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Air compressor questions

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David

01-21-2002 12:43:29




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I've got a couple of basic questions about buying an air compressor. I'm looking to get a 60 gal. 230V for under $1000 to use in my home shop. The models I've looked at have an automatic pressure switch which I understand the theory behind, but how do you manually turn the motor on or off when not in use? Is it wired through a throw switch on the fuse box or am I missing something obvious. Also, does anyone know anything about Eagle compressors made in Canada. They have a 5 hp, 60 gal, 3 cylinder model that puts out 18.5 CFM @ 100 PSI for less than $700. Sounds like good performance but I wonder about how it will hold up. Thanks for any input.

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tools

01-24-2002 10:40:40




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 Re: Air compressor questions in reply to David, 01-21-2002 12:43:29  
Hi,

Surprised no one mentioned a Speedaire by Grainger. They have one that's 2 stage, 60 or 80 gal tank, splash lubricated, about a 60% duty cycle, that sells for about $800. It spins at 1600 RPM. This is the one I would have got, BUT

I wound up buying a very old (1962) used air compressor that turned out to be a 2 stage, 80 gal, 3 HP, pressure lubed Quincy pump setup. Spent $400 getting it, $250 rebuilding the valves. Sells for well over 2 grand so I wound up doing quite well. It only operates at about 600 rmp so it is quiet and very efficient.

I would only get a two stage if you need the higher pressure. If you don't need that, I'd get a 100% duty cycle single stage job. One like you appear to need is about 700-800 also.

Tough choices!

Tools

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Bill

01-23-2002 14:29:30




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 Re: Air compressor questions in reply to David, 01-21-2002 12:43:29  
Just 2 quick opinions... Name brand & CFM...

Bought an Ingersoll Rand at BJ'S wholesale club 10 years ago. 5 horse power, 17.5 cfm @150 psi. I've seen 7 horsepower 2 stage units these days that don't pump that much. With the price of electricity I'd be looking for efficiency. The Ingersoll Rand was a crime of opportunity I could not afford these days. $900 back then... I'm not endorcing Ingersoll but what I think I'm trying to say is shop for a name brand you recognize & compare horsepower/cfm ratings. I'd hate to be paying for the cost of a 7hp motor putting out the same amount of air a more efficient unit could pump out for 5hp. That & if your looking for longevity...go TWO STAGE!!!!! Usually by far more efficient to boote.

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Mike

01-22-2002 23:37:38




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 Re: Air compressor questions in reply to David, 01-21-2002 12:43:29  
Is it single or two stage pump? A single stage pump is good to 125 PSI and comes with a thin tank that can rust out in a couple of years. A two stage pump is good to 175 PSI, is more efficient, and comes with a much better,thicker, tank.The tank ratings are on the tank, check it out . Also Square-D control switches are a sign of quality. Good Hunting: Mike



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Ron

01-22-2002 18:02:29




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 Re: Air compressor questions in reply to David, 01-21-2002 12:43:29  
get a good 2-stage compressor that will deliver at least 165 lbs. of pressure....

AND Stay Away From the Oil-less junk....



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Kendall

01-22-2002 09:40:45




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 Re: Air compressor questions in reply to David, 01-21-2002 12:43:29  
Any electrical device will (or should) have a main disconnect switch. It most likley will not be wired directly to the main circuit breaker box without some sort of switch mounted either on it or on the wall right next to it. If there is not a disconnect switch on the compressor, have your electrician wire up a junction/breaker box to plug (or wire) it into with a 30 amp breaker to serve as a switch. Cant say anything for the relialibility but change oil whenever the manual says to and drain condensation frequently. For opinions and reports on various compressors (or anything) check out www.epinions.com web site.

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Jerry A.

