Alton Compressors vs Harbor Freight Compressors

[vartz04]

I have found a used Alton 25 gallon 4.2 cfm @90 PSI 125 PSI max that the guy will take $200 for.

Harbor freight has a 21 gallon 4.7 CFM@90 psi 125 PSI Max for $179 on sale.

Both are direct drive oil lubed motors. What would you buy? Area altons that much better than the HF ones.

CFM Ratings are the same and if the 4 gallons is really gonna make a difference i could just throw my little 7 gallon tank on the HF one so you can consider capacity even.

 

[vartz04]

bump....no one?

 

[nickleone]

Direct drive compressors are for occasional light duty use. Not painting cars, using grinders,cutters etc.
Check out the HF guarantee if you can get one on a compressor.
If you can find a BELT drive compressor buy it. Check Craigslist. With a belt drive everything is replacable with parts from other than the manufacturer.
In a former life I assembled custom compressor packages.
We used many offshore parts.
4 gallons will not be noticed. If you had a 60 gallon compressor you could see the difference.

Nick

 

[Jack Olsen]

HF's 220V compressors are American-made and pretty good.

 

[vartz04]

Looking to stay 115v for now. 20 amp is fine. And trying to stay under $300.

The only problem I have with buying a used compressor is that people don't take care of them. I don't want to buy someone elses problem. That said, if i can find a cheap one ill take it.

Realistically though mine will be occasional use. I don't make a living turning wrenches, I don't have any big projects. I just like having the ability to use a impact gun, the blow gun, and an air ratchet if needed (use those as a last resort though), as well as fill up tires and such. I do all maintenance on my truck and my gf's car and thats about it.

 

[trboxman]

HF's 220V compressors are American-made and pretty good.

This is a true statement.

 

[Zeke]

I've seen a lot of compressors in my life and most of them are working fine at all ages. Unless they are completely filthy or covered in paint, they probably work fine. You could sure tell by starting it.

 

[seagravedriver]

I've seen a lot of compressors in my life and most of them are working fine at all ages. Unless they are completely filthy or covered in paint, they probably work fine. You could sure tell by starting it.

Very true. Ask how often they drained the tank. If they look at you funny, you may, at that point want to leave. Other than that, scour Craig'slist.

 

[vartz04]

makes sense...craigslist has nothing to offer in the 25-35 gallon range of belt drive compressors. They have 60 gallon ones but they are out of the price range ive given myself.

I have a cabinet built already that would house anything vertical in that price range (thats 25-35 gallons) that I used to use as a gun cabinet. Made out of wood ill just insulate the inside of it and put it in there if noise is an issue.