Hi All,
First time on “Break Time”.
I’m in the research stage of buying a stationary air compressor for my shop. I’m looking seriously at the Quincey 5 HP, 2 stage, 60 gal. model. It yields 15.2 cfm @ 175 psi and sells for $1299 with free shipping and no tax.
I know a guy who has a Quincey and loves it—but it’s probably close to 30 years old. Are they still a reliable firm? Any one have a recent model or better yet the same one I’m looking at and willing to share an opinion (Yeah, I know, nobody here has an opinion LOL)?
Thanks much!
Regards,
Mack
“Close enough for government work=measured with a micrometer, marked with chalk and cut with an axe”
Replies
Quincy's are good stuff...
I prefer Rolair http://www.rolair.net/products/electric_stationary/index.html
work great and last a long time... outstanding compresors...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Compressors are pretty bullet proof devices. Have you considered used? I just got a used a few months back on Craigslist for about $250, with at least the same specs as yours.
Just a thought.
Tu stultus es
Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
Look, just send me to my drawer. This whole talking-to-you thing is like double punishment.
Not to be smug, but I'm guessing you might be from Knots. Seems like those guys love to spend big on tools.
I am the opposite. I take pride and joy in finding the best deal on tools.
I would never, ever, ever buy a new air compressor. In general my opinion is that the new castings are poor weak and thin sometimes even aluminum (probably not on a Quincy though) the motors are almost always undersized, usually made in china, and are pretty much intended to be disposable (even on a Quincy).
Let some sucker with more money than brains buy new. Lots to choose from on Craigslist (probably the #1 item for sale in the Tools listings). I bought mine on CL:
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1956 DeVilbiss two-stage, 40 gallon air compressor with 1952 Century 5hp, 1ph, 230v motor and vintage era GE switch box. Bought for off CL MetroDetroit for $150.
I admit that I "spiffed it up a little". But at least I know it will last at least another 50 years. {unless I sell it; how's $1299 sound?}
DC
Nice!!! I may buy a new compressor shortly. I need a 10+ CFM wheelbarrow and they are rarely on craigslist. Don't have time to search high and low or repair anything, just need a piece of gear on the job.
The Quincy features a Baldor motor (US) and a cast iron pump (but I'm not in love with the price tag either).
I don't buy much new stuff either; as you say, lots of junk out there. On the other hand, I want a compressor, not another project. I have projects lined up and my current compressor (paid $100 in 1983) is woefully inadequate.
How many hours did you spend "spiffing up" your compressor? It's a very sharp looking unit. Great score!!
Regards,
Mack"Close enough for government work=measured with a micrometer, marked with chalk and cut with an axe"
Dreamcatcher,
So--no response on the hours you spent restoring that compressor---not even a rough guess?
I checked Craig's List in Seattle and the only compressors are small, toy things that people want 75-80% of new price for. I imagine that in and around the metro areas of Mich. lots of things are cheap these days. I hear it's one of the areas hit worst by the recession. I'm sure if I was willing to spend six months looking, I'd find a deal. I'm not willing.
When I was younger, I had more time than money and spent lots of the former on projects such as your compressor (two table saws, four pick-up trucks, several drill presses, two tractors and a band saw to name a few). I do not regret a single one. At this point in my life however my time is much more valuable to me and I have significantly more financial resources.
If you decide to sell you compressor in the next few weeks, let me know. I would consider the $1299 price if it puts out close to 15 CFM at 175 psi, works perfectly and you pay the freight to Seattle.
Regards,
Mack"Close enough for government work=measured with a micrometer, marked with chalk and cut with an axe"
My wife went on a "girl's retreat" for 10 days so I had some spare time on my hands after work. I bought the compressor the day after she left. I would work on it for a couple of hours each night and all day on the weekends.
All told I have about 25 hrs into it.
If you figure my time investment, the initial cost of the compressor, and the cost of paint and parts, it is easily worth more than $1300; but if I actually spent $1300 on a new machine, I wouldn't have half as good a machine as I do now.
This is a REAL 5hp (not peak) with lots of power. The motor is so powerful it needs 4 capacitors just to start it and another 2 to keep it running. The pump is rated at 16.8 CFM but is quiet enough that you can stand right next to it and hold a normal conversation; It's quieter than my jobsite air compressor by far.
I admit I went a bit above and beyond to make it look good, but it looked so bad when I got it that I made it a personal challenge.
Here's what it looked like when I picked it up.......
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and here it is before paint (most guys would've stopped there).
View Image
Here's a nice one for sale in my area (asking $750)
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And another for $650z
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A little smaller, but only $150 o.b.o. why wouldn't ya.....
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heck, if you can supply a motor (maybe $300 new) then you could get this set-up for $50!
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I realize you live on the other side of the country, but everyone needs a reason to take a vacation.
