HF 60 gallon 2 stage compressor

[BMEdoc]

Has anybody tried this unit yet?

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-to...n-165-psi-two-stage-air-compressor-93274.html

It seems like a screaming good deal for what you get. I'm in the market for a compressor right now, that will be mostly light use around my garage. Mostly impacts, but I'll need to ocassionally (rarely?) use a cut off wheel, die grinder, and possibly DA when I start the body work on my Packard.

So what's the consensus on this thing? Every single fiber of my being screams "Don't buy it!". But I'm wondering if this may be one of those rare, high quality gems from HF like their infamous red tool chests.

Interestingly, one of the comments on the site claims that it is made in the USA... I'd love to save the $500+ instead of buying an Ingersoll Rand.

 

[TAMPAGT07]

Honestly, I think I'd try to find a good name brand used compressor on CL in the $500-$800 range....I've got an old IR tank, that I purchased with a new the HF 5hp compressor pump for $350...It had a 5spl hp motor on it that I burned out..I then purchased a true 5hp (NOT 5SPL HP) motor from Northern tool..I still only have about $650 in this unit which runs like a champ..

A quincy or ingersol rand should last a lot longer and the quality is a lot better then a HF compressor...

 

[nismomans13]

Has anybody tried this unit yet?

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-to...n-165-psi-two-stage-air-compressor-93274.html

It seems like a screaming good deal for what you get. I'm in the market for a compressor right now, that will be mostly light use around my garage. Mostly impacts, but I'll need to ocassionally (rarely?) use a cut off wheel, die grinder, and possibly DA when I start the body work on my Packard.

So what's the consensus on this thing? Every single fiber of my being screams "Don't buy it!". But I'm wondering if this may be one of those rare, high quality gems from HF like their infamous red tool chests.

Interestingly, one of the comments on the site claims that it is made in the USA... I'd love to save the $500+ instead of buying an Ingersoll Rand.

I have it, a bit on the loud side, but fills up fast and has kept up with every tool i've thrown at it. I think the only difference you're going to find with this compresser vs a IR or higher quality model is it will be a bit quieter. The pump is made in NC on those models, I forget where the electric motor is made.

 

[94yj]

keep your money and look for a older quincy compressor trust me you wont be sorry you waited i see them on cl around the same 600/800 price range

 

[BMEdoc]

I figured that would be the general feeling on this. I knew deep down that it was a bad decision...

I'm honestly even questioning my need for something that large. I'm firmly believe in having and not needing; rather than needing and not having. That being said, this will be a fairly rare use item. I don't think I'll ever honestly use a DA. The most demanding tools I would be using (still only occasionally) would be a cutoff wheel, and maybe an angle grinder. If I truly, really needed a DA, I could just buy an electric and deal with that.

What do you guys think? I could save $300-500 bucks and get a new ingersol rand in the ~6-8 CFM range, and still be very happy. Right? I was considering This one or maybe This one. Thoughts?

(FYI, this is my first compressor, and I have NO experience with them. I'm looking for honest input on what you have and how much you really use it.)

 

[35mastr]

Personally when buying a compressor. I would get the biggest one that your wallet can afford and that you have the space for. There is nothing worse then when you are using any kind of tool that your compressor cant handle.

I bought a really nice 60 gal IR new and wished I would have just stepped up to the 7HP 80 gal now.

 

[Wackerjr]

I am going to have to disagree.... I have this unit... and it is awesome...

Do your research, HF compressors tanks are us made last I checked...

FYI my pump is the exact same unit used on husky, coleman, kobalt, CH, the list goes on. My motor is a AO Smith (thats usa) and identical to 90% of the 5-6hp comps in the market....Go look at it, it is really one of the best bargains HF has.......

You don't need a quincy or a IR, etc....for garage periodic use..... sorry...

I look at it this way a used (this means somewhat worn, everything wears) older "name brand"

or a NEW unit....

I went new, it works fantastic...

