Great video 👍! A side not though, for anyone interested in a larger compressor like the kobalt in the video. Do NOT bolt directly to a concrete floor. You need to bolt to isolator pads to prevent vibration from cracking the welds at the legs. I've seen too many really nice compressors fail prematurely because of that.
That is not what Quincy says. I realize Quincy is a super-premium piece of equipment but Quincy specifically states that vertical compressors are not to be mounted with isolators.
@@halledwardb .. Yes .👍. I’ve had my vertical 5hp, 60gal, 240v, compressor on the pallet for 31 yrs. The pump is getting ready to poop. I’ll soon need a replacement.
A word about maintenance, where I work we have three Ingersoll rand two stage air compressors. Two of them are over 20 years old. We change the oil once a year if you’re lucky. The reason they last so long is because they run a solid 10 hours every day. By doing that you cook all the water out of the oil you cook all the bad stuff out of the oil and that keeps him running.The only problem we had with them in the last 20 years is a broken read them and the occasional belt replacement.. We do change the oil every year or two but that’s it. I would recommend Ingersoll-Rand compressor is to anybody or not cheap, but check out the prices at tractor supply.
Tractor supply IR compressors are junk, motors are made in India, and IR made these compressors only for tractor supply, because they took off there quality parts and replaced them with junk for tractor supply too offer there deals.
Great video!, I personally don't recommend you use black iron piping because compressed air has a whole lot of moisture in itself and as you all know iron loves to rust so PEX is a great option, here in Europe where i come from we often use something called PPR plastic pipes, similar to PEX only its plastic welded not the screw connectors, rated to 20 or 25bar(360psi) and its third the price of PEX, copper is also a semi-decent option only it costs more, always use brass fittings not galvanized or black iron(rust problem, rust chuncks get in your tools and they do serious damage. Stay safe guys and keep on making!
The air compressor I bought off a widow for $50 is the top air compressor for my shop. It is an ANSI rated PAR model from 1944. When you're long dead and buried it'll still be going strong. They built stuff right for the military in the big one.
I bought a 30 gal 5hp oiled compressor from Checker Auto for $150 back around 2008 or so, right after O'Reilly bought them out here in Phoenix. Checker blew out all of their tools for half off because O'Reilly carried different tool brands. It's been completely reliable for my home garage use. I'd say it's comparable to the 21 gal Hf, just a little bigger tank and motor, similar design though. I bought all kinds of tools and odds and ends during that clearance but that's still my favorite $150 I've ever spent for my garage. Shine on Red! Great job giving good info - enough to be useful but not to overwhelm. Thanks!
I agree 100% with you on the Kobalt. Mine was actually black but the same unit. It was surprisingly quiet, I bought mine for 499.00, and run any air tool commonly available. I left mine on the pallet that it came on. I could still scoot it around so I can clean around it. I typically used impacts, air ratchets, and a plasma cutter with it. Plenty of compressor for almost any job.
I bought the harbor freight compressor in this video for $50 on offerup. Only drawback is how loud it is other than that it works runs impact wrench nail gun no problem.
I have. 5 hp, 60 gallon craftsman... about 20 y/o.... loud but good, was able to run my blast cabinet without a struggle. I put it out in the shed, ran rapid air hose through a underground conduit back to the garage, works like a champ
The kobalt is a cambell hausfield same as the husky for 60 bucks cheaper. You can also often times find the cambell hausfield on sale for 399. I love my IR 80 gallon 2 stage with after cooling and a refrigerated air dryer backed up with a van air desiccant dryer.
I bought the same HF compressor as a temporary unit. It worked fine, and I've followed the oil change instructions, and everything. Now, if it has air pressure in it, and it kicks on, it trips the breaker. If it is empty, it works fine. Probably just mine, and it's way over 90 days, so it will continue to get me by until I get my 60 gal, 5hp, 2 stage unit.
