Cast Air Industrial Series Heavy Duty Shop Air Compressor — Model I518VC2-S
The Cast Air I518VC2-S is a 5 HP, 80-gallon vertical industrial air compressor with two-stage compression, priced at ,598. It offers the vertical footprint advantage of the I518VC1-S with an upgraded 2-stage pump — and notably, at 15 less than the single-stage vertical I518VC1-S (,213), it delivers more compression efficiency at a lower price point.
Two-stage compression at 5 HP means higher maximum pressure capability and better thermal efficiency compared to single-stage designs. For shops running tools at higher pressure settings — spray equipment, certain air-powered precision tools, or applications where pressure consistency at the tool matters — 2-stage is the better choice even at the 5 HP level.
Who This Compressor Is For
- Small shops with higher pressure requirements — spray booths, precision pneumatic tools, applications requiring sustained higher PSI
- Space-constrained shops needing vertical orientation with 2-stage compression performance
- Buyers comparing 5 HP options who want better compression efficiency than single-stage at a price below the single-stage vertical model
- Single-technician operations with moderate-to-high sustained air pressure demands
Key Features
- 5 HP Single-Phase Motor: Low electrical overhead — approximately 22–28A at 230V single phase
- 80-Gallon Vertical Tank: Compact floor footprint with full 80-gallon storage capacity
- Cast Iron Pump (VC): Vertical cast iron pump — durable, thermally stable, suitable for sustained use
- 2-Stage Compression: Higher maximum pressure and better thermal efficiency than single-stage — the pump works in two steps to achieve final operating pressure, generating less heat per unit of air compressed
- Industrial Series Build: Commercial-grade throughout
- Stationary Configuration: Permanent installation
Single-Stage vs. Two-Stage at 5 HP — The Real Difference
Single-stage compressors compress air from atmospheric pressure to working pressure in one stroke. Two-stage compressors compress in two steps — first stage to an intermediate pressure, then second stage to final working pressure. The two-stage approach:
- Achieves higher maximum pressure (typically 175 PSI vs. 125–135 PSI for single-stage)
- Generates less heat per cubic foot of air compressed — the pump runs cooler
- Is more efficient at pressures above 100 PSI
- Extends pump life in sustained high-pressure applications
For shops where working pressure is typically below 90 PSI, single-stage is adequate. For higher-pressure applications or shops that run the compressor hard for extended periods, 2-stage is the better investment even at 5 HP.
Understanding the I518VC2-S Model Number
- I — Industrial Series
- 5 — 5 HP motor
- 1 — Series designator
- 8 — 80-gallon tank
- VC — Vertical Cast iron pump
- 2 — 2-stage compression
- -S — Stationary
5 HP Vertical Options Compared
- I518VC1-S — ,213 — 5 HP, 80-gal, vertical, single-stage
- I518VC2-S (this unit) — ,598 — 5 HP, 80-gal, vertical, 2-stage — better compression at lower price
Note: Exact CFM output, maximum operating PSI, dimensions, and shipping weight were not available from Cast Air's manufacturer website at time of listing. Contact us at 866-217-0063 for current specifications before ordering.
Why Buy From OEM Diagnostic Tools?
OEM Diagnostic Tools has supplied professional shop equipment since 2016. We'll help you understand the real-world performance difference between single-stage and two-stage compression for your specific application before you order. Free shipping, free pre-sale technical support at 866-217-0063, and the full Cast Air manufacturer warranty on every unit.
Call 866-217-0063 for quick answers and help!