The biggest problem with buying a stationary compressor is determining the noise level. Very few companies post the running Db coming from the machine. It can be a real deal breaker.
You get out of life what you put into it......minus taxes.
Marv
Quincy still makes a good product. I see them in industrial installations quite often.
Quincy Compressors are still a great product.......
but then again I live in Quincy and my Sister in law is a muckty muck at their Alabama plant.
I second ( or third ) the used approach. There are a lot of used compressors out there.
I like big old ones. Some things aren't getting better.
Will Rogers
I am considering getting a large, old used compressor. However, I am not planning on trusting the air tank. I have seen the rusty water that omes out of some of them and if I had no knowledge of the history of the tank, I would go for the insurance of a new tank to go with the old, trustworthy compressor
Casey,
You make a very good point. I'm sure most old compressor tanks are fine as they almost always have oil in the tank from blowby----but---- the one that fails makes a very strong impression!!! There is a reason why they invented hydrostatic testing!
Mack"Close enough for government work=measured with a micrometer, marked with chalk and cut with an axe"
I had an old compressor about like your specs, paid $500 for it about 30+ years ago and it was old then.
Sold it when I left California for $350.
Got 25 years use out of it only $10 for a new reed valve and a couple oil changes and a filter or 2.
I'da kept it but it was 3 phase & I moved to the land of single phase.
Look for a used one, spend the rest on good beer.
Joe H
I got a new Porter Cable pancake for Christmas last year. It got a bit of use for the first several months, but then got put up for a little while. Not my first choice in air compressors but it got the job done and a didn't pay for it, right?
I had a little trim to put up the other day, and turned it on for the first time in several weeks. It got all the way up to 150 psi, the motor shut off, but I could hear air leaking out from somewhere behind the shroud. It sounded like the pressure switch had failed to close. The dang thing is practically brand new, although I've had it for a while, its been in storage for most of the time. I turned it off, and started to recharge it thinking "holy ####, I can't believe that I already need a new compressor, unbelievable!" The good news is, it started to work properly again, but for who knows how long? Does anyone remember when Porter Cable made top of the line tools right here in America? I think "made in China" translates into "might last three days".
Can someone point me to a website with good deals on Rolairs or Thomases? Refurbs would be OK. Thank you.
I can second you experience with Porter Cable. IMHO pure junk in terms of design, engineering, manufacturing and customer service. There are so many brands to choose from out there these days my preference is for western European brands or Japanese. I've mostly given up on the American brands.
Another vote for used.
Ya actually need to start looking a year before you need it though<G>
Should do a photo essay with prices on my air compressors........<G>, may do so this weekend....
Biggest is a 230V 5 HP Ingersol, 55 Gal that was had for $70 at a garage sale.
Just remember that somebody has to buy NEW for you to buy USED.
That's the idea: Small businesses buy new equipment, then the big economic downturn hits and they have to liquidate all their tools.Now is a great time to buy used tools.
Tu stultus esRebuilding my home in Cypress, CAAlso a CRX fanatic!
Look, just send me to my drawer. This whole talking-to-you thing is like double punishment.
Yep, like PT Barnum said, sucker born every minute ?? <G>
Mackwood,
I know something about this, hear me out.
One, absolutely go with a two stage. They are far more efficient.
Two, go with a 220V powered one, with the biggest tank you can fit in you work space, or better yet put in a remote location. The reason a say 220V is that 110V motors don't produce (despite what the sellers claim) more than 1.5HP, and you really need at least six to eight HP.
Three, plan on building a box around the compressor that is vented and lined with an old carpet to control the noise, as they can be loud, but a carpet lined box really can cut down on the noise level significantly. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, OSB but better yet, particle board works extremely well.
Also, as long as whatever brand you choose has cast iron cylinders, even if iron sleeved aluminum, that's fine, probably better IMO, as aluminum disipates heat better. That how air cooled aircraft engines are built.
My 2 cents,
WSJ
Edited 9/5/2009 5:08 pm ET by WorkshopJon
I put mine on a platform frame with castors. I can wheel it around my house... mostly because I have my 50 amp outlet next to my service panel.It saves me energy, as I don't forget about it when it starts refilling next to the bedroom window at night!
Tu stultus esRebuilding my home in Cypress, CAAlso a CRX fanatic!
Look, just send me to my drawer. This whole talking-to-you thing is like double punishment.
WSJ,
I plan to do exactly as you suggest with a few minor mods. I already have a 220 dedicated circuit, 20 amps that I can upgrade to 30 if needed. Two stage is a definite as is a USA motor (Quinceys come with Baldor). Rolair offers an 1800 RPM motor on some of their units which is a real plus in my book.
I will put the new unit on a concrete slab in back of my shop but use some vibration pads under it. When I enclose it, I'll use the "egg carton" foam that I used on my vacuum system unit. It is VERY EFFECTIVE as a sound deadener!
