HF Fortress pancake compressor

[nbpt100]

I am considering purchasing this compressor in the link below. 99% of what I use a compressor for is for cleaning and inflating. I have an older 3 gallon Craftsman compressor that requires oil and is loud. My motivation is to get something much quieter I can use in the garage and even basement with out a disturbance. I see the oiless feature as a plus in case I blow off items I am preparing to paint. It is light enough so I can take it with me to a project if needed. It won't run my air hammer but I will keep my older one as back up and use if needed.

I read the 4 and 3 star reviews as I find them more objective and they are more or less what I would have expected. Decent but not GJ obsessed perfection.

https://www.harborfreight.com/collections/inside-track-club-deals/6-gallon-ultra-quiet-air-compressor-59840.html

Thoughts in general and does anyone have experience with this one?

 

[GeoBruin]

I am considering purchasing this compressor in the link below. 99% of what I use a compressor for is for cleaning and inflating. I have an older 3 gallon Craftsman compressor that requires oil and is loud. My motivation is to get something much quieter I can use in the garage and even basement with out a disturbance. I see the oiless feature as a plus in case I blow off items I am preparing to paint. It is light enough so I can take it with me to a project if needed. It won't run my air hammer but I will keep my older one as back up and use if needed.

I read the 4 and 3 star reviews as I find them more objective and they are more or less what I would have expected. Decent but not GJ obsessed perfection.

https://www.harborfreight.com/collections/inside-track-club-deals/6-gallon-ultra-quiet-air-compressor-59840.html

Thoughts in general and does anyone have experience with this one?

The pancake is the newest addition to the fortress line so it won't have as many users as the other models yet, and certainly no long term reviews. It was a good addition to the lineup in my opinion. Fits in between the 2 gallon hand carry model and the rolling 10 gallon model in terms of capacity, output, max pressure, and sound.

 

[mike93lx]

No experience with that one, but I have one of the ultra quiet compressors from another brand and it is fantastic. I'd have no problem trying that one

 

[nadogail]

I have the 26 gallon ultra quiet Fortress Compressor, my only regret is I did not buy it earlier.

 

[mark-NJ]

To me, a compressor is only as good as it's CFM rating vis-a-vis my needs. My question would be "how much cleaning do you do?"...i.e. are you blowing air for 30 seconds? 2 minutes? More? 2.7 cubes is a very small number, but if it works for you, then I'd say "sure! go for it".

What's the flow rate on your old Craftsman? Is it sufficient?

Speaking only for me, 2.7 wouldn't come close to meeting my needs.

 

[zendriver]

I have the 2 gallon "hot dog" similar specs (except for tank size)

Love it.

The one you're looking at weighs 50 pounds, if that matters.

 

[mike93lx]

I have the 2 gallon "hot dog" similar specs (except for tank size)

Love it.

The one you're looking at weighs 50 pounds, if that matters.

Spec says 43, but either way, that ain't light. It's one reason I went with an Aluminum tank

 

[nbpt100]

OK. I just looked up my Cman specs and it is 2.4 SCFM @ 90psi, This Fortress is a little better at 2.7SCFM @90psi. It is also bigger in capacity with 6 Gallon Vs. 3 Gal. The shipping weight is 50lbs and the actual wieght is 43lbs. The Cman may be a bit lighter.

The C'man runs my air hammer with a brief wait now and then. This should work a bit better. In theory. It appears this should out perform the Cman on most every important point.

I think I should do it!

 

[MarcSeattle]

For that price, I'd look at compressors from California Air Tools. Quiet and reliable.

 

[M635_Guy]

A quiet compressor is a beautiful thing. I have a California Air Tools one, and love it.

I'd probably be tempted by the quiet HF ones today, but whatever - quiet is the key.

 

[tarbellb]

My 2gallon HF Fortress UQ compressor has been great.
It's my rental house compressor and has recently went through a full pop top trim job and a 5 month everyday fabrication duty job.

It's been flawless MINUS the ****** HF connections that came with the decent HF hose.

Jump on it

 

[AEAdam]

California Air compressors that are known to be the quietest. You can get them with Aluminum tanks.

Don't trust reviews on any website, especially HFs. Beware of HF "new pricing". Prices are creeping up. HF is no longer the cheapest **** you can buy. It's now moderately expensive ****. California Air have scratch and dent models!

