Reckless

iTrader: (9)

Going to finally get a nice compressor in the next few weeks. Good deals at Harbor Freight on Campbell Hausfield and others around also. Are there any brands to avoid?

Looking for about 70gal/7hp with oil and 230v.

Pete2k_Z28

It really depends on how much use it will see. If you're going to run the thing 24/7 don't get a CH. But for weekend warrior duty a CH will last a very long time.

Reckless

iTrader: (9)

It won't really see that much use. Home garage use, so definitely not full-time.

2001 Pewter WS6

iTrader: (43)

That is a big compressor for part time home use. Anyway, my buddy who does body work at home just bought a 2 stage compressor with about those specs at Home Depot. It is a Husky Brand but Home Depot is very good about backing up their products they sell and he has been more than happy with it.

BTL FED

iTrader: (9)

I would not get husky, we got 2 230v huskys back to back, and neither of them even lasted a full day before the motors burned up, and both were installed by qualified electricians

Damian

iTrader: (89)

I've heard the same thing about the big Husky units from some local audio shops here...

I've got a Craftsman that works great. 6.5 HP, 35 gallon. Had it for over a year now with plenty of time on it and no problems......


josh

PlainwhiteZ28

well i got a husky 5.25hp 26 gallon, seems to work great, made by Devillbis in the USA, I dont see a prob with it.

Mike K.

I just got this one and it works pretty good for garage use

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/prod...session.new=Yes

I almost got this one though and it is more along the lines of what you are looking for.
Good price on this one too.

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...id=00918419000

Reckless

iTrader: (9)

Harbor Freight backs up their stuff very well. The reason I like a big tank is because I do lots of fabricating which requires long use of the cut off tool. And occasionally I do some porting and polishing which also requires a big tank, unless you like to take lots of breaks. When you can get a 7hp/70gal for $400, why not? Bigger is always better, right?

Ackattack1

iTrader: (7)

I have a 60 gallon husky. Haven't had a problem with it since I got it in August.

Justin99TA

Do not get an oil less compressor! I worked at Sears for over 4 years and they do not last like a piston oil type! They are loud and will not hold up near as long. I have read inside test by Devilbliss! As a matter of fact don't get a Sears either. They are over priced and you can get the same thing at Menards or Home Depot cheaper. Jus

mitchntx

iTrader: (14)

You got it ...

I have a 6hp/60 gallon CH I bought at Tractor supply for $369. I bought it almost 5 years ago and have had no issues.

When I'm using my 4" right angle grinder, the compressor runs almost constantly.

Get as much capacity as you can afford.

Stay away from FarmHand brand, which (as I understand it) a cheaper version of CH.

LS1XJ

I have the big ole husky, like at the home depot. It is the biggest one, some stores don't carry it. From what I have heard they are made by one of the other companies. ANyways, it puts out a lot of air and works great.
Dustin

16again

iTrader: (1)

Mine is a Husky, had it for over a year no problems.
Bob

6camaro9

I have 60gal, 7hp, CH Iron Force that i got a lowes and it works great.

thomas...

Inspector12

iTrader: (29)

Yeah I got the CH one at lowes the 7hp 60gallon two stage for $569.00 works great the 7hp 60gallon single stage didn't put out the cfms to run continuous grinders ETC... That is also why I passed on the HUSKY. But between the two they put out the same cfm's and the price is almost the same Husky $398 Lowes CH $399? I personally like my CH. I don't think either one will give you problems for house hold use. Also the 80 gallon husky didn't put out as much as the CH but it had the 80 Gallon tank, I like the smaller compact one for space saving reasons. And I can personally tell you the CH I have is really quiet. Good luck! It is hard to make the call I just did it and it is working fine for me I am sure that Home Depot will stand behind the Husky and the CH sayes to contact them directly so who knows!

Steve@SpeedTech

I have a very cheap CH that I bought at a Wal Mart store that was moving locations and was selling off thier stock. I paid $159 for it and so far it has lasted 10 years with no problems at all. It is pretty loud but I simply built a box around it in the corner of my shop so its really not that bad. I never expected it to live as long as it has, but sometimes you get lucky!

Hank Hill

I've got an ancient Craftsman compressor I picked up at a yard sale for $75. It pretty small and doesn't have a lot of volume or super-high pressure, especially for tools that blow a lot of air, but on the plus side it's an oil-type so it is extremely quiet compared to the newer Craftsman (or other brand) oil-less compressors.

At my cousin's home auto shop, where I do my bigger projects, he's got a massive Quincy that could probably power a 16-bay auto service center, so for 2- or 3-man operations it's nearly unstoppable, though it did cost a bundle ($2-$3,000).

My cousin's Quincy looks like this, and it's built like a tank:

Ru2slo_99

A friend of mine that owns a body shop said he goes to Sams Club and buys Black Max air compressors. He said they are tough and only about $600.

BigDaddyZ28

Stay away from the 'Oil-less' Air Compressors. They will die if you work them hard.
And when you do get an Air Compressor, Change the oil in it occasionally...

I work the **** out of a little 2HP Hitachi (been running about 7 years now) and it refuses to die. Why? Because I change the oil a few times a year. I work with guys using the same brand compressor (often theirs are newer than mine) and oftentimes if it is cold, their compressors won't run at all, while mine will crank right up (plugged into the SAME outlett) Reason: Their junk is ragged out from 'lack of proper maintenance' and/or abuse.

And a bunch of them just can't seem to understand why my compressor is twice as old but runs twice as well... Change the Oil!