Harbor Freight Air Compressor

[kunkernator]

I know I had a thread similar to this about a month or so ago, but I think I have found the air compressor I want. This one from Harbor Freight seems like the perfect compressor for me.

The features I was looking for were;
-oiled
-high capacity
-120v
-high horsepower

This compressor meets all those requirements. I like that it is oiled, because higher capacity 120v compressors are hard to come by oiled.

My question to you guys; is this one a good compressor? Does anyone own it? Can it handle tools that hog air (die grinder, drill, etc.)?

Thanks!

 

[b1ghwx]

What do you need to do with it? It will work fine for some air tools - not at all for others. Even the tools that do work with it, you will quickly run out of air so this compressor would only be suitable for occasional use and quick tasks.

 

[Snapped-off]

Why do you want an oiless?

 

[NiteWolf]

the one you linked to is NOT oiless.

 

[TAMPAGT07]

My question to you guys; is this one a good compressor? Does anyone own it? Can it handle tools that hog air (die grinder, drill, etc.)?/QUOTE]

Nope..Honestly, I wouldn't get anything smaller then a true 5HP 220V compressor...Anything less and it doesn't meet my needs...Also, note that most (not all) HF air tools are junk....(Just in case you pick up a few air tools when you are there.)

 

[kunkernator]

****, I meant OILED. My mistake, I will fix in in the original post.

 

[pipsters]

Yeah it should run all kinds of air hog tools no problem, just for maybe of 2 mins or so. Should be plenty to do most work. If you're using it to cut large amounts of metal, no...but at that point any thing that rotates is better to be run on electricity anyway (HF has 3" cutoffs that are 120v).

 

[fury9]

Another option you could try is to surf craigslist. You could definitely find a really nice unit for 350 used.Easily in the same size you posted, and probably could find a unit even bigger if wanted. Unfortunately the one you linked to will not handle tools that are air hogs.

 

[chris142]

A die grinder will drain that tank in 10 seconds.

 

[TLCDino]

That one will be load at 1100 rpm and the 5.9 cfps will go fast.... Plus, I worry bout HF when it comes to anything with moving parts.

 

[pipsters]

OP don't let these guys scare you. I have a 25 gal 150 PSI compressor running on 120v. I cut a ton of stuff with my 3" cutoff. I used to use my die grinder to sharpen my mower blade before I got a bench grinder.

 

[Super Sport]

For that kind of money I would look at a Kobalt 30gal. It's a little more, but I would trust it over a HF model. It's not quite as powerful, but close. It is also oiled and assembled in the USA.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_221495-1498...1&currentURL=?Ntt=kobalt+30+gallon&facetInfo=

 

[Mandres]

OP, get this one instead:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200396622_200396622

It's a reman'ed kobalt unit sold at discount. you can probably find the $50 off coupon for Nothern Tool if you search a little bit too. I picked up the 60 gallon, 220v unit a month back and it's been great.

 

[RECox286]

This machine is passably alright as a beginner. It will do what you are

going to ask of it. However, it won't be the most quiet machine, or the

most John Henryish when it comes to output, but should be much better

than some of the other machines available. If you do get it, make sure to

do an oil change around the 20 to 30 hour mark, and refill with whatever oil

the instructions specify. Try to adhere to the duty cycle, that should be

specified also. Happy motoring.

Uncle Bob

 

[diggerrick]

Not everybody needs to run a DA all day. I have 10+ year old CH 15 gal compressor in my front garage and run every air tool I own with it. Sure I have to wait for it once in awhile, but not nearly enough to make me consider spending a bunch of money for something I don't need. If you decide to upgrade in a couple years, there is always a market for used compressors.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

i have an oil less craftsman thats close to that but a bigger tank. it works well with a half inch impact and other tools. it works ok with a 3/4 impact, cut off wheel, grinder and drill as long as its not constantly used. i use a grinder with a cut off wheel and electric drill over the air stuff unless im using the compressor already. now a have a cordless impact i use also but the air has more power but lots of noise

 

[kunkernator]

OP don't let these guys scare you. I have a 25 gal 150 PSI compressor running on 120v. I cut a ton of stuff with my 3" cutoff. I used to use my die grinder to sharpen my mower blade before I got a bench grinder.

What kind of compressor do you have?

For that kind of money I would look at a Kobalt 30gal. It's a little more, but I would trust it over a HF model. It's not quite as powerful, but close. It is also oiled and assembled in the USA.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_221495-1498...1&currentURL=?Ntt=kobalt+30+gallon&facetInfo=

I do agree that I would rather get a better brand than HF, but the Kobalt is less horsepower. It does look like a two-stage, would it still pressurize and keep up better?