 

[TAMPAGT07]

To nismomans13 and Wackerjr, how long have you had your compressors and how much do you use them? I hope they hold up in the long term, as I have the HF two cylinder 5hp pump...

 

[IONH]

I have an older 3.5hp (I think, HF part 3848) version of this compressor and it has performed excellently for me. I got it at a sidewalk sale for $220 with tax as it was a returned item.

I have it, a bit on the loud side, but fills up fast and has kept up with every tool i've thrown at it. I think the only difference you're going to find with this compresser vs a IR or higher quality model is it will be a bit quieter. The pump is made in NC on those models, I forget where the electric motor is made.

Could the 5hp be that much quieter than my 3.5hp? Can I easily upgrade mine to a 5hp by changing the motor or the compressor or both?

Something possibly worth noting, I had wanted to add an auto drain to the bottom but the fitting seemed to be non-standard when I went to the shop to match something up.

 

[oldtractors]

I just bought a IR 2 stage from tractor supply. The pump is made in India. The motor is made in Mexico. How bad can the HF one be?

 

[Kev442]

I just bought a IR 2 stage from tractor supply. The pump is made in India. The motor is made in Mexico. How bad can the HF one be?

I was going to pull the trigger on the IR. Then the magic smoke stories on the Mexican motors got read. I bought this HF and am on year 3 of homeowner use. I have sandblasted with it though.

 

[nismomans13]

To nismomans13 and Wackerjr, how long have you had your compressors and how much do you use them? I hope they hold up in the long term, as I have the HF two cylinder 5hp pump...

I've had it for about 3 years now, I would say on a given week, its used 4-5 of the 7 days. I have yet to have a problem with it. Like i said, its a bit on the loud side, quieter than oilless, but louder than most dual stages out there. I'm sure a intake silencer would help but I doesn't bother me that much. When it fires up during normal use it only takes a minute or two to fill back up so its no biggie.

Its easy to suggest you guy a quincy, emglo, speedair, whatever since its someone else telling you what you should buy. in the end but what you think you need man. I'm a hobby mechanic and didn't need a 9000 gallon tank that is whisper quite. If i close my garage door i can't hear it outside, just as if i close the basement door i can't hear it in the basement so its not THAT loud.

 

[BMB]

The pump looks like the ones BelAire uses, which is made in Italy.
Should be a cast iron head and cylinders, but aluminum crankcase.

Looks very similiar to the NorthStars that Northern sells too.

I bet Belaire puts them together for them or sells the componets to them.

 

[fatboyf150]

We have sold quite a few of these units from my store and have never had one come back. And to tell you the truth, I have not seen one for return in our district.

 

[TAMPAGT07]

I've had it for about 3 years now, I would say on a given week, its used 4-5 of the 7 days. I have yet to have a problem with it.

Awesome....In a few months, I'm going to be moving mine outside to a closet...Not so much for the noise, but for the space....I think if I get about five years out of my pump, I will be happy..Hopefully, I wi;ll get many more years out of it...Thanx..

 

[BMEdoc]

Interesting... so it sounds like it may not be as bad as I had feared. I was leaning towards a 3 HP, 60 gal IR compressor that provides 11.3 CFM @ 90 psi.

This HF compressor would yield me an extra 4.5 CFM (for a total of 15.8) for an extra $200. Think it's worth it? I'll likely never use a DA...

I'm still torn. Anybody have input on the IR SS3L3? All of the reviews that I have seen are fantastic.

 

[pipsters]

You might want to consider buying a cheaper 20-30 gallon 120v compressor to "try it out". You don't sound like you are too sure how much you'd even use it. A large 60 or 80 gallon compressor needs to be wired in and that adds additional cost and hassle, a 120v compressor can just plug in and go.

Kinda like being 16 and jumping in a kit built supercar before driving a Honda. If you buy it used, or a cheaper 120v unit new, you can always sell on Craigslist for roughly half what you bought it for, so you'd only lose $100 tops maybe.

The older guys on here that have both often say they use their smaller compressors more often. A 20-30 gallon compressor will easily do impacts and run limited use of die grinder and cut off tools.

