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Air Compressor What size

lilb93

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How much air supply will you need for 4 bays SS and 1 IBA. Who uses Piston type compared to Rotary screw. Thanks
 

Twodose

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I'm not expert on compressors, but i just purchased a:

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Schrader-SA1526-Air-Compressor/p8159.html

for my garage, you may want to check with the manufacture of your IBA to see what they recommend for CFM, but i know if i was in a pinch i could use this compressor in a 3 bay self-serve, i was impressed the way it came packed, it was shrink rapped and bolted to a pallet, i think they are a great company. It is 120/240v.

You probably need a 2 stage for an IBA, but check these guys out, they have any and every type you would want including rotary screw.
 

MEP001

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The main thing to look for is one that's 100% duty cycle. The ones that aren't are usually not meant to run more than half the time.

I got this one as a back-up compressor:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-80...Stage-Electric-Air-Compressor-C801H/203187346

It's the cheapest one I could find that's 100% duty cycle. By itself it very easily keeps up with the 6-bay and Vector auto which uses a lot of air. It's also very quiet.

One of the most important things in making a compressor last is breaking it in however the manual specifies.
 

MEP001

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I would not waste money on Harbor Freight tools or equipment unless I planned to abuse and break it.
 

tdlconceptsllc

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Always by a 2 stage and the highest voltage for less amp draw like 208-230v three phase I have been buying Polar Air made in the us by mom and pops company with a Eaton Compressor 5 year bumper to bumper warranty and very quiet running. VeryIndustrial grade I would go with a 80gallon if I was you. I love mine.
 

mac

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Absolutely go with the three phase motor on whatever you buy.
 

mjwalsh

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I wonder how good these are http://www.californiaairtools.com/ ... someone over on the laundry association forum was bragging them up based on their experience. Having a backup compressor that automatically comes on has proven to be helpful for us long term wise.

I agree with Mack on the 3 phase ... if our Ingersoll Rand 2340L5 air compressor motor burns up ... hopefully we will be able to find a 3 phase motor that has the same frame mounting to replace it. The slight re-wiring to go from 2 phase to 3 phase in our equipment room will be worth it ... also because usually single phase within a three phase building makes not as good of wire & panel balancing.

mike walsh www.kingkoin.com
 

2Biz

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Extreme overkill and a lot of money for a 14.2 cfm air compressor?

I have a Campbell Hausfeld 80 gallon compressor with a single stage cast iron pump. It develops 14 cfm @ 90 psi...I can buy 5-6 of these for what you are paying for that one....Something to think about. BTW, mine is over 20 years old. It keeps up with a 4 bay no problem! I bet you could also throw the IBA in there without any issues!
 

lilb93

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Extreme overkill and a lot of money for a 14.2 cfm air compressor?

I have a Campbell Hausfeld 80 gallon compressor with a single stage cast iron pump. It develops 14 cfm @ 90 psi...I can buy 5-6 of these for what you are paying for that one....Something to think about. BTW, mine is over 20 years old. It keeps up with a 4 bay no problem! I bet you could also throw the IBA in there without any issues!
I would not buy a new one waiting on a call a guy had one with 880 hrs on it 5HP IR screw. He said he would take 600.00 cash.
Will know Wednesday. Anything new is just crazzzzy priced..
 

mjwalsh

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I would not buy a new one waiting on a call a guy had one with 880 hrs on it 5HP IR screw. He said he would take 600.00 cash.
Will know Wednesday. Anything new is just crazzzzy priced..
lilb93,

I remember checking into rotary screws awhile back & then getting cold feet after lots of information gathering. I am not saying that it is not a good fit for some though with a need for more non stop quiet use & more durability. I found this series of posts on some cons for rotary screw: http://www.woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Rotary_Screw_Compressors_for_Intermittent_Use.html

mike walsh www.kingkoin.com
 

Randy

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I have 20 gallon Sanborn air compressor at the car wash that puts out 6cfm at 90 psi, it's only been running for 33 years ago, I think I paid $199 for it at the old Builders Square, it was one of those Friday night emergencies where we were going out of town for a few days and I get call that the IR air compressor had died. I only figured the Sanborn would a year or two, it's still going strong. The only thing I've done to that compressor is replace the start switch in the motor once and a pressure switch. No air dryer.
 

Ric

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When I had my tunnel I ran an air dryer. Well worth it. Flo jet pumps, air cylinders, etc. last much longer.
 

pgrzes

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A rotary screw would be way overkill for a carwash application, but if I could pick up a good one for $600 I wouldnt even think twice, I would scoop it up!! I have 2 ingersoll 80 gal. 2 stage compressors that are tied together, one has the pressure switch set just a bit higher then the other, it will only turn on if the first one fails. I put a binks dryer regulator off of each compressor.
 

MEP001

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RAATCB

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Any compressor you buy make sure your running 3phase. Much more reliable and efficient.
 

wash4me

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A couple thoughts. 2 stage is useful for getting 160-180 pounds. All of our stuff is 80 pounds max so this is unnecessary. You are spending energy to pump a tank of air up to 170 so you can regulate it back down to 80 or less. Get a compressor with a standard frame motor. preferably 1800 rpm motor. This means it turns slower and the pump will last longer. This also means you can buy a replacement motor anywhere and also these units are usually on a good compressor (that costs more). 184 T is an example of a standard frame. Having a larger compressor than you need is not necessarily good. Like your air conditioner it's easier on a compressor to run longer cycles fewer times. Buy the biggest tank you can afford or if you're going to have 2 compressors tie the tanks together for less short cycling. Scroll compressor is more efficient at making air but for the volume we use it's not cost effective. As far a s Harbor Freight I'd rather have a junk used unit that still works than their house brand of anything. I had multiple bad experiences.....I learn slowly but I eventually do learn when an angle grinder burst into flames in my hands.
 
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