- Two-horsepower motor
- 135 max PSI
- Capacity at 90 PSI 4.3 CFM
- Capacity at 135 PSI 3.2 CFM
- 115 volts and15 amps
I am no stranger to IR compressors as I have purchase many over the years used for large production facility applications. My experience using them and their reputation in the field solidifies in my mind that they are at the top of their game, the best of the best. When it came time to replace my portable compressor, I found this twin stack unit (model P1IU-A9), and decided to give it a try.
Box arrived on promised date (thanks Amazon) but with a few war wounds, which translated into a few scratches on the tanks; not enough to return the unit. Was pleasantly surprised at the quality of all the hardware. Everything seems to be extra heavy duty which of course translates into weight. She is quite heavy but not to the point that it is not portable. I will probably dedicate a dolly or cart to facilitate rolling it around.
It came with an air filter that looks more like it was designed for dessert conditions (very well designed). Stainless steel braded line leading from compressor to tank (not visible in pictures), quality brass fittings and copper lines. All plumbing seemed to be properly assembled. Nice fit and finish.
When I fired it up, I was pleasantly surprised. It seemed to be half as loud as my previous (Campbell and Hausfeld) compressor. I also noticed it had low vibration. Previous compressor vibrated quite violently.
Tank fills quickly and consistently and comes with a brass ball-valve drain.
Negatives:
A little upset about the paint on the tanks getting scratched from shipping, but I got over it.
Weight maybe too heavy for someone with a bad back (approx. 80 lbs.)
Manifold assembly (gauges, regulator, connections) was not centered with cut-outs in front panel. Easy to adjust.
Gauges, as many have said, are poor. They are hard to read (small print). I had to get down on my hands and knees to read the pressure. On the bright side, at least they would be very easy to change out if I decided to do so in the future.
All in all, very pleased with the purchase. I am a value hound and this is one of the best values I have run across in a long time. Built like a tank.
Update: Owned a little more than one year now. Completed several large projects (2,000 SF of solid wood flooring, built-in bookshelves, major trimwork, etc...). Unit still works like it did on day one. I love this compressor. I do caution everyone that it is a little heavy. Maybe I'm getting old (or need to work out more). This thing is built like tools used to be built. Will last a life-time.
Buy Ingersoll Rand P1IU-A9 Hand Carry Twinstack 2-HP Compressor Now
I purchased this from Northern Tool when they had free delivery for nearly all IR products. It was also much cheaper than the price listed on Amazon at the time of this review.
I have used this mainly for minor automotive use such as: filling tires and removing some bolts with a cheapo (read: air hog) Campbell Hausfeld air wrench. I have also used it with a blower to clean out my garage. Doesn't necessarily keep up with the blower nozzle, as I expected, but with a short break (10-15 seconds) it gets back up to pressure and I can continue. No problems powering the air wrench, but the bolts I was removing weren't on too bad.
It's a fairly quiet compressor, with the loudest noise coming from the connectors rattling, not the compressor itself. I would like to add one 3/8" connector but I'm wondering if I need to make the cover holes larger so it can fit. Overall it seems to be a high quality unit that can handle most DIY tasks without taking up too much space. I wouldn't recommend this for an avid grease monkey, but for minor automotive tasks it should be fine. It should also be able to run a couple framing nailers simultaneously without much of a sweat. Compared to other compressors of this style/size this compressor is quite competitive. Also check out the Senco compressor for similar performance.
Read Best Reviews of Ingersoll Rand P1IU-A9 Hand Carry Twinstack 2-HP Compressor Here
I can echo the other reviews, this is a quality tool at a very affordable price. It should last a LONG time.
Cons:
Pretty heavy.
Both pressure gauges were crushed when I pulled it out of the package.
Tweeners:
It's not too loud, approx 80db. Of course you would like it to be silent but you can talk while in the same room.
Pros:
Pressures up fast.
Well protected, only potential problem is the plastic air filter sticking out.
1/4 turn air bleeder is nice.
Excellent Customer Service! I called to see about getting replacement gauges and in less than 5 minutes they apologized for the problems, and had two new gauges headed my way via Next-Day Air.
I personally don't see the need for the Ashcroft gauges. The gauges, no matter how cheap they are, are very well protected and I can't see them failing agin. It was only a result of getting banged when they were assembling the compressor that they were damaged. For me saving $30 and getting the gauges quicker through a five minute warranty claim seems like the way to go!
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Update May 12,2011
Ingersol Rand came through on the the replacement gauges. The morning after calling them I had FedEx on my door with an "Emergency" overnight delivery. The gauges were in good shape and I promptly installed them.
Tip for gauge replacement: Remove the two quick connect air fittings, screw off the regulator handle, then unscrew the portion of the regulator poking through the faceplate. After these are off you can remove the two screws holding the manifold assembly in place, slide it out and replace the gauges.
Want Ingersoll Rand P1IU-A9 Hand Carry Twinstack 2-HP Compressor Discount?
So for under $300 you get a workhorse that ready to go nearly right out of the box!!! When I was looking at compressors all of my friends said, "Ah just get your self a pancake compressor or something..." I am SO glad I didn't listen. This compressr doesn't take up much more space than a pancake and is ten times the value!!!