I never run out of air in my shop.(When the wife cooks!) But seriously heed the pvc warning, it’s a nasty mess when it bursts in a cold location. Shards as far an the eye can see! Might I also suggest if possible try using out of location switches for power. I have my compressors and extra storage tank safely behind a 3-4” thick. plywood walled closet and heavy door with forced ventilation and an auto drain. I used a three way at the shop entrance, a four way in the wood shop and another three way switch in the auto bay. No matter where I come in or leave my garage I have the ability to kill the compressor closet with a flick of the switch. Just sharing what works for me, yall shine on!
The harbor freight 60 gallon is made by atlas copco who also makes the bellaire series of compressors. It’s a true two stage model. The whole thing is made up of quality parts. US made tank, European made pump (T29S, parts are all over the web) and century (Mexico) made true 5 HP motor. One hell of a good deal for what they sell it for. I bought one about 6 years ago. Used to be called US General, but now called Central Pneumatic. Will handle just about anything a home shop could ever throw at it.
This is the one I've had my eye on for a while. I knew I should have gone for it when the coupon was out for it at $749, since it's $829 now. The HF near me has a new display unit and it shows the Made in Italy stamp on the compressor pump. Quality unit that always gets praise and I think is worth the cash.
My parents bought a new Pinto in 1972. It was a fantastic car. I bought a 1972 in 1983 and drove it til 1990. Great car. Driving one in today's traffic where everyone drives like they are at Indy, maybe not. But still love them to this day.
For 25 years now, I have had a 20 gallon Campbell Hausfeld with something like 4 SCFM. Over this quarter of a century, I have consistently run EVERY tool on that compressor that they say you can't run on it. I have painted two Jeeps and a Ram 1500 truck. I have run impact hammers, and ratchets. I have run orbital sanders. It has done absolutely fine. Now I have that, and a DeWalt 6 gallon pancake for when I need t take air on the road with me and between the two...I can do every job I will ever need to do. The 20 gallon is getting old, so it will probably be replaced soon...but I am going to get a newer version of the same thing.
I just picked up a 26 gal Kobalt Quiettech compressor (its essentially the same as California air's design compressor wise except I think it may be even quieter... I don't think anyone would even mind me running it at night in the neighborhood it's so quiet, my truck is literally louder at idle). I fired it up on a 15amp circuit with a small AC already running and it did not trip the breaker, very pleased so far. It was $309.... there was also a higher CFM Makita for $320 but it only had a 5.5Gal tank... probalby excellent for a job site compressor maybe not quite as good for a shop.
Don't forget to check letgo and Craigslist. Got my 5HP 30 gallon Sanborn for $100. Little surface rust but in great shape. Brought it home and painted it up. Puts out 12cfm @90psi.
I personally use a 32 gallon 1980s sears oil less compressor. Bought it if my friend he needed a bigger compressor for his large farm operation. All I can say is that thing is great, those old ge motors that were made in the us are amazingly built well. If you can find one I recommend then but only if it's in good shape. The only problem is that it's louder than my hemi with just headers. Also, if you have menards in your area I recommend the sanborn compressors made in the us, that what my friend runs now.
I own the 21 gallon Central Pneumatic compressor for over a year. It works great, plenty of power for air tools. Only drawbacks are the noise and cold start ups in winter even with synthetic oil. I usually warm it up with a heat gun in the winter to get it started.
Red Beard, I've got to go against your Harbor Freight recommendation for a compressor. First and foremost is the lack of replacement parts when the compressor dies. Not if it dies, but when. The oil-less compressors typically live between 50 and 75 hours of operation before the connecting rod cuts lose due to a lack of lubrication. The oiled compressors depending on size may or may not have a cast iron cylinder sleeve or a cast iron block. Cast iron blocks are good as they remain dimensionally stable for their lives. I needed a small compressor a few years back to run a nail gun. I was pushed towards the pancake compressors, but spoke with one of the tool rental companies and found numerous failures of the compressor head. A bit of digging, I found the quietest hot dog style oiled compressor was offered by Makita, called the Big Bore. Follow the break-in instructions. Fill with the supplied oil and run for 30 minutes with the tank valve open. This compressor besides being quiet is also the coolest running compressor I've ever been around. You can hold your hand on it during operation and won't get burnt. In a larger compressor, you named California Compressors, which appears to be a good company. Also look to Quincy as they have one of the best support and warranty programs in the business. Not cheap, but it's a life time compressor. I own an Ingersoll Rand 10 horse power three phase compressor that I use in my home shop, and a Quincy scroll compressor for my sandblast cabinet. The Makita Big Bore gets used in the carport to air up tires and quick small inflation jobs. You need to look at compressors this way, buy once, cry once. Rent one when the need arises until you can get your own.
