Air compressor recommendations?

[Twisted1]

Hey all. I’m looking to move on from my little 21 gallon McGraw compressor, and move up to a 60 gallon. I use it mainly to do some at-home paint jobs (small panels), and also for my Mayflower 980 tire machine.

I’ve done research over the last month and have learned that the top brands are Champion, Quincy, Saylor-Beall, Jenny, and possibly CAT. I would like to buy a pre-2004 Quincy, which I find a lot of on Facebook Marketplace, however I don’t like buying things like compressors used because I truly don’t know how people have maintained it during it’s lifespan.

My budget is around $1000-$1500, and don’t mind buying new if there is something decent out there in that price-range. I love IR, but not a fan of the overseas offerings they have nowadays for the newer models. Recommendations are highly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[DCDG]

you have 240V now? I have never seen a 60 gallon in 120.

 

[JavierH19]

I have a newer quincy and it's fine even if not as good as the old ones. Buying new and changing the oil frequently is best practice. So many used ones never had the oil changed once. I bought my quincy used but it was only 3 years old and the oil was black but looked clean without metal. Changed it 5 times in 4 months and do it every 3 now still no metal. My neighbor bought 60 gal dewalt one on sale at tractor supply for 500 in 2022 and loves it never given him and issue and is decently quiet. I imagine you have an unused 240v plug in the garage like he did. For some reason my house didn't come with one and we both have laundry rooms indoors. I think the previous owner added it in but why i don't know they didn't have any electric or plug in car.

 

[Creekside]

Two problems with buying used: 1. lack of maintenance which you can kinda verify if you can see it run-just see how fast it builds air 2. lack of moisture control in the tank which would concern me more. It would be pretty easy to find a used one that still works fine but the tank is rusted to crap inside.

My preference would be new unless you find a buyer that has one that runs well and has an auto drain installed.

 

[Creekside]

Also, look into a Wix AquaChek filter for the discharge. I have extensive experience with them in industrial applications and they work well and maintenance is easy.

 

[D60]

I wouldn't buy used. For awhile some of the bigger HF offerings were actually....BelAire??....was it? Not sure if this is still the case.

I'd get the largest/best specs you can easily obtain. Take care of it and you'll likely be fine. In compressors IR is overrated and plenty of warranty horror stories should you need it. I'm sure other warranties also suck but no reason to pay a premium for IR for nothing but perceived quality. Also their ARO regulators are TERRIBLE, or at least mine was. I finally ditched a wall-mount regulator and just run straight off the tank. After pressure drop through my copper lines, pressure is not excessive.

When my 80 gallon Craftsman from ~2003 dies I'm just going to grab a 60 from TSC or HD or whoever has the best price. I don't use air for much anymore except plasma, tires and blow gun

 

[D60]

^wow looks like HF no longer offers anything larger than 30 gal. Shows what I know....