Air compressor comparison...

slideways

Club Member
Ok so I will be going to pick up and air compressor for my place finially sometime this week and just wanted to compare my two options and get opnions.


Compressor A - This is a campbell Hausfield that I have been using at my dad's for years. It works great but does struggle a little to keep up with my heavy DA sander

Manufacturers Number: VT6355
Brand: Campbell Hausfeld®
Tank Capacity: 60 gal.
PSI Rating: 135 Max PSI
Flow Rate: 11.5 SCFM @ 40 PSI, 10.2 SCFM @ 90 PSI,
Power Rating: 3 HP
Length: 27 in.
Width: 30 in.
Height: 71 in.
Material: Steel
Voltage Rating: 230 V
Warranty: 3 Years



Compressor B - For another $150 I can upgrade to this Ignersoll Rand

Manufacturers Number: SS3L3
Brand: Ingersoll Rand®
Grade: Commercial
Style: Single Stage
Tank Size: 60 gal.
Running HP: 3 HP
Phase: Single
CFM @ 40 PSI: 13.8
CFM @ 90 PSI: 11.3
Maximum Pressure: 135 PSI
Width: 23 in.
Total Length: 66 in.
Height: 20 in.
Weight: 300 lb.
Warranty: 1 Year




Essentially they are the same except the slightly higher CFM on the Ignersoll Rand but has 2 year less warranty, and is another $150 ontop of the Campbell Hausfield. Basically what my question is, Would the small difference in CFM make any noticable difference for me?
 
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It depends on how many of your tools require higher than 13 cfm and if you like waiting while using your DA. I would keep looking and maybe go to Production tool.
 
It depends on how many of your tools require higher than 13 cfm and if you like waiting while using your DA. I would keep looking and maybe go to Production tool.


It never gets to where I have to wait to use my DA unless I'm DA stripping a whole panel which a rarely do, And even then I can keep working I just choose to give it a break every once in awhile. I'm just looking to see if 1.1CFM difference will really be noticeable. The first Compressor has worked just fine for me for 5 years or better.
 
I would possibly look for a used one. I bought a Quincy325 for $600. That damn thing turns off when I'm using air tools or spraying. Lol.
 
Well the parents got me $500 in TSC gift cards for christmas with intentions of me getting myself an air compressor, So that limits my options a little bit here. Even if its not the last compressor I ever buy it will be something to get me up and running for now.
 
I doubt if you would notice the 1.1cfm difference. Go with the Campbell Hausfeld. You already know it will work and it has a better warranty.
 
Buy a Quincy and never look back!

That said, I have an IR and have had it for 22 years....not one issue. 17.1cfm at 175lbs.
 
As much as I'd love too, At 24, single homeowner and a run of the mill bodyshop job, Budget doesn't really allow for me to drop $1000+ on a compressor.
 
As much as I'd love too, At 24, single homeowner and a run of the mill bodyshop job, Budget doesn't really allow for me to drop $1000+ on a compressor.

Congrats! Sounds like you have a lot going for you! Because of the luck I've had with my IR I would say get that one. CH to me just screams a cheap brand, air tools are shit....might be my ignorance though.

Good luck whatever you get.
 
I was always skeptical of the CH even when my dad bought his, but we have had it for 5+ years now and we have worked the shit out of it and it has never missed a beat.

And thanks its tough to try to own a home being young and single, Bought my house when I was 21 and just now getting established enough to be able to make major purchases and get myself set up to do all my side work in my own garage. Been building a 20x24 addition on my garage on all spare cash and it is now 2 years in the making lol. Just a little more insulation, drywall, and lights now that I will have a compressor and I'm just about up and running
 
Watch the sales at TSC. Once in a while the $1000 IR goes on sale for $750 but usually it goes on sale for $799. Once you have a 150-175psi compressor it's hard to go back, regardless of volume.
 
Either one of those will be fine for a "starter" compressor.

From the sound of it, you have your head on straight!! Get the house in shape, get the work area in shape, get some cash in the bank, you can ALWAYS upgrade in the future. I would reccomend you WIRE for a big, gnarly, 8 Hp / 80 gallon. That way, when you DO upgrade, it's plug and play.
 
Thanks, I like to think so myself haha! And I will keep that in mind, I haven't wired the compressor outlet yet so I could definitly still do that.
 
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