This one at Home Depot costs roughly $400 + tax w/ the 10% off movers coupon, and does 10.2 CFM.

http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hard...Id=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051#BVRRWidgetID

Also IMO the 20 gal IR Garagemate is way overpriced.

 

[TAMPAGT07]

You might want to consider buying a cheaper 20-30 gallon 120v compressor to "try it out". You don't sound like you are too sure how much you'd even use it. A large 60 or 80 gallon compressor needs to be wired in and that adds additional cost and hassle, a 120v compressor can just plug in and go.
.

I disagree....The OP's habits might change after buying a compressor...I had a small 30 gallon 3hp oiless when I first started out, and it wouldn't keep up with my needs now...You get a good 60 gallon, and you should be set...My compressor ($650 invested) is really only a small part of my tool inventory..

 

[IONH]

Then again, 20-30 gallon compressors are usually portable and 120V. If you need air anywhere other than within 50-100 feet of your compressor, or at a different location entirely, it may be smarter to buy the smaller one for now and upgrade later keeping the smaller one for the portable unit.

 

[TAMPAGT07]

Then again, 20-30 gallon compressors are usually portable and 120V. If you need air anywhere other than within 50-100 feet of your compressor, or at a different location entirely, it may be smarter to buy the smaller one for now and upgrade later keeping the smaller one for the portable unit.

What's great about a larger unit is that nobody asks to borrow my compressor...(As they did when I had a smaller unit.)..I've got enough hose to reach any where in my yard....I am now tempted to build a shed and bolt my pressure washer to the floor...(Due to the fact that everytime I have let people borrow it, it came back screwed up)....

 

[trboxman]

Don't loan tools. That's my policy.

 

[pipsters]

I disagree....The OP's habits might change after buying a compressor...I had a small 30 gallon 3hp oiless when I first started out, and it wouldn't keep up with my needs now...You get a good 60 gallon, and you should be set...My compressor ($650 invested) is really only a small part of my tool inventory..

Sure but sometimes it's better to walk before you run, getting a cheap 120v compressor will allow this guy to cut his teeth and figure out exactly what he wants. Maybe he suddenly realizes he wants to sand blast and he really does need that 16 cfm compressor. If so he just blew $700 on a 11 cfm model that won't be able to keep up.

I dunno I see it a lot though, people jump head first into something and end up dropping out after spending a boatload of money. Just my $0.02.

 

[nismomans13]

Sure but sometimes it's better to walk before you run, getting a cheap 120v compressor will allow this guy to cut his teeth and figure out exactly what he wants. Maybe he suddenly realizes he wants to sand blast and he really does need that 16 cfm compressor. If so he just blew $700 on a 11 cfm model that won't be able to keep up.

I dunno I see it a lot though, people jump head first into something and end up dropping out after spending a boatload of money. Just my $0.02.

I normally agree with that, but a larger compressor is just like a smaller compressor just better honestly. When it comes to welders I always suggest a 220v machine because no matter what you 'intend' to weld, you will always need that power for something down the road, and its better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

He sacrifices nothing by buying a 220v 60 gallon comp, he sacrifices time and money if he buys a 110v oil less and finds it will run 8 times just taking lug nuts off.

 

[pipsters]

I normally agree with that, but a larger compressor is just like a smaller compressor just better honestly. When it comes to welders I always suggest a 220v machine because no matter what you 'intend' to weld, you will always need that power for something down the road, and its better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

He sacrifices nothing by buying a 220v 60 gallon comp, he sacrifices time and money if he buys a 110v oil less and finds it will run 8 times just taking lug nuts off.

You lose a lot by going to a 220v welder. Portability for one, which is a big one in my book as a homeowner, not a farmer with barn and no 3/8" steel plate to weld.

There's a lot in between a smaller oil-less compressor and a 60 gallon two stage belt driven. It's not like there is no in between. Just like there is a lot in between a 90 amp Harbor Freight welder and a Miller 211.

