Review of Ingersol Rand SS5 (stores, Home Depot, reviews, purchase)
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The Ingersol Rand SS5 is a remarkably capable air compressor. The design is very solid, and at 5 horse power puts out as much pressure as most people will ever need, and in many cases more. Ingersol Rand ships these on a palate because of their weight. They are heavy enough (and heavy duty enough) to be put to use in a serious garage, if there is only one or two people consistently using pneumatic tools.
This may sound like a poor review, but when put against other available air compressors, the SS5 is impressive. Often, 5 hp air compressors will power one tool, then have a hard time building back up sufficient air pressure. The SS5 has it's power available nearly all the time if two people are using it. This makes the SS5 especially good for painting with air brushes on cars, trucks, or anything else one may think of.
Unfortunately all the buyer receives with the Ingersol Rand SS5 is a very good air compressor. Buyers will need air regulators in order to regulate pressure out to the tools. These are not necessary with lighter duty air compressors from places like Home Depot or Sears.
The unit is rated at 30 Amps, however it gets a bit higher at start up. It may shut off on a 30 Amp circuit. For a regular house this can mean some re-wiring and a new breaker. So before purchase it may be necessary to see if the projected place of use can handle the SS5.
Last, the SS5 needs to be lubricated. Ingersol Rand recommends IR All-Season lubricant for continuous duty. However, it is easier to just keep the same lubricant around at all times. This can be found various places on the internet, or at many home improvement stores.