Single stage air compressors

[Dbarnes72]

Thinkin' on one of these single stage compressors. I haven't found any kind of reviews on them but specs look good. Thoughts??
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200405780_200405780

 

[marklc]

I just bought this two stage several months ago.

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/BelAire-216V-Air-Compressor/p4839.html

Came with no sales tax and free shipping. I like the two stage very quiet and quick recovery. Just my opinion of course. Also for $75 they liftgated it right into my garage!

 

[Crawdad]

I'm picking up my dual stage 80 gal 5.0 hp IR from Tractor Supply today. I had it on layaway for two months. Got it on Black Friday for $1k plus 4yr warrantee. They load it on truck, I gotta figure out how to get it off! Hmmmmmmm?!!!!

 

[allenfahey]

Question is what do you plan on doing with your air compressor? A single stage will not have enough CFM's to run a paint gun, DA's, or even grinders if used for long periods. A dual stage compressor is a much better choice. Right now you might not plan on paint/body work but if you ever do you will regret the single stage compressor. Save up or look around on Craigslist for a used one. I would try find one with a minimum 60 gallons and 5 horse minimum and that still won't run a spray gun like it should. 80 gallons is better.

 

[Dbarnes72]

I do plan on painting (one project). My target is $1000. This compressor lists comparable or better CFM's than the equivalent 2 stage but I am here for advice....

 

[Apogee]

I would sooner buy a used 2-stage compressor operating at a lower RPM than I would a single stage operating at the ragged edge. Your long term costs of the two-stage unit should drop significantly for comparable cfm/HP units, or your performance should increase substantially for larger units. I'm looking at 80+ gallon, 7.5 HP or higher compressors for all around utility and value...you can find used units on CL occasionally.

 

[cracker]

I'm picking up my dual stage 80 gal 5.0 hp IR from Tractor Supply today. I had it on layaway for two months. Got it on Black Friday for $1k plus 4yr warrantee. They load it on truck, I gotta figure out how to get it off! Hmmmmmmm?!!!!

Tailgate down and use the skinny pedal! Should unload it self pretty easily....;D

 

[allenfahey]

The CFM ratings are a bit far fetched on air compressors IMO. If you use the HVLP fittings like you are supposed to when you paint you will use a ton of air. HVLP stands for High Volume Low Pressure. When you use a spray gun and paint a vehicle all over you need a constant 10-15 minutes of air non stop. You can't wait around for the compressor to catch up. You have to be able to keep a wet edge when spraying sealer, single stage, and the clear coat. You will also use alot of air when you use a DA. Single stage compressors are OK to remove lug nuts with an impact but not for body/paint work.

 

[bk005]

Ive bought a $2500 80 gallon 2 stage Gardner Denver before, and spent more money and had more CFM than my needs and its a beotch to move. Now I have 60 gallon single stage, and 30 gallon back up incase I need a bit more when spraying or doing minor blasting.

I agree buy the best you can afford, but dont go to the poor house doing it. If you painting a car once every couple of years, hard to justify IMHO. Necessity is the mother of all invention.