 

[darkzero]

Not surprised that the Quincy, IR, Kellog, etc owners will say to stay away from it & find something American used, much like guys that say to buy old American lathes rather than new import lathes.

Truth is the 60 gal US General branded air compressors are one of the very few products actually made in the US that HF sells. I normally would not buy an air compressor from HF either, and with any of their compressors other than the 60 gals or Central Pnuematic branded I would definitely stay away from.

The 60 gal US General brands are the same compressors that BelAire sells & are the same compressors that Kobalt used to sell (The newer Kobalts are made by CH). They are made by ABAC/America IMC. The tanks are made by Manchester tank & are ASME certified. Pump is made by IMC in Italy. Pressure switch is made by Condor USA. And the motor is made by AO Smith. My AO Smith motor is made in the USA but the newer models currently in stores where the discharge line is now on the right side of the pump, the AO Smith motors are assembled in Mexico.

I bought my 20 gal oil lubricated Craftsman/DevilBiss in 99' for $350 of a friend barely used. Last year I purchased the single stage 60 gal US General for $250. Sold the Craftsman for $200. Would have loved to have the 2 stage but for a $50 upgrade, couldn't pass that up. I've had absolutely no problems with mine yet & I'm pretty happy with it for home use.

If I were to do it again, I would still have gone with the 60 gal US General.

 

[1984Datsun]

[snip]
This one at Home Depot costs roughly $400 + tax w/ the 10% off movers coupon, and does 10.2 CFM.

http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hard...Id=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051#BVRRWidgetID

[snip]

I have this compressor... so far so good. Very happy with the amount of air it puts out.

A week or so every now and then of running the living piss out of it for fab work or whatever. If it didn't blow up then, I don't think it's gonna blow up anytime soon.

These Husky compressors are made by CH, if you're wondering.


Need to put a franzinator on mine though... I use it long enough often enough to make lots and lots of water.

 

[98TJ]

It is better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

He sacrifices nothing by buying a 220v 60 gallon comp, he sacrifices time and money if he buys a 110v oil less and finds it will run 8 times just taking lug nuts off.

Exactly.

If you don't mind spending money twice, get a 120v oiless.

 

[Beaumont67]

Here is a nice 2 stage for $1349...Interesting detailed writeup.
http://www.eatoncompressor.com/catalog/item/504747/206949.htm

But after seeing this thread and the HF sale price of $799...very hard to beat.
- I would never buy anything smaller
(but I have an occasional use for a D/A and sandblaster...these tools are pigs on air usage)

 

[Kev442]

Interesting... so it sounds like it may not be as bad as I had feared. I was leaning towards a 3 HP, 60 gal IR compressor that provides 11.3 CFM @ 90 psi.

This HF compressor would yield me an extra 4.5 CFM (for a total of 15.8) for an extra $200. Think it's worth it? I'll likely never use a DA...

I'm still torn. Anybody have input on the IR SS3L3? All of the reviews that I have seen are fantastic.

Don't know which way you ended up going, but I did a test today of my old compressor, 60 gallon, 9.9 @ 90 vs this HF 80 gallon 15.8 @ 90.

FP 3" cutoff with Milton Hi Flow couplings.

Was waiting for the old compressor after 1.5 minutes to catch up.

Used the entire cutoff wheel up steady with the HF. The HF never shutoff, but never fell behind. Nice.

 

[Jack Olsen]

People like to make broad assumptions because it's sold by Harbor Freight.

It's generally considered to be a very good compressor, manufactured for Harbor Freight by an American company (with the Italian pump).

 

[charged355]

Ok I have been looking at this compressor to. I do have one question. What is the difference between these two?? They look identical!!

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-to...n-165-psi-two-stage-air-compressor-55391.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-to...n-165-psi-two-stage-air-compressor-93274.html

 

[trboxman]

Factory reconditioned, factory perfect;

....

 

[kb2tha]

I just bought a Rolair 80 gallon 2 stage, true 5 hp with Speedaire pump for $450. over Craigslist. Looked for quite some time before I found one close enough to make it worth the trip. Am still in the process of hooking it up but did hear it run and it was good.

