Lowe's compressor deal

[posaune]

First off, this can be a place to compare success and failure with this deal so we don't clutter up the hot deals thread.

Second, I have a couple real questions, hence the new thread.

1) I am currently using a 30gal upright Craftsman oilless. Is the Kobalt a step up or a step sideways? I don't use air tool often, but some of the reason for that is my compressor being SO LOUD. I imagine the Kobalt is quieter. But is there any other advantage?

2) I read in the other thread that this thing should be transported upright. Is that something written in stone? If so, I have no practical way of getting it as I transport everything in a wagon.

 

[csmitty]

It will be quieter for sure and last longer.

I would take the pump off if you can't keep it upright. Oil can get past the rings and on top of the cylinder. Which doesn't compress well. Similar to an auto engine. or let it sit upright for a month of so. (from what i've heard)

I tried at lunch. No go. I used the 214 from FL so it didn't seem like a rediculous price. Plus was somewhat close to me. Its non-stock so most places where it still is stock won't match. Been through that song and dance before. So guess i'll keep watching. Been watching CL for something decent.

 

[pipsters]

It will be quieter for sure and last longer.

I would take the pump off if you can't keep it upright. Oil can get past the rings and on top of the cylinder. Which doesn't compress well. Similar to an auto engine. or let it sit upright for a month of so. (from what i've heard)

I tried at lunch. No go. I used the 214 from FL so it didn't seem like a rediculous price. Plus was somewhat close to me. Its non-stock so most places where it still is stock won't match. Been through that song and dance before. So guess i'll keep watching. Been watching CL for something decent.

A month is insane, more like 1-2 days.

If you're that concerned, drain the oil in the parking lot.

Otherwise, it comes with a 3 year warranty.

What is this compressor deal you are speaking of?

 

[Lomotil]

This may sound like a silly question, but do you regularly open the moisture drain plug at the bottom of your tank?

 

[juniork5]

I drain mine after each use they produce lots of moisture which will rust inside of tank its a good idea to drain it after each use unless you have a seperator.

 

[dankicksass]

The Kobalt compressor isn't too loud to talk over, but I wouldn't want it next to me either. I just talked to the OEM tech line, excellent support.

 

[fr0mastaj]

I upgraded to the 30 gal Kobalt from a 30 gal Craftsman oilless - before this hot deal. Even at $300, I'm glad I did. The noise difference is worth it alone if you are using this in a home garage. I have it one room over in my storage room and I cannot even tell when it kicks on when i'm working in the garage.

Do not expect it to be noticeably more powerful than the Craftsman, i was sadly disappointed that it took nearly the same time to fill/refill. However, it is 155 psi (kobalt) vs 135 psi (cman) tank pressure... maybe i just had too high hopes for the oiled motor.

I would say its written in stone... the box has a big warning that says to not tilt/lay on side when transporting. I used special caution to keep it up right when bringing home. The folks at Lowe's put it on a fork lift and put it on the truck bed for me.

I keep my tank charged 24/7, even though i might not use it for weeks at a time. I do however try to give it a quick drain spurt every once in a while...condensation seems to build up just due to the ambient temp.

 

[pipsters]

How long does it take to fill up? My 25 gallon 150 PSI oiled craftsman takes right at 4:00 exactly. I don't feel that is a long time but then again I didn't have anything to compare it against.

Also while you are at Lowes they sell synthetic blend compressor oil, I broke my compressor in with regular oil and changed to synthetic blend after about 1 hour of run time.

I just looked a the Hot Deal index and damn guys are getting these for $200 or thereabouts. That is a smoking deal! I am still on the lookout for a 17 cfm Sanborne 30 gal tank though, I would have no use for it although I would be tempted to buy!

 

[Zrexxer]

Also while you are at Lowes they sell synthetic blend compressor oil, I broke my compressor in with regular oil and changed to synthetic blend after about 1 hour of run time.

IMO you didn't get even close to breaking that compressor in with an hour of run time. Many compressor manufacturers recommend 25-50 hours before switching to synthetic.