I have the 60 gal Kobalt and its awesome. And if anyone is looking to get one but dont want to pay over 500, then if the only one they have in stock is the floor model they'll take 10% off if you ask the right person and with a lowes credit card you get another 5% off that. I ran mine with black iron pipe and 3/4" RapidAir Maxline. And if anyone has a good compressor and still seems your tools are under power, make sure you're using atleast a 3/8 hose not 1/4 and high flow fittings will help a lot as well.
I have the same compressor,,,I ran a 1/2 inch coil of copper tubing from my pump to my tank and it dropped my air temperature from 240 degrees at compressor to 62 degrees at tank,,,greatly reducing moisture in tank,,,,I found out that Campbell hushfeild makes the kobalt air compressor,,,,was glad to know, because of there quality.
Totally agree with not using PVC pipe to use as a way to have compressed air run through your shop. I worked at a food production plant decades ago and they were using PVC to carry steam. It went off like a bomb. It is a wonder no one was injured. They finally replaced the section with heavy gauged pipe.
I have a Husky 20gal.vertical compressor with a 175 PSI rating.Loud,but packs a punch. Great for a home garage DIY auto repair etc.I use mine for my small engine repair side business - works great.
I went to Lowes today and bought the 80 Gallon Kobalt. I was planning on the 60 but since there was a 18 months interest free special if I used our Lowe's card, I opted to get the Bigger one. To get the extra 6 months over the 12, you need to spend 999.00 so I tossed in a Kobalt 1/2 impact bare tool. Its the small one thats also offered in 3/8. I don't have any Kobalt power tools, but at only $69.00 yellow tag, I'm going to try it. I wanted the small M-12 stubby impact, but thats 179. bare tool! Batteries for these are 20 and 50 dollars. Charger is 43.00. If these Kobalt's work as good as my Miwaukee's have, I'm changing brands. I think Milwaukee is getting greedy on their pricing.
Thanks again for the videos. I have purchased 2 really nice belt driven oil cooled units off Craigslist. The first one was a 30 gallon 220V unit that was stolen. My current one is a 60 gallon 220V vertical unit that had 50' of hose and regulators. Bought the first one for $150 and the second one for $200. Deals are out there but you have to jump really quick and stay on Craigslist daily.
Being a former owner operator of trucks I needed something that I could count on and Ingersoll Rand lived up to it's reputation. I've had mine for over twenty years and not a single problem ,
I looked at all 120V 30 gallon compressors and IMHO the made in USA Kobalt is the best and biggest compressor to run on 120V. ~$350. 155 psi. 5.5 cfm @90 psi, 6.5 cfm @40 psi. Runs quiet. Looks like it will last. Has a cheeep power switch though. Easy enough to fix.
Great video on compressors. My rule of thumb is get the biggest compressor that 1 can afford. That 21gal HF compressor is a decent little compressor. The thing to look at is duty cycle. Craigslist or Facebook garage sale. Is a great place to look for them.
I like to rate compressors based on free air CFM at pressure. This is the flow and pressure that exists without the tank. Truthfully the tank only has three jobs, to hold burst air availability, first stage moisture accumulator, and reduce cycle times on the pump. Once that is established, then next step is longevity. Finally and as you mentioned, loudness. It is important to know how well the compressor will keep up with heavy use of the tools you have.
