I need a new air compressor for the farm. Need big capacity but don't use constantly. Do I need a 2 stage or can I get by with a single stage??

I would say go 2 stage....if you ever get into bigger projects or painting...you won't be sorry you spent a lil more..

What do you mean by "BIG" capacity?

In general, single stage compressors make more air than a two stage compressor of the same size. (not talking home depot crap)

The problem is you can't get a single stage to effectivly run at pressures higher than about 130psi. They get to hot.

Two stage compressors overcome this heat load with an intercooler of some sort. But at the cost of some displacement.

I would reccomend buying a good (ingersol rand or similar) single stage with plenty of tank capacity. I run my whole machine shop from an IR 5hp 80 gal, and have no problems painting cars with the same compressor.

Please don't confuse single "stage" with single "phase".

Single stage refers to the compressor pump.
Single phase refers to the electric motor.

Ingersol Rand would be my first choice. Do you plan on doing any sand blasting, running multiple tools simultaneously, or filling tractor tires? If so, the more CFM the better, I would go with a 2 stage, intercooled, at least an 80 gal tank and as large an electric motor as you have power for.

Don't forget about water seperators/filters and regulators.

2 stage - 80 gallon. Even though you may not use it often, working on farm stuff means you'll want something that will power impact wrenches, chisels and air grinders/drills. You'll also want to split the air line coming out of it - one side for air tools and the other for sprayers and clean air for tires and blowing out stuff. On the air tool side, you'll want a water seperator and oiler, while the other side can get by with just the water seperator. Both sides also need a pressure regulator.

When you use your compressor, condensation WILL built up inside. To get the most life out of the tank, drain it of water after each use. It also helps if you mount the compressor up a few inches and run some pipe from the drain underneath and out the side to a valve for easier draining. That way, the water sits in the pipe instead of the compressor tank, plus you don't have to get on your hands an knees to open the drain enough to blow out the water.

Lastly - if the compressor is 110 / 220 compatible, wire it for 220. The motor will run "easier".

See what happens when you ask for the time - I tell you how to build a watch.... :)

on the air only side for tires and blow guns ECt i would make it unregulated.

on the air only side for tires and blow guns ECt i would make it unregulated.

That's ok until the first time you go to inflate your kid's football. :eek:
135 psi will destroy that pigskin......

just take it easy on it.

That's ok until the first time you go to inflate your kid's football. :eek:
135 psi will destroy that pigskin......
135?? I'VE GOT MINE SET TO SHUT DOWN @ 160 PSI):h KICKS IN @90, MAKES FOR A LITTLE LONGER RUN TIME BUT SHUT DOWN LONGER TOO. GO WITH THE BEST YOU CAN AFFORD. IF YOU CAN GET A 220 VOLT 2 OR 3PHASE 5-7HP 2 STAGE WITH THE BIGGEST TANK YOU CAN FIND. SOONER OR LATER YOUR GONNA NEED THE AIR

If you have room the old tank should make a good second storage tank.

135?? I'VE GOT MINE SET TO SHUT DOWN @ 160 PSI):h KICKS IN @90, MAKES FOR A LITTLE LONGER RUN TIME BUT SHUT DOWN LONGER TOO. GO WITH THE BEST YOU CAN AFFORD. IF YOU CAN GET A 220 VOLT 2 OR 3PHASE 5-7HP 2 STAGE WITH THE BIGGEST TANK YOU CAN FIND. SOONER OR LATER YOUR GONNA NEED THE AIR

Never heard of that!:rolleyes:

Never Heard Of What? Changeing The On & Off Press.? Easy To To Do, All You Need Is A Stright Screwdriver And Just Adust The Controller. But I Do Have To Admit It May Be Set @ 150 -155 According To The Gage On The Tank
GOING BACK & READ IT AGAIN! 2 PHASE, SOME PEOPLE MIGHT JUST CALL IT SPLIT PHASE. IT THINK IT'S NOTHING MORE THAN TWO SEPERATE 110 VOLT LINES COMEING INTO IT

If it were my shop I would look into a two-stage air compressor with an 100 gallon storage tank, the motor would be slow speed say about 1350 rpm. these machines seem to be pretty quiet and last a life time, to help with the supply end I would regulate the air coming out of the tank and then run a good size loop say 2" pipe around the shop with drops coming off the main where needed, make sure your drops come off the top of the pipe, a drip leg in the corners, at the furthest point from the compressor I would put in another 100 gal reciever tank for added volume. I seen this before in a friends garage, he ran all his pipe in cooper, It looked really good. And it got the job done.

Must be a lot of rich people on this site, or else people who like to spend somebody else's money!
I think the original post was looking for some advice about a compressor at his farm, and you guys have him spending the big bucks with a setup he can will his grandkids and run all the tools he could ever fantasize about!
Me? I bought an IR from Tractor Supply. 60 gal tank, single stage. Makes more air than I need and will probably last longer than I need it to since my shop is just a hobby anyway. Spent $400 since it was returned. Heck, my Sam's club special lasted me 20 years and I could probably throw some money at it and get it to last a couple more before the tank gives out.

BTW, for "big capacity" you can't beat just adding another pressure tank in series.

I have a Campbell Housefeild 60 gallons, 5hp, cast iron pump 2 cylinder single stage 90 psi 125 max 10.5 cu ft/ min. cost me just $425. 15 years ago. never had problem with air but i only run one tool at time I have learned to run 2 tools at same time yet. I did have to change the pressure switch after 12 year. and changed the oil a few times.

GMC-YA, used to piss-off electrician, most have never heard 220(3 conductor 2x 110 and neutral) called 2 phase, keep trying to call single phase. pull out old dollin's book (circa 1958) and show them, makes them scratch their head. get largest tank and come out of tank with largest pipe, 90 up about 2 ft if humid area moisture will fall out of suspension.

I need a new air compressor for the farm. Need big capacity but don't use constantly. Do I need a 2 stage or can I get by with a single stage??
I run a 6.5 hp 2 cylinder single stage with a 60 gallon tank. It is rated at 13.5 CFM and it makes all the air I need. I bought it at Lowes for about $300.00 12 years ago and it still seems pretty strong. It doesn't get used every day but at least 3 time a week.