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screen printing => Equipment => Topic started by: T Shirt Farmer on May 03, 2012, 12:41:29 AM

Title: Which brand compressor?
Post by: T Shirt Farmer on May 03, 2012, 12:41:29 AM
I did want to piggy back on the other compressor thread.

I am moving to new building and will need a new screw compressor that will be inside the shop. I have quotes on Quincy 7.5hp 21 cfm $5200 plus tax and install and a 5hp Kaeser 21 cfm $7200 plus tax and install. Both have built in tanks, chiller and dryer and claim 64 DB. I have had a Quincy 15hp screw for 20+ years and has been awesome but is way to loud to go inside the new shop. The new line of Quincy under 10 hp models are imports but the larger units are still made in the USA.

Any other brands I should look at? any of you have the above mentioned units?
Title: Re: Which brand compressor?
Post by: Zelko-4-EVA on May 03, 2012, 07:39:33 AM
we have two Atlas copco compressors.

the newer of the two we bought used - cost was about $4,000  - its 30 Hp and delivers 125 cfm

Title: Re: Which brand compressor?
Post by: balloonguy on May 03, 2012, 08:53:35 AM
I have an ingrosol rand unigy and it has been a nightmare. I bought a 5 year extended service plan and I have been running for less than 2 years out of the 5. It is a total POS.
I hear great things about kaiser.
Title: Re: Which brand compressor?
Post by: tonypep on May 03, 2012, 09:59:41 AM
Agreed IR is overrated. Mine is less than six months old and have had several issues with it. We actually had to go to an auto parts store fore a belt because the local IR install/service Co. doesn't stock them. An $18.00 belt? Really?
Title: Re: Which brand compressor?
Post by: ebscreen on May 03, 2012, 12:02:45 PM
Had a Kaeser for 2 years or so and never a hiccup.

Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Which brand compressor?
Post by: Action1 on May 03, 2012, 02:07:42 PM
We have Ingersoll Rand and have been very pleased with it. We keep a service  log  in a plastic sleeve that we post on the side of the compressor with a magnet.
Title: Re: Which brand compressor?
Post by: ScreenFoo on May 03, 2012, 02:14:49 PM
First auto I ran was hooked up to an IR screw, and it was great--over ten years old before it needed anything besides oil and filters.  I suppose though, everyone else is going downhill, why not IR too....   ::)

We have a Quincy recip that was well under 3K for a 10HP--loud but way more CFM and storage than we need, so it doesn't cycle often or for long.  A comp tech we had swapping out a bad mag starter recommended Champion stuff--and everything I've read or heard about them has been positive.  Might be worth looking into.

Title: Re: Which brand compressor?
Post by: alan802 on May 03, 2012, 03:34:12 PM
Had an IR for 4 years and it was 10 years old before we got it.  All I ever did was change the oil in it and it never quit on us.  I ended up buying a SpeedAire, I think that is Grainger's house brand which is probably a Campbell Hausfeld just rebranded.  It's lasted longer than I thought without any real issues which surprised me.  I thought we were going to have major issues with it since the auto drain stopped working within the first month of us having it but they sent a replacement and I never installed it.  I just put in a manual drain valve on the bottom and drain it once a week.  My screen guy said the compressor wouldn't last 6 months and I remind him every once in a while that it's still kicking almost 3 years later. 

If I had to do it all over again, I'd get a rotary screw, and I'd probably get at least a 10hp and I've done some research in this area and I really like the Kaeser compressors.  It seems like we need compressed air for damn near everything around here, the press, newman roller master, the sand blaster, diamond drag engraver, screen department, and this 7.5 piston is too loud and seems like we work it way too hard. 

I guess 3 years without any down time should be looked upon as a decent unit but I've never really trusted it.  Every time I look at it I think it's up to no good.  Kind of like when you see some punk kids in a car beside you at a red light, and you wonder what kind of illegal activity they are mixed up in.  That's how I feel about our compressor.  Another year or two and it will have my respect.
Title: Re: Which brand compressor?
Post by: ebscreen on May 03, 2012, 04:22:37 PM
I guess 3 years without any down time should be looked upon as a decent unit but I've never really trusted it.  Every time I look at it I think it's up to no good.  Kind of like when you see some punk kids in a car beside you at a red light, and you wonder what kind of illegal activity they are mixed up in.  That's how I feel about our compressor.  Another year or two and it will have my respect.