 

[Mr.N]

Ok I have been looking at this compressor to. I do have one question. What is the difference between these two?? They look identical!!

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-to...n-165-psi-two-stage-air-compressor-55391.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-to...n-165-psi-two-stage-air-compressor-93274.html

27 pounds for one

 

[darkzero]

Ok I have been looking at this compressor to. I do have one question. What is the difference between these two?? They look identical!!

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-to...n-165-psi-two-stage-air-compressor-55391.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-to...n-165-psi-two-stage-air-compressor-93274.html

That's strange, wonder why they edited the photo to say Central Pnuematic on it, wasn't like that not too long ago.

None of three HFs near me ever have the refurbished ones in stock though but I suppose you could have one ordered & delivered to the store.

 

[fatboyf150]

Ok I have been looking at this compressor to. I do have one question. What is the difference between these two?? They look identical!!

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-to...n-165-psi-two-stage-air-compressor-55391.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-to...n-165-psi-two-stage-air-compressor-93274.html

It's just a name change. Central is now a HFT brand name.

That's strange, wonder why they edited the photo to say Central Pnuematic on it, wasn't like that not too long ago.

None of three HFs near me ever have the refurbished ones in stock though but I suppose you could have one ordered & delivered to the store.

HFT does not do that.

 

[trboxman]

US General is already an HFT brand name.

 

[darkzero]

It's just a name change. Central is now a HFT brand name.

The Central X brands always have been. That photo of the compressor with the Central name edited into the photo was not like that recently & it's still listed as a US General brand compressor. Only these US General branded compressors are US made. Unless that photo change means they are soon not going to be US General branded anymor perhaps that means they will soon be China made like the rest of the Central brands. Not likely & I hope not.

HFT does not do that.

Why is that? They should as long as it's in a stocking warehouse. When I went to purchase an 8x14 lathe a couple of years ago, it was not in stock at the store & they had one delivered to the store. Took a week to get there & they called me when it arrived.

 

[fatboyf150]

US General is already an HFT brand name.

Everything is being done because of the owner. Since Eric and his dad had it out, everything is being put under the central name.

The Central X brands always have been. That photo of the compressor with the Central name edited into the photo was not like that recently & it's still listed as a US General brand compressor. Only these US General branded compressors are US made. Unless that photo change means they are soon not going to be US General branded anymor perhaps that means they will soon be China made like the rest of the Central brands. Not likely & I hope not.





Why is that? They should as long as it's in a stocking warehouse. When I went to purchase an 8x14 lathe a couple of years ago, it was not in stock at the store & they had one delivered to the store. Took a week to get there & they called me when it arrived.

There have been so much stuff ordered online in the past and left at the stores, it has been a inconvenience for the stores. Even stuff that has been prepaid, customers have not picked up when they say they would. Back rooms at a lot of stores are really small, and when you have big stuff waiting to go out, and it doesn't, it becomes a problem. Then it gets sent back, then the customer decides he now wants it. There have been a lot of changes since Eric took over and there will be more to come.

 

[darkzero]

Everything is being done because of the owner. Since Eric and his dad had it out, everything is being put under the central name.



There have been so much stuff ordered online in the past and left at the stores, it has been a inconvenience for the stores. Even stuff that has been prepaid, customers have not picked up when they say they would. Back rooms at a lot of stores are really small, and when you have big stuff waiting to go out, and it doesn't, it becomes a problem. Then it gets sent back, then the customer decides he now wants it. There have been a lot of changes since Eric took over and there will be more to come.

So all the US General, Chicago Electric, Pittsburgh, Cen-Tech, Storehouse, Drill Master, etc brand names will change to Central X names?

I did not mention anything about ordering online. With so many locations near me I have had no reason to order online & never have. I don't see why it would make a difference if an item is ordered online to deliver to a store (if that is even possible) than ordering an item in store that is not in stock as long as it's prepaid?