The Difference Between a Single Stage and Two Stage Air Compressor Pump

[@ericl5973]

Great information. 2 stage is also nice for intermittent applications since the tank is at a higher pressure (more are for its size), the pump doesn't cycle on as often.

[@flyurway]

I freaking thought so!!! Shopping for another compressor I was noticing how these larger 2-stage compressors were rated at significantly less CFM than the old 20 gal. Craftsman I've been running for over 40 years - with the original belt btw! Then I got to thinking about it. Thx for confirming my deductions. I haven't painted any cars in years and I know that poor little thing is not going to feed an HVLP gun. It'd be nice to finally have 175 psi in my garage, think I'm going to have buy a new 2-stage and run it in tandem with my old reliable to paint! What surprises me is how many videos and even compressor vendors don't address this little fact. And to think 8 people have thumbed down this video. wtf.

[@obfuscated3090]

Tandem compressors are popular with industry for good reason.

[@ils360]

Thank you! 😊 Perfect explanation I watched two other videos before this one and neither of them explained what I was looking for you did that and then some thank you!

[@dennisrocker]

Thankyou very much. I can already feel the benifits that your teaching has bestowed upon me. Youre the man who gets to his point fast. thanks

[@MrWizards1974]

You learn something new every day. Thanks. Very informative.

[@je1279]

I recently purchased a single stage two piston compressor that cuts off at 175 psi. My guess is that by doing so, it will reduce the life of the pump by 50% or more. I inquired to the manufacturer and they stated that the pump is only rated for 750 hours. While I am only a residential user who just uses the compressor when needed, I'm hoping that the pump can be rebuilt at some point instead of replacing the entire unit.

[@Scott-uv5eq]

why dont you set your cutoff down to 125 psi or even 150 would help it last longer

[@je1279]

@Scott I considered lowering the cutout pressure and may still do so. I also ordered a rebuild kit for the pump just in case.

[@Errol.C-nz]

@@je1279 the higher pressures create higher drive loads on the pump by the square.. that 25% increase in pressure creates double load conditions on the pump by 100%.. & the power to drive it.. the same volume at 175 will draw double the power of 125.. run your regulator cut off at just the pressures needed for respective jobs

[@twistedhillbilly6157]

@@Errol.C-nz WHAT? 125 draws double the power of 175? What is a regulator cut off?

[@Errol.C-nz]

@@twistedhillbilly6157 grammar check error

[@captainedc]

Always wondered what the difference in stages were and now I finally know ! Thanks. Yea, I guess for most applications except filling truck tires and running big truck impact guns you're much better off with single stage.

[@petechka6931]

i always pretended to know and now i actually do know Thanks for sharing this

[@johneubanks5951]

Great knowledge. I had thought I needed a 2 stage to give me better volume and the compressor not work so hard to keep up with my demand. So it's the single stage I need for volume. I don't need a lot of pressure,I just need the compressor to quit kicking on/off every 15-20 seconds..maybe a bigger tank than 60 gallons might fix the issue..

[@Poorboychickencoop]

I only spent $65 on a 2 stage pump. Ingersoll Rand 2545 brand new old stock.. It was being thrown away at a military base.. Brand new still bolted to the wood pallet with tags and plastic wrap..

[@hksjoshua]

Lucky lucky here I am about to drop 200 on a 2 stage pump at harbor freight for my diesel compressor build.

[@dougtouchette3630]

As others have said, learn something every day. Thanks

[@donras564]

Thanks for the explanation! I had never heard that explained so good!

[@elisabethp.1160]

thank you for this very good explanation. i wish i had discovered this channel earlier. keep it up!

[@bigfootmobilesystems8981]

Great info and clarification! Thank you. I had thought I needed a 2 stage and would kick on less and not work so hard overall. I don't need a lot of pressure, we use a couple of air tools and blow off a lot with open air so I just need the compressor to quit kicking on so much even with a 60 gallon tank which we have had. The motors always seem to go south though and even the step up on quality reviews like IR seem to be garbage .

[@tilescape]

Great info & well explained. Thanks!

[@spencerdavis943]

You described it very well.

[@skyvipers]

Can you explain why the single-stage puts out more air (CFM wise) like you mentioned? Doesn't the compressed air come from the storage tank? If it comes from the storage tank, isn't it better to have a 50 gallon tank at 175 psi vs a 50 gallon tank at 125psi?

