I have the chance to get a commercial one, 5 hp, 80 gal tank, 2 stage, 175 psi one that was used for 2 months and has sat for probably 5 years or so. Fires up, runs OK, has cast iron cyl heads, looks brand new, from a person thats a friend, for $800. Are these decent compressors? I was looking at getting an Eaton comp, single stage, 5 hp, 80 gal for $1000 new. Any opinions on the C/H comp?

The Campbell is twice the compressor the other is.

Not knowing the model #, That price is Just a few $ from what you would have paid at Northeast tool, Harbor Freight or Sams club... there easy to get parts for have an 800# and will do anything a one man garage needs...

I agree with Wayne. Is the price for a 5 year old compressor is the same a new one with a warranty? Easy enough to find out.

As for the brand, my experience with CH is that they are excellent and have good customer support. I have 2 and never had any trouble with them in 20 yrs on one.

I worked at a resto shop that ran two of those compressors for shop air. One in the body shop and one in the mechanics shop. They were very nice and no problems keeping up.I do think it needed a magnetic starter box so that may be an issue.

Check voltage and phase on the motor. If it is 3 phase forget the deal, 220 try for a better price. Change the oil to a synthetic compressor oil. If this will be in a cold shop you need the synthetic oil. Amp draws on a cold compressor will start blowing breakers and burning up motors. Got that info from the compressor repair shop.

Aren't compressors with iron heads way better for auto use because they generate much less water?

Originally posted by webfoot:
Aren't compressors with iron heads way better for auto use because they generate much less water? Yes, I have an aluminum head Sanborn Compressor, and even with a Professional water seperator you could drink the air,

Brain, What is the CFM ratings on each compressor?
That what you should be looking at, especially if you plan to sandblast. What is the amp draw on each compressor motor? The Eaton compressors are excellent.

Mike

Has the water been drained from the tank while in storage? If not, it may be rusting out the bottom of the tank. Worth checking out.

I bought a new Ingersol Rand 80 gallon Vertical two stage 5hp new for $999 from Tractor Supply. It was really my second choice with the same size compressor from Eaton being my first choice. I had a budget of $1000, so was kinda stuck with the Ingersol piece as I wanted the two stage pump.

I believe the Eaton is built from better quality components than the Campbell Hausfeld & Ingersol consumer line of compressors.

I too would be a bit leary of a used compressor that sat unused for that period of time. Check to see how often it was drained...either that or have it fires up and run hard for a bit of time and drain the tank. Look at the coloration of the water and make a judgement call on how much rust is coming out of the tank.

biggest issue I see now is that he removed the valve off the tank so it has been open the whole time, not sealed up at all. I will be heading to Moultrie GA this Friday, maybe I can find something there. From what Eaton advertises on their web site, it looks like their compressors are really well built and made to last forever, just wondered if anyone had one and what they thought of it. I would only be doing occaisional sand balsting with this one in my shop, more for air tools and body work.

Buy a new one for the same price at farm and fleet.i bought a new CH at have no problems at all.800.00 is a lot for used.

Been using a CH 6.5 hp, 2 stage 80 gal unit for about 5 years. Good quality piece IMO. Paid $800 for it @ Lowes. I would suggest you buy new for 800 rather than used.

Was at local ACE hardware store today.. They had a CH 7 1/2 peak HP dual stage with 80 gal tank
( Factory re- ferbished) cast iron pump head think it was 17.3 cfm @90 psi and 12 cfm @ 175 psi.. For 749.00...
disclamer.. no interest in Weavers Hardwear in Fleetwood PA..