Ha ha. Felt the same way about my previous compressor, an Emglo. Kept wondering when it was gonna up and walk out.
Well, it kept going until I traded it to a guy for two storage tanks. He emailed a few months later to let me know how
great it was working out.

Book, cover, something something...
Title: Re: Which brand compressor?
Post by: Admiral on May 03, 2012, 11:44:35 PM
If I had to do it all over again, I'd get a rotary screw, and I'd probably get at least a 10hp and I've done some research in this area and I really like the Kaeser compressors.  It seems like we need compressed air for damn near everything around here, the press, newman roller master, the sand blaster, diamond drag engraver, screen department, and this 7.5 piston is too loud and seems like we work it way too hard. 

I guess 3 years without any down time should be looked upon as a decent unit but I've never really trusted it.  Every time I look at it I think it's up to no good.  Kind of like when you see some punk kids in a car beside you at a red light, and you wonder what kind of illegal activity they are mixed up in.  That's how I feel about our compressor.  Another year or two and it will have my respect.

I feel the same way with our 7.5 champion.  It's been running fine for over a year and a half but it's so loud and hot that I hate it whenever it kicks on.  Kaeser will be my plan when we need to upgrade it to get more cfm...
Title: Re: Which brand compressor?
Post by: ZooCity on February 18, 2013, 05:09:57 PM
Looking at Chicago Pneumatic screws- these are lower level brand line of Atlas-Copco, not to be confused with "central pneumatic" or whatever the hell it is they sell at the harbor freight.  These look very nice, have the chiller built in and even have a slightly cheaper (and slightly louder), belt driven option.  But, I've never heard of the line.

Can't really find used screws and not sure I want to invest so heavily in that much air at the cost of new so looking at some used piston style- Curtis is what seems to come up for 3ph. 

How loud is a 5-7.5 horse piston compressor if it's muffled? And how often does a unit like that kick on running a typical 6/8 all air press- is it just insane or tolerable?  We would put it back around a corner and I would muffle and maybe even box it in and provide in/out take air. 
Title: Re: Which brand compressor?
Post by: ebscreen on February 18, 2013, 05:19:28 PM
A lot of tech companies in my area use screw compressors and have a stated hour limit on them and
then throw away buy new.

Craigslist (http://sfbay.craigslist.org/search/sss?zoomToPosting=&altView=&query=kaeser&srchType=A&minAsk=&maxAsk=)
Title: Re: Which brand compressor?
Post by: ZooCity on February 18, 2013, 05:26:12 PM
Them are some good deals.  I don't see this going on in MT, seems very hard to find a used screw. 
Title: Re: Which brand compressor?
Post by: Rockers on February 18, 2013, 06:35:27 PM
we have two Atlas copco compressors.

the newer of the two we bought used - cost was about $4,000  - its 30 Hp and delivers 125 cfm
We bought a brand new Atlas Corpco. 15Hp with air dryer + a charcoal filter after the tank just for good measure. It`s a beauty and very quiet. I think it was around US$5000.
Title: Re: Which brand compressor?
Post by: ZooCity on February 18, 2013, 07:00:44 PM
I like the Chicago Pneumatic (basically an Atlas-Copco) a lot and pricing is around $5500 delivered for a 7.5hp screw/dryer combo Rockers, you pricing sounds way better, am I missing something or is that not a screw that you bought?

Other option is to swoop up a 80gal, 5hp, Curtis piston/recip for under 1k, tune it up, add the chiller and just deal with the noise. But it's just at the recommended 5hp, 19cfm from the '91 Gauntlet manual.  Also have to deal with a used compressor being a potential troublemaker.

I do plan on finding a rental co. that has a sufficient compressor and then running my hookups for a quick swap out when ours goes down.
Title: Re: Which brand compressor?
Post by: Rockers on February 18, 2013, 07:04:44 PM
I like the Chicago Pneumatic (basically an Atlas-Copco) a lot and pricing is around $5500 delivered for a 7.5hp screw/dryer combo Rockers, you pricing sounds way better, am I missing something or is that not a screw that you bought?

