George Zhookoff wrote:
>
> I'm in search of an air compressor for my auto "restoration" home
> workshop. I've found Birmingham Compressors on the net. I'm in
> Atlanta and the possible outcome is a 6 HP 60 gal twin head Puma for
> $459. Any comments, ideas for alternate sources.
>
> TIA
> George Zhookoff
Hi--Home Depot sells the 6 hp (15 amp) 60 gal, two cylinder single stage
Cambell Hausfeld compressors here in Los Angeles for $379 (just saw the
ad last night). I bought one several years ago and have used it a good
deal (sand blasting, painting, air tools, etc.) and it has been great.
These cast iron, oil bath single stage compressors generally put out
about 9-10 cfm @90psi which is good enough for most applications other
than large nozzle sand blasting.
Although I don't really NEED more flow, what I wish I had bought,
though, is their "quad model." It has a 7 hp (21 amp) motor, and a very
nice 4 cylinder, single stage, all ball bearing, cast iron pump. Though
it puts out substantially more air (17 cfm @ 90 psi), what I really like
about it is that the pump spins at a "leisurely" 840 rpm compared to the
1050 rpm that most pumps turn. It sounds much less annoying, almost
relaxed, compared to the 1050 rpm twin cylinder pumps.
I know this may sound trivial, but if you spend much time out in your
shop listening to the thing run, they can get on one's nerves after
awhile. It also cannot be good for your hearing.
While I'm complaining, IMHO, the "oiless" compressors really put out a
racket--I would not buy one for serious usage simply based on the noise
they emit.
doug
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