Harbor Freight 5HP Two Stage 60 Gallon Compressor

[Venom2164]

Regarding whether or not to bolt it down, the instructions that I have been reading from the manufacturer state that it is to be bolted down to the floor over vibration pads but NOT tightened. Apparently that can cause metal fatigue (typically at the tank/support area at the top) from the vibration of the pump. The bolts are there to keep the unit from tipping over.

Yes, True. Once I had tightened down the nuts to get the anchors snug, I removed the nut and washer, then replaced the metal washer with a thick rubber washer. I put the nut on and brought it down to where it was just causing friction with the rubber washer. It should allow for slight movement without the nut coming off. I wanted to use a Nylon lock nut that was locked just above the rubber washer, but I did not have enough thread once I added the hockey pucks. I will have to see if they offer a slim Nylon lock nut in that size.

 

[Venom2164]

what do you use this compressor for?

Lately, I have been doing a lot of painting with it. Shooting oil based enamel onto doors. I bought a foreclosed home that is keeping me very busy. I use the compressor daily for, painting, sanding, blowing, vacuuming, metal work ( Cut off wheel, air hack saw, and nibbler), nail/staple gun and much more.

 

[Fretters]

I wanted to use a Nylon lock nut that was locked just above the rubber washer, but I did not have enough thread once I added the hockey pucks. I will have to see if they offer a slim Nylon lock nut in that size.

Just cut a slit through the side of the nuts you're currently using with a hacksaw. You want a slit through the sidewall, across half the diameter of the nut. When the nut is fitted, tap down the side which you have slitted and it compresses the nut slightly, hence deforms the thread pattern, making it a locked nut. If you ever want to remove it, just tap a wedge or chisel into the slit to open the slit back up slightly.

 

[Venom2164]

Just cut a slit through the side of the nuts you're currently using with a hacksaw. You want a slit through the sidewall, across half the diameter of the nut. When the nut is fitted, tap down the side which you have slitted and it compresses the nut slightly, hence deforms the thread pattern, making it a locked nut. If you ever want to remove it, just tap a wedge or chisel into the slit to open the slit back up slightly.

Great advice, Thanks

 

[Fretters]

Just incase that description was a bit garbled, (I know what I'm thinking but that doesnt always translate well to type ), this is an example I found online:

http://www.brickwerks.co.uk/index.php/exhaust-self-locking-split-nut-12mm-hex.html

You can achieve the same with a normal nut.

 

[CobraChevelle]

Lately, I have been doing a lot of painting with it. Shooting oil based enamel onto doors. I bought a foreclosed home that is keeping me very busy. I use the compressor daily for, painting, sanding, blowing, vacuuming, metal work ( Cut off wheel, air hack saw, and nibbler), nail/staple gun and much more.

Have you used a da sander with it yet? I wonder how it keeps up with a air hog like a da

 

[Venom2164]

Have you used a da sander with it yet? I wonder how it keeps up with a air hog like a da

I have used an air jitterbug sander. When sanding for 10 minute straight or more the compressor does kick in, but I did not notice a drop off in performance while it filled back up. Same for Paint Spraying.

Cut off wheel works well, but everything I have cut was either a small bolt or sheet metal, so It did not run very long.

 

[trboxman]

I don't know if one of the cartridge filters would be noisier or quieter. I believe that the filter size is mostly dictated by the size on the inlet, on this one the inlet is 1/2" and the Solberg #4 is usually spec'd for 1/2" inlet.

 

[Kev442]

Anyone got a favorite place to buy Solberg? I usually do my research on Amazon, but it doesn't understand #4. I get a zillion returns on every item Solberg makes....

 

[trboxman]

Are you looking for the filter element or the complete housing?

 

[trboxman]

Here is a link to the complete unit, comes with a filter:

http://www.mastertoolrepair.com/search.php?osCsid=prkog4hdbbomdm5conh0qqh1f3&keywords=FS-14-050

 

[Kev442]

Here is a link to the complete unit, comes with a filter:

http://www.mastertoolrepair.com/search.php?osCsid=prkog4hdbbomdm5conh0qqh1f3&keywords=FS-14-050

Thanks!

Amazon was just returning all those FS numbers, which was useless to a newbie like me.

 

[CompressorPros.com]

Those are good machines. Atlas Copco builds them in Rock Hill, SC as mentioned above. Harbor Freight definitely has not bought the compressor division, but they did change over to Central Pneumatic branding.

 

[Timido]

I am wondering if you could measure actual dimensions length and width of the Harbor Freight 60 compressor. I am trying to get one that is compact enough to fit behind a door out of the way. Thanks for the help and the review. Tim

 

[jar944]

I bought mine about 5 years ago back when the 20% off coupon worked on them. Its been great. The only issue I've had is the pressure relief occasionally leaks over 125psi

It has enough cfm to keep up with my blast cabinet.

 

[Venom2164]

New coupon for this compressor!

 

[tojoski]

I stopped into my local HF today to check this compressor out, but the motor was a Century, made in Mexico.

 

[dogdog]

Venom2164, can you post a sound clip of that HF compressor running, it claims 70db which is a lot quieter than the others at 82 db to 86 db... still never heard of that, really wanted a reference sound bite....

 

[trboxman]

I've measured mine at 83db several times.

 

[Mr.GrinchSD]

Here is a review I did on this compressor. It is an AWESOME COMPRESSOR

 

[aw33com]

I know I'm bringing this from the dead but as time has shown this turned out to be the best compressor ever. 10 years and it's like brand new for me. I do everything with it including heavy sand blasting. The only change I did was I removed the 1/2 inch outlet and replaced it with 1 inch pipe all the way to my junction box where my hoses connect to. It is a rocket.

That pump alone is now $1,250.00 so they had no choice but to discontinue selling it at Harbor Freight.

 

[GeoBruin]

I know I'm bringing this from the dead but as time has shown this turned out to be the best compressor ever. 10 years and it's like brand new for me. I do everything with it including heavy sand blasting. The only change I did was I removed the 1/2 inch outlet and replaced it with 1 inch pipe all the way to my junction box where my hoses connect to. It is a rocket.

That pump alone is now $1,250.00 so they had no choice but to discontinue selling it at Harbor Freight.

Wow, interesting. I have this same compressor I bought (barely) used with the central pneumatic branding. Do you have a link to the pump?

 

[aw33com]

Wow, interesting. I have this same compressor I bought (barely) used with the central pneumatic branding. Do you have a link to the pump?

Link to ABAC pump and parts.

 

[GeoBruin]

Link to ABAC pump and parts.

Awesome! Figures they make a factory intake port adapter I spent half a day making myself

 

[BlackBowtie]

That pump alone is now $1,250.00 so they had no choice but to discontinue selling it at Harbor Freight.

I was curious why they stopped selling the 60/80 gallon compressors. I wonder if they have any plans of bringing back larger units in the future.