 

[nbpt100]

California Air compressors that are known to be the quietest. You can get them with Aluminum tanks.

Don't trust reviews on any website, especially HFs. Beware of HF "new pricing". Prices are creeping up. HF is no longer the cheapest **** you can buy. It's now moderately expensive ****. California Air have scratch and dent models!

OK, who sells California Air compressors?

 

[AEAdam]

OK, who sells California Air compressors?

Home Depot, Amazon, Lowes, or…wait for it...just go to their website. You can order direct….https://www.californiaairtools.com/

Assembled in America, free shipping

 

[GeoBruin]

California Air compressors that are known to be the quietest. You can get them with Aluminum tanks.

Don't trust reviews on any website, especially HFs. Beware of HF "new pricing". Prices are creeping up. HF is no longer the cheapest **** you can buy. It's now moderately expensive ****. California Air have scratch and dent models!

"Known to be the quietest" is definitely over stating it. I would agree that they may be the most well known for making quiet, oilless compressors however. That said, there are now many companies selling "quiet" oilless compressors.

Member Hatsuwr compiled this list. You can take a look and see for yourself. Admittedly the list is getting a llittle old, and there are some new models out there (like the pancake from HF) but it's still worth a look.

Now I like CAT compressors, and I recommend them often, but Harbor Freight is not just charging more for the same old junk. They are starting to make some good stuff, and their fortress quiet line are among them.

I think it just comes down to the size, weight, tank capacity, pressure, flow, and noise level you need, and there is probably something out there for you.

 

[Citation]

On paper that HF seems like a good option. As alternatives (without claiming either is better) you might consider these two Walmart options:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Goodyear...sor-Portable-with-Handle-and-Wheels/896759384 $180
https://www.walmart.com/ip/HART-8-Gallon-Oil-Free-Quiet-Air-Compressor-135-PSI/5135218418 $157

Both have peak pressures and CFM numbers that are marginally lower than the HF model. In terms of usable air the smaller tank of the HF is compensated for by having more pressure. Net result, any of the three have basically the same usable volume of air. I haven't tried the Hart compressor but I did pick up one of the GY compressors for a friend. It's every bit as quiet as my CAT 1055A. The 8 gallon compressors are likely a bit heavier than the HF (which at 43lb isn't exactly light... my CAT has the aluminum tank and weighs a bit over 30 lb). However, the 8 gallon units also have wheels so much of the time they are easier to move.

As for performance, I suspect any of these could get some work out of a 1/2" impact wrench though I would expect it to deliver less than full power due to flow restrictions through the regulator. I've used my CAT with an impact wrench and it clearly is restricted... but still sufficient to remove smaller wheels.

 

[nbpt100]

This is the comparable California compressor that I can find. It looks like a nice compressor. No doubt, one of the quietest you will find.

California Air Tools Quiet Flow 4.7 Gal. 1.0 HP Portable Electric Oil-Free Air Compressor 4710SQ - The Home Depot

This California Air Tools Quiet Flow Portable Electric Oil-Free Air Compressor is designed to provide all power with little noise. Easy to handle.

www.homedepot.com

The Fortress I am looking at seems to edge it out on SCFM, Pressure, Capacity, and a brushless motor. The weights are the same. California is quieter. 60 vs 68 Db. and has a bit smaller foot print. I am going from something that is probably in the 80'sdb to 60 something. That is a dramatic drop. I am sure I will be happy with either. Pricing is in the same ball park. My guess, Which is dangerous, is that the Fortress would be easier to deal with any potential warranty issues. The only recurring negative I read about on the Fortress is the quick disconnects are hard to use when the pressure is up high. To get around this people run the pressure down on the regulator to add a hose. Will that be too annoying? I am not sure?. It it impacts the connection at the end of the hose, maybe. I do change air tools out a lot.

When I read reviews, I discount most of the 5 stars unless they provide incredible detail and they used the product for some time. I tend to look at the 3 and 4 as i get the sense they are typically more objective. Nothing is perfect and I want the review that will flag that imperfection. Evan if it is minor. 1 star reviews can also be relieving but you need to use a lot of discretion.

Am I missing anything?

