HF 2 stage compressor

[IsaacJ]

I've been looking for a decent compressor for the shop for a while now, right now i've been using a craftsman oilless buzz bomb that barely builds pressure anymore. I want at least a 60 gallon tank and a 2 stage compressor..
my budget was around $1000, which puts me at a used or a cheap compressor.
I've been watching craigslist for the last month or so, and the only decent compressors are either way out the price range, or cheapo compressors from menards or home depot and usually single stage.

I was about ready to pony up for a new quincy compressor when I happened to see the HF 2 stage compressor. Normally I try to stay far away from HF powered tools, but from what I read and see online, they are basically identical to a bel-aire, but with only a 90 day warranty. are these any good? not a whole lot of reviews on them online, but nothing really bad either.

I'm 21 and about to modify/restore my 1958 international. I hope to have an air compressor that will last me a long time. Is there any reason besides my american pride that the quincy will be better than the HF? real life reviews on both are welcome!

 

[gdocktor3]

I would never ever in my life spend that much money on something from Harbor Freight. I remember reading somewhere someone else makes their compressors and would even warranty them, but cannot remember who it was. Instead of waiting 3 days for different people to chime in read some of these threads. https://www.google.com/webhp?source...=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=who makes hf compressors

 

[rtull32]

I would never ever in my life spend that much money on something from Harbor Freight. I remember reading somewhere someone else makes their compressors and would even warranty them, but cannot remember who it was. Instead of waiting 3 days for different people to chime in read some of these threads. https://www.google.com/webhp?source...=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=who makes hf compressors

I actually remember reading the opposite (unless I'm thinking of a different brand). I want to say the pump was made in Italy and the tank may have even been made in the USA. I will try to find where I read that.

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[CNGsaves]

Here you go OP . . . . $650 monster compressor setup but it's 3 phase.

Check with CL Seller on HP and start researching a 1 Phase motor or phase converter . . . . . bet this beast would be last compressor you'd ever own.

https://fayar.craigslist.org/tls/5477609064.html

 

[theoldwizard1]

I want at least a 60 gallon tank and a 2 stage compressor..
my budget was around $1000, which puts me at a used or a cheap compressor.

This a home shop, right ?

There is no reason for a 2 stage compressor, and there are a lot of good, name brand, single stage compressors for MUCH less than $1000 !

Look for a 5hp, 150 PSI unit. Most 2 stage are only about 175 PSI anyways.

 

[redmondjp]

This a home shop, right ?

There is no reason for a 2 stage compressor, and there are a lot of good, name brand, single stage compressors for MUCH less than $1000 !

Look for a 5hp, 150 PSI unit. Most 2 stage are only about 175 PSI anyways.

???

The location of one's shop has absolutely nothing to do with the size of compressor you need. There are a lot of us that absolutely do need a 2-stage compressor for the things that we do at home. If you use an air sander or cutoff tool for more than a few minutes at a time, for example. Or a sandblasting cabinet.

 

[JTG]

I was in the same situation. My loud oiless compressor died before Christmas and I've been watching craigslist since. As you said there aren't many 2 stage compessors that show up for a good price. I found a quality commercial one listed for $500 but after talking to the seller realized it was 3 phase. He needed to get rid of it so I got it for $250. I'm going to get a new single phase motor for $400.

My point is, when looking don't dismiss a 3 phase if it has a quality pump and tank. These are hard to sell and you should be able to get it for a good price.

 

[JJThrasher]

How about the Kobalt 80 gallon for $900 from Lowe's? I have the 60 gallon version and have found it o be a great compressor. I wouldn't trust HF for something like this.

 

[MrGiggles]

HF only has a hand in marketing that compressor. I don't believe any of the major components are made by them. Some have a phobia or general mistrust of HF, but that compressor is pretty much the best you can get for the money. There are hundreds of satisfied owners out there that have had no problems with it.

Doing a restoration usually includes a lot of blasting, cutting, sanding, and polishing, all of which are better suited with the largest compressor you can afford. Don't settle, since it can be the heart of your operation.

 

[dbabicky]

I've had a HF 60 gallon/7 hp compressor now going on 16 years. (knock on wood) I have had no trouble with it !!

 

[sberry]

Most last a good long time, last longer than a lot of owners. It wouldnt scare me.