01-22-2002 05:56:37




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 Re: Air compressor questions in reply to David, 01-21-2002 12:43:29  
Consider installing a timer switch so the compressor will shut off automatically. I have an Ingersol that uses 220V. I installed a rotary timer that I can set for up to 12 hours...I always forgot to turn the compressor off and the darn thing would kick on at all hours; if a hose should come loose (and I've had that happen) the compressor would never shut off; bad for the electric bill and the compressor.

A decent switch for 220v/30+ amps was about $65 plus shipping from Grainger or McMasters.

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fbcheve

01-21-2002 18:32:40




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 Re: Air compressor questions in reply to David, 01-21-2002 12:43:29  
Have a Cambell Hausfield V-4 that is single stage and puts out 16.7 cfm at 90 psi. It a 60 gallon and is 220 volts. Rated for continous use.Sells for about $800 US dollars. Have used it for over five years now, and have no complaints.



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Richard DeWitt

09-19-2002 10:24:08




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 Re: Re: Air compressor questions in reply to fbcheve, 01-21-2002 18:32:40  
Hi My name is Richard

I have a Cambell Hausefield Power-Pal air-comp.

I need the parts list for this unit----Model#
MT 33004

Could you help here?



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Johnny in N.E.Tx

01-21-2002 17:58:43




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 Re: Air compressor questions in reply to David, 01-21-2002 12:43:29  
You could install a switch,I just use the breaker as a switch on mine,a 5 h.p motor, installed in 1984, works 5 days a week, I never leave it on overnight, if you get an air leak or a fitting pops off a hose in the middle of the night then your compressor could run for 10 or 12 hours straight and might burn something up. My shop is 200 yards from my house and the compressor is in a little shed behind that to keep the noise down in the daytime. Of course keep the leaks to a minimum and in the morning the pressure builds up in a few minutes.

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Roger

01-21-2002 16:47:47




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 Re: Air compressor questions in reply to David, 01-21-2002 12:43:29  
Eagle makes compressors that are basically a knock-off of a Fu-Sheng Chinese pump, which is not a bad thing. They are pretty good for home users, splash lube, reed valve head. I wouldn't run it up to 150psi if it is a single stage pump though, no matter what the manufacturer says. 125psi is about the max I would go. They are not so good for commercial use where people buy them as a 5hp shop compressor, trying to save a buck. I would not hesitate to buy one. I wouldn't use it to sand down an entire auto in one pass or anything, but with normal use and regular oil changes (NOT engine oil!) they should last quite well. There may be a disconnect lever on the pressure switch. It just levers the contacts open so the compressor doesn't cut in, while also actuating the blowdown valve to unload the pump. Alternately, you can wire in a disconnect switch, or just throw the breakers, after the pump has shut down by itself and unloaded.

The price is good because our beaver-buck is doing poorly against the greenback ($1.62 CAN to the dollar I think.) Probably why there is so much Canadian steel for sale too, I bet. Pretty bad if you want to buy anything from the US, though I resisted the urge to buy a 119 pc set of Chinese drills in favor of a set of Triumph drills. No comparison!

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chris mf35

01-21-2002 15:13:08




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 Re: Air compressor questions in reply to David, 01-21-2002 12:43:29  
bought one 3 or 4 months ago. LOVE IT!!! it's extremely quit compared to other models with same cfm. price at tractor supply in johnson city, tennessee is 599.99. in some states it's tax free for farm use. i turn mine off at the breaker(it's 3 feet from panel) or you can use a nonfused disconnect.
To my belief it's the best comp for under $1500.00.



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Neil

01-21-2002 12:52:43




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 Re: Air compressor questions in reply to David, 01-21-2002 12:43:29  
They often have a lever on the pressure switch that forces the contact open (Motor off).

If not, you will need to wire in a switch of some type.



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butch in kansas

01-22-2002 10:43:23




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 Re: Re: Air compressor questions in reply to Neil, 01-21-2002 12:52:43  
I use ball cock valve also to turn off the air at the tank that way you will always have air and not have to wait for it to pump up also my compressor is 58 years old change oil and keep a good air filter on it and keep it clean



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