Regards,
Mack"Close enough for government work=measured with a micrometer, marked with chalk and cut with an axe"
I've got an old Wayne that I rebuilt something like Dreamcatcher, they're long out of the air compressor biz.
If I were looking to buy one off the shelf for long term, Quincy would be on the short list. Jenny (formerly Emglo) would make that list as well.
Air compressors and shop vacs are some of the most misrepresented equipment one will find. The best shop compressors run slow and displace lots of air to get cfm, the cheesy ones run fast and wear themselves out, yet they both might be rated for same CFM.
Shop vacs...don't get me started! 6.5 hp and it plugs into a 15 amp 120v circuit...it's MAGIC!
Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end.
I think you'll find Emglo isn't really Emglo any more...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"
IIRC, Jenny made the pumps for the pre-Dewalt "good" Emglos, and still makes those pumps in the US under Jenny nameplate. Dewalt squeezed the goodness from the Emglo name...sad.
Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end.
lots of offshore parts on an Emglo...
believe the tanks are too....
Rolaire's "Rolaire" compressors are US made...
however their "Bull" series are a mixed bag...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"
I doubt that you will be disappointed with the Quincy. I've had a similar specd IR (ingersol rand) for about 8 years now. Never needed service except oil changes.
Anyone have any experience with these?
http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/Air-Compressors-s/29.htm
I am considering this one
http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=ATAF7&Show=TechSpecs
or
http://www.gregsmithequipment.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=ATAF6&Show=TechSpecs
John
the craiglist we have is just garbage, like half eaten bags of potato chips. we never have anything good.
Those are great compressors. When it starts up, my whole shop shakes.
If you want to have some fun, order one from Harbor Freight. This was about 10 years ago. It took about two weeks to get here, but it was a heck of a deal at the time.
About a week after it was delivered, I get a call from the local freight carrier. "We have an air compressor for you...are you at the shop"?? I tell them they already delivered it last week. They tell me the thing is sitting on their dock, ready to go. So I go look at it. Sure enough, there sits another compressor exactly like the one I have.
I call HF and tell them the story and ask them to check my account and see what's up. They tell me they charged me for one compressor and shipped one compressor. I tell them I'm looking at another one sitting on the dock. They claim that's impossible. I ask to speak to someone with more authority....same result.
The guy at the freight company is getting mad. I'm getting mad. I tell the third person at HF to make arrangements to take it back or I'm going to have a free air compressor. Two weeks later, I get a call from HF thanking me for calling them. It seems one of their employees was getting a bonus for every compressor she shipped, whether you ordered it or not.
So try them....you might get a two-for-one deal!!
>>Sure enough, there sits another compressor exactly like the one I have
Similar experience with Amazon. Ordered a 10" Hitachi SCMS, about $425 on my credit card. A week later the delivery van shows up. The guy opens the back and sets a new saw on my driveway. Then he reaches in and gets another out. Well, I tell him, I only ordered one, you better send one back. I know the guy and know he will return it instead of pocketing it. A while later I notice a credit for $425 on my CC statement. At this point I have one saw and have paid but been refunded 100%, so the saw is free. I go thru the hassle of calling Amazon and tell the nice lady about it. After studying her screens she says "yeah, I can see that two went out and one came back, and I can see the charge and the refund. Thanks". Next CC statement has a charge for $425. Statement after that has another refund for $425, so the saw is again free, and remains so 4 years later. I've been a loyal customer and spent many thousands at Amazon, so my conscience is at least partly clear. Waddya gonna do?
My luck, I order one, get nothing, and get charged twice.
For any compressor over 3hp, I strongly reccomend looking into scroll-type air compressors. Yes, I said 'scroll,' not 'screw.'
I have installed these, and they are superb. Virtually vibration free, they are so quiet you can carry on a normal conversation while standing right next to one.
Hitachi is one firm that makes them in smaller sizes, for air. Your air conditioner probably has a tiny one in it. Industrial shops have had larger ones providing air for at least a decade.
Edited 9/8/2009 12:34 pm ET by renosteinke
Why dont the main line manufactures make air compressors using Scroll compressors? Do they cost a lot more?
I am looking for a 30ish gallon vertical tank, and would really like a quiet scroll compressor.
I have a Craftsman airless that is so LOUD.
I had a Craftsman airless air compressor, but I fixed it.
It was a really tough job as none of my air tools worked. Had to do all by hand.
I'll make another pitch for Quincy. I have a portable twin stack quincy, and I love it. Our shop also has a 60 gallon quincy that is about 38 years old. It's probably half full of water about this time of year, but it runs great. Buy from a dealer that can service it if needed.
This one looks like a good deal. http://newjersey.craigslist.org/tls/1371349014.html