Other option is to swoop up a 80gal, 5hp, Curtis piston/recip for under 1k, tune it up, add the chiller and just deal with the noise. But it's just at the recommended 5hp, 19cfm from the '91 Gauntlet manual.  Also have to deal with a used compressor being a potential troublemaker.

I do plan on finding a rental co. that has a sufficient compressor and then running my hookups for a quick swap out when ours goes down.
It`s a screw indeed. I actually have no idea why it was so cheap. Came straight from the factory, brand new.
Title: Re: Which brand compressor?
Post by: ZooCity on February 19, 2013, 12:56:06 PM
Head's up for anyone looking for a rotary screw, compressorworld.com has a bunch of new Chicago Pneumatic units that they are taking offers on.  Yeah, offers.  I'm not compensated for posting this link, just wanted to put it out there that if you don't have the $5-6 in the budget but need/want a screw/chiller combo throw a number out on the web form.  Looks like I'm picking up a 7.5 hp today. 
Title: Re: Which brand compressor?
Post by: GraphicDisorder on February 19, 2013, 01:13:41 PM
Kaeser here, love it!
Title: Re: Which brand compressor?
Post by: Screened Gear on February 19, 2013, 01:13:57 PM
Head's up for anyone looking for a rotary screw, compressorworld.com has a bunch of new Chicago Pneumatic units that they are taking offers on.  Yeah, offers.  I'm not compensated for posting this link, just wanted to put it out there that if you don't have the $5-6 in the budget but need/want a screw/chiller combo throw a number out on the web form.  Looks like I'm picking up a 7.5 hp today.

How cheap? I would like a screw but right now is not the best time. 7.5 is what $5000 so your getting it for?
Title: Re: Which brand compressor?
Post by: ScreenPrinter123 on February 19, 2013, 01:27:25 PM
We have the Chicaco Pneumatic QRS 7.5hp with dryer and really like it.  Have had it for 4 years now without any problems.
Title: Re: Which brand compressor?
Post by: Screened Gear on February 19, 2013, 01:34:31 PM
This is why I hate buying stuff I don't really want. I bought a regular compressor (piston not super loud). I got it because when installing the auto money was flying out my pocket faster then could believe. So I wanted to save on a few items and the compressor was one of them. Instead of the $5000 screw i wanted I got a piston one for about $1000. That thing is doing great. I now can't justify buying a Screw to replace something that has worked fine and the upgrade would not do anything different. Quieter is not a selling point when it only turns on about 1 to 2 times a hour when the press is running. I have even run 100 shirt orders and never had the thing turn on.
Title: Re: Which brand compressor?
Post by: Ryan on February 19, 2013, 01:45:39 PM
Kaeser here. 7.5hp with seperate tank. Barely know its running. My dryer is louder than this thing. set-up was about 7k, all new pieces.
Title: Re: Which brand compressor?
Post by: ZooCity on February 19, 2013, 01:56:17 PM
I looked at doing it with a piston/recip but it costs more than it appears when you add the chiller in.  You're looking at a used recip at 1-2k + about another 1-2k for a new chiller.  New recip would come it higher, around 3-4k, all in, depending. 

They accepted an offer for 3500 on this unit, 360 to ship, 5 year factory warranty, chiller on board and there is a group that services these in my state.
http://www.cp.com/usen/whatwedo/us-stationarycompressors/rotaryscrew/cpn.aspx (http://www.cp.com/usen/whatwedo/us-stationarycompressors/rotaryscrew/cpn.aspx)

Not the quietest, the QRS is the quieter one, but it's a complete solution for not much more than the quotes I got for a new recip + chiller combo and the unit is rated for continuous load so I shouldn't need as big a compressor.

This should be okay to run a single 6/8 Gauntlet right?  10hp seemed like overkill and I know M&R likes to overstate (kudos for that) needs for the equipment so I presume the press won't need 19cfm @ 100psi unless it is running all heads, wide open?
Title: Re: Which brand compressor?
Post by: DCSP John on February 19, 2013, 02:02:08 PM
Our Polar Air is American Made in Ohio. [eaton compressors]
We got the Quincy screw when we added our second auto.
There are a few places of manufacturer for this brand.. we specifically requested
the stateside built model. Both machines are workhorses, although we rarely turn
on the Polar Air anymore. I would recommend either.
Title: Re: Which brand compressor?
Post by: Screened Gear on February 19, 2013, 02:37:02 PM
I looked at doing it with a piston/recip but it costs more than it appears when you add the chiller in.  You're looking at a used recip at 1-2k + about another 1-2k for a new chiller.  New recip would come it higher, around 3-4k, all in, depending. 