 

[mike93lx]

8 db (if the ratings are trustworthy) is huge. That is almost cutting the noise level in half.

 

[nbpt100]

8 db (if the ratings are trustworthy) is huge. That is almost cutting the noise level in half.

I understand the DB system. It is logarithmic. Sure. But compared to something in the 80's it is very dramatically. It is going to be ~4x times quieter. The example I saw on the California sales page was 60's is a conversion where 80s is city traffic. Are they trustworthy.? In the comments most people comment on how quiet the Fortress is. It is relative to anyone experience. Anyone with a DB sound meter can tell us their experience with a metric.

 

[Citation]

This is the comparable California compressor that I can find. It looks like a nice compressor. No doubt, one of the quietest you will find.

California Air Tools Quiet Flow 4.7 Gal. 1.0 HP Portable Electric Oil-Free Air Compressor 4710SQ - The Home Depot

This California Air Tools Quiet Flow Portable Electric Oil-Free Air Compressor is designed to provide all power with little noise. Easy to handle.

www.homedepot.com

The Fortress I am looking at seems to edge it out on SCFM, Pressure, Capacity, and a brushless motor. The weights are the same. California is quieter. 60 vs 68 Db. and has a bit smaller foot print. I am going from something that is probably in the 80'sdb to 60 something. That is a dramatic drop. I am sure I will be happy with either. Pricing is in the same ball park. My guess, Which is dangerous, is that the Fortress would be easier to deal with any potential warranty issues. The only recurring negative I read about on the Fortress is the quick disconnects are hard to use when the pressure is up high. To get around this people run the pressure down on the regulator to add a hose. Will that be too annoying? I am not sure?. It it impacts the connection at the end of the hose, maybe. I do change air tools out a lot.

When I read reviews, I discount most of the 5 stars unless they provide incredible detail and they used the product for some time. I tend to look at the 3 and 4 as i get the sense they are typically more objective. Nothing is perfect and I want the review that will flag that imperfection. Evan if it is minor. 1 star reviews can also be relieving but you need to use a lot of discretion.

Am I missing anything?

I didn't catch that the Fortress compressor claimed 68db. I will say that using my phone to measure noise levels my CAT which claims 60db is more like 70 at 1 meter. It's still quiet and not at all frustrating to work around. As I mentioned above, the GY compressor is just as quiet.

Looking at the 3 options (HF, GY, Hart) I would probably go with the GY since I've personally had experience with it. Absent knowing the difference in sound level and assuming the member price I would have picked the HF. I don't think any are really rugged units nor would any be obviously bad.

 

[GeoBruin]

Let me start by saying I think you're going to be very happy with any of the options discussed. As you noted, the significant drop in noise level you're going to experience is going to be eye-opening. The challenge here is that there is not yet a standard, or at least not one that is widely understood and accepted, to which these manufacturers adhere when rating the noise level of their compressors. They all report sound levels in dBA, but we are rarely told at what distance from the source the measuring equipment is taking the measurement.

I used to be a huge flashlight nerd and we went through the same thing. Flashlights would advertise their max luminous intensity in candlepower, which we all thought was standard. The problem is candlepower is simply a measurement of the intensity of light at the measuring instrument. But the distance the source of the light is from the measurement can significantly impact the measured intensity. As a result, we started to see "lux" become the standard unit. Lux is simply candlepower at a standard distance which happens to be one meter. We need something similar for sound measurements. Something that indicates the test was performed at a standard distance like 1 meter.

Anyway, I have attempted to dig up some information on these tests in the past and I have been able to find where some manufacturers have specified the distance at which they measure the sound. Believe it or not, Harbor Freight is one where I have found a distance specified. The graphic below is taken from the user manual for their 26 gallon fortress compressor. You can see it says 69 dba at 3'. I have seen others that measure at 5 feet, and even 10 feet.

In short, it's difficult to truly compare the noise ratings without knowing how they are measured. In general my experience has been that all of these quiet oil is compressors are really freaking quiet compared to the oil is compressors of days past and even compared to fast spinning oil lubricated reciprocating compressors.

