Recent content by Truman Sparks

Thanks, I probably did flog the research! In the end, the Kobalt looked like the easier one to change the oil on, so that tipped it. I agree, the ones you posted look like CH compressors to me. I think the Husky in your picture is actually a model VT6314, though. Here's a pic of the Husky...

I recently purchased a 60 gal Kobalt compressor, and it is indeed a Campbell Hausfeld. However I believe that most of the others you mentioned are actually manufactured by MAT Industries, including the 60 gal Husky that's currently in the stores. There's a Husky with a different part number that...

Mitt Romney's solution: http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/05/mitt-romney-ordered-55000-phantom-park-car-elevator-designer-says/

Here's a shot of mine. The process included a "guard", and I went with a charcoal stain color. As you can see, it's kind of a mottled finish. I left the expansion joints unfilled, which gives it a bit of an industrial look. It is still somewhat porous, even with the guard. In particular, I made...

...and a "wheelie" helped get enough weight on the rear tire to ring the bell

I did pretty much as bimmer and Zrexxer did, then unloaded it from the trailer with an engine picker. I fabbed a sling using the nylon strapping, and lifted it using the mounting bracket welded to the top of the tank. Original plan had been to use a refrigerator dolly, but the compressor seemed...

Here's our Border Collie helping out in the garage by holding down the compressor (no, it's not running):

I have a "hobby" type shop, and am finishing up an installation of the 1/2" Maxline kit. It's hard to straighten the lines perfectly, but with some fussing they can be made to look reasonably straight. I also didn't use the Maxline clips (which you have to buy separately anyway). I used some...

The home improvement stores have varied their suppliers over time. The current Kobalt is a CH, and the current Husky is made by MAT Industries (MAT also makes similar 60 gal compressors wearing Powermate, Industrial Air, Sanborn, and other labels). I believe that the 60 gal Kobalt used to be a...

Most of the CL ads in my area were also for used equipment with new/retail asking prices. I eventually went with the Kobalt (Campbell Hausfeld) from Lowes for $499, less the military discount.

I have some of the Pro series cabinets, and like them quite a bit. Whichever series you get, shop around for them. I got mine from GarageAppeal.com; I'd recommend calling them, especially if the "package deals" from Costco, et. al., don't exactly fit the bill. GarageAppeal.com may let you design...

I got a leg set and stringer from McMaster-Carr, and a formica top from Zoro. Parts were about $240 in total. I don't recall the shipping charges, but they weren't too bad. Going bigger (this one is only 4') will increase the cost a bit, no doubt. Assembly was pretty easy--probably as close to...

I've done small areas with my index finger and some drywall mud.

It may be helpful to find a planner at the city, and sit down for an informal discussion about what's generally possible and what's not. You never know until you ask. Tampa has got some funky things going on, especially in some of the old neighborhoods. There are residential lots that have...

Appreciate the input; I don't have too much to add except a lighting strike anecdote... A couple of years ago, we had a strike close by. It was pretty loud, but nothing seemed amiss, and no breakers tripped. Unfortunately, I didn't go out and make a through tour right away. The next day, the...