Opinions on air compressors

standy

standy

Forum Member
The time has come to upgrade the garage air compressor finally- the old 25 gallon unit isn't cutting it anymore, and I've wanted a good, heavy duty unit for years. I've been doing research for a week now, and I have no idea what to get. I haven't had any experience that allows me to compare between single stage and two stage units, other than the compressor at my shop, but that's like apples to oranges when I haven't used a single stage of the same size. Can anyone provide any suggestions based on my needs?
I use it for normal day to day stuff- impact guns, air hammer, air ratchets, die grinders, etc. I've also been doing a little sand blasting, which has really made the current compressor work. The sand blasting won't be an every day thing, but it will be used almost daily with the other tools, so I definitely want to avoid a low end model. The basic requirements will be- 220v single phase, 60-80 gallon tank, and I'm trying to stay in the $1000 range. I don't know enough about compresssors to determine if a single stage set up will be all I need, or if stepping up to a two stage is a better idea. I don't want to get something that will struggle to do what I need, but I don't want to buy too much compressor either. Sure, a big ass, twin screw set up with a dryer would be awesome, but its not practical (or in the budget).

Secondly, does anyone have recommendations on local equipment places? I like to buy local if I can, and it seems like all I can find are high end industrial equipment retailers, or big box places like Lowes and Tractor Supply. I try to deal with places that have knowledge of their products if at all possible. I don't mind buying one from TSC, because the price is right, but it sure looks like their Ingersoll Rand compressors are built for them with lower quality parts (motors), as opposed to an Ingersoll Rand from a compressor dealer.

Thanks!!!!!!
 
derbydad276 said:
you want a quincy!
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...ci_sku=20358&gclid=CMqf89qzrLYCFcyY4AodF1IA2g

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...sku=35239001&gclid=CNKG36W0rLYCFcme4Aod60YA4A
Click to expand...

Thanks for the input! For the most part, I have narrowed my choices down to a Quincy or IR, but I've read more than a few reviews about the IR having poor quality motors. I don't want to spend that kind of cash and then have to throw more money at it before it actually wears out.

Any input on what type of applications are better suited to a two stage unit vs. a single stage?
I hate these type of purchases, because I really have no clue what I need. If you call a retailer, they usually try to sell you on the stuff they want to get rid of, or whichever unit has the higher profit margins, not what best suits the customer.
 
I have a Quincy, I love it. A few have my frinds have got them because of mine... they also love theirs. They are a few more bucks but well worth it in the long run.

Stay away from compressors that need to crank 3000rpm or higher to reach the advertised output. Mine spins at 1700 making it quiet and less wear and tear on the pump. The pump is also rated at 50,000 hours and its made 100% in the usa..
 
Last edited:
Thank You!!!!! This was exactly the type of info I was looking for. I'm 99% sure I'll be going with the Quincy. I didn't consider the pump life numbers until I looked at a few different brands after your post, and its a HUGE difference compared to the IR.
 
Looks like I've found my compressor. lol I keep going back and forth, asking myself if I need a two stage.....but it would appear that its the best option. I don't plan on buying another compressor for quite some time, so I might as well step up to the plate.
Thanks again guys!!!!!!!
 
Where did you guys get your Qunicy compressors from? I am trying to avoid lift gate charges so I would like to buy it local and pick it up instead of ordering from Northern Tool etc.

Thanks.

--Joe
 
Last edited:
Joe, I ended up getting mine from Air Compressors Direct.com- They shipped it for free, but I used a fork lift to get it off the truck here at my shop. I was able to unload it from my truck with help from my cousin...its heavy, but manageable.

There's a local Quincy dealer in Troy called Brehob, but they couldn't touch the price I got from ACD. I was really trying to buy it from a local business, but they wanted $250-$300 more. If it was $100 or less, I would've just had them get it, but I couldn't justify spending that much cash just to say that I supported a local business.

I will say that I am 100% pleased with the compressor. It has exceeded my expectations across the board. I used it to sandblast my truck frame, as well as for paint, and it didn't even break a sweat. Definitely worth the cash!
 
standy said:
Joe, I ended up getting mine from Air Compressors Direct.com- They shipped it for free, but I used a fork lift to get it off the truck here at my shop. I was able to unload it from my truck with help from my cousin...its heavy, but manageable.

There's a local Quincy dealer in Troy called Brehob, but they couldn't touch the price I got from ACD. I was really trying to buy it from a local business, but they wanted $250-$300 more. If it was $100 or less, I would've just had them get it, but I couldn't justify spending that much cash just to say that I supported a local business.

I will say that I am 100% pleased with the compressor. It has exceeded my expectations across the board. I used it to sandblast my truck frame, as well as for paint, and it didn't even break a sweat. Definitely worth the cash!
Click to expand...

Great info I appreciate it. ACD and NT are basically the same price and I called to talk to a rep from Brehob today..........he was interesting. He ended up telling me that I should buy from them instead of a "flipbook" like NT because they do stuff to the compressors to make them cheaper. I specifically asked "what do they do" etc and he passed the buck saying I would have to speak with a salesman for specifics. I wasn't impressed.

--Joe
 
Yeah, he was a weird dude for sure. I can tell you that I'm almost positive that the ACD version of the compressor is the same- they ship directly from the Quincy factory to you.

If you wanna check one out in person, you're welcome to stop by anytime!
 
standy said:
Yeah, he was a weird dude for sure. I can tell you that I'm almost positive that the ACD version of the compressor is the same- they ship directly from the Quincy factory to you.

If you wanna check one out in person, you're welcome to stop by anytime!
Click to expand...

On a side note, I also purchased the "maintence kit", which is basically some oil and a couple air filters. It was around 60 bucks, but if you purchase the kit and register it, the warranty is extended to five years. I know its a scheme to get more money, but extending the warranty was worth it, and I figure, you gotta change the oil and air filters anyway, so I may as well get the supplies and have them on hand.
 
DennisH said:
D&G Tool in Westland sells Quincy. Thats where I got mine. They service and repair too.

Dennis
Click to expand...

FYI, I just spoke with D&G and they no longer carry Quincy compressors. He has one left in stock which is a 2-stage, 5hp, 80 gallon but that is too big for what I need.

Thanks though.

--Joe
 
I got this from Eaton Compressor (www.eatoncompressor.com)

Other than they effed up the shipping(I paid for a lift gate, they sent a semi....3 times) it's bad ass.

922798_10201134951838933_2064049634_n.jpg
 

Attachments

  • 922798_10201134951838933_2064049634_n.jpg
    922798_10201134951838933_2064049634_n.jpg
    125 KB · Views: 29
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top