Shop Air Compressor Purchasing Help?

[jeff in co]

I'm trying to get a new air compressor for my dad (and maybe me in the future) but don't know a lot about these things. I currently have an oil-less unit and has held up but is probably on it's last legs.

I think I want to go the oil type compressors for: more rugged, last longer, quieter and better performance. Intended use is general use for air tools, tires, etc in a barn in Wyoming.

The other major element is shipping but that's another subject.

I've been aiming for about a 30 gallon unit that is vertical and on wheels. Here are the ones I'm looking at:

Home Depot - 30 Gallon, $399 Model # VT6315 which is a Campbell Hausfeld unit I believe.
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053&productId=100063473&R=100063473


Sears - 28 gallon, $433, Campbell Hausfeld VT6319 2 HP 28 Gallon Compressor
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...34&blockType=G34&prdNo=9&i_cntr=1325698210134



Sears - $500, Ingersoll-Rand 20 Gallon Air Compressor, Vertical Tank, 2 HP
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00989225000P?prdNo=32&blockNo=382&blockType=G382



The Ingersoll-Rand sounds like a real nice one based on reviews but the tank seems small.

Any help or recomendations?? Thanks!

 

[TerryD]

You can get a 60 gallon compressor for just a little more money and have something that will really drive those air tools good. I considered a 20-30 gallon one, but for about $150 more than I was looking to pay for one of those I could go to Tractor Supply and buy a Campbell Hausfeld 60 gallon like the one we've had at Dad's for 10 years now and have 3x the cfm output and be able to run a 1/2 impact, die grinder, and air cut off tool.

I'm in the process of saving for that new compressor myself, so that's my line of thought on buying one. I REALLY want the Ingersoll/Rand 80 gallon two stage unit, but $1200 is out of my price range. The C/H unit I'm looking at sells for just a shade under $500.

Here's the specs:

SKU Number: 3310006

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

and a link:

http://www.tractorsupply.com/air-co...eg-60-gallon-cast-iron-air-compressor-3310006

 

[m4]

I'm a little biased because I only buy three phase compressors. If you can spare a 50 amp breaker in your panel, look for a 5 hp quincy, Champion or Ingersoll Rand in three phase. I bought a 7.5 hp for .99 cent and another for $99.
Build a cheap rotary phase converter for three phase power.

 

[Vetteracerx]

This is the one I run. It was expensive but it rocks. Mine was mismarked at $1,200 http://www.tractorsupply.com/ingersoll-rand-reg-7-5-hp-80-gallon-two-stage-air-compressor-3452272