Technical Minimum size compressor for shop work?

My compressor took a dump, the motor failed. It was commercial grade, more than I needed but given in leu of payment of a debt, years ago. I took the motor to be fixed, quote was right around $500.00. I had two shops look at it.
So now being in the market and not wanting to spend a ton of money I'm wondering what is the least amount of gallons and CFM is right for the running of everyday air tools and doing a little painting once in a while. Throw in names of good value compressors also, not Harbor Freight shit please.

 

Hey Larry, mine took a dump a couple years back, motor like yours. I took it off, bought a new one, welded the bracket on it so it would bolt back up and put it back together. Works like a charm. $500 is about right, beats a new compressor if you like what you have.

The only thing I don't like on mine is the RPMs, damn thing sounds like a women's sewing circle in high gossip. My buddy bought a Jenny that just goes chunka, chunka, chunka. Love that sound.

 

I've been thinking about getting one of these, but my old one keeps going, so I haven't yet.

https://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Quincy-2V41C60VC-Air-Compressor/p855.html

 

You can't go wrong with a Quincy. I bought a rebuilt Quincy 2 cylinder single stage compressor, just the pump and put it on an old Wayne compressor tank that I already had. Bought a 5 HP 220 volt motor and never looked back. I did this when I was 18 years old. I am now 70 and it is still going strong. I run air tools, paint cars etc and it keeps going.

 

Really depends on your expectations. HVLP paint guns and some air tools need a lot of air. Painting an entire car, I'd want 14-15CFM. A fender, 5-6 probably. Running air grinder, scaler for a hour or so, again 14-15cfm. Air drill, short bursts, impacts normal unbolting, 5-6.

Also depends on your current tank and pump along with motor hp. 3-5HP motors are available for a lot less than a compressor! If you're happy with the tank/pump, you can keep it. Really, this time it's true!

 

I have an old 2 HP Sears compressor and it is on the wimpy side. Don't think it would keep up to the demands of painting so I bought a HVLP turbine paint sprayer in hopes that will work.

 

Yeh me too Larry.
Bought a 5 hp, 80 gal, 220 single phase Campbel-Hausfield commercial grade compressor in the late 80's, had bigger plans that never materialized.
Still doesn't hurt to buy a step above the needs at the moment.

 

I would say if you can get 10 CFM or better you will be fine with just one person running air tools and painting in the shop. 2 people and it will not be enough depending what they both are running. If the pump and tank on your old one are in good working order, why not just buy a new electric motor?

 

I have that Quincy 2 stage, was able to order it through Lowe’s. Been a good air compressor.


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If you do any sand blasting you would need minimum 7.5 hp 80 gal. tank and that will run out of pressure in a few minutes.

 

Ingersoll Rand or Quincy.

Two-stage pump.
220 single phase motor.

5 horsepower will do.
7 1/2 horsepower is better.

60 gallon tank will do.
80 gallon tank is better.

Horizontal tank maybe if you have the room.
Vertical to save space.

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Cfm is more important than anything. I would either fix what you have OR buy a nice big new one and use your tank as extra storage plumbed into the new one. We did this in dads shop 30 years ago and it made his little portable work for both of us running air tools

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Jim, Quincy is about the best, it is certainly up there. Now I know that some have HF or Sears for 20 years and work great. I have friends that worked at an compressor company, here is what they told me. #1 the one you are looking at advertises 15.7 CFM good for all air tools and blasting BUT at 175 PSI in order to do this the compressor has to spin faster. #2 splash lubrication as opposed to pressure lube. #3 the faster they run the more noise they make. I have a Quincy 5 hp compressor 18 CFM @ 150 psi. You can stand next to it when running and use the phone and hear. The faster they run the hotter the air which means more moisture in the tank. I get very little water out of my tank even when using continuously like sand blasting. That is probably the best bang for the buck compressor there is now. Mine was that price 35 yrs. ago and it is still going strong. My opinion on most things is buy the best you can. Cheap is just that!

Pat

 

If all this info is not enough for you, go to garage journal and read till your head hurts!

 

I've a single phase (15amp) 240v 5.5hp 3 cylinder compressor; 3.3hp motor, 95lt tank and 320lpm (11.3cfm) FAD. Great for home workshop and easily powers my air tools. Every now and again you need to let it pump up when using the die grinder for extended periods of time. Not big enough for shop use but good for home / hobby use. All I do is drain the tank regularly as well as check the oil level and air-filters. Still going well after 15yrs+ of loyal service.

 

I got this chunka chunka but I don't have 3 phase so haven't tried it.

 

I have a Quincy like the one Squirrel has posted except mine gives out 16 to 17 CFM. CFM is everything. Mine keeps up just find with my sand blast cabinet and will handle anything else I throw at it but keep in mind I am a hobbyist and it just me and not a crew of 4 to 6 people trying to work it at once.

 

I've had this compressor for 20 + years in my garage with no problems but I would not want anything smaller.

 

Bought my craftsman comp about 15 years ago.
Like I said earlier, replaced the 5 hp motor once, added an automatic drawn to the tank,. Built a cooling tower, added a dryer, works perfect. Looks short cuz it's sitting in a hole (contractor error) but easier to change the motor this way)

 

Keep in mind that the CFM ratings on a lot of the cheaper compressors are highly inflated. You can never have too much air and a Quincy will deliver it for a long time...

 

I have the same one that oldiron440 has. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I can still run a 3/4” impact while Dad is sandblasting. I would not buy anything but a two stage. I’ve gotten real spoiled with our giant 3 phase compressor at work. It sucks coming home and not being able to use a 1/2” impact.


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I had an old 60 gallon 1 horse 2 stage horizontal out of a gas station that closed. Chugged along just fine but strained to keep up with my Barrel Blaster. Bought an upright 80 gallon 5 horse 2 stage IR on sale at Tractor Supply. Very satisfied.

 

Here's what i have. Been a great compressor for past four years. https://www.bestbuyautoequipment.co...tg-elec-air-compressor-p/imc216v.htm?CartID=1

 

Salem Tool in Oregon a few years back had a 7.5 hp/80 gl putting out 18.5 com for $849.00. Sure that’s not the price now but you could call them. No sales tax .

 

I’d re-motor that thing

 

When you look at cfm ratings, also look at what pressure they used to get that rating. Some of the cheaper compressors have what looks like a sufficient cfm rating but the pressure it is rated at won't operate much of anything.

 

I have this same one for almost 25 years now. But I only paid $1100 back then! [emoji41]

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I got mine for $1000 cash.

 

I bought [$1300] a Puma 3-cyl, 5hp, 80 gallon about 15 years ago https://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/products-image/500/TUK-5080VM3_13960_600.jpg . Noise is acceptable, cfm on the short side for serious run [outside type] sand blasting. Next one [doubt it ] would be https://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/products-image/500/TUK-150120M3_13967_600.jpg

 

I got a less than five year old DVAir out of a tire shop that replaced it with the same unit for some reason. They had been replacing the capacitors with cheap off shore ones. They wanted $1000 but I offered $400 and got it, I think I would have got it for less if I tried. Took it to a DVAir certified repair facility and had it gone through for about $300. So, keep your eyes open and you may get a deal. Otherwise just replace the motor on yours...