HF 2hp 29gal 150psi compressor, thoughts?

[shampoop]

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-to...p-29-gallon-150-psi-air-compressor-68127.html

I am very interested in buying one, but it seems to be very new with no reviews.

What I like about it.
- 150PSI, should be able to run my 1/2" impact at it's true full potential
- Maxes out what you can get from 120V, I want 120 for versatility.
- 29 gallon, good amount of reserve, doesn't take too long to fill, and still mobile (I'm still young and fit )
- Oil lube
- Belt drive so it should be relatively quiet and smooth

What do you guys think about it? Seen anything else similar to it on the market?

 

[Tom2]

It'll work an impact gun - but definitely not to it's full potential. It's all about CFM, not PSI.

Looks like a good 120v compressor though - If you're limited to 120.

 

[CLee0507]

I would recommend a Husky from Home Depot or Kobalt from Lowes in the same price range.

 

[shampoop]

It'll work an impact gun - but definitely not to it's full potential. It's all about CFM, not PSI.

Looks like a good 120v compressor though - If you're limited to 120.

Really? Anyone agree with this? That's actually my number 1 priority. My understanding was that he cfm rating is purely based on the motor. I just want a system that runs at a high enough pressure without any undue restrictions so that my gun can get enough power. I would assume that if I could get 120PSI+ at the gun with no flow restriction, that should give it full power.

 

[adamturbo]

Depends on the impact gun. For example, an IR 2135TiMAX (1/2") consumes up to 24CFM under load (i.e. breaking a bolt loose) and otherwise it normally consumes 5CFM (i.e. spinning a bolt off/on or maybe just pressing the trigger while holding the gun in the air?).

Edit: Also worth noting, the max pressure for an IR 2135TiMAX is 90psi.

 

[pipsters]

Really? Anyone agree with this? That's actually my number 1 priority. My understanding was that he cfm rating is purely based on the motor. I just want a system that runs at a high enough pressure without any undue restrictions so that my gun can get enough power. I would assume that if I could get 120PSI+ at the gun with no flow restriction, that should give it full power.

No. He is way off. An impact runs off stored air. Very few compressors can run an impact off of CFM produced by the pump alone, even those 60 and 80 gallon units at Lowes and HD.

You are correct. Something I didn't know when I first bought my compressor, all the reports I read were similar to what the guy you quoted said, when in reality CFM off the pump means nothing for impacts. Just for constant use tools like die grinders, sanders, etc.

Ok, for the $$ I would seriously consider the $299 Northern Tool 30 gallon 155 PSI compressor. That is the same compressor Lowes sells for $386 (including 10% movers coupon).

I bought one HF compressor and returned it almost immediately. I don't feel very confident in HF's compressors. That is just me though. I ended up with a Craftsman belt drive, horizontal unit, 25 gallon 150 psi unit.

You are smart to go with a higher PSI unit. 150 is great. You can run 120 or so off the regulator to make it 90 at the tool. Or turn it up a bit to really get those bolts off. I use a HF Earthquake w/ hi-flo connectors and even that gun, set at 90 psi running off the regulator (120 static), will rip off crank pulley bolts and any suspension bolt you can think of. If it doesn't come off it will break the stud. Even w/ my 25 gallon compressor, I can hold the trigger down for 30+ secs before it drops below 90 psi. That is a long time to run an impact continuously. Works great for home shop use, and the horizontal compressors are actually more portable than the vertical ones like you linked to.

I like my 120v compressor, as I could bring it out back in my backyard and work on stuff back there without running a ridiculously long hose from the garage.

 

[Steven67fr]

Pipesters covered it exactly. Impacts are generally used in bursts, not continuously like cut of tools and grinders. Make sure you pay attention to the tool's max PSI. Another good place to check for compressors is the swap meets, cl, and local garage sales. Just be sure you give anything (new or used) a very thorough inspection!!! StevenFl.

 

[shampoop]

Depends on the impact gun. For example, an IR 2135TiMAX (1/2") consumes up to 24CFM under load (i.e. breaking a bolt loose) and otherwise it normally consumes 5CFM (i.e. spinning a bolt off/on or maybe just pressing the trigger while holding the gun in the air?).

Edit: Also worth noting, the max pressure for an IR 2135TiMAX is 90psi.

Yea, i know it can do up to 24cfm under load, but all that matters is that the tank, hard lines, hose, and air fitting can supply 24cfm all the way to the gun right? The flow rate of the compressor just means that If i'm using my gun a lot, i'll just have to wait for the compressor to catch up. My gun is similar to a 2135QTiMAX, it's the 2131QT. Although I'm sure I'll eventually get a 2135QTiMAX also so I can have a gun at work, and at home.

