I am trying to decide between these two compressors. They are both 80 gallon two stage compressors. I can get either one for the exact price. The first one is a Quincy QT5 (http://www.tptools.com/product.asp?base%5Fno=QUINCY%2DQT5&str%5Fbase%5Fno=5HP%2DCENTURION+%2C8550%2D70DS%2C8 550%2D80DS%2C8550%2D75DS%2C8805%2D38DS%2CQUINCY%2D QT5%2CQUINCY%2DQT5HD%2C8805%2D75DS%2C&header%5Ftitle=Air+Compressors%2D5+%2D+7%2E5+HP+El ectric+Air+Compressors&page%5Fname=prod%5Flist%5Fdisplay%2Easp&search%5Ftype=L2%7E91&size1=&size2=&gender=&ShowImages=yes&sq=0&cont=1&intPgNo=1&mscssid=B6WH8AMK9RGC9N8RQANXDT68TSC24PXA) and the second one is a Puma (http://greenvalleycompressor.com/miva_apps/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PT&Product_Code=PK+5080VM&Category_Code=ACP) The main difference I see is the Puma has a magnetic starter. Any helpful comments appreciated!

Mike

After comparing the specs, I'd go with the PUMA as it looks to be alot more compressor for your dollar. Motor replacement on this model will also be more economical down the road,

I second the vote on the Puma. But, have you looked at the Ingersoll-Rand line? I picked up mine at Home Depot. 5 HP, 2-stage, 15.8 CFM@175 PSI. Model Nr. TS5N5R. It was $999.00 a couple of years ago. Very nice compressor and has served me well. Works great for the blasting cabinet I bought from Harbor Freight.

Mike

I'm leaning toward the Puma myself. After talking to a compressor mechanic at Green Valley Compressor in Keller,Texas, he said for the money the Puma is an excellent compressor. Home Depot and Lowes both carry Campbell Hausfelds (Husky).
To get the same type of compressor in an Igersol Rand now is a few hundred more than the Puma and like anything else, you always end up spending a lot more than you planned to.

Thanks!
Mike

Mike before you pick one you want to check to see if the CFM rating is for delivered air ( the amount the tool sees ) or is it cfm displacement. The delivered air number is the important one to look at - check the EMGLO web site they have charts that show the displaced cfm next to the delivered cfm , on some units the disp. # is 35% higher than the deld. # . I would also make a list of air tools you might like in the future along with their CFM requirement to make sure the comp. you buy will have enough CFM to do the job ( I chose to buy the big comp. based on the CFM displacement # that dosent get the job done ! ) If I had it to do over again I would buy the Ingersoll-Rand 7.5 HP 80 GAL VERT 230V 1 phase 24 CFM at 175 PSI ( the cfm rating for all IR. compressors is delivered air I e-mailed IR ) Northerntools.com has it for $1699.99 with free S+H. Sorry for the long post hope this helps AL

Mike,

I like the Quincy better. Have you tried to contact a local Quincy Dealer? You might find a better deal by calling them.

http://www.quincycompressor.com/


If you want the Puma why not save a few hundred dollars over your previous linked & listed price?
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=5730

Home Of PUMA:
http://www.pumaair.com.tw/english/index.php3

Thanks for the info and the links. Who don't like to save a few buck? :D

Mike

Mike,

If you go with the PUMA let us know what you think of it. The Puma seems to offer a lot for the money. From what, I understand some of the components are made in Taiwan but it is assembled in TN. Give the previous linked and listed number in TN a call.

Depending how much intend to use and for what you intend to do might want to go by the Tractor Supply Company Store and look over the Ingersoll Rand 18cfm @ 90 psi compressor for ~$679. It is a 220 volt single stage but should work for a hobbyist. Think the Puma or Quincy would be better but maybe someone can use this info for a good deal if on a tight budget.
http://tractorsupply.crossmediaservices.com/tractorsupply/listing_detail.asp?listingid=-2098332403&storeid=2320497&offerid=

Everyone likes to save money whether it is tools or paint. graemlins/beers.gif

Good Luck

D71 (name?),

I ordered the Puma from Harbor Freight. They said it will be drop shipped directly from Puma in Nashville, TN. I called Puma directly and asked many questions. They use a Leeson true 5 HP motor
that runs at 1750 RPM. The Puma pump runs at 980 rpm. He also said if you need more CFM the pump can be run with a 7 HP motor. It has a lot of nice features for the money.

