Ingersoll Rand Air Compressor, Good/Bad?

[SeanRitchie]

Looking for real world input if any wrenches on here have experience with the Ingersoll Rand air compressors?

I am looking at this one: https://www.grainger.com/product/INGERSOLL-RAND-Rotary-Screw-Air-Compressor-6WA82

Price seems right compared to Kaesers and other industrial type compressors I've looked at. The main stress it will see is running about 25 CFM at 100 PSI through my shotpeen cabinet, which will cause the screw to run almost constantly during operation.

I just want to make sure I'm not buying a Huffy when I need a Specialized. (Former bike shop mechanic lingo)

 

[1tonfun]

Don't have any experience with the screw type but I have a ingersoll-rand 80 gal that's given me 10+ years of trouble free service

 

[HST4ME]

They are designed to run continuously. Blasting you want to size up from the cabinet specs.

 

[wzuber]

Looking for real world input if any wrenches on here have experience with the Ingersoll Rand air compressors?

I am looking at this one: https://www.grainger.com/product/INGERSOLL-RAND-Rotary-Screw-Air-Compressor-6WA82

Price seems right compared to Kaesers and other industrial type compressors I've looked at. The main stress it will see is running about 25 CFM at 100 PSI through my shotpeen cabinet, which will cause the screw to run almost constantly during operation.

I just want to make sure I'm not buying a Huffy when I need a Specialized. (Former bike shop mechanic lingo)

I have no input on those particular machines. I know my next compressor will be a screw type though. look forward to hearing the results on whatever brand/unit you choose. Good luck in your search. Any sand blasting operations nearby closing up shop and have a good used unit for sale? Powder coaters w-w/o inhouse s.b. operations closing?

 

[bonesfab]

I have had one for a while now. No real complaints. I have had a few different ones in the body shop and they have managed to kill two screw compressors. They are back to a piston compressor.

 

[El Rojo]

We use the exact same one at the collision repair shop I work at, 25k sq ft building, 5 collision repair techs, two spray booths, 3 refinish techs in paint, full detail dept etc and we have never ran out of air. It’s definitely a work horse. Just gotta keep your eye on filter changes, fluids etc…

 

[jetboatperformance]

IR makes good stuff !

 

[Happy Smitty]

I've had my IR Garage Mate for about 10 years now. 100% duty cycle and i use it a lot. Been great and no issues.

 

[ltbaney1]

most of the compressors i come accross in machine shops are Kaeser or IR. I am starting to see some the eastwood compressors pop up in smaller shops. i would bet you lunch money if you shopped the IR compressor around just about everyone would beat grainger on pricing as well. i would also suggest calling the manufacture and giving them as much info as you can to make sure you get the correct size.

Eastwood Elite QST® 80/120 Scroll Air Compressor

Own Your Own Business? Meet Your New Silent Partner!!!

www.eastwood.com

 

[lbhsbz]

Can't comment on that particular unit, but I've got a 80 gallon 5hp Ingersoll upright that I've been beating on like Rivermom on a pontoon in front of Fox's for 15 years and its hasn't skipped a beat. Mine even has the shitty Emerson motor....works fine. Has more hours on it than my truck.

I have to ask though...why spend that sort of money blowing steel shot around with air when you can move that mechanically with far better efficiency?

 

[rivermobster]

IR makes good stuff !

X2

 

[SeanRitchie]

Can't comment on that particular unit, but I've got a 80 gallon 5hp Ingersoll upright that I've been beating on like Rivermom on a pontoon in front of Fox's for 15 years and its hasn't skipped a beat. Mine even has the shitty Emerson motor....works fine. Has more hours on it than my truck.

I have to ask though...why spend that sort of money blowing steel shot around with air when you can move that mechanically with far better efficiency?

This is the kind of review that I come to this site for. Honest and entertaining. Thank you.

What do you mean by "mechanically"? Something other than air? I was under the impression that screw type compressors are best for continuous use for a blast cabinet?

Also, I am not planning on purchasing from Grainger, That site just shows the best specifications. It's almost a $1000 less through Air compressors direct. I am also searching out used units, but running out of time on finding one worth the transport and cost.