 

[AEAdam]

I would not trust the HF specs and would probably choose the one assembled in the USA. This is why:

I have a 30yr old 25gal Craftsman. It has never held pressure. Every time I use it, I need to turn it on and it’s LOUD. So loud I don’t want to use it early in the morning or late at night. It’s obnoxiously loud. I recently replumbed it, cleaned and replaced fittings and now it holds it’s pressure for literally weeks. A little thing like this can be a game changer for usability.

I’m assuming the CAT parts come from China, but I would assume quality was therefore a wash. I HOPE the US assembled units have good QA.

 

[zendriver]

I have a "******" Fortress compressor.

It sat for almost two month and held the exact air pressure it had shut off at. Does it every time.

What makes something made with Chinese parts, but "assembled In America" a better compressor? Chinese factories are some of the most advanced in the world

 

[GeoBruin]

This is the comparable California compressor that I can find. It looks like a nice compressor. No doubt, one of the quietest you will find.

California Air Tools Quiet Flow 4.7 Gal. 1.0 HP Portable Electric Oil-Free Air Compressor 4710SQ - The Home Depot

This California Air Tools Quiet Flow Portable Electric Oil-Free Air Compressor is designed to provide all power with little noise. Easy to handle.

www.homedepot.com

The Fortress I am looking at seems to edge it out on SCFM, Pressure, Capacity, and a brushless motor. The weights are the same. California is quieter. 60 vs 68 Db. and has a bit smaller foot print. I am going from something that is probably in the 80'sdb to 60 something. That is a dramatic drop. I am sure I will be happy with either. Pricing is in the same ball park. My guess, Which is dangerous, is that the Fortress would be easier to deal with any potential warranty issues. The only recurring negative I read about on the Fortress is the quick disconnects are hard to use when the pressure is up high. To get around this people run the pressure down on the regulator to add a hose. Will that be too annoying? I am not sure?. It it impacts the connection at the end of the hose, maybe. I do change air tools out a lot.

When I read reviews, I discount most of the 5 stars unless they provide incredible detail and they used the product for some time. I tend to look at the 3 and 4 as i get the sense they are typically more objective. Nothing is perfect and I want the review that will flag that imperfection. Evan if it is minor. 1 star reviews can also be relieving but you need to use a lot of discretion.

Am I missing anything?

Keep in mind CAT has several series that have different specs. For example, in their "industrial series", they offer one with the same form factor as the one you linked above but with an upgraded motor/pump that makes 3cfm at 90 psi and has a higher duty cycle. They also have a "continuous" series now that is rated for even longer continuous runtimes, although at slightly reduced flow and increased noise compared to their standard and industrial models.

The "unconventional" models are harder to find and more expensive though.

CALIFORNIA AIR TOOLS 8010ALFC Ultra Quiet 1.0 Hp, Oil-Free, Lightweight Aluminum 8-Gallon Air Compressor (Industrial Series) - California Air Tools

<< Product shipped 1-3 Days (business days) after Order Date from San Diego, CA. Allow 3 to 10 days to receive item; depends on ship-to destination, item size and carrier type. >>

www.californiaairtools.com

EDIT: Looks like there's a scratch and dent 6010LFC on ebay for 220 and free shipping.

CALIFORNIA AIR TOOLS 6010LFC Ultra Quiet, Oil-Free Air Compressor - BLEMISHED | eBay

The CALIFORNIA AIR TOOLS 6010LFC Ultra Quiet & Oil-Free Industrial Air Compressor is designed to be one of the quietest air compressors in the industry having only 60 decibels of sound. " CALIFORNIA AIR TOOLS 6010 LFC Ultra Quiet, Oil-Free, Lightweight Industrial Air Compressor - BLEMISHED.

www.ebay.com

 

[zendriver]

^

1. Dents or minor rust

 

[AEAdam]

Be careful about CF/M. I bought mine so I could run an HVLP gun. I’ve almost never done that. A couple times in 30 years.

For cleaning, inflating, running an impact gun or air nailer, you don’t need a big tank or a lot of CF/M.

My compressor (not unhappy with it) is consequently noisy, heavy, and inconvenient. I sacrificed the utility I actually needed for the utility (paint spraying) I didn’t.

 

[AEAdam]

^

1. Dents or minor rust

Don’t know about you guys, but I’m pretty careful about my tank. Internal rust would probably result in a leak. External scratches aren’t good in pressure vessels. Matters tend to the aluminum tanks. They can also corrode and have finite lives.

