Opinions Needed - Husky Pro & Porter Cable Air Compressors - Any Good

[boiler7904]

I'm in the market for my first air compressor. It will be mainly used for nail and staple guns. I may get an air rachet and impact down the road for light duty use (rotating car tires, assembly, etc.) but want to be prepared for them now. My budget for the compressor will be about $400. I'd like to have a vertical tank model but I might be able to make a smaller horizontal tank fit under part of my workbench.

In the process of looking at the big box stores around me and a tool store that is on my way home from work, I came up with a couple of questions.

26 Gallon Husky Pro (http://www.huskytools.com/Product.aspx?pid=7fa3dc30-bb57-4f8c-b122-a521a9a61781&cid=790913) and Husky Model VT6315 at Home Depot (http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US/diy_main/pg_diy.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1366616991.1162838276@ @@@&BV_EngineID=cccdaddjfldijggcgelceffdfgidgjl.0&CNTTYPE=PROD_META&CNTKEY=misc/searchResults.jsp&MID=9876&N=2984+3966&pos=n24) (these are different links for the same compressor)

http://www.homedepot.com/cmc_upload/HDUS/EN_US/asset/images/eplus/045564587338_4.jpg

Internet/Catalog # 100063473Brand HUSKYModel # VT6315Air Delivery 6.6/5.8 SCFM @ 40/90 PSIAssembled Depth (In Inches) 29.8Assembled Height (In Inches) 57Assembled Weight (In LBS) 178Assembled Width (In Inches) 27.3Carrying System WheeledEngine Horsepower 5 HPMax Air Pressure Delivery 135 PSIMotor InductionPower Requirement Convertible from 120 volt/15 amp operation to 240 volt/7.5 amp operationRegulator YesTank Capacity 26 Gal.Tank Pressure Gauge YesType Air CompressorUPC CODE 045564587338Weight(Lbs.) 178 Lbs.Wheels/Portability YesWorking Pressure Gauge Yes

A solid CAST IRON, twin cylinder compressor pump for extreme durability. Offers 135 PSI maximum pressure and air delivery 6.5/5.5 SCFM @ 40/90 PSI. Features pneumatic tires, efficient Solberg style intake filter, and a heavy-duty handle.

• Up to 5,000 hours of extended life• Space saving vertical tank is ideal for the garage or limited space environments• Sturdy, robust handle and wheels for easier portability• Designed to channel air over the pump for maximum cooling• Automotive style changeable air filter• Protective belt guard designed to channel air to cool the pump• High quality oversized gauges• American made CAST IRON pump• 26 Gallon vertical tank• Semi-pneumatic tires• Over 35 percent quieter and 60 degrees cooler than aluminum pumps with cast iron sleeves

Who makes Husky air compressors?
Has anybody bought one? What have your experiences been?
What do you like and not like about the compressor?
Would you buy one again?

Berland's Tools in Joliet, IL has a Porter Cable combo kit that I can't find on the PC website that includes a compressor, impact, rachet, hose, and fittings for $389. Looking at the Porter Cable website (http://www.porter-cable.com/index.asp?e=547&p=2580), It seems like the compressor was the C5101 or CPF4515 . I have the same questions about Porter Cable compressors as I did about the Husky.

My wife is on board for this since Christmas is coming (and she is creating a huge honey-do list for me for next year). Is there another manufacturer or model that I should be considering? Suggestions are welcome. Thanks.

[Special55]

I have the unit Home Depot sells. Not sure if it is the exact model you're looking at as I purchased mine a couple years ago. I bought mine for just under $200.00 as it was returned and factory refurbished. If you look around they usually have a couple of these in the store at a significant cost reduction as in my case. They come with the same factory warranty as the brand new units. I have had no problems with mine to date.

As far as performance, it will do everything you mentioned in your post. It will not keep up with an air grinder or blast cabinet or the like. That is what the 5hp, 60gal Emglo is for.

Find it on sale, buy it and enjoy it.:thumbup:

Rich

[l_bilyk]

Given the two options, the husky is the better compressor. The husky uses a conventional piston with conventional metal rings in the pump, and relies on oil splash lubrication. So you will have to change the oil in it every so often, and keep it level.

The PC is oil-less, so the piston is very shallow and uses a composite ring to seal the cylinder. This part wears down faster than conventional rings.

Campbell housefield makes husy compressors. The pumps are generally pretty good. The motors are OK.

[ranger_dood]

What about the VT6314 compressor? It's a 60 gallon, less powerful pump, but more CFMs. Comes in right at $400 at HD. Seems like a better buy, though it's not portable.

[boiler7904]

If you look around they usually have a couple of these in the store at a significant cost reduction as in my case. They come with the same factory warranty as the brand new units. I have had no problems with mine to date.

As far as performance, it will do everything you mentioned in your post. It will not keep up with an air grinder or blast cabinet or the like. That is what the 5hp, 60gal Emglo is for.

Find it on sale, buy it and enjoy it.:thumbup:

Rich

I'll see if I can do that around here. I'd be up for saving some money on the compressor to buy other tools if everything else checks out. Not planning on running a grinder or blast cabinet. Thanks.

Given the two options, the husky is the better compressor... Campbell housefield makes husy compressors. The pumps are generally pretty good. The motors are OK.

That's what I was thinking. I was just curious if the combo would be worth the price - about $10 more than a decent compressor in this case.

What about the VT6314 compressor? It's a 60 gallon, less powerful pump, but more CFMs. Comes in right at $400 at HD. Seems like a better buy, though it's not portable.

I would go with a bigger compressor if I had space for one or the need for one. Since I'll only be using it occasionally for a nail or staple gun, filling suv/pickup tires, and bike tires, I wanted to go with a smaller more compact piece of equipment.

Thanks for the input guys.