Harbor Freight compressor tank CFM capability?

[gaalcom]

My lightly used 35 year old Craftsman 230v 20gal 4hp 9.2cfm@40 7.5cfm@90 sprung a pinhole leak. I started looking for a nice 20-30 gallon upright tank-only replacement option and was surprised by prices starting at $330 (includes s&h). This got me thinking -- Why not buy a Harbor Freight 26 gallon oil-less air compressor (1.8hp, 6 & 4 cfm) when they're on sale for about $170. With this I could remove the oil-less mechanics and swap them with my nearly mint condition Craftsman pieces to provide a much stouter air compressor. Could then likely use the HF mechanics as a portable air station.

Now what I'm unsure about is if the Harbor Freight tank itself is capable of passing the additional CFM. Anyone familiar enough with them to advise if the tank fittings are sized large enough to permit the flow volume I enjoyed with the Craftsman?

I see that if I'm not wed to the idea of a portable airless station I could right now get a HF 21 gallon vertical oil-filled compressor for $150. The swap with this unit should be just as simple, if not simpler.

Any insight appreciated. Would also be great to hear if anyone knows of a source for reasonably priced tank-only options.

 

[SteveH-CO]

I see those Campbell Hausfield compressors fail from time to time and I would think you could find a good tank from a broken Craigslist compressor. Much can be found in the $50 range.

I doubt the fitting sizes on an HF tank would ever be a limiting factor on your conversion project, but it would be easy enough to study an HF compressor up close and see if it has fittings that favor this swap.

 

[gaalcom]

Thanks for the reply.

I too had a pretty good feeling a predictable stream of failed compressors with good tanks would be offered on craigslist. Unfortunately, after nearly 5 months of monitoring, the only items being advertised are either working units or tanks with reason to question their condition.

Seems I'll have to stop by a Harbor Freight to get an up-close look at the fittings as I haven't been able to locate any decent images on the net.

 

[plinker]

In-tank check valves are usually 1/2NPT, so as long as you have 1-2 ports that size you should be ok. A new discharge line may be needed as well. Transfering the pump & motor may be more of a challenge, minimum of drilling new holes in the mounting base.

Another place to watch for used tanks are local auctions.

 

[gaalcom]

Appreciate the reply plinker.

Good port info, reminds me what to look for. I did think ahead and saved the mounting plate off the original tank with intent to weld it onto the new one. It'll be just the horizontal plate as I prefer not to weld on the tank itself.

Btw, thanks for reminding me about my 30 year old Snap-On screwdriver. Although she's still ratcheting along like a champ it probably is a good idea to give it a tune-up.