Air compressor reviews have me running scared

C

cgraham

Member
Joined
Mar 6, 2011
Messages
59
Hi everyone. I am purchasing a vertical air compressor as a Christmas gift and after reading the reviews about lowes and tractor supplies offerings I am just a little nervous at dropping $500-600 on a product that has such bad reviews. What other options are out there for air compressors or are these reviews just a small sampling and not to be trusted. It just seems that when 50% of the reviews are horrible that I should run the other direction. Would love to know what people are running in their shop. I need at least 60 gallon capacity. Thanks!
 
Another option is the harbor freight 93274.  2 stage 5 hp, 15+ CFM @ 90psi.  Supposedly a US made Century motor, Italian made pump.  Tank and other bits from China. Routinely $800 on sale.  Reportedly this is one of the HF gems (an oxymoron, I know). 

There is some chatter about the new vs old version of that compressor, so do look into that.  Noise also seems to be an issue.
 
I have had the California Air Tools 2HP model from Home Depot and have been very happy with it.  It is very quiet, puts out a bit over 6 CFM @ 40 PSI and is very quiet.  I got it on sale for $299...regular price is $362.
 
Go with rolair. Might be double the budget but you buy festools which are triple the budget.
After a little while of listening to that battle tank from Lowe's rattle you will wish you had bought a rolair.
 
cgraham said:
Hi everyone. I am purchasing a vertical air compressor as a Christmas gift and after reading the reviews about lowes and tractor supplies offerings I am just a little nervous at dropping $500-600 on a product that has such bad reviews. What other options are out there for air compressors or are these reviews just a small sampling and not to be trusted. It just seems that when 50% of the reviews are horrible that I should run the other direction. Would love to know what people are running in their shop. I need at least 60 gallon capacity. Thanks!
Click to expand...

If you're set on a 60 gallon and your budget is 500.00-600.00 most of your options will be at the low end of the 60 gallon spectrum.  Sure there are a number of cheap options out there, but then you're stuck with a cheaper option.  A few years ago I was in the market for a new compressor to run my Hypertherm plasma cutter.  I decided on the Lowes kobalt 2HP 30 gallon upright model.  The first one I brought home was damaged so i brought it back and got another one which also had something wrong with it so i returned that one also.  If i had to do it differently i would unbox and plug in the unit at the store before bringing it home.  After three round trips to Lowes in one day, I ended up going to Northerntool's website and ordered a Ingersoll Rand 30 gallon.  It was more money but it is low Db and has a 100% duty cycle.  I also have a small California Air Tools compressor that is crazy quiet.  Not sure if that helps but that's my 2 cents. 
 
Paul G said:
Are rolair made in USA?
Click to expand...
I can't seem to find it online now but there was a list showing "some" models are built/tested here but others are imported and just tested here.
 
I've been using a Craftsman 30 gallon compressor manufactured by Ingersoll Rand for over 40 years. I've used it everyday for anything from air sanders to HVLP guns. I replaced the electric motor about 20 years ago and about 5 years later replaced the unloader valve. That's it...I just drain the tank on a regular basis and I use Mobil 1 oil for the crankcase. When this thing gives up the ghost, I'll just purchase an Ingersoll Rand 60 gallon vertical compressor.
 
I have a couple 60 gallon two stage Wayne Vaughns.  Yes they are old, asme tanks certified for 200psi working strength, they just chug along quietly. Both combined were under your budget
 
Just an update. Took some good advice and ordered a rolair . Was a little out of my price range ($1450) but after giving up on getting one this year I was surprised to find in my inbox a deal for $1095 plus free shipping ($250!).  It will be here on dec 30. Thanks for reminding me that you get what you pay for
 
Acme Tool has a 5% off on RolAir, Promo Code: ROLAIR.  Not that big but better than nothing!
 
cgraham said:
Just an update. Took some good advice and ordered a rolair . Was a little out of my price range ($1450) but after giving up on getting one this year I was surprised to find in my inbox a deal for $1095 plus free shipping ($250!).  It will be here on dec 30. Thanks for reminding me that you get what you pay for
Click to expand...

Which model did you get? I've been looking for a while and had settled on a Quincy QT-54 until I heard horror stories about Quincy's bad service from a local machine shop.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

S
Planning the switch to battery powered nailers. Any suggestions?
2 3
Replies
42
Views
3K
mino
mino
ryanjg117
Portable air compressor recommendations?
Replies
17
Views
4K
xedos
X
thudchkr
Benchdog Stainless Steel Squares
Replies
3
Views
2K
thudchkr
thudchkr
A
Anyone use or have experience with
Replies
13
Views
2K
JRD
J
S
Large slab storage?
Replies
10
Views
4K
squall_line
S
Back
Top