Best deal on a capable air compressor

[smartadze]

Campbell Hausfeld/RIDGID (Reconditioned) 4.5 Gal Air Compressor at Home Depot, regularly $264, now $169 with Free Shipping. MFG Part #OF45175RB; Search www.homedepot.com for item 100665776.

I have two of these - they are terrific deals at $264. This oil-less, twin-tank compressor runs 1.8 horsepower at 175 psi, but most importantly features 4.9 scfm @ 90psi. This allows the use of almost any air tool, including Hi-Torque 1/2" impact wrenches, sand-blasters, multiple nail guns, etc etc. The best part- it is still compact and portable.

Most compresors for sale are good for only a nail-gun and general inflation use, because they drop below 4 cfm at the critical spec of 90 psig - that's the standard industry cut-off for hi-load power tools. I have yet to try anything that this compressor won't handle.

It is sold as the "RIDGID" brand when new - I'm not sure how the refurbs are marked. In any case, at $264 this is the best bang for the buck in a home-shop air compressor; at $169 and Free Shipping, this is the tool steal of the new millenium.

 

[*kjm]

That is a great deal...... and your right they are a good unit.

 

[DannyLove]

Would something like this handle spray guns for painting or wall-texture type of spraying?

I have a lot of 'pop-corn' ceiling that I need to scrap down and I want to texture spray the new ceiling. I'm no contractor by any means, but I'd love to invest in these small home-projects when I know its a good deal and good product.

Thanks.

 

[RobsTV]

Harbor freight has this 3 HP, 21 Gallon unit in their flyer for $170, less the 20% off coupon floating around, brings it down to $136. This is an excellent unit. Check review sites. Some state that the pump is made by Campbell Hausfeld.

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/itemdisplay/displayItem.do?itemid=94667

one review:
http://www.squidbusters.com/sb/showthread.php?t=7935

3 HP, 21 Gallon, 125 PSI Cast Iron Vertical Air Compressor

Built-In Universal Quick Connect Coupler for Convenient Air Hose Connection


Heavy duty 3 HP rated motor
Long-life oil lubricated compressor with precision machined cast-iron sleeve
Twin capacitor motor with thermal overload protection
Wheel kit with 6" wheels and ergonomic handle for smooth portability
Oil level indicator window for easy maintenance
Reduced vibration with rubber foot stabilizers



120 volt, 60 Hz; Air delivery: 7.0 SCFM @ 40 PSI; 4.9 SCFM @ 90 PSI; 4.3 SCFM @ 115 PSI
Weight: 107 lbs.

 

[grohl]

thanks for the tool deal - got a compressor already, I do appreciate good deals on tools so keep it up!

 

[Sahakiel]

Call me stupid, but I am sitting here wondering if either of these would work well for cleaning dust off electronic parts. Inside of my PC, console, stuff like that.

 

[onza]

what is the NOISE level like?

Thanks!

 

[thedarkwolf]

oil-less = holly crap my ears are dying noise level
oiled = this still stucks but at least my ears aren't bleeding.

bit of an exaggeration but yeah.

 

[macssuck]

Thanks for the tool deal! I bought a house recently so I'm always looking for tools.

I think thedarkwolf's description of the noise level is pretty accurate based on my experience with both types of compressors.

 

[CurseTheSky]

Call me stupid, but I am sitting here wondering if either of these would work well for cleaning dust off electronic parts. Inside of my PC, console, stuff like that.

Yes, but it would be overkill. Most compressors will be capable of blowing enough air at a high enough PSI to ruin computer fans and possibly even dislodge semi-loose parts (like expansion cards that aren't screwed down properly.

It sure would beat using compressed air cans, though.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

oil-less = holly crap my ears are dying noise level
oiled = this still stucks but at least my ears aren't bleeding.

bit of an exaggeration but yeah.

Personally I don't think it's much of an exaggeration..


I far far prefer the oiled type. They are a LOT quieter. I've had a couple oil-less types (for painting type stuff) and hate them. I had an apartment and could barely turn it on because of how incredibly loud it was..

 

[SpatiallyAware]

Yes, but it would be overkill. Most compressors will be capable of blowing enough air at a high enough PSI to ruin computer fans and possibly even dislodge semi-loose parts (like expansion cards that aren't screwed down properly.

It sure would beat using compressed air cans, though.

I've seen plenty of caps blown off of boards with air compressors turned up too high

 

[rsolomon]

Most compressors will be capable of blowing enough air at a high enough PSI to ruin computer fans and possibly even dislodge semi-loose parts (like expansion cards that aren't screwed down properly.

Does this unit have a regulator? I have an el-cheapo chinese one (which claims similar specs but doesn't deliver) and it came with an adjustable regulator so one can turn the pressure way down for airgun use like that.