 

[B_Bimmer]

Do you have children who are interested in mechanical things? If so in fifty years they will enjoy showing their children grandpa's Quincy. Still the main compressor in the shop. Plus in the meantime you'll have an epicly more reliable machine, that actually has parts support, should you need it. If you have the means to pony up for one of those, either new or used, do it.

 

[Kev442]

My HF is now about seven years old. They are fairly noisy as they turn 3450. I have not worked it hard very often, but there have been a few times it ran for an hour straight blasting.
I was going to buy an Eaton for a few hundred more plus freight, but that was when the butthead who owns the company was threatening everyone on the net who stated the Eaton pump was Chinese. Sued for stating the truth? I decided not to support his lifestyle.

 

[fastcar1954]

i bought this. 12month 0 interset. http://www.bestbuyautoequipment.com/belaire-216v-5hp-2stg-elec-air-compressor-p/imc216v.htm

 

[mr.speaker]

Harbor Freight really has nothing to do with the compressors.. Last ones I checked , the motors were made in Ohio, tanks were made in US, the whole unit is assembled in the US, and the pump may be Italian or American depending ..

I've also seen the ones with this mounted on top http://www.mastertoolrepair.com/air-compressor-pump-parts-t29s-p-628.html

 

[md21722]

Today's "dual stage" HF compressor is not the same as the one with all the good reviews! It is a single stage pump! You can tell because there's three cylinders and all go into the tank. There is no "second stage". The old ones were dual stage.

Be careful of the Quincy less expensive Quincy compressors. They will probably be fine, but they are Quincy compressors in name only! Atlas Copco owns Quincy, Chicago Pneumatic, Bel Air, ... and is also the current manufacturer of NAPA compressors. The Quincy 3.5HP can be purchased in multiple colors by choosing Quincy, CP, Bel Air, or NAPA... they are the same except for the paint color. Atlas Copco also made the old HF dual stage compressors. The parts are all interchangeable... The Quincy QT-54, QT-5, QT-7.5, QR are all "true" Quincy pumps.

 

[mr.speaker]

^ Wow. I have not been to Harbor freight in a while . That ***** if true !

 

[anndel]

I actually remember reading the opposite (unless I'm thinking of a different brand). I want to say the pump was made in Italy and the tank may have even been made in the USA. I will try to find where I read that.

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You're correct, I read the same several months ago when I was looking for a compressor to replace my little one. After reading that I called HF and inquired about shipping to Hawaii but nixed that after they came back with a quote of $500 for shipping a $400 30 gallon HF compressor.

 

[sberry]

Do you have children who are interested in mechanical things? If so in fifty years they will enjoy showing their children grandpa's Quincy. Still the main compressor in the shop. Plus in the meantime you'll have an epicly more reliable machine, that actually has parts support, should you need it. If you have the means to pony up for one of those, either new or used, do it.

While he is waiting for this perfect deal, rebuilding an old one he could get on with it buying off the shelf at low cost.

 

[gdocktor3]

I actually remember reading the opposite (unless I'm thinking of a different brand). I want to say the pump was made in Italy and the tank may have even been made in the USA. I will try to find where I read that.

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That's what I said. Someone else makes them. I thought Atlas Copco and in this thread someone else mentions it. It's like the 3rd post down. Lots of good info in this thread. http://www.smokstak.com/forum/showthread.php?t=87036

 

[jallyn]

The one at my local Harbor Freight has a pump made in Italy and motor made in the USA. Definitely not cheap Chinese junk as some other things at HF. At HF you can find good things, just pay attention to COO. As with everything, buyer beware.

If I was in the market for a 5HP unit I would strongly consider HF.

 

[theoldwizard1]

i bought this. 12month 0 interset. http://www.bestbuyautoequipment.com/belaire-216v-5hp-2stg-elec-air-compressor-p/imc216v.htm

Belaire (at least the pumps) are re-branded to many other brands.

 

[IsaacJ]

does anybody know how good the dewalt compressors are? My local farm store (bomgaars) has a 2 stage 60 gallon for $1099. I saw that the motor was made in Mexico, but I didn't see any markings or stamps on the pump. Visually, it looks different than the hf, but for all I know, it might just be another re branded bel air/HF.