Compressor? good buy?

[R6 Racer]

I am trying to find a decent buy on a good hobby compressor. It will be used almost exclusively by me. Mostly with assorted air tools including, sanders, ratchets all the usual stuff.
I am hoping to get (or make) a blast cabinet down the road a bit. I know this takes more air but I don't how much. I also don't mind taking breaks fairly often as I have med. issues.
What I would like is to hear some comments comparing these 2.
This one http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=34887 With the 20% coupon
it's $399.99.
Or this one http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...78-2&AID=10368321&cj=true&srccode=cii_5784816 also $399.99


Lastly considering that my better half has given me the OK to get one of the 2 @ $399. is it worth the difference to go to this one @ $679.99 http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=93274
I will need some good reasons to go up in price another $270.00... HELP ! !

Oh Ya I'll be looking in the port Huron area!

WaDaYaTink?
Steve

 

[sberry]

A sander takes some air, one of the 5 hp units will run one fairly well.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

The first two will be hard pressed to keep up with an air sander, cutoff tool, die grinder and the like. They will work great with impacts, air ratchets and air hammers.

A blast cabinet will work with the first two but be prepared to do a lot of waiting for pressure to build. The last one you mentioned will give you 50% more capacity than the other two and will be mostly able to keep up with all of the above tools and a blast cabinet. You will still run out of air at times if you are using the air hogs for a extended periods but it will make life easier with the larger compressor.

I have a friend that runs a one man paint and body shop using the larger compressor that you listed (5 HP model) and he makes out OK.

 

[jeepurzz]

The home depot gets my vote. For the money, i don't think it can be beat in its price range. In store, that compressor the same price (399) for a new one. It was just lowered from 439. Add about 80 bucks shipping, and you can get a no hassle delivery with a company that has tons of locations, and if anything goes wrong, i think you'll have better luck with HD over HF.

Remember what work you're doing. If you want overkill, reliability, no waiting -- you'll have to spend more $$. It's a simple trade off.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Air compressors are something you want to buy right the first time.

 

[rodm1]

Air compressors are something you want to buy right the first time.

 

[Kev442]

Well, the Husky you posted is a rebuilt with no free shipping, so I would probably take it off my list. I have the big HF on an 80 gallon tank, it is a big compressor and is not that quiet. Kinda leaves the Puma if you need a quieter unit.(I'm assuming the Puma is quieter, I don't know)

 

[TAftw]

Find a used American made unit on CL. Sanborn, IR, Saylor Beall, Quincy, Speedaire, etc. even used, would all be worlds better than the HF or HD ones you're looking at. hope it goes well for you, good luck!

 

[Bull]

Find a used American made unit on CL. Sanborn, IR, Saylor Beall, Quincy, Speedaire, etc. even used, would all be worlds better than the HF or HD ones you're looking at. hope it goes well for you, good luck!

Did you ever start a thread for yours?

 

[TAftw]

Did you ever start a thread for yours?

No, because I haven't gotten any pictures of it yet.

 

[Bull]

No, because I haven't gotten any pictures of it yet.

You need to get on the ball here, man. People want pics of projects and new tool acquisitions!!

 

[z28toz06]

I agree, If I was lookin in that ball park, I would look for a used unit.

 

[Torque1st]

230 volts, 22 amp, Single phase from:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=93274

Is approximately a 3.5HP motor, not 5HP as advertised. Advertisers play funny numbers games with advertised HP figures. To compress air you need REAL HP not phony stuff. A real 5HP motor will draw around 27 Amps at 230VAC. Advertisers also play number games with the SCFM figures. Calculated theoretical numbers based on stroke x displacement at synchronous speed are just a mite high. Buyer beware!

-Plus do you actually NEED 165-175PSI???

 

[R6 Racer]

Well, the Husky you posted is a rebuilt with no free shipping, so I would probably take it off my list. I have the big HF on an 80 gallon tank, it is a big compressor and is not that quiet. Kinda leaves the Puma if you need a quieter unit.(I'm assuming the Puma is quieter, I don't know)

Oops, when I bookmarked that link, about a month ago it didn't say rebuilt
I also talked to the store manager on the phone who told me it was a new one. I asked him about a used one & he told me they didn't have any. I asked him about used, because of an internet add saw where that model as a rebuilt for 299.

Now I have to call them again to clarify.
Kinda screws up my question doesn't it?

OK pretend thats not a rebuilt one.
(sorry guys)

Steve