Tool question

[Jeffrey S.]

I would like to purchse a 60 gallon compressor to run air tools and my sandblast gun. I saw one in the Harbor Freight store that would be perfect. Does anyone have an opinion on the quality of Central Pneumatic products as comnpared to Home Depot or Lowe's compressors for occasional use? These stores have similar compressors but the Harbor Freight published CFM numbers at 40 and 90 psi are better. I appreciate your input.
Jeff

[Joe L.]

Re: Tool question

Jeff-----

Most of the Harbor Freight tools are made in China. That does not make them bad, though. A lot of other "name brand" power tools are made in China, too. I believe that "Central Pneumatics", "Central Machinery" and other Harbor Freight brands are, basically, "house brands"---you don't see them elsewhere.

I don't know anything about "Central Pneumatics" compressors. However, as far as "ratings" go, you have to take ALL of the published ratings for any compressor with a bit of skepticism. There are all sorts of ways that these things are rated so it's like comparing "apples and oranges" a lot of the time. In particular, the rated horsepower of these things is a real crapshoot. Very often they'll be rated at a certain horsepower but when you look on the "horsepower" section of the data plate on the motor, no horsepower will be shown or it will say something like "special".

Anyway, as far as a compressors go for home use I only recommend those that have a cast iron compressor. If the Harbor Freight unit has such a compressor, it might just be ok. I would not recommend an inexpensive compressor like this for professional shop use where the duty time is very high. However, for most home shops, you probably won't live long enough to wear it out.

[Chuck R.]

Re: Tool question

In my honest opinion, they are all pretty much cut from the same cookie cutter mold these days quality wise, unless you move into the bigger 5hp and up type equipment.

The biggest advantage you have purchasing through H.D. or Lowe's is that you have a local customer service based establishment that you can fall back on if it grenades on you. They're more likely to respond promptly to you issues rather than dealing with 800 numbers and muzak.

Central Pneumatics is definately low end light duty equipment that (if used with that understanding)can last you a goodly while, but usually when they do wear out, it's throw away time depending on the piece.

I have two or three C.P. pieces that I bought through Harbor Freight that are great for "once and a while" uses and then put them back on the shelf for another six months. Sand blasting puts alot of run time on a compressor especially if your cleaning large crusty parts.

Maintenance is a key to this as well. Keeping fresh oil in it, keeping the compressor wiped clean so it can transfer heat off better and proactive cleaning of the air filters, can take you a long ways with a light duty compressor.

Chuck

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Tool question

Joe and Chuck:
Thanks for responding so quickly. I know that some of the specifications like motor horsepower are played with (peak horsepower vs. rated horsepower). I would rather spend more money- up to a point- for a better compressor but as you have said, most of these things are made about the same and come from the same place. I would only use this occasionally but do want the capacity to spray or sandblast small items in my cabinet or run some air tools without constantly waiting for the compressor to recharge. We have a local Harbor Freight store here so I probably could get the same level of service as I would at HD or Lowe's. Again, thanks for you help.
Jeff

[Jean C.]

Re: Tool question

Jeff,
Have you tried Northern Tools? Although they also have lots of imported stuff, I have heard that they are generally a step up in quality from Harbor Freight.
Charlie

[Frank C.]

Re: Tool question

Jeff....the first thing you need to figure when buying a compressor is how much CFM will you need. Don't let all the descriptions fool you. HP means very little. The main thing to be concerned with is volume. These little backyard sandblasters can keep even a 19 CFM @ 90 PSI compressor pretty busy. Look at your tools and try to decern how much air you will need. I don't like spending $$$$ either, but if you buy the wrong unit you're just wasting money. GOOD LUCK...Regards Frank

[Mike G.]

Re: Tool question

Jeff: I've had a 5hp single-stage compressor with a 60 gallon tank for about 15 years. It's a Home Depot quality unit, sold under DeVillbis's label.
It's fine for air tools, spray painting and even my blasting cabinet.
BUT, if you're going to do outdoor sandblasting with a pressure pot, be prepared to do a LOT of waiting for it to catch up.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Tool question

Thank you all again for your excellent advise. I think I see what direction to take.
Jeff