[@DeminicusSCA]

over the course of a workday the single-stage can make much more air

[@flyurway]

If both compressors have the same tank and you're not using more than 125 lbs of air the single stage will keep up better. 2 stage will not deliver as much volume but it will give you 175 psi. Technically, starting from zero, the single stage will get to 125 before the 2-stage. All things being equal (mostly HP) you're dealing with the same old trade off; low pressure high volume or higher pressure lower volume but not both, take your pick.

[@skyvipers]

@@flyurway I get it now, thank you. I don't need it for continuous usage so I think I will go with the 2-stage so I have the higher PSI to work with.

[@flyurway]

@@skyvipers I went into Lowes the other day and one of the compressors I was sort-of considering because it was 2-stage and portable was marked down 40%!!! I own another compressor now!

[@AM-dn4lk]

Thank you very much. I did not know. You explained things well.

[@michelle-fh5du]

So for painting it sounds like a one stage is better, is that correct?

[@N4sir98]

Very informative video! Thank you for sharing this info.

[@jd1427]

Best description I've heard. Thanks.

[@GnosisMan50]

Thank you for describing the difference... I like your intro music

[@MrEFHATCH1990]

Great info just what I needed to know!

[@whizperator]

Thanks a lot it helps a lot to make up my mind.

[@jatinsyan]

Very well explained thanks

[@dekebell3307]

Thanks for the great explanation!

[@MLFranklin]

So if my main needs are running a plasma cutter (that needs 70psi) and sand blaster and never need to fill semi truck tires, then the single stage has better performance.

[@HaroldPrittJr]

What if you have a single stage pump that pumps up to 225 ? Then the first 10 years of its life it ran 175 off and 150 on with a 4.5 hp 220 electric motor . Then at 13 years old it got a 5 hp motor 220 again . But no cheap Mexican motor no a baldor reliance industrial motor. And a 1/2 bigger pulley moving the compressor pump from around 875 rpm to around 965 rpm . Now after that work was done my brothers-n-law said did you get a new compressor he looked at it as he said that ! He said why is it not dragging the way it use to? I told him he said now I got a compressor! He worked in a truck shop and ran a dozer for half his life . They always had the big 3 phase ingrasoll Rand 480 powered compressor. But he said that’s great my compressor doesn’t run a long time and kicks off faster because it’s building up faster . It’s 80 gallon with a 3 cylinder pump and it’s the only compressor I’ve ever used that I could run a D/A and while using it non stop this compressor will cycle out it will keep up with the ingrasoll Rand old school D/A build up and kick off while running it the whole time ! Amazing single stage compressor. That’s were all the out let’s are hooked to the compressor . I’ve had to over the years replace all three head gaskets and one set of read valves in one cylinder. I keep the oil changed when I can see it’s dirty in the clear window . That’s about once a year . I’ve always wanted the dual stage IR model 253 type 30 . Great explanation of the types of stages . Thanks for sharing an I’ve subscribed and liked this video . I’m thinking I’ve bought from your eBay store front . Check valves and the puma air filters I have to make them work in my compressor because they don’t make the right ones . Discontinued 20 year old kobalt well it’s at least 18

[@donmundt3573]

Great information, thanks!

[@kentlewis988]

You can have either: High Volume (single stage) OR High Pressure (two stage) - pick one.

[@HondaCrf450r.]

I like how you put it in detail!

[@howardklopak628]

The thing is that the compressor heads he is showing are about the same capactity once you get up to operating pressures. . . they are both 3 cyclinders, one is single stage all doing the same job, while the other has 2 cylinders as the 1st stage and the 3rd as the 2nd stage. At the startup the single stage will be higher volume, but as the pressure increases then the difference starts to disappear. The work that a compressure can do is directly related to pressure and volume, not one or the other. . . 10CFM at 175psi is a lot more working volume compared to 10CFM at 125 PSI. Also with long lines, the higher the pressure the better, and regulators should be at the ends of the line, close to the equipment, if trying to maximise the work being done, whether it be a sandblasting cabinet or an air tool. All that being said, if you need to distribute pressured air around your shop, the higher main pressure the better and move your regulation to the outskirts of the system, never at the main tank. If you still have problems getting enough air for required bursts due to line size problems, such as with an air tool, then have an auxilary tank on the same line close to the air tool. . . basically having some extra airtanks distributed around can really help. I ended up using 3 compressors together spread out around my shop, all on the same system and it works great when I need the volume, and when I don't need the volume, I just have the most durable one turned on. . . lol.

