The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Tool Chest Air Compressor, would this work

Okay, here is what I am thinking of purchasing. Ingersoll Rand Electric Stationary Air Compressor – 5 HP, 230 Volt, 1-Phase, 60-Gallon Vertical, Model# SS5L5
Will this run DA air sanders without slowing down. Really, I do not know this stuff. It looks plenty strong for painting.
It is a $1,000 delivered and then I need the extra goodies.
Item# 1592047
Brand Ingersoll Rand Manufacturer's Warranty 12 months parts / 12 months labor
Ship Weight 450.0 lbs
5 HP Stage Single Max. PSI 135 Air Tank Size (gal.) 60
CFM at 90 PSI 18.1 CFM at Max. PSI 15.5
Air Outlet Size 1/2 inch Duty Cycle 100%

I have access to a bigger compressor that will run anything, has a two cylinder pump, etc. But it is older and I like new. And it is also $1,000 but no warranty.

That's a good quality air compressor. The critical thing is to match the output CFM and pressure of the compressor to the demand of the tool you're using. I think what you posted says that it'll do 15.5 CFM at 90 psi, which should do well for a DA sander, but check the specs on that. Should also run a typical 1/2" impact wrench if you need to use one of those.
I looked at a compressor that Lowes had for about $550 that would put out 11-12 CFM at 90 psi IIRC, but ran across a good used one that does 14 CFM for $350.

I've found that to run "what you have" AND to run what you may want or get later, I"d not consider anything that will not produce at least 15 CFM at 90 psi.
Even, or especially, some of the smaller tools are big air hogs when it comes to running them.

I guess the old adage of buy what you can afford also applies here..........I "started" out using a 20 gal 2 hp rig back in the 80's as that is all I could afford.....now i enjoy my big 80 gal 7hp set up for the past 20 years.

You need to shop around and get a sale on TWO stage, 80 Gal, belt drive, vertical...........The brand name does not mean much. The warranty does count. Make sure you buy from a big box near you or Amazon. A few more bucks for extra capacities will run anything for a long time.

Agree with bartamos about the 2 stage thing. And bigger is always better, but sometimes the pocketbook dictates. Lowe's sells a Quincy for around $2079 (Alaska pricing though - should be less for you) Link. Delivers 17.8 CFM at 90 psi. Their Store brand (Kobalt) 5 HP 2-stage 80 Gal is $1000 up here, but only puts out 11.9 CFM at 90 psi. Which tells you that you need to look at the CFM rating of whatever you buy. The Quincy is better, but twice the price.
Again, I think the IR is a good machine. You just need to decide what you really need.

The Quincy's are more money, but they are high quality and made in the USA (at least the one I bought a year ago was). It's 5 hp 60 gal and it handles my cabinet blaster and all of my shop tools (it's a one man shop...I can't use more than one tool at a time anyway).

Mike B

Going with the stated unit. Meets my demands for CFM's and 100 percent duty time. I noticed similar but cheaper units had 50 or 75 % duty time. Also the hours of service drop from 10,000 to 5,000 with the less expensive models.

Plus there is the expense of running new electrical and plumbing the unit. These pigs require a 50 amp circuit, dedicated wiring, the AC wire is even expensive. But I want new with a warranty from a reputable manufacturer. I have some Harbor Freight stuff and it is worth what I paid. I only buy on-line until this freaking disease is gone. thanks for the suggestions

I think you've made a good choice.

My 5hp, 30 gallon would run a DA as long as I wanted, which wasn't all that long. It's not like you are going to run them for hours at a time, realistically, 4 -5 minutes at a time. More air is great, but as you have found out it comes at a cost. Lots of have used small compressors for years and get by. I just replaced the pump on my old craftsman with a bigger unit, but set the rpm to match the output of the old one, figured it lasted 30 years, why push the new one!

If you're referring to the new compressor needing 50 amp circuit, that partly correct...it will need a 50 amp breaker to handle the inrush current, but the branch circuit wiring only needs to be #10 copper wire (the 5 hp motor only draws about 20 amps when running).

Mike B

Appreciate the note on wire size. I thought the 50 Amp was in-rush but was not aware I could go with #10... good news.

Purchased the Ingersoll Rand at Northerntool.com I also purchased a Hobart 140 welder. Almost $2,000 in the shopping cart and really could not get most of what I wanted to go with the big items...

Have a quincy american compressor great she learned to dust off mowers with it blow out her vacuum sweeper (we call it quincy) she said if i croak she will keep quincy !

60ApacheC20, how is the new compressor doing??

I'm going to go with Achipmunk, the rest of the folks all have good advice. I bought a Cambell Hausfield (spelling), 7 years ago. This unit is a vibrator type on a 40 gal. tank. Its great for filling tires and a 3/8 th impact but no good for sanding or polishing wheel. Went to Flea market and got a duel piston unit. $ 375.00 and rebuilt pump for another $35.00. It will handle anything I can throw at it. Don't know if I needed to rebuild pump but, I know it will not let me down soon. Check with Rennigers in Mt. Dora, FL. They have several dealers for new and used units. I always go with the guys that have clean clothes. You can do the same in your area I hope. Doc