My twenty year old air compressor finally gave up the ghost.
I don’t use an air compressor constantly, but I need something better than the little pancake jobs that provide only a gentle breeze.
I needed to replace my old one with something beefy! I shopped for a while, focusing mainly on 80 gallon options.
What Kind of Air Compressor Do I Need?
Here’s the rundown on air compressor specs, and how to interpret them.
The “gallon” refers to the size of the tank. This is like a battery. The bigger the volume of the tank, the longer the compressor can run a tool before the motor kicks on.
The motors are typically rated for two things: horsepower and cfm.
The amount of horsepower it has is related to its maximum psi. Typically larger motors have more power, that means they can generate more air pressure and flow more air.
The air flow itself is measured in cubic feet per minute, or cfm.
You will want to pick an air compressor that is compatible with the type of tools you run.
Air Tool CFM Chart
| Tool Description | CFM @ 90 PSI |
|---|---|
| Angle Grinder 7" | 5-8 |
| Brad nailer | 0.4 |
| Chisel or hammer | 4-12 |
| Cut-off tool | 4-10 |
| Drill | 3-6 |
| Dual action sander | 11-13 |
| Framing nailer | 2.2 |
| Grease gun | 4 |
| Hydraulic riveter | 4 |
| 3/8" impact gun | 2.5-3.5 |
| 1/2" impact gun | 4-5 |
| 1" impact gun | 10 |
| Mini die grinder | 4-6 |
| Orbital sander | 6-9 |
| Paint gun | 12 (@60 psi) |
There are single and dual-stage compressors. You will find single stage are more entry-level, while two-stage compressors are more costly and higher performing.
Basically, the 2-stage compressors do more and do it more efficiently than single stage. But that comes at increased complexity and cost of components, meaning you have to pay more.
I wanted a 2-stage because a) I wanted something a little beefier, and b) I’m ‘Merican and we like big-honkin’ high-horsepower things!
What did I buy?
Ingersoll Rand 7.5 HP 80 Gallon Air Compressor – My Review
Ingersoll Rand is pretty well known in the air compressor world.
Air compressors are somewhat like engines in that they use pistons and cylinders to compress and move air around. A certain amount of precision is required.
I wanted a name brand rather than generic, and I wanted something made in the USA with a warranty that I could trust.
The 7.5 HP unit 2-stage, and is listed as their part number 2475N7.5. Its specs:
Country of Origin Made in USA
Air Delivery SCFM At 90 PSI 24 CFM 175 PSI
Airflow Volume 24 CFM Maximum Power and Flexibility: 100% continuous duty, 7.5 HP two-stage air compressor, 175 PSIg maximum operating pressure and an 80 gal. ASME receiver tank provide plenty of punch for the most demanding applications
Air Outlet Size 0.25 in.
Compressor Horsepower 7.5 HP
Compressor Maximum PSI 175 PSI
Compressor Tank Capacity 80 gal
Compressor Type Vertical
Compressor Voltage 230V
Drain System Manual
Drive Type 1 Phase – Electrical Vertical Tank Mounted 7.50 HP – Air Compressor Stationary Air Compressor, 80 gal.
Features The air compressor has a durable cast iron pump that is designed to provide 15,000 hours of trouble-free use.
Number Of Power Speeds Single
Number Of Wheels 0
Power Type Electric
Primary Color Brown
Primary Material Cast Iron
Product Height 76 in.
Product Length 48 in.
Product Weight 609 lb.
Product Width 40 in.
Pump Material Cast iron
Tank Fill Time 0 minutes
Tank Orientation Vertical
Warranty 1 Year
Manufacturer Part Number 2475N7.5
If you want to check out Ingersoll Rand’s brochure for this model, you can CLICK HERE. If you want to download a copy of their owner’s manual, you can CLICK HERE.
This thing is really heavy, 609 lbs! Rather than trying to get several people over here to help me load and unload, I decided to just have it delivered right to my doorstep.
Note that this thing is 230 volt, so if you don’t have 230V available in your garage, you may need to consider a different option.
It arrived in a big crate, and I made quick work of uncrating it and moving it into it’s final position with a dolly and some grunting and shoving.
It is fairly loud, which is to be expected for a unit of this size. Speaking of which, that’s the other drawback – it takes up a lot of floorspace.
It is roughly the same size as my previous compressor, so again this is not unexpected.
Wiring and plumbing were easy, and I got the oil and filter kit for the smoothest startup. It fills the tank pretty quickly with that giant, 2-stage motor. No leaks and no problem keeping up with my shop tools.
I have had the beast for about two months now. As I said in the beginning, I don’t need something for daily, continuous use, and I probably over-bought. They claim it is designed for a 15,000 hour lifetime. It is a really nice piece of equipment, and it gives me a piece of mind that I bought a high-quality American brand with a warranty.
