for shipping.