Need a new air compressor

[Paul G]

My Campbell Hausfeld air compressor gave up the ghost. It was only five years old. Occasional use in a home garage. I expected it to last a lot longer than that. So, I need another one. I want another vertical to save floor space. What brands do you like?

[Zinc]

I had my indersol rand for 10 years now, never a problem, 7hp 80 gal 230 volt 1 ph

[Chatt69chgr]

I don't know what your requirements are but my advice would be to go with Ingersoll Rand.  If you plan on doing any sandblasting, go for the 7-1/2 hp unit.  O/W, the 5 hp.  Try to get the one with the motor that runs at 1750 or so rpm instead of the one thar runs at 3450.  I believe the compressor on the slower one is Vee shaped and the other one is both cylinders side by side.  The faster running one is really noisy.  Check out Tractor Supply as they carry some of the Ingersoll Rand units or contact the Ingersoll Rand place in your town and go talk to them directly.  In both cases, I am talking about a two stage compressor, not single stage.  And you want a cast iron compressor, not aluminum.  Don't forget that the delivery system is just as important as the compressor.  Twenty feet of 3/4 inch black iron pipe will effectively condense most of the water out of the air---the rest can be removed with the filter.  I notice that Harbor Freight now has a refrigerated unit to remove moisture from the compressed air but in most cases, the black iron will do it OK.  Make sure you pull the air by doing overhead 1/2 inch iron pipe drops where you go up and then down for your air pickoffs including a drain on each drop and one on the main sloping line.  Harbor Freight has some pretty nice retractable reels in 25 and 50 ft with 3/8 inch rubber line.  I used Parker filters and regulators but they were pricey.  Harbor Freight has some less expensive ones.  Just running rubber line out of the tank and thru a filter won't get the air out and will eventually destroy your expensive air tools by leaving water in them to rust the insides.  Ask me how I know.

[Paul G]

I went over to Tractor Supply this evening. They have a smaller Eagle brand compressor. It is a two stage cast iron compressor belt drive vertical with a 30 or so gallon tank. I don't do much more than occasionally run an impact wrench and fill tires with my compressor. That is why I am pretty disappointed in Campbell Hausfeld. It had very little use, and died after only 5 years. Any one have experience with Eagle brand. BTW it was priced at $360. Right in my price range.

[Silver R/T]

ive got a Kobalt 3.5 RUNNING hp (rating that really matters) 60 gallon compressor. Its fine for occasional garage use.