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| | | | Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 581 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 581 | My Sears 30gal. oil-less upright won't hold 80psi anymore. So need to find something different. I know many on here have/prefer something starting in the 60 gal. 2stage 5hp 17cfm@90psi range. Although that would be nice, I don't have a cool $1000+ to throw at it.
My current compressor is centrally located in the basement with a hose to the garage. I use it mainly for construction tools but on occasion, use it to sandblast a rim or some odd part over a tarp.
I like the portability of the wheels and the upright saves on space. Is there a good reliable/sizable brand/model to shop for? Ingersol Rand comes to mind.
Also, can I make my current compressor into an inline storage tank? and what would that take?
Thanks | | | | | Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 687 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 687 | Might be worth the short time to at least pull the head off the compressor to see what's going on? Perhaps its an easy fix that will allow you to save your $$ for a nice replacement? I know I would be curious. Compressors can't be that completated. Just an idea... | | | | | Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 581 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 581 | I'll definitely do that but need something now. In the middle of a flooring project. Right now you can hear the piston free wheelin' when you shut it off. If I remember right it's built of plastic and cheap pot metal.
I'd really like to know what brands/models people have had good experience with. The ones at the home stores for the most part look cheap with high $$. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall | | Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 | Do you have a Service Store close by....or call Sears and have them hot shot you a new motor?
Look in the yellow pages for an air compressor rebuild place. They may take yours in on a reconditioned one.
If your desperate can you rent one to finish the current job and then decide on what to do to yours?
Personally I bought a Sears Professional model 10 years ago that is 80gal 175/17 plus CFM's dual stage. (800 on sale)
The good ones are Quincy and I believe a Champion but they cost more. SOME box stores have SOME good compressors but BEWARE. Some of them will deafen you when they run.
EDIT: if you have a TRACTOR SUPPLY you may find a good one on sale????
Last edited by Achipmunk; 02/03/2014 6:24 PM.
| | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 . | | . Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 | In my opinion Qunicy are one of the best you can buy, if you can find the money or find a used one cheap. They do however offer a "cheaper" line with no unloaders, and no oil pump, I suspect they're still good but not as nice as the others. Just be sure you know which one you're looking at and factor that in the price.
Grigg | | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,971 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,971 | Look for cast iron compressor instead of aluminum. Also, look for running HP instead of starting hp. | | | | | Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 581 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 581 | I can get by borrowing a pancake from a friend to finish the job. In the mean time I did look it over and it seems the piston is quite scored and therefor not working to its full potential. I looked on Ebay and see that they sell various sleeves and pistons. I'd be game to try that first.
The motor runs fine. The only other problem is adjusting the automatic shutoff. I replaced it a year ago but doesn't want to shut off at say, 120psi and trips the emergency let off valve. I tweaked it a little so it doesn't blow the valve. Now I wonder if the compressor couldn't make full pressure anyway due to the current problem and I miss identified the contact switch? | | | | | Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 1,121 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 1,121 | Bought a 30 gallon Kobalt at Lowe's about 3 years ago. It is a POJ!!! Leaks oil as bad as a 216 and replacement parts are way over priced. The oil sight glass for example, had a quoted price of $47. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 1,775 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 1,775 | I have a Husky 33 gallon, direct drive. It's probably about the same as what you have. It takes awhile to fill, mainly because it's a 150 PSI compressor. It runs the air tools pretty good. My only complaint is it takes a long time to fill. It gets to the 100PSI stage pretty fast, but getting to 150 PSI takes forever!
Menards has a 60 gallon Sanborn that may be my next purchase. With a $400 price tage, it's not too shabby. Farm&Fleet has a similar compressor called, "Industrial Air" which can be had for about the same money. From what I'm told they're made by the same company.
The Ingersolls and Campbell Hausfields at Tractor Supply seem to be pretty good quality. Not priced too bad either. | | |
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