What single stage 60 gal. compressor?

[motochris]

Yea....I searched and read a jillion pages. Still really didn't come up with a great answer.
Basically, I'm looking for a single stage 60 gal. upright compressor. I want as much CFM @ 90psi as I can get affordably....ie. around $600 or less.
I'm looking at the IR from Northern tool ($579).. http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_158284_158284
and the Industrial air ($439)...also at NT.. http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200311707_200311707
though the US General at Harbor Freight is less $$ ($397) with a higher CFM (12.8 @ 90psi vs. 11.3 @ 90psi). I'm just gun-shy of the HF compressor.
I want it to be fairly quiet....though it may be mounted outdoors, so it has to be able to withstand some weather. (not much...I'm in So Cal.)

Is there another one I should be looking at?

[yozsi]

why not buy a used compressor with a 2 stage compressor head? single stage sucks.

[Todd W]

Craigslist.

[motochris]

I'm in the middle of nowhere, so any CraigsList ad is at least 3 hours away. I HAVE been watching them though.
The plus to the Northern Tools....they deliver for free. That's a plus where I am.

[Jeep07]

I just went through the same decision. I ended up with an 80 gal single stage Kobalt instead of the IR 60 gal. It had a higher CFM rating at 90 PSI (14 CFM) than the IR 60 gallon did and it was $599. It seems like a good compressor but only time will tell. If It dies at least lowes is only 5 min from the house.

I tried the classifieds route but couldn't find anything for weeks. Seems people hold on to those 2 stage units.

[Todd W]

You may have seen some of my other posts related to compressors.

If you can find yourself a tank (I've seen the 60gal new on CL for $75) you can put together a nice one for $500 or less.

Eaton Pump, and if you don't go to big you don't need a magnetic starter/switch. 14 CFM @ 90PSI (http://www.eatoncompressor.com/catalog/item/518643/184117.htm) $199 They sell the 5hp motor for $260.

$260 + $199 + $75 = $534. Add a pressure regulator for $25 and for under $600 you have a TRUE 14CFM compressor under load and 19CFM Free Air.

Can't beat that :)

I plan on going with their 10hp Pump, and a Baldor 10HP motor, in the end I should have ~1k in to it but have a 38CFM@100PSI setup w/80gallon tank. Not bad for a new setup that retails for $2500+.

-Todd

[FullsizeYota]

around here used 60-100 gallon compressors are relativly cheap.. nobody wants them.

we've had a 80 gallon 2 stage, pressure lubed Quincy made in the 60's the pumps a good solid 24 cfm at 90 psi.

my dad traded it for



drum roll......


























a wooden work bench :grinpimp: around 1985..

[foley]

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=528938

[motochris]

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=528938

So which one did you get?

This one looks interesting... http://www.eatoncompressor.com/catalog/item/504747/172983.htm

[foley]

haha, none...

I got a gas powered stick welder....

And a new TIG welder....

And a bridgeport....

And a new toolbox...

So I'm always 3-4 months away from it...

And broke my plasma cutter...http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=627964

So now I'm yet again 3-4 months out.

One day I'll buy one! I may just buy a pump and put a motor to it on my existing tank.

[motochris]

OK....let's throw this in the mix. I just noticed I had a 15% off coupon for Harbor Freight. They have their 2 stage 60 gallon compressor (15.8cfm@90psi) on sale for $799. Take the 15% off, and it'de be $679. Anybody know anything about that compressor? If it's "hit or miss" as to whether or not it will be good, I'de just forget it.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=93274

[yozsi]

my dad has a huge v-twin HF compressor on his 120 gallon tank with a 12hp motor. been running great for over 5 years. i would think it would be the motor that would crap out first. they tell you that its 5hp 'rated" yea... more like 2hp. i have a 60 gallon compressor that had a cheapy 5hp on it and it got fried so i swapped on a spare 1.5hp dayton i had laying around and it ran better.

