Compressor under $1K?

07 April 2020, 22:16

skl1

Anybody recently buy an air compressor? Looking at the Harbor Freight 5HP, 60 gallon one (though they're doing a clearance, which might mean returning an OOB failure could be hard). The HF has 3 SKU's and two are single stage and one is 2 stage. But they sell them interchangeably. Also looking at the DeWalt version of the 3.7HP former Campbell Hausfeld units that are also branded as Porter Cable, Husky, Kobalt. They all seem to have 10% OOB failure rates (going by reviews) and horrible customer service/warranty service. For some reason, the DeWalts have significantly lower %age bad reviews even across 500'ish on Tractor Supply website. But I called their service number, and was cycled around, put on hold, then the call dropped. So not super hopeful. Thought about IR, but their QA also seems to be spotty.

Appreciate any thoughts/experience.

Steve

07 April 2020, 22:56

Doug W

All the brands you listed are consumer level crap, soon on it's way to the scrapyard then off to China to be melted down and made into some other consumer level crap.

If you want a real compressor look for a used 2 stage Champion, Saylor Beall or Quincy.
Those are all US made commercial/industrial compressors, made to just keep thumping along for decades. Slow rpm is the key to longevity.

My favorite is the Saylor Beall model 705.

I have rebuilt all those, pretty easy if you can rebuild an engine. Parts that typically wear out are available and reasonably priced. Hard parts like cranks and flywheel/sheaves are not!

I have bought complete compressors like the above that need rebuilding for $50-$100, usually with 3 phase motor you have to swap out unless you have 3 phase.
The 3 phase hurdle keeps the price low.

07 April 2020, 23:31

jeffeosso

i have a large husky from home despot - 220, of course, and have had it for roughly 16 or 18 years - i ran it for a couple hours, pretty much wide open, and then changed to oil three time, running for an hour between, third time i put in some royal purple product (any synthetic is fine) and had had zero compressor issues.. getting the drier settled out in 100% humidity, was another thing

08 April 2020, 03:22

custombolt

My Kobalt 220V vertical tanker works fine for my light duty. Hardly ever use it, oil is still clean. So, I can't speak about longevity.
Con is - The belt has some flop no matter how tight the motor is drawn. Seems awful loud and unbalanced.

08 April 2020, 03:27

Uncle Grinch

Look at Grainger.com. Sometimes they have models on clearance.

08 April 2020, 18:07

cgbach

You can get a single stage Ingersoll Rand for about 800 and their 2 stage for 1300. I have had a 2 stage for quite a few years now and couldn't be happier.
C.G.B.

10 April 2020, 09:02

NormanConquest

Home depot has them + about every other month they have a 12 month no interest. In my shop, I have run 3/4" hard drawn copper throughout the shop with air outlets at appropriate places and I now do almost all my handtools w/ air. That additional expanse of copper doubles as an additional holding tank at any given time.

11 April 2020, 10:26

georgeld

Tractor Supply is anti gun'
to start with.

I priced mower tires: $98 each.
Big R farm store, $54ea. I got
two delivered from Amazon seller
for $52.

I have an old two piston compressor
the valves failed on. Local rebuilder
seller said no parts are available.
Sure would like to have it fixed. Can't
be too hard to fix it with the parts.

Any suggestions where to start looking?
Don't know what brand, would need to go
out and look.

George

11 April 2020, 22:56

Doug W

quote:
Originally posted by Doug W:
quote:
Originally posted by georgeld:

I have an old two piston compressor
the valves failed on. Local rebuilder
seller said no parts are available.
Sure would like to have it fixed. Can't
be too hard to fix it with the parts.

Any suggestions where to start looking?
Don't know what brand, would need to go
out and look.

George

If you have a typical older American made compressor, the valves are nothing but sheet metal disc with a conically wound music wire spring. You will need copper crush gaskets etc,,
You do not need to remove the head to service the valves.
I have bought the parts for the brands I have mentioned above, here.
Air-Flo Inc, Greer, SC
https://airflowinc.com/
And been happy with their service.

If you have a off brand, imported junk, obscure model, or some US brand long ago obsolete and defunct you are out of luck unless you make the parts yourself.

I am not a fan of Ingersoll Rand, they made too many models, discontinued models, replaced models to find parts.

Whereas Saylor Beall made that workhorse model 705 for SIXTY?? years and still does.
All the parts are available from SB and all the rebuild parts, bearings, rings, seals gaskets, valves, etc,, are available aftermarket.
Ditto Champion.

And since they made a billion of them you can always find a parts compressor off CL for $50 to a couple of hundred bucks.

Heck import knock off model 705s have been made for at least 30 years. Doubtful the parts are interchangeable.

Buying a quality US made compressor is like buying a 98 mauser, they made a billion of them, parts will be available,, almost forever, they are worth servicing and rebuilding.
Verses buying a low quality, disposable, Turkish made Hi Point clone where few were sold, parts are not available and they are not worth putting any effort into repairing.

13 April 2020, 22:05

Clemson

I have been using a Speedaire compressor for my shop air for the past year, having worn out a Coleman. I have been very happy with the new machine. It is great for my bead blaster. though likely overkill!

Speedaire by jakefromclemson, on Flickr

Bill Jacobs

14 April 2020, 18:22

tiggertate

I bought a Husky 60 gallon vertical 15 years ago that lasted ten of them. I just bought an IR of the same size and plumbed the tanks together for 120 gallons of bead blast air. Life is good for a poor man.

14 April 2020, 18:24

Jim Kobe

I bought a big Crafstman direct drive one on sale for $285 a few years ago. Noisy, odscene, etc. Have replaced the piston seal twice. works but have hated it since