They accepted an offer for 3500 on this unit, 360 to ship, 5 year factory warranty, chiller on board and there is a group that services these in my state.
[url]http://www.cp.com/usen/whatwedo/us-stationarycompressors/rotaryscrew/cpn.aspx[/url] ([url]http://www.cp.com/usen/whatwedo/us-stationarycompressors/rotaryscrew/cpn.aspx[/url])

Not the quietest, the QRS is the quieter one, but it's a complete solution for not much more than the quotes I got for a new recip + chiller combo and the unit is rated for continuous load so I shouldn't need as big a compressor.

This should be okay to run a single 6/8 Gauntlet right?  10hp seemed like overkill and I know M&R likes to overstate (kudos for that) needs for the equipment so I presume the press won't need 19cfm @ 100psi unless it is running all heads, wide open?


Thats a great price. Way to go. I also want to say welcome to the Auto world. I didn't know you got one.  It will be frustrating in the beginning but the production speed is well worth it.
Title: Re: Which brand compressor?
Post by: ZooCity on February 19, 2013, 02:57:39 PM
I guess I still need to pay another $350 for a tech visit on the unit to get the 5yr warranty going but, yeah, good deal.  Still feels silly paying more for the compressor than the auto!

Thx Jon, I'm looking forward to it and sober about what I can/can't do on the 'ol Gauntlet.  I'm honestly just happy to have something to help punch out the big orders, 75% of which are low color count DC prints these days.  Manually printing DC and WB takes a serious toll on my hands v. plastisol.   This auto will be a bridge to wherever we're going next.  Putting it in the shop in about 2 weeks.

Auto drain a must on the compressor?
Title: Re: Which brand compressor?
Post by: Screened Gear on February 19, 2013, 03:51:21 PM
Manually printing DC is no joke. I had a 24 shirt order I ran on the manual. I like priting manually some times. I had to pull the squeegee because the print was so large. I haven't pulled in years. I was feeling it for 3 days in my wrists.  Auto is the only way to go with DC especially large prints.
Title: Re: Which brand compressor?
Post by: ebscreen on February 19, 2013, 03:54:26 PM
I like printing manually, for about 12 pieces. Remind myself that I'm still pretty damned good at it every now
and then.

Auto-drain not a must, but very useful. Otherwise you need to remember to drain every now and then, which reminds me.....
Title: Re: Which brand compressor?
Post by: ScreenPrinter123 on February 19, 2013, 04:54:17 PM
I looked at doing it with a piston/recip but it costs more than it appears when you add the chiller in.  You're looking at a used recip at 1-2k + about another 1-2k for a new chiller.  New recip would come it higher, around 3-4k, all in, depending. 

They accepted an offer for 3500 on this unit, 360 to ship, 5 year factory warranty, chiller on board and there is a group that services these in my state.
[url]http://www.cp.com/usen/whatwedo/us-stationarycompressors/rotaryscrew/cpn.aspx[/url] ([url]http://www.cp.com/usen/whatwedo/us-stationarycompressors/rotaryscrew/cpn.aspx[/url])

Not the quietest, the QRS is the quieter one, but it's a complete solution for not much more than the quotes I got for a new recip + chiller combo and the unit is rated for continuous load so I shouldn't need as big a compressor.

This should be okay to run a single 6/8 Gauntlet right?  10hp seemed like overkill and I know M&R likes to overstate (kudos for that) needs for the equipment so I presume the press won't need 19cfm @ 100psi unless it is running all heads, wide open?


Our QRS 7.5 ran a 6/8 Freedom with no problems.  It also ran a 8/10 Progressive Rhino (all air) with no problems.  We even did a test when we had both of these all air machines and it kept up with both with all heads running.  It was almost running non-stop but it it did keep up.  Not sure how this translates to your gauntlet but my guess is you would be okay.
Title: Re: Which brand compressor?
Post by: ScreenPrinter123 on February 19, 2013, 04:57:50 PM
What do you mean by auto drain?