Take it from me don't even think about starting with that Campbell hausfeld 3 gallon. It takes about 15 minutes to air up one tire on a car. Now I have an oiled 20 gallon Campbell hausfeld 5.5 cfm at 90 psi and 135 psi max and it works great for airing up tires running an impact things like that. It does struggle a bit with the die grinder tho just so you know.
I bought an 80 gallon 2 stage 6.5hp magna force (coleman/Sanborn) in 1996. 24cfm@100psi 17cfm@175. Best 799 bucks (remember, 1996) I ever spent. There is literally nothing I need that it wont overdo. I run 1 inch iron line to my regulators and 3/8" automotive quick releases for high flow. I started on standard 1/4" and the difference is amazing. Not that it matters much with this compressor. Yes, it's 220. That's what you want. I never even saw an increase on my electric bill. I ran a solid waste disposal business with this for 10 years in my shop. Now it's my overkill home setup.
Stick with oiled air compressors as they are will need a bit more maintenance but are much more robust in the long scheme of things. Oil-free rely on internal friction-less coatings that are subject to wear over time. Personally, I like Makita as Japanese manufactured tools are typically much more robust than domestic tools and will stand the test of time.
Just purchased a Eaton 5hp 80 gal. man its the nicest compressor I've ever owned. Its quiet and provides 19 cfm@100psi. Its a beast and it was right at $2k but it was worth it.
I picked up the dewalt 60 gallon on sale last year for just under 500. So far I like it, quieter than I expected. I was actually on my way to lowes to pick up that kobalt when tractor supply had a add for the dewalt and it was cheaper, quieter, and closer. Now it was a sale, but it was at the exact right time.
I picked up a central pneumatic 21 gallon 125psi compressor for 80 bucks from the local pawn shop that was brand new still, it's my 3rd one I've owned and I love them ive never had any issues, sold the other 2 ive had, couldn't beat that deal especially considering I didnt have to drive the 2 hours to the closest harbor freight and hope they even had it in stock cuz the last 3 times i went up there they were always sold out
I've been running my semi pro shop for 3 years on two of the cheap black harbor freight 21 gallon compressors with check valves, plumbed into the shop. Except eating reed valves, that take 10 min to fix and cost 6 bucks, they have run flawlessly.
My grandfather ran a shop from the 1950s to 80s. I inherited his old compressor, it still works great. Only thing I'm concerned about is the possibility of rust in the tank. Water comes out just a little black, hopefully just from oil. But at some point, I'll have to pull the drain valve out and check inside.
Maybe I have just been lucky, but I've run PVC irrigation line with 300PIS rating for the last 40 years on my 5hp 80 gallon DeVilbiss compressor and never had so much as a leak. I just moved shops and dismantled the system, and now you've got me nervous to reinstall it. LOL
If i didnt have a 5hp compressor coming from my grandparents, then the kobalt would definately have my money. I couldnt find hardly anything that can do over 11 cfm @ 90psi for under a grand. The kobalt can keep up with a devillbiss tekna pro lite on its most demanding setup. More than ill ever need.
The California air compressors are awesome they have good customer service too. Usually run it when it’s night and I’m working in the garage and my Quincy runs out of air. Now the Quincy is a work horse.
The bear should expand his hunt for honey! A few swings and misses here but nothing you won’t read about from others. I would say the $999 Ingersoll Rand 80 gallon, 5 hp, 2 stage compressor from Tractor Supply should have made the list. Yes, a grand is a good chunk but the machine is quite good.
The Den of Tools must be a regional price hike. Down here it’s $999.99 and is the same online. The Quincy I was considering is a mere $2500. Now, that’s overkill!
I have a IR 80 gallon 2 stage and didn't want to pay the money..... I'm so glad I did. With the true 5hp motor I can also run a 60 gallon aux tank and not have huge pressure drops when the tanks have depleted enough for the motor to kick on... truly the last compressor you will own if you keep up on service.
