HF 60 gallon compressor

[3rdgendslmech]

Going to be purchasing a compressor towards the end of next week and I'd like some feedback from some of you guys that hopefully own/owned any of these. If I can find a deal on a used Quincy, Champion, IR or any other reputable make that would be sweet!
If I end up buying a new compressor these are the 3 I was thinking of....#1 HF 60 gallon 2 stage compressor (it's not actually a 2 stage, its a 3cyl). Then the other 2 are practically identical Lowes (Kobalt) and HD (Husky) 60 gallon single stage compressors. There's a pretty steep price jump once you get into a 2 stage compressor, but I like that they're quieter and make cooler air specially since its going to be mounted away from the shop.
Occasionally I'll do some body work....maybe paint a car/truck every 5 years, use a small plasma cutter, the usual impacts and grinders/cut off wheels. It's going to be mounted outside of the barn either in a 8x8 tool shed I have or a little overhang that's built onto the 8x8.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

I bought an used HF 60 gallon single stage from Craigslist about...guessing...6-7 years ago. I didn't hook it up for a long time. When I finally ran electricity to it, it ran/runs great. Yeah, it's a little noisy in the corner of my garage but it's more than I will ever need. It replaces a diaphragm 25 gallon Campbell Hausfield I had forever - it just wouldn't die!

I paid the princely sum of only $265. Down from the $325obo the seller was asking. I feel like a winner (so far) on this purchase.

 

[DIC]

I would wait and get a real 2 stage

 

[Bretny]

Becids painting a actual car i do the same things your looking to do with my 60gal kobalt. I have painted trailers, truck frames and plows before.

The kobalt 155psi cut off pressure is why i bought this model. The extra psi give you a bit more reserve when used at a lower pressure. 155psi also really wakes up air tools. The only things i regulate is my plasma, hvlp gun and nail guns.

 

[GarageGuy89]

I would wait and get a real 2 stage

Agreed ^^^.

You'll cry once.

Air is one thing you don't want to short yourself on.

 

[Mr. D]

I'm going to assume your budget is $800 so you are looking at a single stage pump. I would buy the Quincy Q13160VQ ($799) at Northern Tool or if you can swing $500 more the Quincy QT-54 (5-HP 60-Gallon Two-Stage) for $1300.

 

[rq375]

Also note that HF sells two different 60 gal compressors, one with a two stage upright pump and one with a single stage three cylinder radial pump. You have to look at what they are actually giving you because the part numbers are interchangeable to the employees.

 

[3rdgendslmech]

Okay so I've given up on the HF model. Talked to a co-worker/friend and he has a friend that works at a tool warehouse that can get a Belaire 2 stage 60 gallon for just under 1000.
Happened to pick up the newest Northern tool catalog and they have a 2 cylinder single stage that has great reviews for under 600 and free shipping.

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

And then you'll need to fabricate the air cooler between the pump and the tank, and the air water separator tubing arrangement on your wall, etc. It sounds like a lot, but it isn't expensive and really does help greatly in getting good air.

 

[Marctrees]

3rdgen - Heres the deal - HF has two diff 5 hp comps.

The 3 head one is chinese pump, the single head is Italian ABAC.. good quality.

IF you can still find the SINGLE head pump oneit is the best value out there.

SAME pump as the Bellaire you mentioned.

You CAN"T order it online, because they have been intermittently substituting the 3 head chinese for the single Italian.

Only if you call around to local stores, and then they STILL have to go put their eyeballs on it to CONFIRM it is the Italian one.

So, if you can find, get that.

Otherwise the bellaire is your next best bet.

Read below..

Marc
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=360354&highlight=compressor&page=2

 

[Marctrees]

Also note that HF sells two different 60 gal compressors, one with a two stage upright pump and one with a single stage three cylinder radial pump. You have to look at what they are actually giving you because the part numbers are interchangeable to the employees.

Yup, that exactly.

 

[Marctrees]

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=361437&highlight=compressor

 

[Marctrees]

If you cannot find the HF, then move on to this like your friend can get -

SAME ABAC pump. Marc

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015S8IJ6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Davefr]

Unfortunately the thought of offering a made in the USA quality product with an Italian pump was just too much for the *****'s at HF to handle.

So they "dumbed down" this unit to a cheap 1 stage Chinese pump.

Now the alternative is the Bel Aire at a $300 higher price.

 

[Marctrees]

Last I heard, there are still some of them out there.

Gotta call stores within driving distance and ask.

Bring a metric allen wrench and be prepared to drain oil.. no problem then laying it on its front side.

When we picked ours up, I recall I removed part of the pallet to make easier to load...bring a few basic tools w hammer and flatbar, handsaw.

And like I said above, make ---SURE --- it is the correct one.

Good luck 3rdgen, , let us know what happens.

Marc

 

[ckucia]

I was looking for compressor recently. Had a change in priorities for now. However, Rural King, if there's one in your area, seemed to have good pricing as far as retail. I think they had a stripped down version of the two stage dewalt that seemed like a good value when I was looking.

 

[58Yeoman]

I bought my replacement Sanborn (made in the USA) 60 gallon single stage at Menard's for less than $400 last year or so. It replaced an identical Sanborn that I bought back in the 70's. I've painted a lot of cars after sandblasting parts and using air equipment. The new one does have a bit higher pressure. Menard's 11% sale ends today.

 

[3rdgendslmech]

Def thinking about the Belaire now that I've done some research. I've got a 25 gallon gas job that i'm using for now. Put a HF predator motor on it and its quieter and starts easier that the old 5 horse B&S engine. To get more volume I was going to tie both tanks together and end up with 85 gallons. It would cycle a little longer but not as often.