We have a tube running from our chiller that will automatically spit out moisture but it very rarely does it (and we are in high humidity New Orleans).  At then end of the day we push the button that empties this moisture out and we drain the tank.  Once it becomes a part of the routine it is no big deal.
Title: Re: Which brand compressor?
Post by: ebscreen on February 19, 2013, 05:23:01 PM
Auto drain on the tanks is what I was referring to, either by timer or pressure sensitive of whatever.
Title: Re: Which brand compressor?
Post by: Rockers on February 19, 2013, 06:43:40 PM
This is why I hate buying stuff I don't really want. I bought a regular compressor (piston not super loud). I got it because when installing the auto money was flying out my pocket faster then could believe. So I wanted to save on a few items and the compressor was one of them. Instead of the $5000 screw i wanted I got a piston one for about $1000. That thing is doing great. I now can't justify buying a Screw to replace something that has worked fine and the upgrade would not do anything different. Quieter is not a selling point when it only turns on about 1 to 2 times a hour when the press is running. I have even run 100 shirt orders and never had the thing turn on.
I assume you have an 80 gallon tank with that compressor? What press you are running? Just asking as our compressor goes on a bit more frequently but that might be due to our small tank we have.
Title: Re: Which brand compressor?
Post by: ebscreen on February 19, 2013, 06:57:52 PM
Tank size will affect run frequency and time. Larger tank = less frequent but longer running time when it does.
Title: Re: Which brand compressor?
Post by: Rockers on February 19, 2013, 07:07:55 PM
I know, that`s why I was asking what type of press and what tank size he got. Our Diamondback S needs more air then a Sportsman for example, that might be the reason why his compressor does not kick in so often. Especially if combined with a bigger tank. Our tank holds only 220L which is around 50GL.
Title: Re: Which brand compressor?
Post by: Screened Gear on February 19, 2013, 07:10:07 PM
This is why I hate buying stuff I don't really want. I bought a regular compressor (piston not super loud). I got it because when installing the auto money was flying out my pocket faster then could believe. So I wanted to save on a few items and the compressor was one of them. Instead of the $5000 screw i wanted I got a piston one for about $1000. That thing is doing great. I now can't justify buying a Screw to replace something that has worked fine and the upgrade would not do anything different. Quieter is not a selling point when it only turns on about 1 to 2 times a hour when the press is running. I have even run 100 shirt orders and never had the thing turn on.
I assume you have an 80 gallon tank with that compressor? What press you are running? Just asking as our compressor goes on a bit more frequently but that might be due to our small tank we have.

I have a 10 color MHM e-type. They really use very little air. The compressor is a cheap one from Harbor Freight. Like I said I was just trying to save some money. It was never meant to last this long (over 2 years). I wanted to replace it after 6 months. Its a US General 60 gallon tank 5 horse, 15 CFM at 90 pounds. Most of my jobs are under 4 colors so that is part of the reason too. Sometimes I will be printing the second side of a smaller job (50 to 100) and the press will run out of air because I never turned the compressor on.
Title: Re: Which brand compressor?
Post by: Rockers on February 19, 2013, 07:13:44 PM
 That press uses less then half the air then our Diamondback S. And you got a bigger tank, something I really need as well at one point
Title: Re: Which brand compressor?
Post by: ZooCity on February 19, 2013, 07:42:47 PM
Yeah, it's the pull stroke + heavy pressure that gets me.  It seriously messes up my hands and I need to stop doing 800pc runs or I'm going to lose the use of them real quick.
Title: Re: Which brand compressor?
Post by: Spreading Ink on February 19, 2013, 11:31:45 PM
We run a Kaiser screw type - really like it and it has run strong for the past 3.5 - 4 years we have had it - we have a pretty large demand and so far, not seen any issues with it keeping up.
Title: Re: Which brand compressor?
Post by: jsheridan on February 20, 2013, 02:42:19 AM
if your compressor goes chug chug chug chug chug all day in the corner...

you bought the wrong one.

Screw it baby!!