[@calsbarn5996]

Everything you said is correct. However your comparison of 10 CFM at 175 vs 125 can be very misleading. A tool is rated for XX CFM at a given pressure - often 90 PSI. So the fact that one tank is at 175 and another is at 125 means nothing to the tool when the tool itself is running at the same pressure in both cases. If both tanks are the same size then the 175 will take longer before it needs to recharge but the tool won’t do any additional work for any given period of time. It’ll do more total work before the 175 restarts but for any given number of minutes the amount of work will be the same because the pressure at the tool is the same. If you aren’t getting enough power at your tool because the pressure right at the tool is too low then your line loses are too high. There are two basic options in this case: (1) start out with a higher pressure at the tank and accept the line loses or (2) increase the size of the fittings and/or lines. Many home users use 3/8 lines with 1/4” fittings. Changing to high flow fittings will make a big difference in this case. And definitely don’t use a 1/4” ball valve as your shutoff - those can be even more restrictive than the the 1/4” quick connect fittings.

[@howardklopak628]

@@calsbarn5996I think we are kinda saying the same thing…. Bottom line is: 1) the higher the tank pressure the more energy stored in a given volume 2) the higher the line pressure, the more energy can be provided thru a given line size/length. So, having the line pressure as high as possible, and dropping the pressure thru a regulator at the end of the line, close to the tool or sprayer is best to reduce line loss…

[@calsbarn5996]

@@howardklopak628 Yep. I was only concerned that someone might read it to mean that 2 stage would always be better. I needed volume and was limited to 5 hp (limited power in my barn) so went with single stage - and high flow fittings.

[@WowRodg]

Wow, now I understand ! Thanks !

[@liviofazi4017]

I have a problem. They dropped the compressor and broke the flywheel. How do you go from a tapered end to make it a straight shaft which would fit the new flywheel ? Everything is good on the compressor. It's a 60 gallon Single stage. Some say to press the appropriate bushing onto the tapered shaft or do you just change the whole shaft ? Much thanks.

[@Stoparts]

Nice channel and video lesson Regards from StoParts Ltd

[@mo-reesespieces9066]

I purchased a new single stage 30 gal Kobolt Air compressor and 6 weeks after warranty ran out (5yr) wouldn't you know my crank shaft snapped off. I have been unable to find parts for my motor, 30gal, 155psi from Lowes or Kobolt. Does anyone have any recommendations on where I can order parts (Crankshaft) for my motor. Oil was full when I took off the plastic cover only to find the flywheel sitting there unattached to the belt. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Peace

[@richardsilva5134]

i am going to convert my 30 gal direct drive too belt drive for noise and better air cycle. Anything to keep in mind? Can i purchase a 2 stage pump that can be controlled by my stock 150 psi regulator?

[@festus.ogbeta9450]

Two stage compressor I need it so where can I get it for

[@Pete-io3wy]

Is a 2 stage compressor better for blowing out my sprinkler system then?

[@jamescole3152]

Compressors must have changed. Lots of single stage compressors have higher pressure, but not sure how long they will last.

[@jorbedo]

I would like to inflate multiple paddleboards as fast as possible, each up to 15 psi, with the lowest noise as possible. With the proper adapters, which compressor do you recommend? TIA

[@patrickshaw8595]

A "High Volume Low Pressure" painting rig has a high volume 120V 60 cycle TURBINE compressor (I think its more of a regenerative air pump but anyway not important) that would be ideal for you.

[@karljay7473]

Learned something new, thought 2 stage was more volume as well. The real issue I have is that my single stage can't keep up with what I need it to do. It's a 35 year old Black Max and it doesn't keep up. I've swapped the 3HP to 5HP and over driven the pulley by 30%, added an 2nd 20 gallon tank. That helped with fill times, and the time before she has to kick back in for small work, but she's still 100% when I'm doing various things. Too bad they aren't very upgradable, I could use a larger pump, but I usually just slow down my demand. I saw where AVE (BLOTR) upgraded his with a different motor. IDK how they would help at the higher PSI because the pump just needs to be bigger or spin faster. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHq0kHSDaMehrdE&ab_channel=AvE

[@johngraves1216]

i think ill buy a screw compressor...wow good info thanks

[@carlosabreu922]

What about Screw type compressors?

