Little bit disapointed with my new Compressor

[chris142]

Got my new Quincy compressor today.

I got this one.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200483164_200483164

My first gripe is that it got beat up in shipping. Sure it's just a compressor but it's still new to me and cost me almost a weeks pay. They put it on a pallet then threw a bottomless box over it and put it on the truck w/o strapping the compressor down.

So it rubbed on the sides of the box which scratched the paint up.

My 2nd gripe is that it's advertized as Made in USA. Maybe it was assembled in USA but the electric motor on it was Made in Mexico. I'm sure that it's a good motor and I'd rather help feed a family in Mexico than a family in China but last time I checked Mexico was not part of the United States of America.

I don't think they should be advertizing it as "Made in USA". More like "Assembled in USA from Global components" would be more accurate.

Now granted I do own imported tools but I did a lot of comparing and decided to pay extra for this one because of it's claimed COO.

 

[amolaver]

soo...return it. seems like an easy decision. annoying, certainly, but for the premium you pay for quincy, it doesn't seem unreasonable. get a champion from TP tools - i believe that is US made and significantly cheaper than quincy. in fact, i was just looking at the 7.5hp models, and the champion with aftercooler and auto drain was cheaper than the quincy w/o either (from TP tools). free shipping too..

ahm

 

[Skin]

those portable compressors are hardly ever shipped from anyone so they arrive without damage of some sort.

 

[pipsters]

I think you did OK. That's a good compressor for the $$ IMO. My Craftsman, which says "Made in USA w/ Domestic and Imported components" has a US tank on it, Mexican motor, Taiwanese pump, and everything else was Chinese.

I understand how you feel about it being banged up but as long as it's just cosmetic in nature I'd roll with it - looks like a great compressor, use it for a month and you wouldn't have even known that it came like that.

 

[chris142]

I think you did OK. That's a good compressor for the $$ IMO. My Craftsman, which says "Made in USA w/ Domestic and Imported components" has a US tank on it, Mexican motor, Taiwanese pump, and everything else was Chinese.

I understand how you feel about it being banged up but as long as it's just cosmetic in nature I'd roll with it - looks like a great compressor, use it for a month and you wouldn't have even known that it came like that.

Ya I really just needed to vent. It replaced an anchient CH compressor and the 20gallon size is perfect for my little chores at home. Thats why I did not go with a bigger tank, I simply do not need bigger.

I actully got it delivered for $389. On sale for $499+ free shipping, then I used a coupon # which gave me another $50 off so out of pocket was only $449. Then I sold my old one to a guy that needed the still good motor for $60. So techinally I only paid $389 for it delivered and no sales tax.

I did what the instructions say to break it in and I'm going to figure out a better drain. A Rusty tank is what killed my old compressor.

 

[Brian_B_]

Remove the petcock...put in brass lines with a ball valve under it.

 

[chris142]

Remove the petcock...put in brass lines with a ball valve under it.

that was my plan but theres not enough room to put a petcock there. It's that close to the ground! I just might have to put it on 2x4's to get clearance.

 

[Skin]

if it hasnt already occured to you it might be worth calling northern tool up and complaining about the shipping damage and seeking a little compensation (partial refund).

 

[pipsters]

Ya I really just needed to vent. It replaced an anchient CH compressor and the 20gallon size is perfect for my little chores at home. Thats why I did not go with a bigger tank, I simply do not need bigger.

I actully got it delivered for $389. On sale for $499+ free shipping, then I used a coupon # which gave me another $50 off so out of pocket was only $449. Then I sold my old one to a guy that needed the still good motor for $60. So techinally I only paid $389 for it delivered and no sales tax.

I did what the instructions say to break it in and I'm going to figure out a better drain. A Rusty tank is what killed my old compressor.

That's a great price for that compressor. When I broke mine in I had no idea the "lefty loosey" didn't apply and that it was opposite, so mine filled with pressure right away. So far it seems to be OK but I'm still pissed at Sears for not highlighting the direction to open the petcock valve.

I have a 25 gallon personally I feel it's about the perfect size, maybe one day I'll get a big compressor but for now like you it does everything I could ever want - impact, 3" cutoff, air ratchet, light HVLP work, blow gun, air hammer, etc and it's portable. Really like the horizontal compressors.

After you put an hour or so on it, Lowes sells a synthetic air compressor oil that will probably help extend the life of the pump as well.

Did you drain you old compressor daily or let it sit? I drain mine daily but am worried long term about rust as well. I intend to install an after cooler with water filter on it before it goes to the tank in the future to reduce water pooling.

 

[chris142]

I drained my old one whenever I used it. I bought it used at a yard sale and the seller reminded me to drain it. so I believe he drained it often.

 

[andywander]

I have been installing the auto-drain systems from harbor freight on my compressors-they seem to work.

 

[gsmornot]

So Chris, two things. What is your power source. I like the look of the compressor but I'm a little curious about the 19 amp rating. I have a 20A circuit that should be fine but thought I would ask what you use.

Other question is did you look at the Ingersoll Rand Garage Mate? Same tank size, great ratings. Not saying you should have bought something different, just curious if you considered it then counted it out. Reason I ask is because it's on my short list along with this model you bought.

 

[gatewaysysop]

It's a nice unit and I'm not an ultra-nationalist or anything, but if you pay a premium for 'Made in the USA' and it proclaims as such on the website as well, I'd be more than a little upset to find out it was a half-truth. Combined with the shipping damage, I'd have sent it back, no question about it, but that's just me.

