Got a new $159 HFT air compressor.

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I just noticed that this compressor uses less than 6 oz of oil. IIRC, my 8 Gal 2hp "hotdog" version used close to 3/4 of a quart of oil.

The sump was at lest twice as large. What makes this sump so small? Does a smaller sump mean higher operating temps? More frequent oil changes?
 
Originally Posted By: Sawdusted
I just noticed that this compressor uses less than 6 oz of oil. IIRC, my 8 Gal 2hp "hotdog" version used close to 3/4 of a quart of oil.

The sump was at lest twice as large. What makes this sump so small? Does a smaller sump mean higher operating temps? More frequent oil changes?


That makes perfect sense. All things being equal a smaller sump would create more heat, and be more demanding of the oil.
 
Originally Posted By: Donald
My guess is given the use a DIY guy gives a compressor the size of the oil sump is not an issue.


More than likely correct Don.

Mines been just fine for 30 years now the way I use it for DIY projects.
 
Originally Posted By: Sawdusted
I just noticed that this compressor uses less than 6 oz of oil. IIRC, my 8 Gal 2hp "hotdog" version used close to 3/4 of a quart of oil.

The sump was at lest twice as large. What makes this sump so small? Does a smaller sump mean higher operating temps? More frequent oil changes?


Interesting observations!

Yep, my new one recommends 165mL of crankcase oil. 165mL = 5.6oz. The crankcase on this 2.5hp, ~3700rpm unit is about twice the size of my old HFT 2hp, 1700rpm twin-tank hotdog compressor though. I don't know the capacity of my old unit. I know it tipped over in the back of one of my vehicles years ago and drained out. I don't recall what I refilled it with, but think it was a synthetic 30wt variant, and I'm sure it's been ovefilled since.

My guess is if the unit spins ~2x as fast, more oil would just get whipped out of the way and potentially out the breather? Dunno. Regardless, it's probably not a bad idea to run a better/proper compressor oil given the low capacity.
 
I had no problems moving a couple HF compressors on craigslist.

if you need to upgrade in a few years I'm sure you could get 100$ for it easy.

There is a big difference between 160$+tax and 500+tax

I wanted a 500$ IR for my garage, ended up with a clearance 4.5cfm@40/6gal campbell hausfeld@75$ its their nicest small model with 2 outlets etc(retail 160$). Sold my hotdog 50$ HF compressor for 40$ was a nice upgrade. for total cost of about 40$
Also goes to 150psi.
Its been ok for 95% of what I needed it for. Oilfree is actually A plus(for me) as I dust out alot of computer equipment with it also.

It will run some air tools like an impact wrench, not good for a sander/etc but I have electric tools for that.

I do have a 2-stage 15.5CFM available at the shop but it requires me to work outside....

I've also started using my Porter-Cable impact driver (1500in/lb) for some maintenance.. Works good for the lower torque stuff.

Taking off skid plates 1 handed, lugnuts, etc.

Nothing replaces big air in a shop setting but for me I don't actually "need" it too often.
 
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This looks like it will do lugnuts, car axle bolts, and the like with little issue, assuming the impact gun being used is up to snuff. Besides filling up tires just fine, obviously. If my $80 Ni-Cd-powered cordless impact can do an axle bolt (slowly), this thing ought to be able to do one too. Seeing how my uses are strictly residential and passenger car automotive, it looks to be enough.
 
Originally Posted By: sciphi
This looks like it will do lugnuts, car axle bolts, and the like with little issue, assuming the impact gun being used is up to snuff. Besides filling up tires just fine, obviously. If my $80 Ni-Cd-powered cordless impact can do an axle bolt (slowly), this thing ought to be able to do one too. Seeing how my uses are strictly residential and passenger car automotive, it looks to be enough.


In order to do some work that needs high torque you will need a impact wrench that has a lot of foot pounds and you will not get that in a $20 HF impact wrench.
 
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Thats quite true Donald, and I see the irony of it as well. However The earthquake is better than many of the big name at half the price.

Now if he had a 2000$ compressor and a budget of 300$ for a gun.. yes he could get something better.

I know a tire shop that's had these for years.. they keep buying them because they give better service than the previous tool truck brand they were using.

I actually have an IR electric impact and its quite a solid tool built to last.
They are quite solid as a brand but some other brands are better and better values.
Originally Posted By: Donald
Originally Posted By: Rand
the 1/2" HF earthquake is quite good.
usually around 70$ on sale.

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-professional-air-impact-wrench-68424.html#.Uy-KZIWSF5w

currently 98$-25% off coupon.

Maximum Torque (ft. - lbs.) 700 ft. lbs.
Torque range (ft.-lbs.) 50-500 ft. lbs.


Ironic someone with a name of "Rand" suggests a HF impact wrench rather than a Ingersoll Rand one.
 
Originally Posted By: Rand
Thats quite true Donald, and I see the irony of it as well. However The earthquake is better than many of the big name at half the price.

Now if he had a 2000$ compressor and a budget of 300$ for a gun.. yes he could get something better.

I know a tire shop that's had these for years.. they keep buying them because they give better service than the previous tool truck brand they were using.

I actually have an IR electric impact and its quite a solid tool built to last.
They are quite solid as a brand but some other brands are better and better values.
Originally Posted By: Donald
Originally Posted By: Rand
the 1/2" HF earthquake is quite good.
usually around 70$ on sale.

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-professional-air-impact-wrench-68424.html#.Uy-KZIWSF5w

currently 98$-25% off coupon.

Maximum Torque (ft. - lbs.) 700 ft. lbs.
Torque range (ft.-lbs.) 50-500 ft. lbs.


Ironic someone with a name of "Rand" suggests a HF impact wrench rather than a Ingersoll Rand one.


I would like the IR 2135, but its close to $300. Sears sells it, maybe they will clearance it at some point.
 
Just a little update. I've only used this compressor a few times for tire filling and soccer ball filling for the kids. Too darn cold and sloppy out yet for any real work.

Problem is, I somewhat regret the purchase of this compressor. It loads the tank relatively quickly and has more than enough volume behind it for my needs, but I just can't get over the NOISE. Given the ~3700RPMs this thing runs at, it's obnoxiously LOUD and harsh sounding IMO. Instead of the: D-d-d-d-d-d-d-d... reciprocating type sound of the older HFT 1700RPM units, this one sounds more like a screaming banshee oil-less. Kind of like: WHAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhh! Ugh..
 
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Originally Posted By: dave123
It's kinda one of those cases you get what you pay for.


Sad but true. It is a $159 for a reason. BTW this isn't a bash of the compressor or HF.
 
I hear you, I'm just trying to figure out why they changed all of their oil-lubed cheapies from ~1700rpm to 3700. You'd think the lesser would be cheaper.
 
Originally Posted By: Chris142
Regarding the hf earthquake gun. I keep one on my hose crimping table and its been flawless. Has more power than my $400 mac gun and is muffled much better than the mac gun too.


+2 on the Earthquake gun. I have the older model and for some work like crankshaft bolts, axle spline nuts and strut nuts it loosens them up without any hesitation.

Regards, JC.
 
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