That Igersol Rand is a good deal also with it's CFM output. I've got to change my 20 amp circuit to a 30 amp to run this one , but I'll let you guys know how it runs my sandblasting cabinet.

Mike

Mike,

Congrats on the purchase. Make sure you follow the recommended break in advise for your new PUMA compressor. Read the instructions that comes with your compressor. Check your instructions or call the place in TN and ask them if a break in procedure is recommended. Ask about recommended oil too.

Compressed Air Humidity and Paint do not work well together if painting is one of your goals. Compressed Air Humidity and Sand Blasting does not work well if that is one of your goals. By buying a bigger compressor you have eliminated a lot of moisture problems associated with small compressors running more which create additional heat generated moisture. You still need to pipe it up and filter the air to eliminate potential problems.

Take that extra $300 saved and invest it in a good hard piping (copper or iron) and a filter setup. That is the whole point to saving money to finish off the package. There is always a catch to saving a nickle that some don't understand for the next purchase. smile.gif

Here is a good diagram link for a piping example:

http://www.sharpe1.com/dr-pipe.htm

For a Recommended MOD on the down legs to the service drops: place the "T" pointing up then put a couple of 90 degree fitting to get it pointing back down for the hard piping to the drops. That is an old recommendation from Jon Kosmoski and a good one. I like to slope the line away from the air compressor so the moisture can collect in the drain leg whereas some people like to slope the run back towards the compressor so moisture can collect in the tank.

I see a few things wrong with that back to the tank theory that some people advise: The drain leg in the above pipe layout diagram is cheaper and easier to replace then the tank. Depending on humidity and temp then your tank will collect enough water especially if sand blasting for a work out. The intercooler on the compressor should eliminate a good amount of moisture which will collect in the tank. If you slope the line towards the tank then the moisture has a hard time flowing back to the tank when in operation because the flow and air pressure are working against it IMO. Use a 3/4" hard line minimum. You might want to step the drain leg diameter up at the end of the run and make sure it has a ball valve at the very end to drain.

Last things for advise:

1. Make up and put on a tank drain extension with some small piping & a ball valve for draining the compressor tank daily. You'll curse yourself and others after the first time you try to reach underneath to drain the tank at the usual pet cock center location. A few bucks spent here makes it less of a task.

2. See how much additional $$ a "rated" electrical shut off switch box for servicing and shutting the compressor off will cost. Circuit breakers usually don't work long when used as switches for killing the power on a regular basis.

3. Get a Flexible line to connect the compressor tank to the hard piping.

4. CAUTION CAUTION: Vertical Air Compressors by design are very top heavy so be extremely careful transporting & handling it until the unit is cushioned and bolted to the floor. An old motorcycle tire can be used to cut out some cushions for the compressor feet but make sure the compressor is level.

Again let us know how that Puma works out and no didn't mean to help spend your earned savings. If that compressor works out like intended then you'll have it and the piping setup around for a lot of years. Did they mention a warranty?

Good Luck,

Don

P.S. Hope this is easier to understand then it was to write out. Don't normally hang out here although do like the Older Chevies. ;)

Don,
Thanks for the great infomation, especially the pump break in, I never would have though of that one. I do plan on using 3/4" black pipe and I bought one of these Motorguard M60 filters (http://www.handsontools.com/store/show_product/?product_id=5052), a couple of water traps and a pressure regulator.
I plan on painting my car this summer and want to make sure I have dry air.

Thanks again for all the tips and links! smile.gif
Mike

I too am ready to purchase a larger compressor, the little ones just aren't cutting it. So, not to steal your post, but more of throwing out the one I was looking at for an opinion as to how it stacks up against these two. I may end up going with the same one as you. Northern Tools (http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=290946&storeId=6970&catalogId=4006970&langId=-1&CMID=osclrp7129)