Also I'm definitely gonna try and get 120psi at the gun. A ton of shops do it and it works just fine. I'm pretty sure I also read somewhere that IR guns are rated to 90-120PSI, but I'm having trouble finding it at the moment.

No. He is way off. An impact runs off stored air. Very few compressors can run an impact off of CFM produced by the pump alone, even those 60 and 80 gallon units at Lowes and HD.

You are correct. Something I didn't know when I first bought my compressor, all the reports I read were similar to what the guy you quoted said, when in reality CFM off the pump means nothing for impacts. Just for constant use tools like die grinders, sanders, etc.

Ok, for the $$ I would seriously consider the $299 Northern Tool 30 gallon 155 PSI compressor. That is the same compressor Lowes sells for $386 (including 10% movers coupon).

I bought one HF compressor and returned it almost immediately. I don't feel very confident in HF's compressors. That is just me though. I ended up with a Craftsman belt drive, horizontal unit, 25 gallon 150 psi unit.

You are smart to go with a higher PSI unit. 150 is great. You can run 120 or so off the regulator to make it 90 at the tool. Or turn it up a bit to really get those bolts off. I use a HF Earthquake w/ hi-flo connectors and even that gun, set at 90 psi running off the regulator (120 static), will rip off crank pulley bolts and any suspension bolt you can think of. If it doesn't come off it will break the stud. Even w/ my 25 gallon compressor, I can hold the trigger down for 30+ secs before it drops below 90 psi. That is a long time to run an impact continuously. Works great for home shop use, and the horizontal compressors are actually more portable than the vertical ones like you linked to.

I like my 120v compressor, as I could bring it out back in my backyard and work on stuff back there without running a ridiculously long hose from the garage.

Thanks, Just what i wanted to hear.

 

[Danglerb]

You need to take everything you read with a grain of salt, and buy what suits your needs.

Nothing impact is "really" going to be quiet. Working at home this means for me I wouldn't run my direct drive noisy, but works just fine Craftsman compressor earlier than about 8am or later than 9PM. I picked up a HF corded electric hoping it would make enough less noise to use it later, but not really even with the garage door closed.

Mine is a vertical, and I wouldn't have it any other way, floor space of storage is too tight for me to use a horizontal. It is a lot less portable, but air hose is cheap and I have the corded impact too. Eventually it will be plumbed into a drier and reel, so portable isn't much of an issue.

 

[Tom2]

Sorry if I provided any misinformation to the thread. Just from my experience owning a 30gal 6cfm compressor, and an 80 gallon 12.6cfm compressor. With the 30 gallons, it can barely take off lug nuts - with the 80 gallon, it will take off just about anything. This is using the same gun. But I'm certainly not an expert..Maybe more was at play, I have no idea.

Usually with compressors you want to buy the absolute biggest you can afford to avoid being disapointed. For pretty much the same amount of money you can get a 60gallon 10cfm CH rebadged at Lowes or Tractor Supply. Of course they're 220V..but extremely simple to wire if you have the electrical box space.

 

[pipsters]

Sorry if I provided any misinformation to the thread. Just from my experience owning a 30gal 6cfm compressor, and an 80 gallon 12.6cfm compressor. With the 30 gallons, it can barely take off lug nuts - with the 80 gallon, it will take off just about anything. This is using the same gun. But I'm certainly not an expert..Maybe more was at play, I have no idea.

With that logic a 200 gallon tank with 200 psi in it with no pump, wouldn't run an impact at all because there is no pump on it. Logically, does that make any sense?

Usually with compressors you want to buy the absolute biggest you can afford to avoid being disapointed. For pretty much the same amount of money you can get a 60gallon 10cfm CH rebadged at Lowes or Tractor Supply. Of course they're 220V..but extremely simple to wire if you have the electrical box space.

If you don't have a need for a large 220V unit, you don't need it. Never mind the price. Bigger doesn't always equal better for each individual person.

 

[pipsters]

Also I'm definitely gonna try and get 120psi at the gun. A ton of shops do it and it works just fine. I'm pretty sure I also read somewhere that IR guns are rated to 90-120PSI, but I'm having trouble finding it at the moment.

Aircats are rated 90-120, that is the only one that I am aware of that does that. That is probably the one gun you are thinking about.

