Thread: WTB: single phase air compressor

Looking for a GOOD used 2-stage 3-5 hp 60-80 gal air compressor 240V single phase for my home shop. Serviceable brands only. I want something that is 100% running as I have too many projects as is. I'm located in NE FL and willing to pickup within 200 miles or so for the right deal. I get good rates and can arrange freight if you can palletize and ship from a business address. Max budget $1k.

I will consider a 3ph unit if it will fall within budget to perform a 1ph motor swap.

PM or email with price & pictures. e.veale80 at gmail dot com.

Thanks,
Eric

This is the sort of thing it's a bit silly to buy used since you won't save much money on a used one.

Rol-Air 3HP Two Stage Stationary Air Compressors

Like I said my budget is $1000 (which includes getting it here). That leaves me in the bracket of a box store POS or a tall order of finding a nice used one. I'd prefer something with a slower pump speed than the Rol-Air, like the Saylor Beall VT-730-80. I'm probably dreaming but worth a shot.

Vertical Tank Mounted Air Compressors

Originally Posted by Metal Head

Like I said my budget is $1000 (which includes getting it here). That leaves me in the bracket of a box store POS or a tall order of finding a nice used one. I'd prefer something with a slower pump speed than the Rol-Air, like the Saylor Beall VT-730-80. I'm probably dreaming but worth a shot.

Vertical Tank Mounted Air Compressors

In other words, you want one, but not all that bad...if one falls in your lap for under $1K fine, if not, fine also. In that case might be best to wait for a live auction....but finding single phase two stage ones will be tough....seems like in that HP range they are all either 3 phase 2 stage or single phase one stage crappy ones from Home Depot.

If I find one today I'll buy it today. I am hoping to find something sooner than later but this is for my home shop so the urgency is not super critical. There are several potentials on Craigslist a few hundred under my budget but most are either way down south or will require a single phase motor swap. I do not have or really want an RPC as all my other equipment runs off VFD's. I will edit to say I will consider a 3ph unit if it will falls within my budget to perform a motor swap. I do not want any rebuild/restoration projects though. A horizontal will also be fine but I'd just prefer a vertical for where I'm going to put it.

I have off Wed thru Sunday this week so maybe I'll make the drive down south for a C-lister. I'd rather buy from someone on here though as generally speaking the guys I've seen selling here are more honest about condition.

FREE SHIPPING — Ingersoll Rand Type-30 Reciprocating Air Compressor — 5 HP, 230 Volt 1 Phase, Model# 2340L5-V | 19 CFM Below| Northern Tool + Equipment

I know you said $1k max but it is free shipping and meets all your requierments

Thanks for the link. There is a Northern Tool local to me so I could buy one off the floor but the quality on those new Ingersol's & Quincy's they sell in the low $1000's is not so great and they spin the piss out of the pumps to get those ratings.

I'd rather have a 20 year old still worth $1000 used Saylor-Beall, Curtis, Quincy, etc. unit than a new $1200 one, same as a lathe or mill. I realize I am being picky but I can say with honesty I don't think my requirements to budget are out of line.

I think that's a reasonable request. Plenty of big old compressors around under $1000 on CL.

Originally Posted by Rex TX

I think that's a reasonable request. Plenty of big old compressors around under $1000 on CL.

Yeah...usually worn out big old compressors.

Stuart

I am looking for the same thing, and have about just resigned myself to a new Ingersoll from Tractor Supply. Everything of this size in decent condition on Clist has been newer Lowe's Campbell Hausfields and similar junk for nearly new prices ($700+). I can buy a new Ingersoll out the door for under $900. Even though it is not the same as on old school Ingersoll, it'll probably outlive me in home shop duty. No rusty leaky tank, no bad motor bearings, no shredded belts, leaking pop-offs, broken reeds, worn rings, etc...

Heck Mike, I'm surprised you don't take a used semi blower and fab up an intake/filter and exhaust plenum and drive it with your Suzuki rotary or something simple like that!

Dang, everyone always says I'm the pessimist.

Here's the classic example of why I am just going to buy a new Ingersoll...

Husky Pro Series Air Compressor

7hp single phase compressor for only $500 and nearly unused! 10.3 CFM at 90 PSI!!

Uh, wait a minute, that's barely over 2.5hp in terms of air delivery. My airless 2 3/4hp one does 9CFM at 90psi. If you look carefully at the pic, the 7hp has "max" printed right at the top. It's a 3hp motor.

Meanwhile the Ingersoll at TSC looks like this...

Ingersoll Rand 5 HP 60 gal. Single Stage Air Compressor - 3301332 | Tractor Supply Company

$900 brand new, but this one is NOT over rated. Note 18.1 CFM at 90 PSI. An honest 3-4hp in terms of delivery. Almost double the output from a 5hp compressor. The two stage 175PSI model is $200 more and delivers 3CFM less, barely 3hp of delivery. This is a nice compressor for the money, folks.

Here's TSCs 3hp Campbell Hausfeld...

Campbell Hausfeld® 60 Gallon Cast Iron Air Compressor - 3310006 | Tractor Supply Company

Funny enough 10.2CFM at 90 PSI and it's $419, $80 less than the used one above. Ratings are almost identical to the "7hp" one above.

Tank size, hp ratings, motor ratings, all mean NOTHING on a compressor. CFM at your operating pressure is the ONLY thing that matters. If you want to sand blast, run a DA sander, or use other high consumption equipment, get a compressor with plenty more CFM output than your largest draw. Buying used, especially in the case of industrial compressors is a waste. Pay $600 for a worn out machine with a million hours on it that produces half the CFM it should, or buy that brand new Ingersoll for $400 more and get the warranty and a brand new compressor. No brainer.