I currently have an 80 Gal, 5HP air compressor, which is enough for what we do. We don't use any air tools, just a blow gun, but I have several pieces of equipment that operate off the compressor. We will be adding a plasma table in the near future, and I'm concerned the compressor won't be able to keep up with the plasma and all the other equipment. By my calculations, with everything running, the compressor will not be able to keep up with everything.
I've been looking at the rotary screw compressors, mainly because many of them have a dryer included, and operate much quieter. So there's three options I'm considering:
1) Keep the compressor, and buy another compressor dedicated to the plasma table.
2) Buy a larger compressor, still a piston type, larger better suited for operating everything in the shop.
3) Buy a rotary screw compressor.
I'd like to hear some advice on which option would be best. I read somewhere that rotary screw compressors are most efficient when they operate 24/7, so it is important they are sized appropriate for the shop. This would be an issue, since the air flow used fluctuates so much at an given time depending on what's being used (shop of 8 people). If this is the case, is it BAD for a rotary screw compressor to start and stop like a standard piston type? That would be the only reason why I would consider a larger piston type compressor instead of a screw type.
If a screw type compressor is best, anything in particular to look for if a good deal turns up used? I don't mind buying new, but I see some good deals on these types of units, especially the ones that are 480V only (I have 480V supply). Though I have also noticed many of these units have a lot of hours, like 18,000+ hours, which is like 3 years of non stop running. I don't have any experience at all with screw type compressors, are they pretty bullet proof, or do they require regular maintenance? Are they easy to repair?
I've been looking at the rotary screw compressors, mainly because many of them have a dryer included, and operate much quieter. So there's three options I'm considering:
1) Keep the compressor, and buy another compressor dedicated to the plasma table.
2) Buy a larger compressor, still a piston type, larger better suited for operating everything in the shop.
3) Buy a rotary screw compressor.
I'd like to hear some advice on which option would be best. I read somewhere that rotary screw compressors are most efficient when they operate 24/7, so it is important they are sized appropriate for the shop. This would be an issue, since the air flow used fluctuates so much at an given time depending on what's being used (shop of 8 people). If this is the case, is it BAD for a rotary screw compressor to start and stop like a standard piston type? That would be the only reason why I would consider a larger piston type compressor instead of a screw type.
If a screw type compressor is best, anything in particular to look for if a good deal turns up used? I don't mind buying new, but I see some good deals on these types of units, especially the ones that are 480V only (I have 480V supply). Though I have also noticed many of these units have a lot of hours, like 18,000+ hours, which is like 3 years of non stop running. I don't have any experience at all with screw type compressors, are they pretty bullet proof, or do they require regular maintenance? Are they easy to repair?