I need a larger air compressor. My little 15gal one has always pissed me off and does so even more now that I have a plasma cutter. Want a 60gal, 220V. I don't need a really heavy duty one because I am just a hobbiest and do a project about once every two months. I know IR makes good compressors and was looking at this one at the local Tractor Supply:

http://www.tractorsupply.com/wcsstore/ConsumerDirectStorefrontAssetStore/images/products/150/3496111.jpg

Type: Vertical
Capacity: 60
Power Rating: 3
Pressure Rating: 90 PSI
Flow Rate: 11.3


$600. What I DON'T like is the 90psi rating... are you kidding me?:rolleyes: My expectation is something rated at atleast 135psi shut-off and 90psi turn-ON.


Which brings us to this one, available at the same store:

http://www.tractorsupply.com/wcsstore/ConsumerDirectStorefrontAssetStore/images/products/150/3310006.jpg

Capacity: 60
Power Rating: 3.2
Pressure Rating: 135 PSI (Max)
10.2/11.5 SCGM @ 90/40 PSI

$435. Higher PSI and similar flow rating for 75% of the price of the IR. Both with cast iron pumps. I do not need the 100% duty cycle of the IR, which seems to be its only truly superior spec. Any reason NOT to save some cash and get the CH unit for someone with my needs? Compared to what I have been using the past 15 years, even the most entry-level 60gal compressor is going to be a huge upgrade.

Get this one:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=34887
:flipoff2:


J/K. Just wanted to throw out another compressor around that same range to confuse you more. I don't think you can go wrong with either. As for the 90 rating, that doesn't sound right to me. It should be rated the same as the other compressor.

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_158284_158284

I know where you are coming from. I have wanted to replace my 8 year old 33 gallon for a very long time but it works fine. Its just LOUD and runs a lot. Can't seem to justify the money for something that does fine...

$600. What I DON'T like is the 90psi rating... are you kidding me?:rolleyes: My expectation is something rated at atleast 135psi shut-off and 90psi turn-ON.

The pressure rating at 90 is industry standard when comparing flow rates. Most all single stage air compressors will pump up to about 125#s + and that should be the case for the IR. The 11.3 flow rate stated on the IR is probably at the 90#s so it is actually producing a bit more air compared to the second unit @ 10.2CFMs.
Either compressor should supply a hobbiest with all the air you need (most of the the time!)
Hope this helps.

I have the second one you posted. Mine was 100% duty when I bought it a year ago. That compressore will be fine for as much as you use it. If you were running a sandblaster and paint gun every day you may need more but I dont think you are right?

im in the same boat as you. i have been searching and reading reviews for months and chose the IR 3hp. if you buy the IR start up kit they will give you a warenty. the IR is also rebuildable, just check there site for parts, its great.
tractor supplys website is garbage and i have noticed that some of the specs on there products arnt correct. if you go look at that compressor in the store its rated at 135psi.

im kind of waiting to see if i can find that compressor on sale some where before i go a spend the money.

Are you guys looking on craigslist before buying new stuff? Around here CL is quite packed with good deals on all kinds of tools

Are you guys looking on craigslist before buying new stuff? Around here CL is quite packed with good deals on all kinds of tools

around here a 20 gal compressor goes for somthing like $200

http://chicago.craigslist.org/sox/tls/956947336.html

For what it sounds like what you do on a daily basis, the CH should work just fine. As mentioned earlier, the IR is actually pumping a bit more air at 90 though. If you really wanted to, you could pick up an old compressor that's shot for little to nothing and use it for the tank. That's what I did when my oldie went out. I bought a CH like the one you are looking at and use my old tank. Makes it nice to have 120 gal. when you do body work.

http://chicago.craigslist.org/sox/tls/956947336.html

if i lived around there i would be jumping the the truck right now, but i dont. that is an asskicking price for such a clean looking compressor.

I use my Lowes bought 60 Gallon unit quite often, no complaints here.

Didn't even think about CL. Here's a couple I'd like opinions on. The one in Sheridan is only 20 miles away.

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/tls/957037532.html

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/tls/953095230.html

That Puma looks nice; but Chicago is a few hour drive and its way more than I'd need. Still might contact the guy and see what we can work out.

Those are both single stage 3hp units. 15a 230v..

Didn't even think about CL. Here's a couple I'd like opinions on. The one in Sheridan is only 20 miles away.

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/tls/957037532.html

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/tls/953095230.html

That Puma looks nice; but Chicago is a few hour drive and its way more than I'd need. Still might contact the guy and see what we can work out.


That place is a retail shop that sells a whole line of harbor freight type tools. He buys and sells closeouts from lots of different places. I have been in there and seen him selling new craftsman and used snap on/ matco type stuff.
That puma is just the first example I found locally, I have seen many better deals.
Look on CL outside Indy, I think West Lafayette has its own listings also.

Thanks for the original link, ChiScouter. I called the guy and the 80gal had already sold; but he said he had just gotten a really nice 60gal in from C'Aire and listed it. I had never heard of that company; but did some quick intraweb searching and found really good reviews. Ended up calling him back right away and snagging it over the phone before someone else got it (the 80gal sold in less than 3 days). Its the same as the first one on this page:

http://www.toolshedofamerica.com/AirCompressors/AirCompressors.htm

Got it for $325:smokin: They're going to hold it in inventory until I have time to get to Chicago to get it, I told them no more than 3 weeks. I'd say it'll more than meet my needs.:laughing: