Best 110V compressor, or how to run 110V and 220V off the same breaker...

[dbhost]

This might sound stupid, but here goes...

I want to run a sub panel, with 60 amps into the garage, broken up into 3 new circuits at 20 amps each...

1 Circuit for HVAC consisting of110V portable A/C, and 110V oil filled radiator, not used at the same time.
1 Circuit for power tools. Since I won't be using the table saw, and lathe at the same time, I figure I am safe. For now, ALL of my tools are 110V, in the future I want to upgrade the band saw, and table saw to 220V motors or machines. (I want a 3HP SawStop PCS really bad).
1 Circuit for Dust Collector (110V only presently) and air compressor.

Now my question is, is there a way to run 1 outlet with 220V single phase, and 1 outlet 110V single phase off of the same circuit?

If not, that means I am stuck with 110V. Which means I need to pick a better 110V compressor...

Now mind you, my little 8 gallon 2HP Central Pnuematic compressor is okay. But I knew it was just barely okay when I bought it on the cheap a couple of years ago... It drives nail guns, it inflates my 35x12.50/17 LTs on my pickup. It runs my impact for short bursts, and will even run my Husky Spray Gun...

It gets winded doing that. BAD...

Mind you, so far it has been testing only. I have yet to do anything useful with my spray gun (6 months after getting it as a Christmas present from my lovely bride...). But I have noticed that, well... I get about 30 seconds of spray time, and then 30 seconds of tank charge time, 30 seconds of spray, 30 seconds... you get the idea...

The compressor does get a bit toasty doing that...

I REALLY want something with more air flow, and more capacity between recharging...

Yes I know there are plenty of HF haters out there, but let's be real about some things here... If my wiring has me limited to 110V then my requirements would be...

#1. Affordable.
#2. Oil Lubricated (quiet, durable).
#3. Air Flow minimum 6.5 SCFM @ 40 PSI. More is better
#4. Tank capacity 20 gallons MINIMUM. Like PSI, more is better, however too much is too much.
#5. 110V. Unless I can get 220V, then that requirement goes out the window.

Those requirements lead me to look at the Central Pnuematic #68127 2 Horsepower 29 gallon 150 PSI compressor. The reviews all seem favorable except for one guy that fussed about it running hot and throwing breakers not once mentioning if he was trying to run it on a 15 or 20 amp breaker. (I would expect it to throw a 15 amp breaker, and run hot when it did run.).

Honestly, I REALLY like the specs, and I have been happy with the performance of my smaller HF unit aside from running out of capacity doing bigger jobs which is NOT the fault of the compressor. it does what it was designed to do quite well. I am just a little leery of throwing down the $$ they want for this particular compressor as it is a bit over my HF tools comfort level dollars wise... Which leads me to ask...

Is there another 110V compressor out there that meets my needs and comes in under $500.00? What about 220V? Can I do what I am thinking of with 220? If so what would be a good compressor?

FWIW, a LOT of 220V 60 gallon compressors are on the used market here for well under $400.00. I am not shy of going good quality used as long as it is a good one...

[Eric]

It's possible to run 220v to a box and then have it split into a 220v and 110v outlet, not sure if it's to code or not though.

[JimD]

I hadn't noticed that compresser before but it looks good in the adds. It seems like everything goes on sale at HF and often for a steep discount. If you want to get it now, you need to find a 20% off coupon. Those seem to always be around. HF sends me adds to the house with them and I see them in various magazines.

I used to use a Wagner conversion gun for spraying. My Bostitch 6 gallon small compresser struggled big time. I got frustrated. Then I bit the bullet and spent ~$500 on a Fuji mini-mite 3. Huge difference. No more issues. Much nicer gun and air enough to throw a 14 inch pattern. Sounds like a vacumn (annoying but not that loud). My point is just that you could also change your gun. After trying both, I really like the blower gun I now use but I suspect you could find a gun for a compressor that would need less air too. HF makes really cheap guns that get pretty good reviews.

Jim

[BigguyZ]

Why not run a full- fledged 220 circuit?

[jdon]

Why not just add a fourth circuit for your 220V?

[LCHIEN]

My suggestion is that you are NOT LIMITED to 3 20 Amp circuits. You can have as many circuits as you want as long as you don't draw a total of more than 60A from your sub panel. Also remember that on a 60A panel you can have 6 20A 110V circuits fully loaded. Three on each leg.

So put in a four 20A 110, and a 2 20A 220. (could be 80A totally loaded which is more than 60 A but that's not something likely to happen if you don't fully load all the circuits at the same time.)
Later you can change out one or two of the 20A 110 to a 20A 220V with the change of receptacle and replacing a two single pole breaker with a dual pole breaker.

As you change over to 220V tools and retire the 110V tools you won't be using a whole lot more power...

As for compressors, power is power. You don't really expect to get more continuous CFMs at equivalent pressures if the motor amperage is the same. Unless you go to 220V the CFMs of maxed out 110V 20A compressors should all be the same despite claims (HF's claims should always be suspect). Or in other words, don't believe a 110V compressor specs if it claims a lot more than any other 110V compressor.

[dangre]

I hadn't noticed that compresser before but it looks good in the adds. It seems like everything goes on sale at HF and often for a steep discount. If you want to get it now, you need to find a 20% off coupon. Those seem to always be around. HF sends me adds to the house with them and I see them in various magazines.

Jim

The 20% off coupons aren't valid on compressors. Didn't stop me from trying, though. The clerk didn't catch it, but the register did.

[BigguyZ]

The 20% off coupons aren't valid on compressors. Didn't stop me from trying, though. The clerk didn't catch it, but the register did.

Yeah, compressors and toold chests both.

BUT- I've never had trouble using one at Home Depot. Even if an equivalent compressor is more at HD, it might be cheaper, or at least a wash, after the HF coupon. You'll need a non-internet coupon though. There's plenty to be found, for sure.