Richard

 

[mooseracing]

This allows the use of almost any air tool, including Hi-Torque 1/2" impact wrenches, sand-blasters, multiple nail guns, etc etc. The best part- it is still compact and portable.

That is a joke. That CFM will not run any decent 1/2" impact until it is up to 100PSI after waiting 15 minutes to get there. It will not run a sand blaster. Most people are looking at 12 CFM @90 PSI and higher to run a decent sand blaster.

I have a 6CFM @ 90PSI fake 5HP Crapfield compressor. It can't keep up with 1/2" impacts, die grinders, air drill, sanders, or air chisels.

 

[fastcuda]

I have a 60 gallon oiled, 9.6 cfm I got at costco and when sandblasting I have to rest a lot and let it catch up. Do not expect a little unit like this to sandblast anything that is not very small unless you want to do it very slowly to wait for it to catch up and cool down. I'm sure it would run an impact for maybe one wheel, but 4.5 gallon is almost no reserve and it would be running very often. I got oiled because I didn't want the neighbors complaining but it is still fairly loud.

 

[MAG1969]

That is a joke. That CFM will not run any decent 1/2" impact until it is up to 100PSI after waiting 15 minutes to get there. It will not run a sand blaster. Most people are looking at 12 CFM @90 PSI and higher to run a decent sand blaster.

I have a 6CFM @ 90PSI fake 5HP Crapfield compressor. It can't keep up with 1/2" impacts, die grinders, air drill, sanders, or air chisels.

I have a 60 gallon oiled, 9.6 cfm I got at costco and when sandblasting I have to rest a lot and let it catch up. Do not expect a little unit like this to sandblast anything that is not very small unless you want to do it very slowly to wait for it to catch up and cool down. I'm sure it would run an impact for maybe one wheel, but 4.5 gallon is almost no reserve and it would be running very often. I got oiled because I didn't want the neighbors complaining but it is still fairly loud.

I agree with both of you... Have a craftsman 6.4cfm@90psig 33 gal. bearely keeps up with my ingersol rand 2131 impact wrench.

 

[thedarkwolf]

Impact guns usually run in spurts and my 5.5cfm@90pis compressor can keep up fine unless I am just going crazy on a nut. Its the highspeed tools that run extended time like sanders and cut off wheels that you need really manly compressors for.

 

[Nessism]

Oiless = CRAP

Stay clear.

 

[smartadze]

Typical HotDeals thread crap: compare $800 air compressors to a $169 compressor.

 

[hansmuff]

The oil-less may be louder, but it's far from unusable or unreasonable to your neighbors.
I bought this: http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053

This thing has been working GREAT for me and didn't break the bank. Used a framing nailer with it, zero problems. Yeah, you'll hear this thing but I can stand next to it without feeling that I must hold my ears.
Use earplugs and go.

I'm sure some $500+ compressor delivers more power quieter but for occasional home usage those are simply too expensive.

 

[Blazer]

oil less is typ load but when using a regulator at low press and a dryer they are good for cleaning out the pc dust mites, and the price is just ok, a little noisy for a shop compressor, oil bathed and run at a slower speed is what one should place is a shop.

 

[mooseracing]

Typical HotDeals thread crap: compare $800 air compressors to a $169 compressor.

Not really, this is called the truth, if some moron wouldn't have posted this:

This allows the use of almost any air tool, including Hi-Torque 1/2" impact wrenches, sand-blasters, multiple nail guns, etc etc.

You post bullshit what do you expect in return?

I expect that you can point out any deficiencies you have noticed in the referenced item WITHOUT namecalling.
Administrator allisolm

 

[mvbighead]

Yes, but it would be overkill. Most compressors will be capable of blowing enough air at a high enough PSI to ruin computer fans and possibly even dislodge semi-loose parts (like expansion cards that aren't screwed down properly.

It sure would beat using compressed air cans, though.

While I don't disagree, I once worked in a shop and we had a compressor for cleaning out PCs. As long as the person operating the device isn't a complete idiot, it'll do the job better than any can of air. If you find yourself cleaning electronics a lot, a compressor would be a worthwhile investment as, unlike canned air, it'll actually dislodge pretty much all dust. As you say though, one should be careful, but my experience with the tiny POS one the shop had has been nothing but 100% positive.

EDIT:

Mind you, the one I used was something like http://www.amazon.com/Factory-Reconditioned-Campbell-hausfeld-Oil-Free-Compressor/dp/B002BEKFCG

 

[ethan007]

Does this unit have a regulator?
anyway u`ve got a great deal !!

 

[superHARD]

Not really, this is called the truth, if some moron wouldn't have posted this:



You post bullshit what do you expect in return?

I say ban. Name calling is bad.