[@benoudsmotorspuitwerk1136]

How about the noise of both?

[@georgespangler1517]

Thanks for confirming my argument,,, that a single stage will give you more CFMs the 2 stage,,,with less vibration and single stage is quieter also..i turned my 150 psi 60 gallon down to 125,,,it Will fill tank in less time not trying to reach 150 psi,,and I never need more then 100 psi anyway.

[@kempaswe4022]

Im using screw conpressor.

[@SnGrg]

Does the compressor pump need to be "bigger" to charge lets a 500 litre tank ??

[@Clifford270]

That did help. thanks

[@obfuscated3090]

Those hobbyists wanting a quality compressor should do their homework then buy a good used INDUSTRIAL compressor like Saylor-Beall. I scored two for 250 bucks because they had three phase motors (I previously got a rotary phase converter to solve that problem because three phase motors are far superior for machine tools, compressors etc). Those not wanting to run an RPC or VFD can replace the motor with a single phase part. You can never have too much capacity so I'm going to add a third to run more capable sand blasters. When not blasting one is plenty for shop air.

[@grin64]

Is it ok to buy a 2 stage compressor Pump and change from single?

[@carsonmcnamer5321]

Yeah you’re good

[@flyurway]

It's not like the tank knows the difference!

[@grin64]

@@flyurway why you sound arrogant?

[@flyurway]

@@grin64 Because I thought it sounded funny! :)

[@itptires]

@@flyurway some tanks not rated that high for pressure just FYI.... I wouldn't want to blow up

[@stoneycarter5546]

Wait i just bought a Ingersoll Rand single stage that pumps up to 175psi and cuts back on at 135 Psi its a 5 hp 80 gallon so is something wrong with my compressor ? its brand new I bought it at Tractor supply

[@calsbarn5996]

If you bought the TS4N5 that the stores near me carry, it’s a two stage compressor. Don’t get “2 stage” confused with “single phase” electric. When I talked to someone at I/R he wouldn’t say anything directly but he hinted that that compressor would probably be ok for home use but I should get something better if I’d be using it a lot. The TS4N5 puts out 15.8 CFM at 90 PSI. But note that it never actually runs at that low pressure so it actually puts out slightly less *unless* you use so much air that the tank gets down to 90 PSI - at which point it will run continuously (and eventually over heat and destroy itself) unless you stop and let it recover. I ended up paying a bit more for the I/R SS5 from Home Depot that does 18.1 CFM at 90 and it runs my die grinders or my sand blaster with no problems.

[@Kuchuflaz]

In the case of Two Stage compressor, the cylinder without a filter (second stage of air compression), is normal a high temperature in this housing (very hot)? I mean, is normal that is so hot, more than the other ones with air filters, so you can't even touch it in operation?

[@scotfirehamer4247]

The second smaller piston is re-compressing the air from the first piston so yes it will get quite warm

[@turbodog99]

Yes

[@LAWNORDER727]

I think this is why dewalt has so many problems with their 60 gallon single stage setups going over 150 psi. I see a lot of bad reviews.

[@jooeee23]

What size pump do i need to achieve 60+ cfm on a 60 gallon compressor? is this possible?

[@turbodog99]

Lotsa money

[@isfahelww]

Thanks!

[@shaunsullivan7922]

Thanks

[@yemen9906]

it has oil or not

[@bobbyemick4251]

Is one louder than the other

[@petercampbell4220]

Two stage are more efficient. As in kwhr per air delivered. At 2 hrs per week you will never see the benefit. At 40 or 80 hrs per week you will see the benefit. And 2 stage deliver more air per hp. That is just restating first statement.

[@twistedhillbilly6157]

Any mention of CFM with the same motor? Just saying more does not help.. Your semi tire scenario makes no sense.. Difference in price?

[@InquisitiveMind876]

👌

[@Ghosts_and_Cars]

Almost made the wrong choice.

[@jcamilofernandez]

Each One Has Its Place. In general, two-stage air compressors are more efficient, run cooler and deliver more CFM than their single-stage counterparts

[@mathewmolk2089]

And that is 180 degrees out from what this kiddie says,,,,,,but is 100% true. Here is the true skinny, Single stage compresses are hobby grade and you will never see one in a serious application. FACT!.