Why to buy this over other compressors...
-First, it's an oil operated unit which means it's quiet and will last much longer than typical units. Quiet is a realative term mind you, it's still pretty loud but if you've ever stood next to a non-oiled unit you'll understand why I appritiate this and call it quiet. As I said, this unit if maintained should last many years.
-Capacity...okay this is a small compressor, but that's probably what your looking for. Larger units cost considerably more and weight a ton! This unit weights in at 79 lbs which while isn't fun to lug around is still do-able. I take it to where I keep my travel trailer stored and air up the tires about ever two months. It's a 4 gal capacity which really isn't all that important unless you're running a large volume tool. In any case, this isn't build for running "continuous flow tools" like grinders and sand blasters. However it's worked flawlessly with my pnematic nailers even when I've been in "burst mode". One more word about capacity...motor output and in turn CFM determine a compressors capability. Larger tank capasity does not instantly translate to more CFM.
-Motor...this is a 2HP motor which one of these days I will measure the amperage on. Don't be fooled by off brands that claim rediclous HP numbers. If it's a 15-20A 120V compressor (or any appliance for that matter) the best you can hope for is around 2 HP. I won't get into the physics but that's the limit. If you're curious as to why, a quick google search should solve the mystery. If you legitimately need more HP and more CFM, you're going to have to look at 240V models and shell out a lot more $$$. By comparison a 240V 3HP Ingersoll Rand 8 gal "wheel barrel" compressor is in the $750 range and weights close to 200 lbs. So this is for the DIYers and contractors that run nailers, staplers, perhaps low volume paint sprayers (but that's questionable.)
-Duty cycle & CFM... One thing that sold me on this unit is it has 100% duty cycle. Most compressors in this size range are not. They need time to cool down so they don't overheat. This being a oiled unit stays cool enough to run continously or so claims IR. The CFM rating at 90 psi is 4.3 so that gives quite a bit of output. I've even considered trying an impact gun. I know it wouldn't run continously but for busting lugs I'm curious to see if it would work. If and when I try it I'll update. Also as I mensioned above, the market is now flooded with high volume low pressure sprayers. So since CFM increases as psi decreases this unit may have enough power to run a HVLP sprayer. I do intend to try this and will update when I do. Back to duty cycle, according to IR, if your running a tool that runs on 4 CFM at 90 psi, it should be able to run contiuously on this compressor. But this could also be a good tool for a group of contractors running several smaller tools at the same time such as nailers.
-Features... On the face of the unit is your instruments and connections. A typical two gauge readout and regulator. Plus two quick disconnectos. So two guys can work of this one unit without any additional manifolds. Nice touch IR!!! After that it's pretty basic.
-Durability... Well built! The instruments built into a steel plate as seen in the photo. Around which a 1" square steel tube makes the face rigid and protects it from the inevitable jobsite reality of something getting dropped on it. The tank and carry handles are welded and feel rock solid. And the motor and compressor block are sandwitched in between for maximum protection. It's a well thought out design that protects itself. The plate the motor is bolted to has a rubber seal under it to absorb vibration and protect the instruments. The four feet are also rubber so it doesn't vibrate it's way across the room.
A couple of downsides...
-In the box you get a bottle of starter oil and an air filter. However once it comes time to replace them, they are hard to find. The compressor will run on synthetic motor oil (check your instructions for what type) however if I recall correctly I think it voids your warrenty. IR does bottle their own oil (I'm running All Season Select) however it doesn't give an ammount to put in. So you have to fill it and check it with the dip stick. I still haven't found a replacement air filter...I think at this point the only option left is to contact IR directly.
-20A or 15A... The instructions say to run this compressor on a 20A circuit. Presumably since during startup the compressor motor will spike above 15A momentarily. I've read some reviews where people said they've run these on 15A circuits without issue, but I wouldn't bank on that. Before you buy, check and see if you have a 20A outlet somewhere to run this on.
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I'm one of those guys who over-analyzes EVERY purchase, and this compressor wasn't any different. The price from Amazon can't be beat, and the free shipping took only 2 days! It handles my Hitachi framing nailer and Hitachi sheathing stapler simultaneously with ease!
I can not say enough about this compressor, though upon arrival I wanted to throw it off the bridge! Long story short, like several other reviewers, when the compressor arrived, BOTH gauges were crushed! Smashed not by UPS but by Ingersoll Rand when the compressor was assembled. Whoever the mule was who dropped in the motor/compressor unit hit the gauges from the top, bending both cases and gauge faces. Not immediately evident, I started adjusting the pressure switche before I got a flashlight and got down on my knees and saw the damage. I considered calling I-R to get new gauges but then realized that they'd just send the same $4 pieces of junk as originally installed. I decided to get a pair of "Ashcroft 200900 1.5 Lower 0/200 Pressure Gauge" from MSC through Amazon ($14 each). Once I get those in, I'll be golden! I've been using it with gauges connected with hoses 'til then and am very, very happy. Even if your gauges come unbroken, replace them anyway.