Zendriver, I know you are generally happy with HF and Chinese manufacturing and no kidding, I’m happy for you. I have bought more than my share of Chinese machinist tools from the likes of Shars. It’s been pretty hit or miss and mostly miss. Lots of these items (all) come with inspection or calibration records. They have detailed, advertised specs with lots of zeros after the decimal. I’m not a hater. I’ve just learned to be skeptical when I’m spending good money on imported stuff. The imported stuff I get from Japan, or Switzerland, doesn’t compare with Chinas “advanced factories“. Don’t disagree that they exist - my iPhone came from one. Just speaking from “my experience“, “my truth”, as the kids say.

 

[Citation]

When looking at the CAT compressors look at the peak pressure. My 1055A has a peak of something like 115 psi. That means you have very little run time before the tank pressure drops to 90 psi and the pump kicks on (actually I think it kicks on at 85 psi). The HF and the two Walmart compressors have significantly more air available before you get down to 90 psi (my arbitrary lower limit) since their peak pressure is higher. I would not consider the 4.7g CAT compressor to be equivalent to the HF due to the effectively much smaller air capacity.

 

[mike93lx]

When looking at the CAT compressors look at the peak pressure. My 1055A has a peak of something like 115 psi. That means you have very little run time before the tank pressure drops to 90 psi and the pump kicks on (actually I think it kicks on at 85 psi). The HF and the two Walmart compressors have significantly more air available before you get down to 90 psi (my arbitrary lower limit) since their peak pressure is higher. I would not consider the 4.7g CAT compressor to be equivalent to the HF due to the effectively much smaller air capacity.

My cat 4610 is 125psi. That part does ****.

 

[AEAdam]

When looking at the CAT compressors look at the peak pressure. My 1055A has a peak of something like 115 psi. That means you have very little run time before the tank pressure drops to 90 psi and the pump kicks on (actually I think it kicks on at 85 psi). The HF and the two Walmart compressors have significantly more air available before you get down to 90 psi (my arbitrary lower limit) since their peak pressure is higher. I would not consider the 4.7g CAT compressor to be equivalent to the HF due to the effectively much smaller air capacity.

More pressure can help, but I’d say tank size has a bigger effect. Obviously it’s a volume of air you are losing. So when you have a 25 gallon tank, I can shoot a lot of framing nails before the compressor turns back on. Output set to 80psi, tank fills to a little over 100. So max pressure helps a little.

Again, lift this, why do we care how often the motor runs? Especially if it’s quiet. For me, consistent pressure to the tool is important for some tools like framing nails. The pressure sets the depth (kind of).

I’m putting out a lot of cautionary advice in this thread. Let me add one: Manufacturers (or resellers) assume customers understand the importance of the specifications. I think we are all realizing they don’t. The best informed consumers do side by side comparisons and pick higher specs without regard to actual performance. The YouTubers are the worst. Resellers are wise to this, especially Milwaukee. They are either designing for the spec sheet, or are measuring/testing to outdo their competitors, as if whatever it is that they are measuring actually makes their tool better.

Example off the top of my head might be shopping for a car and assuming highest horsepower engine means fastest and most fun to drive. I’ve driven some (Porsches) with high horsepower but terrible turbo lag and steep hp curves. Fast on paper, not that fun to drive in the real world.

So no specific advice, just beware of spec shopping and thinking you are getting the “best” tool or whatever.

 

[MOS3522]

Compressors are like gun safes. If you buy the size that you think you need, you will want a bigger one soon. So get a 25 or 35 gallon one instead.

 

[zendriver]

Compressors are like gun safes. If you buy the size that you think you need, you will want a bigger one soon. So get a 25 or 35 gallon one instead.

OP wants one to carry to the basement.

Unless he is Hercules, probably has to draw the line toward the lower end.

the one mentioned is already near 50#

 

[M635_Guy]

I have the CA 4620 with the aluminum tanks. I does leak pressure over time, but that might be my fault. I'll eyeball it after my move.

I would not trust the HF specs and would probably choose the one assembled in the USA. This is why:

I have a 30yr old 25gal Craftsman. It has never held pressure. Every time I use it, I need to turn it on and it’s LOUD. So loud I don’t want to use it early in the morning or late at night. It’s obnoxiously loud. I recently replumbed it, cleaned and replaced fittings and now it holds it’s pressure for literally weeks. A little thing like this can be a game changer for usability.