[raskal]

I just bought one of the big box stores typical 60gal, 7HP (3.6 real), 11.5 cfm @ 90psi, $399. Mine is a Coleman brand, but I suspect Kobalt, Campbell Hausfeld, etc are all similar/the same.

It keeps up with all my tools so far including my die grinder going full out constantly and just blowing air... It's and amazing jump from the 1HP beast I had before.

just buy from a store you're comfortable with, but unless you're more than a hobbiest, I can't see you needing more than this. But, I've only had this thing 2 months, I'm sure there's more air tools I need yet that will challenge it.

[motochris]

I have a plasma cutter, a Model 4 air/hydro bender, and numerous air tools.

[motochris]

Hmmm...so wandering other forums for info, I found a Kobalt compressor from Lowes that sounds interesting. Wondering if anyone knows anything about them.
The one I'm considering is an 80 gallon single stage, 4.5 running HP, 14cfm@90psi, 100% cast iron pump, $599.00 .

[odin544]

are you just looking at single stage because of price?

[motochris]

Mainly, yes.
Realistically, I'm leaning towards either an Eaton single stage.... http://www.eatoncompressor.com/catalog/item/504747/172983.htm
or an IR single stage... http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_211720_211720
The Eaton seems to have the edge....I haven't been able to find anyone that has had issues with them.
I literally can't spend more than one of those 2, as they are ALREADY 50% over my budget.
I'de rather have a good quality single stage than a mediocre 2 stage.

[reddevil1111]

I bought a used (less than 10 hrs) Huskey (Home Depot...yeah they suck!) Its a 7HP Single stage 60 gallon. I picked it up for $250.00
Then I found an old but clean 80 gallon tank that had the motor and pump removed(just storage for air) I paid $100.00 for it.
I am plumbing them so that I can divorce the 80 gallon tank or use both.
That gives me 140 gallons of use ...give or take before the compressor cycles and makes me deaf. (I rent and can't place them outside)
So for the price of a new one I got one thats close to near new, and additional air storage if I need it for running a sandblaster,plasma,ect.
Used is the way to go. More bang for the buck all around!:evil:

[foley]

I agree on the used deal... I found a 10hp quincy on craigslist last night for $400, too bad I don't have time to go pick it up!

[JeepinPete]

The eaton pump you are looking at is all they talk it up to be. I have that compressor with a 15A 220V motor and have no issues standing next to it when it is running (and I have sensitive hearing). And it keeps up fine with my 1/2 impact and air hammer.

[TLCObsession]

Here is a nice one near me for those looking: 80 Gal 2 stage IR $300!

http://bellingham.craigslist.org/tls/472662762.html

[motochris]

I'de LOVE to find the right used one. Unfortunately for me, I'm 75 miles from anything, and a good 2-3 hour drive to the LA area. Since that's where you see all the used deals, that's a long way to drive to end up having the item you look at not be what you wanted.
I have to go to Vegas this weekend, so I've been looking there. Found an older Westinghouse 5hp on a 100 gal. tank for a good price. I'll check it out while I'm there.
If Eaton will knock another $100 off the one I'm looking at, I'll just order it. I'm waiting on their answer right now.

[silvrjeepr]

I know of a shop down the road from me that has had MAJOR issues with Eaton (it's a dirty word around that place). He's gone through two compressors that I know of. The last one was a replacement and slung a rod through the side (that stuff that they say never happens on their site). I can send you a few pics if you need proof as it's sitting on a pallet out back...


P.S. Most all of the towboats that I've ever worked aboard use IR. The engines all have air starters with 2" lines or better nuff said...

Mainly, yes.
Realistically, I'm leaning towards either an Eaton single stage.... http://www.eatoncompressor.com/catalog/item/504747/172983.htm
or an IR single stage... http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_211720_211720
The Eaton seems to have the edge....I haven't been able to find anyone that has had issues with them.
I literally can't spend more than one of those 2, as they are ALREADY 50% over my budget.
I'de rather have a good quality single stage than a mediocre 2 stage.

[silvrjeepr]

I bought the $399 model 3 hp 13.something CFM and it's a pretty good unit. The tags on the side of the tank say Coleman...