 

[posaune]

I would take the pump off if you can't keep it upright. Oil can get past the rings and on top of the cylinder. Which doesn't compress well. Similar to an auto engine. or let it sit upright for a month of so. (from what i've heard)

A month is insane, more like 1-2 days.

If that is the only problem, and the oil gets past the rings on the trip home, wouldn't an equivalent time let it drain back? I'd be fine with a day or two or even a week.

What is this compressor deal you are speaking of?

Check the hot deals thread. It is a Kobalt 30gal at Lowes.

This may sound like a silly question, but do you regularly open the moisture drain plug at the bottom of your tank?

Was that for me? I do. I changed the annoying screwy thing to a regular valve with a length of hose.

 

[scott4]

1) I am currently using a 30gal upright Craftsman oilless. Is the Kobalt a step up or a step sideways? I don't use air tool often, but some of the reason for that is my compressor being SO LOUD. I imagine the Kobalt is quieter. But is there any other advantage?

Tag on my Kobalt says 74db. (Relevant chart.)

I've used and been around oilless units. Earsplitting loud, those things. This one is much quieter. I'm in a townhouse, and my neighbors cant hear it. Love that.

 

[pipsters]

IMO you didn't get even close to breaking that compressor in with an hour of run time. Many compressor manufacturers recommend 25-50 hours before switching to synthetic.

There was no guidance for me in my manual, so I winged it. For me, it made me feel a lot better after running the thing for that long, getting all the loose contaminates out of it.

I need to use it more I don't even have 5 hours on it continuous I bet!

 

[pipsters]

Tag on my Kobalt says 74db. (Relevant chart.)

I've used and been around oilless units. Earsplitting loud, those things. This one is much quieter. I'm in a townhouse, and my neighbors cant hear it. Love that.

You definitely did good by waiting, that is a great score on a great compressor that can pretty much be used for almost anything you would do. I'm jealous!

Although I do like that I can wheel my horizontal one around, but the Kobalt seems a bit studier with the cast iron pump.

 

[scott4]

Relevant info

Silencers
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1134941&postcount=17

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1719510

 

[scott4]

You definitely did good by waiting, that is a great score on a great compressor that can pretty much be used for almost anything you would do. I'm jealous!

Although I do like that I can wheel my horizontal one around, but the Kobalt seems a bit studier with the cast iron pump.

Thanks. Its way more compressor than I was shopping for. Very quiet and very low key.

 

[Slowboat]

Well I got mine in Burlington VT for the $186 price - it was the floor model, but I put it down on it's side in the car for the 5 minute trip home - didn't think about it being an issue. I haven't started it, so I'm not sure what the best course of action is.

I'm hoping it's quite - some day I would love a giant tank to run a sand blaster, but that's not in the cards at this point.

 

[dankicksass]

I put mine on its side for a couple seconds before the Lowes guy who was supposed to be helping me load it magically appeared to insist it only be transported upright, where-from he gave me a ball of twine and vanished. I strapped it upright against the bulkhead of the pickup with a couple ratchet straps and went on my way. If you have concerns over not being able to transport it upright, you could always drain the oil and refill once you get it to your shop. The OEM tech line guy told me to only use 10W-30 ND synthetic blend, which you can find at Lowes ($7/16oz) or HD (online only, $7/qt) and under Dewalt or Porter Cable brands, and Royal Purple and Amsoil.

 

[Slowboat]

I should note, that it turns out I got the 2.0hp newer model compressor for $186.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_53661-1126-VT6361_4294795218_4294937087_?productId=3370354

Not the older "fat tank" model:
http://www.lowes.com/pd_221495-14989-LLA1683066_?PL=1&productId=3115861

Perhaps it isn't as good a compressor, but for $183 it will go a long way towards replacing my Craftsman Oil-less noisy thing.

 

[bas157]

IMO you didn't get even close to breaking that compressor in with an hour of run time. Many compressor manufacturers recommend 25-50 hours before switching to synthetic.

FWIW, the manual says to open the drain valve and let the compressor run for a 30 minute break-in period.