 

[pipsters]

What kind of compressor do you have?

I have the 120v Craftsman

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=138871

I do agree that I would rather get a better brand than HF, but the Kobalt is less horsepower. It does look like a two-stage, would it still pressurize and keep up better?

It's not two-stage, it would be two cylinder. Don't directly compare HP. In fact on 120v compressors what really matters is PSI and size. Look for the biggest with the highest PSI because basically any tool you are going to use will overpower the compressor after awhile. On a 220v compressor, CFM is important but on 120v compressors they will all be about the same. Except for that Craftsman, I am really impressed with it's performance.

 

[mrpizza]

I have the husky 60 gallon from Home Depot. Works good for my uses. Lots if air available and I don't have to wait on it too often.

 

[duke5572]

No! Nothing less than a 50hp rotary screw will suit your needs. Think of the future!

/Taking GJ-thought to its logical extreme.

 

[kunkernator]

Thank you all for the fast responses, but I found my air compressor.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=183122

 

[TAMPAGT07]

Good deal.....You can't beat "free." And it's a 5HP...

 

[pipsters]

5HP on 120v...so like 1.5 HP...

It's rated 5HP under the "old" way of rating them

 

[garyhgaryh]

I know I had a thread similar to this about a month or so ago, but I think I have found the air compressor I want. This one from Harbor Freight seems like the perfect compressor for me.

The features I was looking for were;
-oiled
-high capacity
-120v
-high horsepower

This compressor meets all those requirements. I like that it is oiled, because higher capacity 120v compressors are hard to come by oiled.

My question to you guys; is this one a good compressor? Does anyone own it? Can it handle tools that hog air (die grinder, drill, etc.)?

Thanks!

I just bought this!

Here's my un-boxing:

Here's the noise comparison between my 20 year old Craftsman oil less compressor:

Gary

 

[mikebramel]

That is suprisingly quiet. I have been looking at the Taiwan made, PUMA made, North Star compressor (also sold as the IR Garage Mate) at Northern

 

[kunkernator]

I just bought this!

Here's my un-boxing:

Here's the noise comparison between my 20 year old Craftsman oil less compressor:

Gary

That Craftsman one is very similar to the 20 Gal I ended up getting for free. I was not able to get the HF one, but it is still on my wish list.

 

[retfr8flyr]

OP, get this one instead:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200396622_200396622

It's a reman'ed kobalt unit sold at discount. you can probably find the $50 off coupon for Nothern Tool if you search a little bit too. I picked up the 60 gallon, 220v unit a month back and it's been great.

I have had one of these compressors for about 2 years now, running on 120v and it has handled everything I have thrown at it. I haven't had any problems with it.

 

[garyhgaryh]

That Craftsman one is very similar to the 20 Gal I ended up getting for free. I was not able to get the HF one, but it is still on my wish list.

I never had an issue with the craftsman unit. The technical reason for me upgrading is that I want more than 125psi. I have a paint shaker that uses 130psi.

It's also loud and I don't like the form factor (hot *********). It's lasted me 20 years and I painted a car with it with no issues at all.

The HF unit was a good excuse to get one, although I didn't really need it .
Gary

 

[garyhgaryh]

That is suprisingly quiet. I have been looking at the Taiwan made, PUMA made, North Star compressor (also sold as the IR Garage Mate) at Northern

That Craftsman one is very similar to the 20 Gal I ended up getting for free. I was not able to get the HF one, but it is still on my wish list.

It's been almost a week and I love this compressor!
I thought I had an issue with the compressor not cutting out at 150psi, but it does indeed cut out at 150psi (I watched the tank gauge carefully the 2nd time around), but settles just under it after the motor shuts off (pistons stop and air fills the voids so the pressure drops slightly - at least that's what I want to believe .

It also holds air! Weird, but the 1st day I thought I lost 5psi overnight. I changed the oil and refilled the tank and I've not lost any air in the tank since (It's been almost 5 days). My tank is just under 150psi and today I decided to release some air from the drain **** to drain the water. I have a dehumidifier running downstairs and there was not enough water in the tank for me to feel it.

I decided with this compressor I'll leave air in it rather than drain it every time I'm done.
I think draining my craftsman compressor helped me keep the thing running for 20 years.
I hear that others leave their compressors full and not have any issues (as long as they drain the water), so I'll try that with the HF unit. Time will tell if this was a good decision.

It's been a good purchase at $325, esp if you decide to stick with 110v.

Gary