HF Air Compressor, Buy or Pass

[rcozzo]

OK, I have to decide tonight if I will buy this compressor tomorrow or not. I have a 25% off coupon for tomorrow only.

Here's the compressor specs:

5 HP, 60 Gallon, 165 PSI Two Stage Air Compressor
Air delivery: 13.5 CFM @ 165 PSI, 15.8 CFM @ 90 PSI, 16.4 CFM @ 40 PSI
Cast-iron cylinders and stainless steel valves
Automatic start/stop
ASME tank with safety valve
No mag starter required

230 volts, 22 amp, Single phase; Overall dimensions: 36" L x 24" Diameter x 69" H
Shipping weight: 243 lbs.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=93274

List price is $849.

It's currently on sale for $799.

I can take another 25% off tomorrow and bring it home for $600.

I'll be using it as a workshop compressor. I'm currently restoring a car and will be using a blast cabinet on some small parts. I don't do this for a living, and don't mind if I have to wait for the compressor to catch up occasionally.

I understand if I had unlimited funds, I should buy a Eaton or Quincy or IR, etc. But, this looks like a lot of compressor for the money.

What do you think? Anyone been dissapointed with a HF compressor?

 

[Lyaec350]

Sounds pretty good to me. I got the same (probably) compressor rebadged as a Porter Cable for $789 and thought I got a good deal.

 

[atvmech]

just make sure the motor isnt a cheap POS....most of the compressors themselves are pretty good

 

[rcozzo]

Motor was by A.O. Smith.

 

[rickairmedic]

Get it I have a US General 60 gallon compressor never had a problem with it . I have had it for 5 years and 3 years ago I woke up one morning to find a hose burst and it running no idea how long it had been running but it didnt seem to hurt it any its still running fine to this day.


Rick

 

[r6100mph]

I am also in the market for this same Compressor. I'm not stealing this thread, but believe we are looking for the same input and answers.

My local store has one in stock, and on sale for $799. Reg $849.

With this weeks 15% off coupon that brings the price down to $680, with tax 4.6%.....out the door for $711.28.

I'll be using it for classic motorcycle builds and restoration. I bought a HF blast cabinet (40 gal), and need a compressor to run that cabinet for blasting small parts.

I do like the fact that it is a 2-stage compressor, which produces higher psi.
The CFM seems decent at 15 @ 90psi.

Keep in mind I'll be blasting small engine cases, heads etc, with soda.

I have also come to the realization taht I wont be blasting for more than a couple minutes at a time, then allow for the comp to kick back on, but this won't be a daily thing.

I would love to hear some first had experience with the US general comps, especially the larger one.

The warranty sort of worries me, only 30 days, and the extended plan is around $80 for 1 year and 120.00 for 2 years.

Another worry is that the motor is "hecho en mexico" or made in mexico. Isn't some of the **** made in mexico almost worst than China?

Thanks in advance for the advice!

 

[jayoldschool]

It was a better deal a month ago when it was $159 for the same one, refurb. Don't get me started...

 

[r6100mph]

yup! I did see that and should have jumped at it, but let's not get that one going again.

 

[sanddrag]

I've had my 4HP 29 gallon Central Pneumatic Compressor outdoors for about a year (temporary location), and it's great. If you feel you need one that large, go for it!

 

[charlie_nj]

Another worry is that the motor is "hecho en mexico" or made in mexico. Isn't some of the **** made in mexico almost worst than China?
Thanks in advance for the advice!

You mean like Fords?

In the $160 thread, GJ member Zrexxer was able to state that this compressor is USA made by Atlas Copco in SC. The motor is made in Mexico, however. I'm about to buy the smaller 60 gal single stage U.S. General. I've yet to see anybody post negative info about these U.S. General compressors, either the single or the two stage.

You want to hear some more good news? As one of those rare oddities at Harbor Freight, that compressor is made in the United States.

It's built by Atlas Copco in Rock Hill, South Carolina. They usually have Baldor or A.O. Smith motors on them, and you couldn't even buy the motor for the $159 they're selling that for.

 

[rcozzo]

I'm happy with my 5hp 60gal. It's a little noisier than I'd like, but not deafening. I was just using it today with my blast cabinet. I can blast all day if I'd like, but the compressor will never shut off. Blasting at 80 or 90 psi, the compressor never falls behind. I blasted for about 20min., the compressor ran the whole time, walked over and looked at the tank pressure it was at 120psi.

 

[r6100mph]

Do you know if that's a 100% (continuous) duty compressor? I'm guessing maybe so, if it ran for 20 min straight.

How long have you had the compressor, and how ofter do you sandblast?

 

[rcozzo]

r6100mph, I do not know what the duty cycle is, I don't remember seeing it in any specs I've seen. I would assume it is not 100% as that seems to be the realm of the high dollar compressors. I've had it since this thread started about a year ago. I probably use the bead blast cabinet every other weekend for about 2hrs each day. Even though I may be blasting parts for a couple hours, you still give the compressor a break when you change out parts to blast. It sure gets hot, but keeps on chugging. I did switch it over to IR synthetic oil.

 

[chromemoly]

I woke up one morning to find a hose burst and it running no idea how long it had been running but it didnt seem to hurt it any its still running fine to this day.

JUST FIX THE LEAK MAN!!!

Sorry, it just struck me funny

 

[Danglerb]

I bet we see more 'real' sale prices post christmas, and with such a big unit, I'd check out some of the used premium brands in your area.

I also wouldn't worry about the motor, if it *****, buy a good replacement motor. If I couldn't give it a good work out in the first 30 days, I would get the extended warranty to make sure nothing DOA like happens.