Ingersoll Rand compressors

Any of you guys out there have any thoughts on this subject? I know I-R is a pretty good brand, but I'm just not at all familiar with their products, personally.

Suggestions???

Nice explanation of compressor theory. I agree. I would add that the inherent higher temperature of the single stage units over the 2-stage ones is due to the compression ratio, as you suggest, and is independent of the rpm. This is in disagreement with other posters who indicate that the higher rpm units cause higher temperatures, simply by having a higher rpm. Furthermore, the single stage units would generally have a greater problem with moisture at the end use. This is due to the higher discharge temperature and need for greater cooling downstream to condense out the moisture (all other things being equal).

Rod

There was a time when i thought IR was a great name in compressors , but that was before I looked inside several of them. They may have been a great comp at some time ,now their reputation greatly exceeds the quality . I have a quincy ,a curtis , and a champion that were carrying the load in the shop for many years,I added an IR 5 hp T30 to help carry the load,it lasted 6 years before the lower end came apart . The others are still there carrying the load .I recently bought another quincy to replace the IR .

george

You'll want a two stage compressor if you plan to do any serious painting, sandblasting, or use many air tools.

A compressor is a tank, a motor, a pump, and some miscellaneous fittings and controls. Ideally, you want a big, ASME rated tank, a heavy-duty motor, and a big, slow-turning pump.
Your budget may force compromises.

I have the 60 gallon 2340L5 model, bought from Home Depot when they had a 10% off sale. It has a heavy duty American-made 5 HP Baldor electric motor (instead of Emerson junk from China like many of the current offerings from the big-box stores) and IR's smallest cast-iron pump. It has served me quite well -- I've run it flat-out for 20 minute stretches (the motor never shuts off) while sandblasting with a worn nozzle requiring >15 cfm.

The biggest disadvantage of this model is that the pump is spun pretty fast to get the air volume, and is thus subject to higher wear and it is fairly loud. There is also more heating of the air -- a possible problem if you are working in the humid South. But hobby usage probably renders the wear issue moot, I deal with the noise by putting it in another part of the shop, and I don't live in the humid South.

The 2340N5 gets you an 80 gallon tank but the same motor and pump. A bigger tank is easier on the motor and can let you run bursts of "over capacity" usage like big impact wrenches. But it takes more space and is heavier, so it may be harder to install.

The 2475N5 steps this up to a bigger pump with the same motor. A little better specs on air delivery but probably considerably quieter and more durable.

The next step is the 2475N7.5. I think this is the same pump with a bigger motor. Lots more air. 25 CFM at 175 PSI.

You can't go any bigger than this unless you have 3-phase power.

While the true "compressor snob" might prefer Quincy or other brands, I don't think you could go wrong with any of the above models, especially at an attractive price. I'd probably step up to the 7.5 HP model if I had to do it again. But the one I have has done everything I've asked of it and will probably outlast me.

• IR's website