I’m assuming the CAT parts come from China, but I would assume quality was therefore a wash. I HOPE the US assembled units have good QA.

I'm sorry, but - aside from the fact that the parts are far more likely to be the issue vs. assembly, you're really stretching to make the case that China = automatically bad. There was a time when that was true more often than not, but it's relatively easy to avoid today if you do any research at all. And here HF used to be a house of junk, they're vastly more hit than miss these days.

I've been very happy with the CA 4620, but Fortress didn't have anything close to that HP or capacity when I bought it. The little Fortress 1 gal I bought for my spawn to use with a pressure pot and airbrush has been flawless for several years, and is amazingly quiet.

 

[Aaron_W]

If the size / capacity works for you, that is not a bad option. I have a Porter Cable 6 gallon pancake that has been very useful but screams like a banshee. The form is more awkward than the weight for me as it is wide, so either bumps against my leg or I have to carry it with my arm extended out. Not a huge issue for short jaunts but a small compressor with wheels might be handier depending on your situation.

I have the quiet 2 gallon Fortress and it is great for little projects in the house. I was going to get the 2 gallon California Air Tools one, but the Fortress went on sale making it about 2/3 the price and the Fortress actually looks like a nicer compressor with a couple of extra features.
If I wanted a pancake I would have no concerns over buying the one from HF, my biggest hangup would be buying another pancake vs the 10 gal on wheels.

Air compressors have long been a fairly safe option at HF, comparing well to most of the other box store options.

 

[MOS3522]

OP wants one to carry to the basement.

Unless he is Hercules, probably has to draw the line toward the lower end.

the one mentioned is already near 50#

Doesn't change that you'll always need a bigger one. My backup is a Kobalt 26 gallon that weighs in at 125 pounds. Not easy to get down stairs, but it is on wheels and can be done.

Or just run an air line from a bigger compressor elsewhere.

 

[jayemm]

I have (and am very satisfied with) the little 1 gallon hot dog Fortress compressor. It's pretty quiet for an oiless compressor. When shopping, the CAT equivalent at Menards looked cheaply constructed by comparison. Seemed overpriced for the build quality but it's probably an OK compressor. I think the Fortress come out of the same factory that makes the Makita. Fortress construction and finish quality is decent.

 

[Citation]

More pressure can help, but I’d say tank size has a bigger effect. Obviously it’s a volume of air you are losing. So when you have a 25 gallon tank, I can shoot a lot of framing nails before the compressor turns back on. Output set to 80psi, tank fills to a little over 100. So max pressure helps a little.

I have a rough calculation to figure out when a smaller, higher pressure tank works as well as a larger tank. Basically I calculate how many equivalent gallons of atmospheric air the tank holds above 90 psi. I assume that when the tank is under 90 it's too low (which really is just an assumption). It's roughly like taking fill pressure-90 psi * tank size. It's not perfect but basically it will tell you a 10 gallon tank filled to 130psi gives you about the same amount of usable air as a 20 gallon tank filled to 110psi. ( (130-90)*10 = (110-90)*20 )
It's not a perfect rule of thumb since a change on my 90psi assumption would change which solution is best. But, it does help.

 

[zendriver]

Doesn't change that you'll always need a bigger one. My backup is a Kobalt 26 gallon that weighs in at 125 pounds. Not easy to get down stairs, but it is on wheels and can be done.

Or just run an air line from a bigger compressor elsewhere.

Oookay.

I have a 2 gallon HF, a retired 2 gallon Cman and a 25 gallon Homier "speedway series" that I've used a couple of times in the (framing nailer and paint gun) 17 years I have owned it. All I have ever needed for 40 years.

I think I'd wait until I need a bigger one, instead of upgrading "just because". Thought about joining "the big boys" with a 5HP full size likely ending up just taking more garage floor space.

 

[M635_Guy]

I haven't missed my big compressor one bit, and was overjoyed to get rid of my buzzy pancake. The battery tools are all better and the CAT is so quiet I am still amazed just about every time it comes on. As a guy with hearing loss, stuff like that matters...