Harbor Freight Air compressors.

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Black_Thunder

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I've been looking at getting an air compressor for my garage for my air tools etc.

I do my regular maintenance work out at my parents in a detach garage that is used for storage and working on things etc.

I have a Husky 2-stage 80 gallon compressor there and as much as i would like to get another 2-stage 80 gallon its just not in my budget.

I would like to get just a 60 gallon, not sure if i can get away with a single stage though.

at the local menards and fleet they have 60 gallon compressor for around 4 to 500 hundred dollars but the pressure ratings are different, the sanborn at menards max is 135 while the one at fleet is 155.

I've also been looking at harbor freight compressors and i can find a 60 gallon 2-stage there for a bit over 600.

any experience with the harbor freight ones?

better yet, what compressor do you all have and what kind of luck have you had with the brands that you have.

thanks.
 
I have a Harbor Freight 21 gallon model. Not really what your looking for but it has been problem free. I have been using it for the last 8 years. I use it about once a month mostly for cleaning things with compressed air. It is oil lubed which I like. So far no complaints from me on Harbor Freight compressors.
 
I like ingersoll rand due to being able to go to napa, tractor supply, etc. get parts.

I bought a 5HP single stage 60gal IR to run my shop about 5 years ago, and it was used..so its around 10 yrs old.

I run 1/2, 3/4 and 1 inch guns for my large trucks almost every day.

Taking off 11R24.5 wheels with a 1 inch gun (10 lugs) the compressor runs out of wind at around the 8th lug...and i have to wait about 2 or 3 minutes for it to catch back up.

So for home use working on cars...60 gal 1 stage is plenty.

I have had good and bad luck with harbor freight stuff. I dont think i would chance an air compressor versus a similar priced ingersoll rand.
 
Originally Posted By: Black_Thunder

I would like to get just a 60 gallon, not sure if i can get away with a single stage though.

at the local menards and fleet they have 60 gallon compressor for around 4 to 500 hundred dollars but the pressure ratings are different, the sanborn at menards max is 135 while the one at fleet is 155.

better yet, what compressor do you all have and what kind of luck have you had with the brands that you have.


155psi is about max for single stage, most are set at around 135, its just the pressure switch adjustment but 155 psi is harder on the pump.

There isn't much you cant do with a single stage 60 gal if its just one user.
Painting with large spray guns, sanding, grinding, 1/2 " impacts, ratchets, small snd blast cabinets are all no problem.
A DA sander, air buffers and cutoff wheels work fine but you need to pause once in a while, use at 50% duty cycle.

Add another user to the line and it will struggle, for most home users this is a non issue.

I had a 60 gal IR single stage splash lubed pump when i first came back to the US, it did everything i needed with ease.
As time went by i needed more air power with 1/2" line for large air consumption tools like 1" impact, big hopper fed sand blaster and a few other things.
I bought a large Quincy 2 stage with pressure fed lube pump, it never gives any trouble but its big money.

With most of the under 1K units using Chinese made pumps anyway i cant see the HF being any better or worse as long as it uses an iron pump and not a no sleeve aluminum with supposedly etched bores.
 
Many of the IR compressors I've seen use a lot of chinesium parts. Thus the question,munfirtunately becomes,Mia there something else us sourced that is better?

I suspect Chicago pneumatic (the real one, not the HF ripoff of the classic brands) and a few others have superior high duty cycle compressors. You might want to check them out. Sometimes these things aren't that much more expensive, and you're giving your neighbor a job rather than selling them out in the name of saving a few dollars.
 
Same deal as IR. Chinese pumps.
Quote:
Q: Where is the CP model RCP-226VP manufactured?
by George from California on February 05, 2013

A: This compressor is assembled in the US from components of domestic & foreign sources. We do not know of any all made in US single stage compressors. The Quincy two stage & Jenny air compressors are still made in the USA.


Add to this short list. Champion Centurion series and up compressors, they are 100% US made inc pump but Quincy prices.
 
i visited a local mechanic saturday who has the two stage 60 gallon, he has it hooked all throughout his shop with pvc pipe. i admired it quite a bit, and it runs incredibly quiet and smooth in operation.
 
I built a 2 line system. One oiled air for tools and the other dried air, no oil for painting, blow gun use and tire filling.
Each outlet has 2 fittings styles, a balloon for just air and the other industrial style for oiled and have separate hose for each.
 
I gave up on my 5hp single stage 60gal years ago. The 2 stage compressor cut-in pressure is much higher than on the single. That way you can always maintain 90+ psi at the tool. With the pressure drops, by the time you get to the tool you need the higher minimum pressure. Plus the higher pressure of the 2 stage will condense more water out into the tank, and run cooler.
 
In 2002 I purchased my Power Mate Sanborn 30 gal compressor with an industrial compressor from HF. I do use it often with my part time welding business and change the oil every 2 years with Lowe's semi synthetic compressor oil. To date it has been flawless.
 
If your running out of air, rather than turn up the pressure, add another tank to your system.

I use a "Y" fitting , and a portable tank.
 
Originally Posted By: mattwithcats
If your running out of air, rather than turn up the pressure, add another tank to your system.

I use a "Y" fitting , and a portable tank.


I have supplement tanks with holes of the sides for 2 hoses which work as the inlet for air then I get nipples welded onto the front of the tanks for hoses.
 
thanks for the replies.

I ended up buying a Magnaforce 80 gallon from fleet farm instead.
I talked myself into spending the extra money and just getting it over with so i didn't have any regrets getting a smaller compressor etc.

its pretty nice, have to get it hooked up yet and then I'll be able to do my regular work out of my own garage instead of going to my parents garage etc. Can't wait
smile.gif


http://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/magna-force-80-gal-2-stage-compressor/0000000215028
 
One suggestion plumb the air off the tank 8 to 10 feet minimum change bottom drain to a ball valve. Looks to me to be a CH pump should have good like with it.
 
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