The last one will run everything you're going to do.... 5 hp --- 26 CFM @ 175 PSI - 80 gal tank - and 650 RPMs.... less rpms to make air the better... less heat - less wear and tear.
Note the middle version is less money than the first one -- one is 650 rpms and the middle one is 800 rpms...
My 5 hp Champion is just fine for what we do... cutting - grinding - painting - blowing parts off - and it runs my bead blaster (a big cabinet - pro grade) just fine.
IF I was to do it over again - because I can afford to - I'd get a screw type compressor with a dryer... but that's only because I can -- not because I need it.
Good equipment - major pieces like this - will last you a lifetime... so I'm all for good LIFT -- My life and cars depend on it -- good compressor... good welding equipment... Craftsman hand tools work just fine - no need for Snap-On... A good band saw is very helpful... a METAL cutting band saw -- not a wood bandsaw... a Beverly shear (MUST HAVE - Wonderful tool!)... Good drill press... bigger is better... stable - accurate...
These things last years and years and will see years of use.... buy used if you're on a budget...
I just replaced my lift because I cheaped out on the first one... it was "fine" but I always regretted not getting the one I wanted (a Rotary 9000 # asymmetrical). So with the loss on the first one - sold it dirt cheap to a buddy - and the cost of the new one - I wasted money and effort. Stupid of me. Won't happen again!