 

[bonesfab]

The nicest part of the screws is you can actually have a conversation standing next to one.

 

[wzuber]

We use the exact same one at the collision repair shop I work at, 25k sq ft building, 5 collision repair techs, two spray booths, 3 refinish techs in paint, full detail dept etc and we have never ran out of air. It’s definitely a work horse. Just gotta keep your eye on filter changes, fluids etc…

What shop, where are you located?

 

[mjc]

My IR 60 gal. has been good running outside for a few years now. My old Campbell Hausfield run outside for 36 years before it finally wore the pump out.

 

[HBCraig]

Solid. Have had one for over 20 years. One small fix and that's it. Good product

 

[manxman]

I run Curtis, but , the older versions that were not made in China. I have a 25hp screw and a 15hp recip (piston type)
My screw is the loudest compressor I have ever heard. It's a workhorse, but annoyingly loud. I use my 15hp piston the most and have a pressure switch to kick on the screw when we run low. I also have and extra 200 gallon storage tank about 100 feet into my shop. We have to maintain a certain amount of air pressure to keep all the machines running. I was at sema this year and talked to a Kaiser rep for a while. They were running a special with 2 each 7.5hp 100% duty cycle compressors for $10k. i almost pulled the trigger, but I just dont think its enough to keep everything I need going. I tell you though, they were the quietest compressors I have ever stood next to. Had a full on conversation, standing 5' away from them.

 

[bonesfab]

I run Curtis, but , the older versions that were not made in China. I have a 25hp screw and a 15hp recip (piston type)
My screw is the loudest compressor I have ever heard. It's a workhorse, but annoyingly loud. I use my 15hp piston the most and have a pressure switch to kick on the screw when we run low. I also have and extra 200 gallon storage tank about 100 feet into my shop. We have to maintain a certain amount of air pressure to keep all the machines running. I was at sema this year and talked to a Kaiser rep for a while. They were running a special with 2 each 7.5hp 100% duty cycle compressors for $10k. i almost pulled the trigger, but I just dont think its enough to keep everything I need going. I tell you though, they were the quietest compressors I have ever stood next to. Had a full on conversation, standing 5' away from them.

Kaiser are the shit. But I am a little worried about the troubles in Germany right now to guarantee parts availability in the future.

 

[Racer56]

Here's a company in Phoenix I found the other day. No idea if they are any good, but their prices are cheap.

Rotary Screw Air Compressors | Quick Lift USA

Choose Quick Lift USA when you’re ready workstation into a hub of precision and efficiency. Our rotary screw air compressors get the job done right.

www.quickliftusa.com

 

[DoughBallin14]

In my work experience servicing most brands and technology of compressors the IR unit in question from the OP is a good choice for your needs.
We have issues with IR and Champion for parts and warranty stuff but other then that they run and run usually.
Kaeser is legit and we even have a fleet of them as rental units when needed for hospitals so far no problem with parts. avoid atlas copco they private label most their parts so you cant replace them and suck at warranties parts and repairs.

I would also open the option of a scroll compressor as well. No oil, less maintenance, also quiet, will run continuous as well.

Either way good rule of thumb is 4-5 cfm per horsepower at 100psi no mater the technology.

 

[WTR&PWR]

Can't comment on that particular unit, but I've got a 80 gallon 5hp Ingersoll upright that I've been beating on like Rivermom on a pontoon in front of Fox's for 15 years and its hasn't skipped a beat. Mine even has the shitty Emerson motor....works fine. Has more hours on it than my truck.

I have to ask though...why spend that sort of money blowing steel shot around with air when you can move that mechanically with far better efficiency?

Good review but I believe she clearly stated it was a “deckboat” and not a pontoon. I think it made her feel better about herself.

 

[lbhsbz]

Good review but I believe she clearly stated it was a “deckboat” and not a pontoon. I think it made her feel better about herself.

A "dickboat".

...noted.

 

[JUSTWANNARACE]

Run a pig tank with it and it will last a long time!