 

[Joe Mamma]

The closest Lowe's stores near me had it for rpices ranging from $429.00 - $214.50.

The $214.50 store was sold out other than the floor/display model which was missing some parts. They said they would even take about $45 dollars off of it if I wanted it. I declined.

One of the employees there was VERY helpful and called around to some other stores for me. I couldn't get any store who had the product in stock to match the $214.50 price.

The employee told me that the decision to match prices is done on a case by case basis, and is in the manager's discretion. * * Different managers at the same store will have different opinons. He said if they told me no, I can always go back when there is someone different on duty, and ask again. * * I hope this information helps someone here.

Joe Mamma

 

[Zrexxer]

FWIW, the manual says to open the drain valve and let the compressor run for a 30 minute break-in period.

Which has nothing to do with when it's appropriate to switch to synthetic oil.

 

[bas157]

Joe Mamma, on the missing parts...not much to be missing. 2 rubber pads to go under the feet and 2 round air filters that couldn't be too expensive to replace. Grainger sells some for under $15 each..see silencers a few posts above, and the user guide which I thought someone posted a link to here on in the hot deals thread.

 

[Wesley B]

shows
459 on the link for me? do i need a special code?

 

[bas157]

no, the price varies from store to store. Choose another store nearby that has some in stock and check the price there. You may or many not find any in stock at that price.

 

[shoot summ]

It wont hurt to transport it laying down, it will probably leak oil from the vent tube though. Just let it set for a day or two before you fire it up to be safe. Oil draining past the rings? Really? Very unlikely IMO.

I'm not impressed with the Solberg silenced intakes, made no difference in the noise on my Puma 3 cylinder, it did lighten my wallet though....

Relevant info

Silencers
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1134941&postcount=17

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1719510

 

[Knuckle Buster]

I've been using a 3.5HP CH oiless compressor daily since 1996. I got it at Buds in 1996 as a Wal-Mart return for 75.00. Only thing I found wrong with it was the drain valve wasn't closed, so I guess that was the only reason it wouldn't fill-up and shut off as the return sticker stated. I plugged it in in Buds, and heard the air ''free flowing'' out the bottom and shut the valve. It built up in about a minute and ten seconds and shut off. I walked to the checkout line and paid the 75.00 bucks, and been using it regularly for 15 years now. Nary a week goes by that it isn't used at least three days a week. No problems at all, other than it's loud enough to wake the dead.

I've looked at the belt driven ones lately, but none put out the same CFM at 90 PSI as my old oiless unless I get into the 220 volt range. I guess they just don't rate HP the same as they used to. I've seen 5HP compressors that put out less CFM than my old 3.5HP ( which isn't that much either ). Guess I'll have to run wiring, and go with a 220 when my old faithfull 120 volt fails.

 

[Lomotil]

Was that for me? I do. I changed the annoying screwy thing to a regular valve with a length of hose.

 

[djb2]

This may sound like a silly question, but do you regularly open the moisture drain plug at the bottom of your tank?

Many people don't understand the reason that water builds up in the tank.

A given volume will only support a specific volume of water vapor.

When you compress air to 150psi, it reduces in volume about 10x and will only support 1/10th the moisture. If it started out with 50% humidity, it will end up with "500%" humidity. Obviously that isn't sustainable, and at least 80% of the original humidity will condense into liquid water in the bottom of the tank.

This will be true even in a dry climate. The only place I've experienced less than 5% humidity -- the level where you won't get condensation -- was in the high desert with 100F+ daytime temperatures and cold nights.

 

[Wesley B]

shows
459 on the link for me? do i need a special code?

nevermind, 170 at the store here. did someone say something about a 10% coupon/code?

 

[bas157]

If you can find it at a local store for that price, you should be able to use a 10% off movers coupon that you can get at some local post offices (or buy on ebay, but by the time you get it, the compressor probably would be sold. They don't work online).