Should definitely do a remake for 2023. I just bought a Hulk Power (by EMAX) 20gal 14.5amp (120v) compressor. It has 5.77 at 90 and 8.3 at 40. It's been like $768 for months since the last couple years. It finally dropped in price today so I picked one up for almost half that which is similar to pre pandemic.
I have the 60 gal Kobalt compressor. If you need parts and warranty from Lowe's, forget about it. Lowe's don't have parts or service for some of the Kobalt stuff even under warranty. Got burned a few times.
For autoBody work 80 gallons are the must while 60 works ok there will be psi drops and you should also have a valve on your painting gun to check as you go. Too little and you risk spraying some globs keep in mind this might also be how you mix the paint and always keep your clear coat gun separate same with your premier clean them in paint cleaner with a soft metal brush and sometimes picks are needed. Anyways yeah make sure to check filters every two to weeks or monthly. Draining liquid from the compressors are also a must “ usually found at the bottom or side of air compressors. We usually used husky at the shop and had two separate one for painting to insure good and consistent psi pressure and one for tools about 60 gallon for the tools . We also had two employees usually working with sanders, impact ratchets but yeah. BONUS : if you want a clean and extra sleek and durable look you can water sand with 2000 or 3000 and then polish afterwards. This A. Gets rid of a bumpy surface we call it orange peel B. Insured the paint is covered with a wax coating that makes cleaning the car a breeze.
I've had two of the smaller Kobalt 4.3 gal Quiet Tech compressors recently. You can get them on sale for $150. They are super quiet and work really well for most tasks short of running an air sander or polisher or grinder. That's the good. The bad is both of them have had the regulators fail in them. They both started to leak air. They are a cast manifold and as far as I could tell there is no way to disassemble the regulator. The first one filed within 2 weeks of purchase and after a fight with the woman in customer service, I got them to replace it in the store. The second one lasted 8 or 9 months. I took the manifold off and put a new regulator and gauges on it from Harbor Freight. It's been running fine since. I was looking at a larger Kobalt but the failures in these two have made me hesitant to pull the trigger.
Im a hobbyist but i have an impact wrench that needs some powah (a lot of cfm), plus i move a decent amount so that California compressor sounds really nice
Have the Central Pneumatic (harbor Freight- $149) compressor for over 4 years, it gets used at least 2 times a week, and at least 1 or 2 weekends a month it gets used for a few hours. Been OK for the price, as mentioned its got its drawbacks. I re- plumbed some of it, the gauge and outlet, release valve is a bit restrictive.. about $20 for better parts and you will have better luck with impacts. Its LOUD as mentioned, i have the HUSKY (Home depot?) match to it, its not as loud, but takes longer to pump up. For the price the HF one is best, but I need a upgrade with more lasting power. My be looking into the Kobalt.. its hard to find one for $500.
I have the 29 gal central pneumatic compressor been 4 years it’s been solid running air guns and cut off tools running 3/8 hose and fittings makes a big difference. But I’m getting ready to to upgrade to the 60 gal compressor because my shop is out growing the 29gal compressor
Atm my little 8gal Kobalt I purchased four years ago, the day after black friday for 79$ is still doing all I need. Couple years out though after a shop is built, and I have room a larger one would be nice to have.
My buddy gave me a little black 8 gallon compressor from harbor freight several years ago when my delta died, I don’t have any idea how old it is but that thing is a work horse! It puts my 21 gallon craftsman compressor to shame!
Came back here to remind myself of whatever the bear's opinion had been, because I bought a new compressor today. Then I saw my comment from last month. It appears that I lied. No, I dd not buy the same compressor as I had before. A big part of that is because I was in my 20s when I bought the last one...and just did not take the time to learn anything (as 20 somethings are known to do) before buying that one. I got very lucky that it actually did happen to be one that would run all of my tools. But this time I did better. After all of that "larnin' " I wound up choosing the "Stealth." 68 decibels is it's featured super power, but oddly...that's just a happenstance feature to me. I would not have cared if it was 100. What sold me is the 5CFM at 90 PSI. That is more than I have ever had, and more than should reasonably be offered at the 350 bones I spent. Like I said, my old one was 4...or maybe even a little less than 4, and the manufacturer who claimed I could not run my ratchets, hammers and grinders was a liar. I ran them all for 20 years at that CFM. So at 5, I am pretty sure I should be set for life.
