Harbor Freight Air Compressor Any Good?

Kyrosfear

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Gentlemen,
I am looking to get a new air compressor for my shop and harbor freight has this one on sale right now. I have read several reviews on it and I think it is a decent unit, but as always, I want to know what any of you that have it think. The vast majority of its use will be for this hobby (air tools, painting, etc.). Thanks in advance.

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-to...al-25-horsepower-21-gallon-125-psi-67847.html
 
I have used it for a couple years now without any issues. I don't run a spray gun, but it has no issue with other pneumatic tools I use with it.
 
2.5 cfm won't be used for painting

my 6gallong pancake compressor runs more than 2.5 cfm. (just say'n)

painting/sandblasting requrires atleast 8-12cfm (8 is an absolute minimum)
 
These are on sale

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-prof...p-00916476000P?prdNo=9&blockNo=9&blockType=G9

The oil less compressors are noisy as hell... You have to re-build the cylinders every few years.

Plus the CFM rating on the Sears one is more than double.

This is the newer version of the one I have. I've been using it for almost 12 years now, and when I was painting cars, it would keep up with my sanders, grinders etc..

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-prof...0916477000P?prdNo=23&blockNo=23&blockType=G23
 
I've bought many tools from Harbor Freight and the quality can really be all over the map. Although I don't have first-hand experience with their compressors specifically, generally I think their hand tools are decent (for the price), but anything I've bought with a motor in it hasn't lasted very long.

I have a Craftsman compressor in my garage and I couldn't be happier with it. You might take a look at this one, similar price range and size. CFMs aren't rated as high but depending on your use, it may be more than enough.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-20-g...p-00916913000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3
 
I have used it for a couple years now without any issues. I don't run a spray gun, but it has no issue with other pneumatic tools I use with it.
Thank you sir for your response. The more I think about it, the more I realize…. I have a ton of painting projects around here. So by now, I am seeing everything in a new coat of paint (non-shaker can) and getting excited.

2.5 cfm won't be used for painting
my 6gallong pancake compressor runs more than 2.5 cfm. (just say'n)
painting/sandblasting requrires atleast 8-12cfm (8 is an absolute minimum)

Thanks for pointing that out Brood. Often, I let a price tag get my attention and as I said above, I will certainly be painting and sandblasting. Also, thanks for the range (8-12cfm ; 8 is an absolute minimum). Very helpful.

These are on sale
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-prof...p-00916476000P?prdNo=9&blockNo=9&blockType=G9
The oil less compressors are noisy as hell... You have to re-build the cylinders every few years.
Plus the CFM rating on the Sears one is more than double.
This is the newer version of the one I have. I've been using it for almost 12 years now, and when I was painting cars, it would keep up with my sanders, grinders etc..
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-prof...0916477000P?prdNo=23&blockNo=23&blockType=G23

And Talon has armed me with a prospective replacement. I must say, that is certainly an impressive compressor. I am learning quickly to avoid oil less compressors, as you said. Unfortunately, the purchase of that Craftsman would darken my future with the wife (mainly, the price). She is footing the bill for my birthday.

I've bought many tools from Harbor Freight and the quality can really be all over the map. Although I don't have first-hand experience with their compressors specifically, generally I think their hand tools are decent (for the price), but anything I've bought with a motor in it hasn't lasted very long.
I have a Craftsman compressor in my garage and I couldn't be happier with it. You might take a look at this one, similar price range and size. CFMs aren't rated as high but depending on your use, it may be more than enough.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-20-g...p-00916913000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3

I agree with you about Harbor Freight. That compressor you linked is nice. As you said, the CFMs are lower, but it is nice. Especially coming from my current unit which is a cheap 5gal.

I am going to keep looking guys, but I appreciate the help.
 
You get what you pay for, it is as simple as that. It's an import, direct drive oil less compressor. It will certainly get the job done for a home hobbyist. Every compressor has a duty cycle, and this harbor freight is maybe 50% duty cycle (doesnt say on the site). That means for 10 minutes running, it needs to be off for 5. Exceed this and you will wear it out prematurely.

The compressor is 2.5HP (Peak, as you can't pull much more than 1.5hp at 13amps), with 4.7CFM @ 90psi, 21 gallon capacity. This is the max cfm you will get with 110v power. (you will see scfm, and cfm rated at different pressures to mislead the actual cfm)

Sand blasting and painting is a volume/pressure game. Blasting needs both high pressure and volume, you would empty the tank in 30-40 seconds, and you have to wait for it to re-pressurize (add duty cycle). When you're painting, you use a pressure regulator in the 25-30psi range (HVLP) and it becomes a volume game (your 21 gallons) and perhaps get 3-4 minutes spray time.
 
I have an oilless Porter Cable pancake compressor. It's worth having if you do a lot of finish nail work or build a shed and are using air nailers. The portability is great, so you can just carry it around to where you're working. However, a small compressor is absolutely worthless for painting or even blowing compressed air. Also, the oilless pancake compressors are so loud that you literally will need to wear earplugs around it. I can't stand the noise from it.
 
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