So far it's standing in pretty well for the old 1944 monster that I still need to fix. Air tools, sandblasting, and general shop use by two at this point.



Hmmm...so wandering other forums for info, I found a Kobalt compressor from Lowes that sounds interesting. Wondering if anyone knows anything about them.
The one I'm considering is an 80 gallon single stage, 4.5 running HP, 14cfm@90psi, 100% cast iron pump, $599.00 .

[motochris]

I bought the $399 model 3 hp 13.something CFM and it's a pretty good unit. The tags on the side of the tank say Coleman...

So far it's standing in pretty well for the old 1944 monster that I still need to fix. Air tools, sandblasting, and general shop use by two at this point.

Yea, I'm going to go physically look at the larger Kobalt this weekend. If everything seems to check out, I'll probably give it a shot.

[jalbrecht42]

Yea, I'm going to go physically look at the larger Kobalt this weekend. If everything seems to check out, I'll probably give it a shot.

Glad I found this thread... I'm going through the exact same thought process. IE, started out thinking I could find something I'd like for ~500, and eventually more or less decided that the ~8-900 IR or Eaton is the way to go. (though once you get to that point, I find myself thinking I should just spend a few hundred more and get a dual stage unit....) Then I found the Kobalt you mentioned here ( http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=137603-71025-KLA4508065&lpage=none )and from a "specs" point of view it sounds like the way to go. If you end up getting one, please post up what you think!!

My limited experience suggests that the listed specifications don't seem to come from equal testing methods....

[RedneckCadet]

i bought my IR 60 gallon from northern when one of their stores was going out of business for $750!

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_211720_211720

i love the fuck outta it! course this is comparing it to a cheezy oil less campbell haufield that would rattle and vibrate the whole house.

-cutts-

[jalbrecht42]

How long does it take the IR you have to cycle? I got some numbers from Eaton. For their 4.5hp 3 cylinder single stage 60 gal, they quote 25 seconds from 105 to 135 psi. Compared to an old CH 10.something CFM unit I'm used to, that's really good! I think that unit took on the order of 3 minutes or so to go from 90 to 125. Just curious how the eaton compares in that regard.

Just FWIW, got a few quotes on shipping from Eaton. To central PA they quote on the order of 170-200 to a business and about 30 more to a residence, for the 60 or 80 gallon 4.7 and 5hp units.

[motochris]

I ended up getting the Kobalt. It's in my driveway right now. Hopefully get it wired this week.
Here's a 10% off coupon....makes it REAL hard to beat with this.... http://lowesmoving.com/

[dopeassjackson]

im in the market for a new compressor. how did the one you got turn out?

[Dazz]

I was in the same situation a few days ago. The cheap HF 26 gallon took a dump and I went with the IR SS5L5 60 gallon single Stage 5HP and love it so far. It's a lot less noise then the none belt driven HF unit.

Pick it up for $889 at Northern Tool.

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_211720_211720

http://www.northerntool.com/images/product/images/1592047_lg.gif

[dopeassjackson]

$500 is about the limit of my budget. i was looking at this campbell hausfeld 60gal, its got more max psi than the ingersol rand SS3L3.
http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay_10551_10001_48803_______14151%7C141 52%7C14169%7C48803?listingPage=true

[jalbrecht42]

I ended up going with the IR TS4N5, the 80 gal dual stage version of the above... tractor supply had it marked down about 250-300 around Christmas last year (I think I paid 900ish? it's been awhile). Didn't have time to deal with it so I just bought it on layaway and left it in the store for 3 months until I finally had to pick it up.

It was a pain in the butt to get it into my basement but it works great. It's cycle time from kick on to kick off is right about 1 minute (note that's not empty to full but from the auto kick on point to full pressure again). I think the only real benefit of this unit over the single stage 60 gal is that you have a lot more "reserve". The actual flow rate is actually slightly lower.