[@flyurway]

Umm, didn't the guy just get done explaining WHY the 2-stage DO NOT deliver as much CFM???

[@andygammie7394]

Two stages allows for an intercooler to be used which means less power input is needed for the same air power output. That is why all large industries use multi stage compression with intercooling (saves money). None of this matters with small compressors because you would never save enough money on power to pay for the intercooler. So you should get a single stage as long as it will get you the pressure that you need. If you do need more pressure then the two stage compressors with tiny intercoolers will get you that but there not very efficient so you will get lower cfms.

[@Gen01Lee]

@@andygammie7394 ok so I’m between two compressors Ingersoll rand. I bought a 60gal Dewalt but has trouble keeping up with my sand blasting cabinet (I run about 90psi it’s max the Dewalt can really do) and is 50% duty cycle. The Rands are 100% ones a single and ones a dual stage. This is for my garage, basically sand blasting and mechanic tools/painting. Which would be better?Here are the specs: 1.Specification Description Brand Ingersoll Rand Product Weight 490 lb. Product Length 28 in. Warranty 1-Year Limited Airflow Volume 15.5 cfm Air Outlet Size 0.5 NPT Application/Use N/A Color Beige Compressor Type Oil lubricated Country of Origin Made in USA Drain System Manual Drive Type Reciprocating Lubrication Type Oil Maximum Operating Pressure 175 psi Motor Phase Single Number of Power Speeds N/A Portable or Stationary Stationary Power Type Electric Product Height 72 in. Product Width 30 in. Pump Material Cast Iron Running Horsepower 5 HP Tank Capacity 80 gal. Tank Fill Time 8.21 min. from 0 , 1.64 min. from 135 Tank Orientation Vertical Voltage 230 volt Manufacturer Part Number TS4N5 2. Specification Description Brand Ingersoll Rand Product Weight 300 lb. Product Length 24 in. Warranty 1-Year Limited Airflow Volume 14.1 CFM @ 90 PSI, 16.1 CFM @ 40 PSI Air Outlet Size 0.5 in. Amperage 21.5 A Application/Use Running impacts, ratchets, grinders, grease guns or cutting tools CFM @ 40 PSI 16.1 CFM @ 90 PSI 14.1 Color Beige Compressor Type Oil lubricated Country of Origin Made in USA Drain System Manual Duty Cycle 100% Lubrication Type Oil Maximum Operating Pressure 135 PSI Maximum Pressure 135 PSI Phase Single Portable or Stationary Stationary Power Type Electric Product Height 67 in. Product Width 25 in. Pump Material Cast iron Pump Type Cast Iron Running Horsepower 5 HP Running HP 5 HP Tank Capacity 60 gal. Tank Orientation Horizontal Tank Size 60 gal. Tank Type Vertical Voltage 230V Manufacturer Part Number SS4L5

[@Gen01Lee]

@@andygammie7394 TS4N5 is 15.8 CFM @ 90 PSI

[@MrWhitetailtracker]

I thought right the opposite, honestly.

[@olveramelinda]

Husky 60 gallon single stage lasted seven years 155psi

[@itptires]

7 years is nothing to brag about unless it's used commercially. My big single stage compressor is 29 years old, inherited from my father and grew up using it.

[@olveramelinda]

@@itptires R & O tire shop FL

[@olveramelinda]

@@itptires I can’t lie things ain’t built the way they used to be.

[@olveramelinda]

@@itptires and it failed cause of a gasket. I just got to on today.

[@alimabrahim4462]

which is best to paint cars

[@bosshawg7427]

This is a tricky question. A single stage would be better since you don't need the high pressure, but the problem is most residential single stage compressors are underbuilt using small cylinders and weak motors despite having a big tank. The result is a compressor that underperforms, which drives people towards 2 stages. However, 2 stages are overkill for painting and produce more hot air, making it require a refrigerated dryer to mitigate water in the hose and gun. Obviously, this is a more expensive setup. A proper setup would be a higher horsepower, large tank, single stage using a magnetic starter, but those aren't really marketed. You'd probably have to build your own using by choosing a motor, magnetic starter, tank, and pump separately to get what actually ideal. Would it be cost effective is the question.

[@Amandeep_singh_Bhatia]

Thanks