Compressors: Ingersoll Rand, Belaire, or ??

[maddis]

I'm taking the plunge, or should I say the blast? I've settled on an 80 gallon two stage one phase compressor. Research on this forum and elsewhere has suggested that these are two reliable brands in my price range. The IR is $2-300 more. Any opinions on which one I should get? Any other suggestions?

FWIW, I'm not gonna go craigslist on this tool. I've had success with other tools that way but this is something new to me and I'd like to start new.

[pipeguy]

I have a Kobalt from Lowe's the all made by the same company in KY Cambell Hausfelt

[maddis]

Are you saying they're all the same (Ingersoll, Belaire, the one you mentioned?). Or do you mean the ones that Lowes sells?

[pipeguy]

Most all compressors made in the U.S. are made by Cambell Hausfelt to a spec from the co. Ingersoll Rand, Husky,Craftsman etc. However O.S.H.A. also has a min. Spec to be met.(and its pretty high min spec)So really you can't go wrong with any choice. Size does matter so stay with the 80gal.

[PremalChheda]

I have the Belaire and it performs very well.

[maddis]

Very helpful info. Thank you.

Premal, there are two different Bel Aire 80 gallon, two stage, 5HP compressors which differ in price by $300. Aircompressorsdirect wasn't told me there was something slightly different in terms of efficiency about the motor. Do you know which one you have? (the $1200 one or the $1500 one).

Thanks,

Michael

[PremalChheda]

Hello Michael,

This is the one I have:

http://www.maxtool.com/product/search.a ... _ITEM=218V

Bought it from maxtool back in 2008 and it was just under $1100.00 delivered to my door.

It performs like many 7hp compressors and it will never lose pressure when blasting at 110 psi constantly.

I really do not know compressors all that well, but from reading up on both ingersol and belaire you can't go wrong with either.

Looks like the next one up on aircompressordirect has a little more cfm. I do not think that much is needed but it will not hurt to have more. (Rad will disagree with me) IDAWR

[maddis]

Excellent. Thanks Premal.