 

[pipsters]

I've been using a 3.5HP CH oiless compressor daily since 1996. I got it at Buds in 1996 as a Wal-Mart return for 75.00. Only thing I found wrong with it was the drain valve wasn't closed, so I guess that was the only reason it wouldn't fill-up and shut off as the return sticker stated. I plugged it in in Buds, and heard the air ''free flowing'' out the bottom and shut the valve. It built up in about a minute and ten seconds and shut off. I walked to the checkout line and paid the 75.00 bucks, and been using it regularly for 15 years now. Nary a week goes by that it isn't used at least three days a week. No problems at all, other than it's loud enough to wake the dead.

I've looked at the belt driven ones lately, but none put out the same CFM at 90 PSI as my old oiless unless I get into the 220 volt range. I guess they just don't rate HP the same as they used to. I've seen 5HP compressors that put out less CFM than my old 3.5HP ( which isn't that much either ). Guess I'll have to run wiring, and go with a 220 when my old faithfull 120 volt fails.

Compressors from that era, especially the lower end units, were rated at "peak" HP. Do the math and about the most you will ever get from a 15amp 120v circuit is 1.5-1.6 hp. Anything more and it'll continually pop the breaker.

Sears has been producing my exact compressor for about 15-20 years and the older ones were rated at 7.8 cfm @ 90 psi. The new ones are 5.7 @ 90 psi. The 7.8 cfm was at the absolute peak starting HP rating. Basically, a bunch of BS. There was a lawsuit in the early 2000's that took care of most of the BS rating system.

 

[Wesley B]

If you can find it at a local store for that price, you should be able to use a 10% off movers coupon that you can get at some local post offices (or buy on ebay, but by the time you get it, the compressor probably would be sold. They don't work online).

why you being such a downer?

 

[WRX/Z28]

Picked up one of these compressors. There was no manual, and no other parts in the box. Is this correct? Does anyone have a manual, or the gist of what needs to be done to break this thing in? The box looked sealed, but then when I opened it, the motors sticker was scuffed.

Was anything else supposed to be in the box?

 

[scott4]

Picked up one of these compressors. There was no manual, and no other parts in the box. Is this correct? Does anyone have a manual, or the gist of what needs to be done to break this thing in? The box looked sealed, but then when I opened it, the motors sticker was scuffed.

Was anything else supposed to be in the box?

I concur with this guy.

 

[bas157]

"this guy" says they were in a plastic bag just laying in the box (to answer your question in the hot deals thread)

 

[fr0mastaj]

WRX - For the Lowes Kobalt compressor, what came in everyone's boxes? Mine had nothing but the compressor. No manual, no intake, nothing else. Is this correct?

Anyone have a manual for this piece?

Mine came in a box with styrofoam encasing the compressor and a plastic bag with the manual, 2 rubber feet, and 2 plastic circle intake valves that screw in. Looks like you might have to go back to your store or contact their CS to see how you can get all the missing parts...

It was just in a bag (i believe ziptied to the handle), but it was pretty obvious, you cant miss it.

Did your compressor at least have the little placard attached to the handle with the 'features' and what you should use it for?

 

[bas157]

Does anyone have a manual, or the gist of what needs to be done to break this thing in?

Manual says to run it for 30 minutes with the drain valve opened as a break-in procedure.

 

[PowerDubs]

Picked up 2 today to replace my craftsman 30 gal '5.5hp' oil-less noise maker.

@ $183.60 each, it is well worth the double tank capacity and CFM.

I haven't fired them up yet, but I'm hoping they truly are quieter.

They fit nicely between my garage doors.

Oddly enough, one is painted gloss and one is matte. The stickers are also different.

Has anyone modified these things yet? I've read about adding an 'aftercoooler'?

 

[fr0mastaj]

dubs, funny how the compressor on the right has completely different stickers. looks like the stickers on the newer, cheaper quality model! (mine looks like the one on left)

That must have been made during the transition or something

Also, i also bought the Kobalt to replace the same 5.5 cman 30 gal oilless. Night and day noise difference... you will be grinning ear to ear when you turn that puppy on.

 

[HeyNow^]

I have been going to my local Lowes everyday to find one of these. Nothing.