 

[TOOL MASTER]

Hf=****

 

[Chris Adams]

As has been correctly said, it's the stored air that does the job. The gun can not tell what size compressor you have.

Since (if you follow directions, or even if you want your air tools to last) you will be using 90 PSI on the gun, virtually any compressor will run impacts.
I've used two at a time on an 18 gallon two horsepower unit for years, and the tools ran exactly the same as on my 60 gallon 5 horsepower.
The compressor just started more often during a session.

Sand blasting or spray painting, you need more compressor.
Using air ratchets, impact guns, etc. you just need 90 psi for seconds at a time.

If your air tool leaks a lot, then you need to either replace it, fix it, or disconnect it between uses, if you don't want the compressor running a lot.

My IR model A (real antique but I love it) is way quieter than other half inch guns. There is a big difference, but all of them are loud enough the neighbors will know you are using them.

 

[IanG]

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-to...p-29-gallon-150-psi-air-compressor-68127.html

I am very interested in buying one, but it seems to be very new with no reviews.

What I like about it.
- 150PSI, should be able to run my 1/2" impact at it's true full potential
- Maxes out what you can get from 120V, I want 120 for versatility.
- 29 gallon, good amount of reserve, doesn't take too long to fill, and still mobile (I'm still young and fit )
- Oil lube
- Belt drive so it should be relatively quiet and smooth

What do you guys think about it? Seen anything else similar to it on the market?

The design of this compressor, in comparison to the Husky and Kobalt equivalent, is that it is built lower to the ground with a wider diameter air tank. The Husky and Kobalt both seem to be a bit too top heavy for me but will take up less space in the garage.

I am also interested in any reviews. I am guessing it will probably be a least pretty decent. I will probably just stick with cordless tools for now until I get enough space for a 60 Gallon+ unit.

 

[Cryptic1911]

That thing would be fine to run an impact. I have the cheaper 26gal unit, and it jams out bolts like a mofo. Like others have said, once the tank is up to pressure, and the pump is off, they are all similar. The only real resistance you'll have is your regulator and fittings at that point. 125psi is 125psi, doesn't matter if its 25 gallons or 200 gallons.. you can only flow so much through a 1/4" air fitting. If you get some Milton "V" style fittings, they are big bore on the inside, and it'll flow more with less restriction.

 

[Grounded Ken]

Just fyi according to The Compressed Air Data Handbook by Ingersoll Rand 1920. A 1/4" orifice will flow 94.8 cfm @ 90 psi. Putting your air thru a hose and throw in a couple of elbows for friction, you will still be flowing better than 90 cfm. It all comes down to HP.
You will never get more than 4 cfm per hp at the pressure you're talking about. Unless it is a screw compressor and you might get 4.1 cfm. The kinda machines your talking about here is the cfm ratings are more fiction than fact.

 

[shampoop]

I'm mainly going off of experience. I have a nice 1/2" IR gun that has a TON of power when hooked up to good shop air, can do practically anything. But when using my buddies air ~20 gallon IR air compressor with 20 or so feet of 3/8" hose, reading 120psi at the tank, with the same fittings and no obvious restrictions, my gun felt like it was at about half power, switched to milton V style fittings and removed the possibly restrictive pressure regulator and it definitely helped, but still less power than the more restrictive standard fittings on a shop air line from a real shop.

 

[smallcarguy]

not belt drive, but before I would buy that, I would buy two of these and run them in tandem.
http://www.harborfreight.com/air-to...on-125-psi-portable-air-compressor-67501.html

This is what I do now with two import compressors from tractor supply. Just needed to make sure I had separate 20a circuits for them. Its hard to beat that amount of cfm for the money.

 

[merim123]

not belt drive, but before I would buy that, I would buy two of these and run them in tandem.
http://www.harborfreight.com/air-to...on-125-psi-portable-air-compressor-67501.html

This is what I do now with two import compressors from tractor supply. Just needed to make sure I had separate 20a circuits for them. Its hard to beat that amount of cfm for the money.

can you expand on how you "Y" these together?

 

[Chrislols]

I bought one recently, it worked awesome for the two days I had it, the pressure switch blew, after some research and calling HF, turns out it's back ordered til December because of them blowing

 

[sherlocktk]

I picked up one of these about 2 months ago. I was looking for the largest volume belt drive compressor I could find that is on 120v. (so I can take it to friends houses). I have not yet had a problem with the pressure switch. If it "dies" ill pick up an aftermarket switch so its not a problem.

