Bigger compressor recommendation
 

I need to move to a bigger compressor, something capable of running cutoff wheels and, more important, sand blasting for extended periods. My 120V, 5hp Craftsman is fine for air tools but I get about a minute of sand blasting before it can't keep up. I think its 6CFM at 90psi.

I'd like something that's in the 15CFM range or better, and quiet is a bonus. I'm presuming I'll have to go 240V, which is fine. Just a home shop, so one user, and I don't want to spend $5K on the thing!

Anyone have any recent purchase experience that can share a recommendation?

Thanks!
Dave

Re: Bigger compressor recommendation
 

Dave-
Have you looked at the Craftsman 80 Gal. 2 Stage compressor.
I've had mine for 6+ years and have ran all kinds of air tools on it, even sand blasted a pick up frame. It works good, not the quietest though. And yes 240v
Paid around $850 then, I think they may be around $900 or so now.

Re: Bigger compressor recommendation
 

Get a Quincy Compressor We have one and would not have anything else think it cost us around $2000 on sale it is 80 gal 190 psi and I think 22 cfm we use it on our bead blast cabinet and it keeps up fine it also recovers in less than 30 seconds

Re: Bigger compressor recommendation
 

That Craftsman looks decent for the price, 14.1CFM at 100psi. Flames, how loud is it? My oil-less Craftsman sounds like armageddon.

Re: Bigger compressor recommendation
 

Loud enough that I don't like being in the same room with it. In our shop we have two rooms and so I can close the door do I don't have to listen to it. It would be better to put it outside in its own little covered area.

Re: Bigger compressor recommendation
 

At $1000 for the craftsman you are just a stones throw from a 2340L5 Ingersoll-Rand. If you shop around you should be able to get free freight. This is a great machine for the money. It is IR's smallest true industrial compressor. For a Bit more you can step up to a 2475n5 again by IR.

If you look at champions or gardner denver (same company kind of a GMC/chevy type thing) look for concentric ring valves. The reed valve machines just don't give the lifespan that made champion famous.

Quinceys as mentioned above are like Mack trucks they don't change they just work. You spend the money up front and when you are old you pass it down to your kids or grand kids.

The thing about these companies is in 10 20 30 years you will still be able to get common parts.

Re: Bigger compressor recommendation
 

That Ingersoll Rand 2340L5 does look good. My father in law has a similar model, it works great and it is quieter than my craftsman by far.

Re: Bigger compressor recommendation
 

I am personally running a 2340 at home. We'll call it weekend warrior duty. Mine came to me as a trade in, it had been powering diaphragm pumps in a sewer lift station for 6 years. A pump ruptured and the compressor ran for 3 days non stop. The owners didn't trust it after that. I put in rings and valve kits. That was 7 years ago. I also decreased the drive sheave dia. As I don't need all of the cfm it can make. Doing so lets the pump run cooler, makes drier air, lives longer. But it cost a couple of cfm. Mine at 1100 rpm sounds much nicer than the factory 1600.
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Re: Bigger compressor recommendation
 

I've got a Quincy 7.5hp compressor with 80 gallon tank and it keeps up with anything I do and that includes running my abrasive blast cabinet or my Brut 101H sandblaster.. It was worth the money.

Re: Bigger compressor recommendation
 

Be sure to call your local distributor, a trip to the shop is even better. Ask about machines that they can make a deal on. Machines that have been in inventory have been known to be had at special deals. Also ask about trade-ins. Single phase trades are rare, but for the right deal you can buy a new motor. A few freight damage scratches may equal a discount as well.