New compressor questions

[Grumple]

I am starting to research air compressors for home shop and would like to know any do's or don'ts when deciding the final choice. Is cfm *and* highest pressure more important than just cfm? Is a 2 stage a must. It will be 220 volts for sure but once I started researching I ran into some questions like "why does Ingersoll Rand have 2 models the same price but with different part numbers and a quick research shows one has a 1-piece connecting rod whereas the other has a 2-piece connecting rod? I would think a 2-piece would be easier to change the bearing on. But is that ever going to be something that ever needs changing without a complete overhaul or a new pump?
Thanks,
Grumple

p.s. Are the Ingersoll Rands any good?

[OilRich]

Hi Grumple,

I just recently bought a new 220 volt compressor and did a huge amount of research before buying mine. Depending on what you are using your compressor for (I'm using mine for a blast cabinet) will play a huge roll in what machine to buy. After getting mine and getting it set up, I'm really glad that I bought a machine with unloaders on it. Unloaders make it to where the intake valves open when the machine gets close to shut off point so that the motor stays running which puts much less wear on the starter because it isn't kicking the motor on and off. Make sure it has a magnetic starter on it. 220 volts on just a pneumatic on/off switch is very taxing on the switch and will burn them out quickly. Auto tank drain is nice. If you are using it in your garage like most of us here, noise level is hugely important. Get a machine that runs around 600 or so RPM and you will have a quiet machine. My compressor has a 10 HP pump that is slowed down to about 600 RPM and is running on a 7.5 HP motor. Sweet unit. Quiet, pumps up an 80 gal tank in 4 min & 15 sec flat. I'm not a sales person for this outfit but here is the compressor that I bought and I couldn't be happier. 7.5 HP, Single Phase, 80-Gallon Vertical Air Compressor
Do your research and decide what machine is right for you. If I had to give you my best advice.....buy BIG when it comes to a compressor. The one listed above will run two guns in my double blast cabinet and kick into the unloader mode. They sell smaller units also. I found that feature for feature they were hard to beat on the price. Oh, I wired an hours meter on it right away and I only have about 27 hrs of use so far so I don't know how well they stand up but so far so good and they are AMERICAN MADE
Regards
Rich

[Grumple]

Thanks for the info and the link. I was looking to get an 80 gallon unit and it is for my new blast cabinet. They sure have some nice compressors. Now I need to see how much $$ I want to spend. They have some other units for a little less $$ that look like they would do the job. I just need to work out the details to see which features I can live with/without and go from there. Even get to pick the color!
Thanks,
Grumple

[defed]

last year, when i asked eaton who made their pump, they said it was chinese. now, this doesnt automatically mean that they are no good, just that they are not american made. not ALL chinese made stuff is junk and i believe these pumps are of good quality, tho i have never used one.

i presume that the compressors are assembled in the USA by eaton.

[Grumple]

Yep, I also read about the Eaton China connection. I am still deciding which compressor to get. I am looking at Champion and Quincy compressors now. Any comments on those good or bad? I am just going to get an 80 gallon vertical of whatever my final choice is.

[Grumple]

I think I've made up my mind and I am going to get the Champion Air Compressor VR7F-8. I just ordered a nice blast cabinet and will order the compressor next month after I do my "after the excitement" research to make sure I get the best deal.

[tr4dude]

if you are going to get that one check out the champion vr5-8, it has the same motor (r-15b) runs 100 rpm less and is $700 cheaper. For $700 you could get some other nice equipment and with the 5 hp wiring it up will be less expensive (smaller gauge wire,smaller breaker etc., cheaper replacement electrical parts (motor starter, electric motor, breakers, all after the warranty is up of course,) and if you need the more cfm of the VR7f-8 you can get a bigger drive pulley for very few $ . I bought an older used VR5-8 (1982) for $300 with no starter and no electric motor, spent $500 on ebay and home depot for a new baldor motor, magnetic starter, all the wiring, pulley and it puts out 23cfm 125psi @800rpm, i have used it for 6 months and no problems.

[Grumple]

Hi, Thanks for that info as I am still in compressor stupor as I keep changing my mind on stuff and you are absolutely correct on saving the $$ for other stuff. Where did you see the champion vr5-8 for the best price?

[Grumple]

I figured out what I wanted and needed for my requirements and ended up ordering a Champion VR5-8 with the after cooler upgrade. That is the same exact unit as the VR7F-8 with the exception of the smaller HP motor (5hp vs 7.5hp) thus lowering the compressor speed from about 990 to 720 rpm for a longer life. Less wiring and energy costs. I also heard the 5 HP motor was more reliable from multiple sources. The after cooler is supposed to remove up to 65 to 70% of the moisture. And it has low oil shutdown, auto water drain, magnetic starter and rubber isolators. Basically all the bells and whistles except for continuous run which I decided was not necessary. I will report back after I get it and hook it up.