I'm sure it's an OK unit, but as a buyer I don't like being deceived, especially on COO. We're not talking fine print either, they even have a graphic on the site you linked, proclaiming 'Made in USA' big and bold.

 

[JASTECH]

I would take pics of damages, then call NT and complain about made in U.S.A. deception and improper packing/shipping. Tell them you want/demand a USA made unit and shipped un-damaged. I don't put up with that mess, get what you paid for like the website shows.

 

[pipsters]

So Chris, two things. What is your power source. I like the look of the compressor but I'm a little curious about the 19 amp rating. I have a 20A circuit that should be fine but thought I would ask what you use.

Other question is did you look at the Ingersoll Rand Garage Mate? Same tank size, great ratings. Not saying you should have bought something different, just curious if you considered it then counted it out. Reason I ask is because it's on my short list along with this model you bought.

The IR Garagemate was the worst performer so far on my list:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=138871

 

[pipsters]

I drained my old one whenever I used it. I bought it used at a yard sale and the seller reminded me to drain it. so I believe he drained it often.

Hmm interesting I've thought of taking out the drain plug and putting some rust converter in mine now that I've had it a few years.

Can you do me a favor? Can you time how long it takes to go from 0 psi to 135 psi in minutes/seconds? I'd like to add it to my 120v compressor shootout thread.

 

[rlitman]

that was my plan but theres not enough room to put a petcock there. It's that close to the ground! I just might have to put it on 2x4's to get clearance.

Can you fit a street elbow, and then pipe it to the side? I really don't see how that would take up any more space than the drain valve that must be there already.

 

[gsmornot]

The IR Garagemate was the worst performer so far on my list:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=138871

Your number one choice is not available right now. Also, your bottom performer is still better than my current Husky oil-less. Ha. I will keep your list in mind as I shop but its hard to pass on the excellent reviews of the Garage Mate since by all accounts it will still do what I need.

Still hope Chris gives a reply to my questions though.

 

[gsmornot]

The IR Garagemate was the worst performer so far on my list:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=138871

Looking, I cannot find a Craftsman Professional compressor at all on the Sears page. The one you link to is gone as I posted earlier.

 

[09-JK]

The IR Garagemate was the worst performer so far on my list:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=138871

Great study but how did you account for differences in temperature and atmospheric pressure? If one of your samples is running their compressor in Denver and another in Florida, its going to make a big difference. I have the Garage Mate and like it a lot, it's quiet and according to your numbers it exceeds the published CFM.

 

[pipsters]

Your number one choice is not available right now. Also, your bottom performer is still better than my current Husky oil-less. Ha. I will keep your list in mind as I shop but its hard to pass on the excellent reviews of the Garage Mate since by all accounts it will still do what I need.

Still hope Chris gives a reply to my questions though.

Check your local Sears mine has one on the floor

That IR seems way overpriced for the specs you get out of it though IMO.

 

[pipsters]

Great study but how did you account for differences in temperature and atmospheric pressure? If one of your samples is running their compressor in Denver and another in Florida, its going to make a big difference. I have the Garage Mate and like it a lot, it's quiet and according to your numbers it exceeds the published CFM.

Great question all of them are in the eastern US IIRC except the Garagemate I don't know where the guy is. All were right around the same time of year (winter).

No way to tell if the Garagemate meets or exceeds specs since it was an average CFM over the tank size not a specific 90 psi rating.

You could time how long it takes to go from say 80-100 psi and do the math if you wanted to see.

 

[chris142]

the wiring to my garage is a disaster. basically a 20a circuit and an orange extension cord somebody put in a cement walkway. ya the cord is encased in cement .. the old compresser used lots of power and tripped the breaker often. so far the new one has not

 

[gsmornot]

Thanks for the info. I should be fine then since mine will use a basically dedicated circuit. I say that because the only other thing on the circuit is the garage door opener and two florescent lights.

 

[chris142]

I will time it when I get home

 

[jamesemery728]

Not surprised that you got something shipped by NT that was damaged. I have never ordered anything from them that was properly shipped. Everything has come in a box with no packing, not enough tape, and whatever I have ordered is usually hanging out of the box. Good luck with your new compressor.

 

[PCO6]

I have been installing the auto-drain systems from harbor freight on my compressors-they seem to work.

Same here. When you fire it up I like that brief "hissing" sound it makes before the valve closes. It even "sounds" like it's working.

 

[bsaint]

Im sure the tank is made out of country too. If you want to own a business and become big in today's world, many manufacturers will only do business with "global" companies who use foreign and domestic parts i.e. auto manufacturers.

 

[chris142]

Anybody got a part # or link to the HF automatic drain? I can't find it on HF's site.

 

[chris142]

Air up times from 0 psi.

40=.57 seconds
80=2:07
120=3:36
135=4:09

I brought home some pipe and a valve to make a water drain but the drain hole is either not directly in the center of the bottom or it's hole is drilled crooked.

Instead of sticking out horozontly it sticks out at an angle(like this but less--->/), when I put the tank back down it broke the 90* fitting clean off. If I put the drain on the other side it will work, will stick up but cant be acessed easily.

 

[chris142]

When I unplugged it tonight the ground stayed in the socket.

 

[pipsters]

Return that ****, my cheapo 12 gauge extension cord from Harbor Freight did the same thing. But it was around $20 IIRC for a 50 ft 12 gauge cord....I got what I paid for.