What Air Compressor?

[Eddie Watkins]

My old compressor has started kicking its internal fuse so I am looking at options. I have read about one made by a company named Eaton that is supposed to be pretty good and quiet as well. I've also checked into Ingersoll-Rand and they seem pretty good but I have no real favorites. Does anybody have any recommendations. I'm looking for something big enough to do any kind of spraying including things like sandblasting and prefer it to be somewhat quiet. I'm thinking 60-80 gallon tank, definitely with oil, and probably 3+ hp.

Eddie

[Jim Becker]

I went IR. 60 gallon. 3hp. Reasonable price...on sale from Tractor Supply at the time for about $500.

[Eddie Watkins]

Thanks, Jim. I will check TSC out. All I could find locally was an industrial distributor. IR seems about as good as they get. How quiet is yours? Probably going to have to build a closet for it and my DC anyway.

Eddie

[Brad Schmid]

Eddie,

I have IR also. 5hp 80gal (18+ cfm). To give you an idea, it'll fill the 80gal tank from 0psi to 130psi shutdown in right around 4 minutes.
It'll run my HVLP's, plasma cutter, sand blaster, air impacts/sanders/etc.

The sandblaster definitely uses the most air. I don't know what you have but mine is a TIP pressurized blaster that holds about 100lbs sand/media and can use either 1/8" or 3/16" nozzles. It eats the cfm, especially when the ceramic nozzles start to wear larger. If yours is anything like that, look for good cfm.

I don't know if i'd exactly call it quiet, but it is much quieter than oilless.

cheers

[Russ Buddle]

I have one of Eaton's compressors. It is the 7 1/2 hp 2 stage 80 gallon horizontal. I picked it up at their facility on a trip through Ohio. It provides me with plenty of air for painting, sanding, running a cutoff tool, air drill, and die grinder. It is fairly quiet. I have had it about 4 years, and am pleased with it.

[Dennis Peacock]

I have the IR 80 gal compressor. I got mine on sale from TSC for $479 at the time and I love this compressor.

[David Epperson]

My old compressor has started kicking its internal fuse so I am looking at options.

Eddie

Well one option is to replace the motor on this one. The compressor head may be fine (or cheaply repairable). But this may be an option to exercise AFTER the CFO (LOYL) approves the new compressor expenditure.

[Bruce Page]

I have one of the smaller IR’s - a 30 gal portable unit. I’m very happy with it.

[Randy Meijer]

One thing you should consider is that the compressor may be just fine and the problem is a defective fuse/breaker which might be only a $10 item. If they are still available, you might consider replacing it.