60 gal air compressor, Ingersoll Rand vs Husky?

[14-Bolt]

The Ingersoll rand one is ss3L3, 11.3 cfm @90 psi. 3hp found for $575
Husky VT6314 from gome depot is 3hp, 10.2 @90 psi, for $439.

Both come with a warranty and an extended one I could by, if it breaks they will come to my house and fix it. Both max at 135psi. This is really stretching my budget. But want something that I don.t have to mess with, will do some sand blasting/ needle scaling. Mostly used for impact gun.

Anyone have either of these, any problems, different models in my price range, best plac to buy, thanks guys.Pp

 

[onetonbb74]

I have the husky one, not that exact one as mine is 9 years old, but the same equivelant, works great, I use about 10 different tools on it and it works fine. I did have to replace the pressure switch about 6 months ago though, at least it was easy. I got an open box model from Home Depot and it didn't come with anything, not even a manual or power cord.

 

[rjfguitar]

I have the biggest one CH makes for Husky(TF2912), and I also have the VT6314.

I use the 6314 in my small shop where I park my vehicles for stuff like rotating and airing up tires, die grinder here and there, that sort of stuff. It works great for that type of stuff. I use the 2912 in my big shop where we do stuff like 1" impact gun, air sanders, sand blasting, etc.

I think the 6314 is plenty of compressor for the average DIY'er in a small to large garage.

The warranty for CH products is really good, my 2912 had a bad pressure switch out of the box, CH sent a guy out and he replaced it for free. He was a compressor mechanic and filled me in on what I thought was some interesting facts.

1. The CH pumps have a 60% duty cycle, not 100%. Do not run it hard for long periods of time, the pump gets hot and starts bypassing oil past the rings and causes early ring failure. Proper cooling cycles are key to long life.

2. Ingersol Rand today is not IR of yesterday. They make their stuff just as cheap as CH. The difference is IR's warranty sucks. In my area, there isn't a repair center for IR within 100 miles. Buying one of the cheaper IR's at say, Tractor Supply, is not any better of a unit than the CH sitting next to it, for the most part.

3. Change the oil! Change the oil once a year, compressors don't get the oil hot enough to really burn the moisture out of the oil like an engine does and stay away from Sta-lube, it's cheap oil.

4. Don't run the compressor for 60 minutes for break in like the manual says, run it for 5 minutes on, 5 minutes off to cool, 15 minutes back on, and it's broken in. Change the oil after the first few hours of use.

5. If you want something to last 30 years that is super smooth and quiet, buy a Quincy, Jenny, Champion, expensive IR.

For me, I went with two Husky (CH) compressors because I got good deals on them. $380 for the 6314, and a killer $1390 on the 2912. I don't use them 40hrs a week, 52 weeks a year and figure they should last me a LONG time with my usage.

 

[manchildau65]

I'm not sure why I defend IR... haven't worked for them for almost a year now but, I have seen their small compressor assembly plant (Campbellsville, KY) and can attest to their quality. The smaller/cheaper compressors do have the majority of their components made overseas but so do all the competitors (get what you pay for). I can however tell you that the quality checks are awesome and it should mean something that it's at least assembled in the USA (at least it does for me).

 

[thatK30guy]

I've got a 60 gallon Coleman Powermate and its not big enough. I wished I had spent a few hundred more for the 80 gallon compressor. I've had mine for about 6 years now and now kick myself for not getting a larger one.

BTW, sandblasting will be so much better and easier on both you and the compressor if you go bigger than 60 gallons.

 

[14-Bolt]

Thanks for the info. Ingersoll also has a single stage 60 gal that does 15.5 cfm at 135psi for $900. If I go 2-stage cheapest they have is $1200. Maybe if I can make payments, thats more than I make in a month. Want something that will last but also want good warranty. If the Husky does ok with the following, I.ll prob have to settle for it: I will use most 1/2" impact 600 torque, using a 90° die grinder for polishing and sanding small parts, and some sand blasting. Want to be able to torque of t-case yokes and like no prob.

 

[ryoken]

i paid $1300 for my 2 stage Quincy shipped... i really like the increased psi of the 2 stage.. wide open, my tools are screaming... I can sandblast all day and the Quincy don't bat an eye..

 

[rjfguitar]

Thanks for the info. Ingersoll also has a single stage 60 gal that does 15.5 cfm at 135psi for $900.

I believe thats 18.1 cfm @90psi on that unit. I looked at that one too, the nice thing about a 2 stage is you can go ahead and build your tank to 175psi and regulate the line coming out, giving you more air storage in a sense.

 

[chubbynova]

Husky 60

I got the Husky 60 gallon compressor from home depot in July of 2008.I got it because it fit in my budget at the time.
I did not do any special break in period other than changed the oil after the first couple hours and once a year after that.
I used it to paint my trailer and later on, my suburban. A little too small for DA sanders and HVLP spray guns but it got the job done and is still working with no problems today. When it breaks down, I will probably buy a bigger one but for the money I am happy with my Husky.

 

[AJMBLAZER]

All this talk of changing the oil...what oil are you guys using in yours? I want to say my CH 5.5hp 60 gal's manual said 10w30 synthetic.

 

[rjfguitar]

This is what I use. You can use a strait 30W NON DETERGENT oil. Engine oil is fine, again, just make sure it's non detergent.