Compressor Opinions

Ranger_Chris61 wrote:

Ok my compressor recently died after 18 years of service. So I have finaly found one I would like to replace it with and want some opinions. I am thinking about going with a Husky 6 Gallon 1.5 HP compressor, which can be seen here Overall I would like to know how good is this brand, and how good is this particular model, and any potential other compressors that you might suggest.

I'm with you. Bought a sears 1hp w/ 7gal tank almost 20 years ago for $140. Still going strong and it can drive lots of other tools.  Only downside over a hobby compressor is noise but with a larger tank it doesn't cycle as frequently. 

I have a Coleman Powermate VP201 with a 2 gallon tank. I bought this unit for 69.00. It came with a 1 year warranty. It makes a bit of noise but not so bad. I purchased this unit over 8 years ago and I have had NO problems. If this unit dies I feel I have gotten my moneys worth from it. I wouldn't hessitate to pick up a new one of the same make.

If you feel you need a HOBBY brand compressor than go for it, but it truly isnt necessary. I'm sure many others have had great success with brands such as the Coleman and others,I know I have.

One point about locating a compressor elsewhere other than your immediate work area...I speak from experience here having worked for a compressor company provided sales & service and manufactured our own (industrial).

Many of the failures I saw were compressors located in separate locations. Some were in high humidity with the delivery being inside a dry area...they'd literally pump water out the end of the line overwhelming the water trap.

Some were in cold dry areas with the air being delivered into a warm moist environment...condensation was less but the cold temp of the air would freeze up the regulators and not do the equipment it ran any favors either. Especially those in paint shops...cold air and paint don't neccessarily work well together.

Again the compressor inside a warm humid location, with delivery outside to a cold location...pumping water and causing issues of freeze up. Gas Stations are good for this.

Another problem I saw was the routing of the lines from the compressor to the outlet point. Again locating a compressor on the floor, running the air line along the ceiling dropping down to an outlet...the temperature gradient was as much as 30 degrees different...which caused issues for that particular customer. A mid wall routing solve the problem.

Also compressors need to breathe...they do suck in air! They also use ambient air to cool themselves. Too tight of a "hush box"  or extreme climate location can cause a compressor to fail prematurely.

So if you are thinking of using a utility compressor, that's okay. If you are thinking of locating it somewhere remote that is okay too but understand that it may be quietly working away to pump air to your workshop, it may not be delivering the quality of air you need. There are simple fixes to prevent many of the issues I described. 

I have the Husky with the 3 gallon tank, and it's going on 3 yrs old. I bought it on sale for $90, so if it died tomorrow, I would shed a tear and look at my options. I also use it as a source for filling tires and running an pneumatic stapler, so a "regular hobby" compressor wouldn't be on my radar screen. Noise isn't a problem as I run a hose through the wall into my house. I can barely hear the compressor. I would likely opt to spend more and get a 10 gallon tank one.

The sad truth is even the old Craftsman compressors aren't as good as the old ones, and have the same China sourced parts as the Harbor Freight.

I would also add.....Husky is Home Depot's house brand.....some things are made in the USA, but most are made in China. HD is very good about warranty stuff........but after 18 years of faithful compressor service from your old one, I doubt you'd enjoy running back there to pick up a replacement for a lousy (maybe) compressor.

Personally, I am leery of Husky Brand tools of this type. Before being better educated, I bought a Harbor Freight (China) 2 gal. compressor because the price helped me get right into relearning the airbrush. It works fine right now........but I am expecting a catastrophic breakdown eventually....and then I will go to better models such as mentioned above.

HTH....the guys above know their stuff! 

In the current (July 08) issue of Fine Scale Modeler is an article "Finding the Right Compressor". On page 51 is a Bearair "Polorbear" same as I have. Cost is $119.00. It is quiet and has a regulator/moisture trap. Good People to deal with. Contact them at  www.bearair.com

Highly recommend.

I guess I have two concerns. Warranty...who and where can you take it if you run into problems? Also, you have to contact HD Customer Service to get warranty info.

How loud is it? Is it going to rattle you fillings while you spray. make the dog hide, piss of SWMBO because it interfers with the TV reception?

For a few bucks more you can get a dedicated hobby compressor with a tank. These are quiet and reliable. The companies such as Paasche, Iwata etc tend not to switch vendors as often as the items you find like this compressor at the HD, so parts are readily available. 

As said before...you get what you pay for. I have an old Sanborn that was my "all round" compressor for years. It was used for airbrushing as well as running my air tools in the garage while repairing big boy toys. Once it started to sing...it stays in the garage and a new dedicated Paasche was purchased...and it is sweet.

Do what your budget allows, but check out a few of the other types and sources before plunking down the cash. My Paasche I purchased at my LHS, he sells them for a really fair price. I also recommend you check Hobby Lobby and take advantage of their 40% off coupons. Be an educated consumer...just with modeling...its all in the prep work to get it right in the end.