As a general rule you should be able to produce 20CFM on a 25 amp 220v circuit And you should be able to produce 40CFM on a 50 amp 220v circuit. My Quincy 390 produces 36CFM on a 50 amp 220v circuit with a 10 horsepower single phase motor. You can always purchase a pump twice as big as you need and spin it at half the RPM. If you want something bigger later, you can just add a bigger motor and spin it faster. My Quincy 390 is capable of producing 70CFM at 200 PSI with a 20 horsepower motor , But I'm only spinning it at 560 RPM to produce 36CFM with a 10 horsepower motor. If I ever need more air I could just get a bigger motor and spin the pump faster.
I have the 21gal compressor, I use it lightly to pump car tires, winterize sprinklers, it's great, just too laud indeed. Have you ever heard tank explodes due to rust? I thought they will just leak.
I had a Husky oil less 33gallon upright. I couldn't hear myself think when that damn thing kicked in. I just took a break when it started up. I couldn't afford a new compressor so I started looking for a solution. I found a old Speedaire 20gallon horizontal with better specs than the screamer. I took the motor and pump off the Speedaire and put it on the 33 gallon upright. I can now have a conversation standing right next to the "new" setup. I gave the 20 gallon tank to my buddy and he doubled his storage capacity on his compressor. Win/win and it only cost me 60 bucks plus time for the mod!
Mr. Bear, this is an outstanding video. Your explanation of the difference between CFM and PSI should be added to all the buyers guides.This is your best video
I knew someone that found one of the 21 gallon HFT oil compressors in the trash. Someone threw it out, in new condition, and he brought it home to see what happened. All it was, was the power switch. He replaced it and he got a brand new compressor.
somehow I managed to score two overflow tanks in an auction at work for 125 combined,ones a 100 gallon and the other is around 300 or so.i don't plan on keeping the big one but I figure the 100 gallon will be real nice and I should never run out of air.
A few things to consider, maybe even worth their own video: 1) Noise. Why I bought my California compressor. 2) CFM, rather than PSI. I sized my compressor after learning the requirements of my framing nailer. 3) Bigger tank vs. bigger compressor. My use I intermittent, so a big tank is what I need. If I was painting, a large pump is called for. 4) Water in air. RU-vid has many videos showing how to get the water out of your compressed air 5) Piping materials. Did you know there’s rated PEX? A lot fewer joints to leak. Iron adds rust to your air - bad for tools. Copper- lots of joints to sweat
Nice compressor I got a harbor Freight 125psi using it for 5year now and it works great for small tool but I need something bigger for air impact tools 🔧
I've used the same harbor freight unit twice now. The first one lasted me about 6 years, the second is going out now. My seal went out of the first, the switch and a leaky seal is killing the second right now after 8 years. I'm actually on this video to find a new one, looking to upgrade to a better unit. I use it at least once a week but never more than 2 hours consecutively in a night.
Dang, I was all sold on the $330 one, then I searched HF and found nothing remotely close. I came back to this video and noticed it is 4 years old and that answers that.
Admittedly I'm a HFT fanboy but I believe that the 21 and 29gal are plenty for most 1-3 people shops. You get more people and you'll want a bigger tank and more cfms.
Looks like they discontinued the 60gallon Kobalt? Can't find it. Too bad, that was a helluva deal. I'm having a hard time finding a good deal on a solid compressor. I *just* missed out on the 15% coupon at HF that was good on compressors. It expired yesterday or I probably would have done the 30 gallon belt drive one.
