Dave,
Personally, I don't think you can go wrong with any of the choices shown. It is all about your type of usage. And you said you don't plan on sand blasting which would be the big drain on any unit. Painting is probably the next big air hog, but still does not compare to sand blasting. I do know Steve views things from his buisness stand point which is a different consideration. But, for the hobby shop any one of these will work and last. And quite honestly you should still be able to do SOME sand blasting with these. Just choose the proper nozzle size and you will be good to go, never say never Dave. :good2:
Whatcha think about goin with an even cheaper unit? Like this CH: http://www.lowes.com/pd_292655-1126-DP5810-Q_4294795218_4294937087_?productId=3111463&Ns=p_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr|0||p_product_quantity_sold|1&pl=1¤tURL=%2Fpl_Air%2BCompressors_4294795218_4294937087_%3FNs%3Dp_product_prd_lis_ord_nbr%7C0%7C%7Cp_product_quantity_sold%7C1
I think it was Pete who said before....either you go with the cheapest or go full bore, being in the middle isnt worth it...
Ok, So I think decision time is here.... Try to look past the paint and such, Think of them on the machines themselves, to get an equivalent IR means the same money as the green one, and that being said, I just assume go with the Deere....Whatcha guys think:
IR 80 Gal from TSC:
http://www.tractorsupply.com/tools/...80-gallon-2-stage-air-compressor-5-hp-3496129
MiTM/Deere:
http://www.deere.com/en_US/parts/homeandworkshop/products/air_compressors/ac2_80es.html
Between the two, I would get the IR one from TSC. Basically the same specs as the one I have and has served me well for 6 years now-it's even handling my blast cabinet well.
That is good to know, are you using the small nozzle or the medium?
Medium Ceramic per the recommendations at TP: http://www.tptools.com/p/289,22_Ceramic-Nozzle-Combo-Packs.html
I think the thing that bothers me the most about the low end units is the 80 gal tank makes it "appear professional" yet it has a cheezy motor and compressor.
IR did have a lower cfm model of the unit I suggested same 2475 compressor with a 5hp continuous motor on it that isn't listed at TSC. That could be a good choice too. I had an IR 30 gal horizontal portable 120v unit that produced enough air for your uses, problem was it wouldn't hold together. Over the long run cheap compressors will cost more than buying one good compressor.
What I would want in your case is a well built yet smaller compressor and a 60 gal tank is sufficient, 3 hp would be about right. Problem is I don't know of anyone making this. Possible exception maybe Dayton/Grainger? It seems you have to move up to the larger units to get quality and longevity.
Ok....so I'm confused beyond words as to what to do...
I've kinda thought about taking it down a notch...not going TOP shelf, but not going bottom either..reason being, I'm counting my pennies so I can hopefully build my shop this summer....so I was at TSC today so I figured Id take a peek at what they have...Both IR, both have the same motor...
SS5L5 - 60Gal, 18.1 CFM @ 90psi, 950 Pump RPM, Single Stage - $849
TS45N - 80Gal, 15.8 CFM @ 90psi, 1375 Pump RPM, 2 Stage - $999
Now...looking at those specs, I'd think the Single Stage @ 18.1 CFM is the way to go...why bother with the 2 stage at that point? Save 150 bucks and have more air volume. In speaking with "old timers" they're only piece of advice is to buy one that "Turns Slow" because they last longer and make MUCH less noise.