Cast Air Industrial Series Heavy Duty Shop Air Compressor — Model I718VC1-S
The Cast Air I718VC1-S is a 7 HP, 80-gallon vertical industrial air compressor at ,323. Seven HP in a vertical 80-gallon configuration — this is the most affordable 7 HP unit in Cast Air's Industrial Series, and the right choice for shops that need a step up from 5 HP in the most space-efficient package available at the entry price for this horsepower level.
At ,323, the I718VC1-S is actually priced below all five of Cast Air's 5 HP models, which is worth noting. Seven HP with an 80-gallon tank and cast iron pump at this price makes this one of the stronger value propositions in the entire Cast Air lineup. If your budget is in the ,300 range and you're choosing between a 5 HP unit and this 7 HP model, this unit is worth a serious look.
Who This Compressor Is For
- Shops wanting 7 HP at the lowest available price point — this unit costs less than many 5 HP alternatives
- Space-constrained 2–3 bay shops needing more than 5 HP in a vertical footprint
- Single-to-dual technician operations stepping up to 7 HP for the first time without a large budget premium
- Light service operations that have outgrown 5 HP and want vertical orientation for installation flexibility
Key Features
- 7 HP Single-Phase Motor: More output than 5 HP — handles the full range of standard shop air tools including impact wrenches, tire machines, and air ratchets without the motor working at its limit
- 80-Gallon Vertical Tank: Compact floor footprint with adequate storage for 1–2 simultaneous tool users
- Cast Iron Pump (VC): Vertical-configuration cast iron pump — durable, thermally stable, suited for daily professional use
- Single-Stage Compression: Reliable, straightforward compression for standard shop working pressures
- Industrial Series Build: Commercial-grade construction throughout — not consumer or contractor grade
- Stationary Configuration: Permanent installation design
Strong Value at This Price Point
At ,323, this 7 HP unit costs less than the I518VC1-S (5 HP vertical, ,213) and is in the same price range as the I518HC1-S (5 HP horizontal, ,356). Choosing 7 HP at this price over a 5 HP alternative gives you more motor capacity, more CFM headroom, and more ability to support additional tool use as your shop grows — with essentially no price premium. The tradeoff is the 80-gallon tank rather than the longer run time of 120-gallon units, which is the appropriate choice for single-to-dual technician operations.
Understanding the I718VC1-S Model Number
- I — Industrial Series
- 7 — 7 HP motor
- 1 — Series designator
- 8 — 80-gallon tank
- VC — Vertical Cast iron pump
- 1 — Single-stage compression
- -S — Stationary
7 HP Vertical Options Compared
- I718VC1-S (this unit) — ,323 — 7 HP, 80-gal, vertical, single-stage — entry price, most affordable 7 HP
- I718VC2-S — ,878 — 7 HP, 80-gal, vertical, 2-stage — higher pressure efficiency
- I7312VC2-S — ,861 — 7 HP, 120-gal, vertical, 2-stage — larger tank for multi-user demand
Installation Requirements
- Electrical: Single-phase 230V — 7 HP typically draws 32–40A; 40–50A dedicated circuit recommended
- Floor: Level concrete — vertical tanks need stable surface
- Ceiling: Confirm height clearance for vertical installation
- Condensate: Regular drain maintenance
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. The I718VC1-S is one of the stronger value units in the Cast Air lineup and we're happy to walk through why 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!