Let me start by saying that part of my job is installing professional air compressors. A good rule of thumb on the size of air compressor is that if you run the compressor for one hour, it should only run ten to twenty minutes in said hour. If it runs more, you need a bigger compressor. If you do not use enough air to kick it on in that hour, your compressor is to big and it will accumulate water in the tank. Also, I agree with the statement about PVC. But the problem with black iron is that it will develop rust in the lines if moisture gets in the line. This will eventually clog your lines.
The best thing for air compressor piping is galvanized schedule 40 pipe. It doesn’t rust which is why it is all we use for air pipe. I have changed out several quick connect fittings that have been clogged with rust.
I need your help. I will be a light user. I’m trying to decide between a McGraw 21 gallon for $219 or a Fortress 27 gallon for $349. My bro-in-law is a mechanic and says to not get a oil-free because they are “junk.” But I’m trying to stay on a budget and not sure if I can justify the extra $140. I want to make sure I will be able to set the bead on my wheels, which I think both will do. Thoughts? Please help. Thanks!
Bear you can run a certain type of PVC do you have to use a certain type I’m not sure what it’s called I know it’s orange in color with copper brass fittings I use this on my 60 gallon black Max it’s been in my garage for 17 years with no issues that’s the way to run airlines it’s rated for 270 psi
Good info. You skipped right over the 8-10 pounders though. I think those are a great size for a diy'er garage. Good combination of power, capacity, size, and low cost.
Got a 30 gallon Kobalt one from Lowe's on a super sale it's convertible to 240 v if you want. runs 155 max PSI 2hp motor it's also made in America by Campbell Hausfeld cuz when you got the box you could see on the box it said made for Lowes by Campbell Hausfeld. Was for my dad for last Father's Day replacing a 30 year old Craftsman 1 that finally went bad He has the black HF one u like but said it's wasn't quite enough when Using his impact wrench
You said not to use PVC pipe...I've been using my 5hp 60 gallon compressor with approximately 200 feet of 1" thick walled PVC pipe in my shop since 2005 and not one break or leak ever. In fact my compressor motor just went south after 15 years of use. The key to making it last long is keep the pump oiled, keep the tank drained of water and install a valve around 25 feet from the compressor because the 1st 25 feet is where the air is hot and condenses into water. I have about 9 valves (at all air inlets) throughout the shop and drain them all periodically but the 1st 3 or 4 are the ones which get the most water in them. Using 1" PVC pipe adds to your compressor tank capacity and longevity of air flow too. Also it's important to clean the pumps air filter often and clean the heads and motor often too (spray air inside and outside of the motor and pump. My compressor was set in a corner with an open air vent through the outside wall allowing fresh air for the pump. It also has a removable "box" around it to prevent dust and keep the noise down. In the summer when it's real hot I remove the box. If you used PVC pipe in the past and had it break you probably used 1/2" thin wall....if any of you people want good advice...watch at least 3 different videos before you decide what to do and stop believing everything you hear. Go visit a few shops and ask them...you'll get more and better information. peace
Or you could just read on the side of the PVC where it says "Not for pressure" or talk to the people who make PVC who will also tell you "Please do NOT use this with airlines". Or you could just google PVC airline problems. It has nothing to do with water or anything else you can do to prevent it, it has to do with how PVC is made. As to your "I've used it for years and never had a problem" I respond with... and my family had a Ford Pinto and it never exploded, doesn't make it a safe or reliable car.
Thanks...it's nice to know what is available in air compressors...and the prices... and to get your thoughts on them...I appreciate that...Shine On..!! Oh, I had never heard of that California air compressor...I'll have to go check one out...just to look at.
The California air ones are awesome. It's been on my wishlist for a while now. However Harbor Freight came out with the new Fortress compressors for a fraction of the price. They are so quiet, I've heard one first hand. In a previous video I think Red said that they are supposed to have some larger ones coming out later this year.
How about the Makita MAC 5200? It's a small job site compressor with a small tank and great performance (6.5 @ 90psi). I bet you could add an auxiliary tank set up in the shop to reduce wear tear but be able to disconnect it and throw it in the truck for portable use.
