Air Compressor advice requested - harbor freight central pneumatic air compressor

Having purchased a number of tools from Harbor Freight & generally found their power tools badly wanting, I would tend away from this compressor. A better choice is check out your local auto parts store. I found a VERY nice compressor/tank combination at Pep Boys last winter for $59. This turned out to be the exact same compressor that Micro-Mark is selling currently for $99 plus $24 freight (Micro-Mark item # 83856). I did have to replace the outlet manifold and installed a much better filter/regulator. But thus far, this little compressor has turned out to be a real winner!

HawkeyeHobbies wrote:

For the same amount of money you can purchase a hobby compressor, such as a Paasche with a tank. I have one of these and paid what you're paying for the HF junk. Check this place as well as other places such as DixieArt.com . I purchased mine (see pic) from my local HobbyTown USA, which still has them in stock for I believe $149. That price doesn't include a regulator but those are an additional $30 or less.

Come on, Gerald. Those Paasche are for hobbyist and weekend modeler like me. I am happy with my Paasche DA400 too.

You will need at least a Silentaire which is more befitting to your status as a professional. You can write it off as business expenses. Right?

I always enjoy reading your blog and your posts here.

For the same amount of money you can purchase a hobby compressor, such as a Paasche with a tank. I have one of these and paid what you're paying for the HF junk. Check this place as well as other places such as DixieArt.com . I purchased mine (see pic) from my local HobbyTown USA, which still has them in stock for I believe $149. That price doesn't include a regulator but those are an additional $30 or less.

I have one from the same company, also purchased at Harbor Freight. It has the single 2 gallon tank, but they are probably about the same. I got it back in March of this year and so far it is working fine. It is not quite as loud as the one it replaced, which was a Campbell-Hausfield. I have mine in the garage with an air hose running the length of my house to my model room, so I rarely notice the noise.

It does seem to run a little funny sometimes, like it can't decide when to turn on or off, but it hasn't stopped completely yet. I also leave mine on all the time, so the air leaks out at some point and it will turn on to refill, which I am sure will shorten the service life. If you turn it on only when needed, it probably will last longer.

I got the 2 year service extension with it wihich was an extra 20 bucks I think so obviously I'm not worried too much about it breaking. If you do get it, definately go for the service/replacement plan.

No. I will stay away from Harbor Freight if I need machinery with moving parts. There are too many variation in their quality control. When you buy a compressor, you want one that can last.

A tool compressor is ok for airbrush if you can put it at a remote location away from the workbench, such as in the garage. Noise, particularly from a oilless compressor, is the killer.

If you still end up buying this compressor, make sure to remove the oiler (you need that for your airtools) and use a different set of hose for airbrushing. Oil is the biggest enemy to painting.