The compressor is quiet, if you mess with the intake. Without an extra intake muffler its kinda loud still. I am thinking a length o PVC pipe with some holes in it at random places to make a silencer. Unit is very quiet if you put your hand or a rag over the intake.

The motor is big and says continious duty etc. I believe it. I have ran the compressor straight for 1 hour with no ill efects (air floor scraper) The compressor head is also used on a gas driven compressor at a higher RPM so i believe it should last a long time. Motor can be re-wired to 220 but comes wired as 120. I beleive you can switch out to a 3hp electric motor if you decide you want more CFM.

The regulator on the unit is ****. I have my air compressor in a main tank, regulator, 25ft house, Auxilary tank (90psi), then air hose to tool. This gets rid of the restrictions between tank 1 and 2. I hear the regulator hisses for about 1 minute after I am done recharging the little tank back to 90. My old regulator was not a problem I am planning on switching it out.

So far I have installed an automatic drain kit on the compressor (for a whole $10), and that has been very flakey. I bought 2, so I am going to try the other valve next. drain port is a 3/8 conenction so buy adapters as neccessary to extend the drain to a serviceable location.

Compressor is about 100 lbs, so loading in the back of a pickup by your self is a challenge. 2 guys is no problem.

 

[tpolley]

i'm also looking at buying this compressor because it's 110v. i live in a rental house and i don't want to spend the money wiring the garage for 220.

if you decide to buy it let us know how it works and post pictures.

 

[shampoop]

I ended up finding a good running old school dayton compressor on craigslist for $50!

Made a thread about it. http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=109314

I'll probably stick with it as a small/portable one, and in the future get some giant 220v one too.

 

[bcradio]

bump

Has anyone had any more experience with this compressor since it came out?

How do you like it?

 

[sherlocktk]

I still like mine. I would buy the same one again given the chance. I use mine about 2-3x per month. Since my last post, I have removed the stock intake entirely, and made a 1 inch pipe intake. Immeditely does a 90 out of the intake and into a 10 inch steel pipe with about 20 1/4 inch holes drilled all over the place. The pipe is capped and a shop rag is ziptied around the pipe for the "filter" It made it significantly quieter. I know that is hard to gauge by an internet forum. I can try my DB meter on it from 3ft away tonight.

 

[bcradio]

I still like mine. I would buy the same one again given the chance. I use mine about 2-3x per month. Since my last post, I have removed the stock intake entirely, and made a 1 inch pipe intake. Immeditely does a 90 out of the intake and into a 10 inch steel pipe with about 20 1/4 inch holes drilled all over the place. The pipe is capped and a shop rag is ziptied around the pipe for the "filter" It made it significantly quieter. I know that is hard to gauge by an internet forum. I can try my DB meter on it from 3ft away tonight.

Have you noticed if this has made any difference on how long it takes the tank to fill?

Do you leave it pressurized or only when using it?

Thanks for the reply

 

[sherlocktk]

Does not take any longer to fill.

I leave it pressurized. after about a week I go from 140 psi to around 90. so there is a slow leak somwhere, probably related to my $1 air blow gun which is almost always installed.

I have installed an extension to the manual drain valve on the bottom so I do occassionally drain the tank, probably once a month. Quite a bit of water.

 

[Ryf]

one thing to look at with all the "size is better" I have 3 air compressors, one small for airing and carrying, a pancake for more air but its 2hp head means its a bit much to haul around by hand, and a 30 gal... @120psi, they will all work... the 30 gallon has a huge benefit, it provides 150 psi instead of 125 psi for cfm I hook the 2hp pancake and the 30 gal together and get around 8 cfm @ 90 rated.( i cut the regulator down to 125 on the 30 gal)..

most good shop air is 150+ make sure you check your regulators, even a cheap impact runs better with 150 or 170 psi.. there is a tire shop here that pushes 200 psi for removal and has a red hose for removing and a blue hose (regulated down) for putting them on, I always ask for manually tightened, but the system works for them.

 

[garyhgaryh]

I bought this compressor two weeks ago and it works well for me.
I've had pressure in the tank for a week and it's held pressure without leaking.
It's also relatively quiet compared to my 20 year old Craftsman compressor:

Here's a clip of the unboxing, breakin, and oil change for the compressor:

Unboxing:

Breaking:

Oil Change:

And Ryf is right, if I want CFM, I'll hook all my compressors together (I have 3).

bcradio:
1. It takes 6.5 minutes to fill from 0 psi to 150 psi.
2. I keep it pressurized. I always empty my other compressors, but with this one I decided to keep the air in it. I just periodically drain it by opening the drain ****.

Gary