From my (limited) experience I would say to go the used route if $500 is your budget. $500 and a month or two on craigslist gets you an industrial quality used machine or a new CH that you probably won't be happy with.

I'm still curious how that Kobalt mentioned above is.

[dopeassjackson]

the only problem with a used unit around here is that to people around here a used oil less 25gal compressor is worth $300. i have been looking on craigslist and ebay for the past 2-3months. also if im going to pay the money i would rather buy a new one.

[BadAssXJ]

$500 is about the limit of my budget. i was looking at this campbell hausfeld 60gal, its got more max psi than the ingersol rand SS3L3.
http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay_10551_10001_48803_______14151%7C141 52%7C14169%7C48803?listingPage=true


I just bought the IR SS3L3 from TSC. Spend the extra $150 and get the IR, you will regret not doing it. And as far at the Max PSI, I am not sure why the website states 90 PSI Max when it is actualy the same 135 PSI Max as the the CH. here is pics, you can see Model # and Max PSI 135.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v250/thedirtybirds/Garage/DSC01156.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v250/thedirtybirds/Garage/DSC01153.jpg

[dopeassjackson]

GOOD info^ tractor supplys site sucks, you know what kind of warenty comes with the IR compressor?

[BadAssXJ]

GOOD info^ tractor supplys site sucks, you know what kind of warenty comes with the IR compressor?

I know the Pump has a 2 Year Warranty on it as long as you use the IR Oil. (According to sticker on the side) I am not sure on the motor but I would guess 12 months. TSC sells a 3 year and a 4 year Extended Warranty, but I didnt get either.

[AthlonAJ]

OK....let's throw this in the mix. I just noticed I had a 15% off coupon for Harbor Freight. They have their 2 stage 60 gallon compressor (15.8cfm@90psi) on sale for $799. Take the 15% off, and it'de be $679. Anybody know anything about that compressor? If it's "hit or miss" as to whether or not it will be good, I'de just forget it.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=93274


I bought that same compressor almost two years ago, same situation- on sale and used the 15% off. This was for my business so it needed to stand up to some heavy daily use and I researched a lot of compressors. What I found is that this is made in the United States, by who I never did find out. But I found several other compressors identical to this one but with a different name slapped on it and several hundred dollars more.

I use a lot of air grinders, impacts and a media blasting cabinet which probably is the biggest test for any compressor. Running a large nozzle in the blast cabinet, it has no problem keeping up or with multiple air tools running. Some days I know I really put it to the test with running an a blasting pot outside as well as the one inside. So with heavy daily use it's not given me a single problem.


What I would stay the HELL AWAY from is anything made by Coleman, absolute fawkin junk. Went through 2 of them in 6 months before I bought this one. A two stage compressor is definitely worth it.

[dopeassjackson]

sounds like IR is the one for me. you know how much those protection plans where at tractor supply?

[BadAssXJ]

sounds like IR is the one for me. you know how much those protection plans where at tractor supply?

I cant remember off the top of my head, I didnt get one but seems 3 year Extended warranty was $69-99 and 4 Year was $99-$120 In between those numbers somewhere.

And it is actually pretty quiet, I have mine inside at the moment until I can pour a pad and build a cover outside for it. And my garage is 30x30 with metal sides and roof and it isnt loud at all, you can carry on a conversation without raising your voice.

[dopeassjackson]

when i get around to getting one im just goig to put it outside on a pallet with ply wood on the sides that goes up to a peak and some sort of front with the back almost against the shop. theres no room at all in the shop so thats really my only option.

[Beat95YJ]

Yea....I searched and read a jillion pages. Still really didn't come up with a great answer.
Basically, I'm looking for a single stage 60 gal. upright compressor. I want as much CFM @ 90psi as I can get affordably....ie. around $600 or less.
I'm looking at the IR from Northern tool ($579).. http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_158284_158284

Is there another one I should be looking at?


I have this compressor and I love it. Bought it from Northern tools also. I did have an issue with the compressor burning up almost immediately. IR sent a tech out and he replaced the compressor on site. Very nice service.