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Old 11-11-2012, 10:57 AM   #1
bncinwv
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Compressor failure is so regular!!

Let's see, I have been through two of the Harbor Freight 12v specials, then recently managed to blow up a cheap Kobalt DC/AC compressor so once again I have bit the compressor bullet. Decided on a Porter Cable pancake 150 psi AC compressor this time. Sucker weighs about 40 pounds, but after thinking about the rig's on-board generator figured I would step up to a regular electric model. Bit the bullet even more and got the Lowes 2 year replacement guarantee, so at least I know I can inflate the TV and rig tires if needed for the next two years. After reading Ozz's tribulations regarding his 614's, I decided to raise my running pressure to 105 - 110 psi and needed something with enough oomph to get the job done. Hopefully this compressor will fit the bill. And besides, now I don't have an excuse to put off the living room cove moulding that DW has been requesting for the past four years. I haven't told her that I need to purchase a nailer to get-r-dun yet. Boys and their toys, I guess it never ends!!
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Old 11-11-2012, 11:11 AM   #2
jwedell
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Good choice on the compressor. Would love to see pictures of the cove moulding when finished. John
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Old 11-11-2012, 11:25 AM   #3
Ozz
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Dual porpose tool! With the gen, it's a good choice.
I stopped buying the Harbor Freight after 2 failures, some stuff we get there is Ok, but not the compressors. My on-board-air for the air-horns takes a beating, the Viair is a quality unit, so I went with that again.
Good compressor you got, I have one similar like it at home.
Bingo, we are always fine-tuning our 'program'.
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Old 11-11-2012, 12:02 PM   #4
maximo
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I have found that anything from Harbor Freight that has a motor or moving parts is crap.

Frank
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Old 11-11-2012, 01:11 PM   #5
nosticks
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Porter Cable is the one I have. Good choice. Use from bike tires to truck, rv, etc. Got the nailer and sn air chisel.
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Old 11-12-2012, 01:29 AM   #6
Bigboomer
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We have the PC pancake also and have no issues inflating the tires to 110 PSI. Like the old saying goes, you get what you pay for. Most if not all things from Harbour are just Chinese knockoffs so we tend to stay away from them.

PC is also made in the USA, Jackson, TN!
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Old 11-12-2012, 02:37 AM   #7
1retired06
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We also have not had good luck with Harbor Freight.
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Old 11-12-2012, 03:42 AM   #8
steelpony5555
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Hmmmmm Harbor Freight stuff is good if you don't use it all the time on a regular basis but I have had my Freight pancake compressor for bout 3 years now. But then I only have to use it occasionally.
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Old 11-12-2012, 06:12 AM   #9
maximo
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I just had to say this!!!!!! "Most anything will last if you don't use it." Ho Ho.

Frank
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Old 11-12-2012, 07:20 AM   #10
vmoore1
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Dewalt for us, handles the 614's easily, and it came with 2 nailers. Weighs about 30Lbs, lays flat so doesn't take up much room.
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Old 11-12-2012, 07:23 AM   #11
Hooker
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by Ozz

...I stopped buying the Harbor Freight after 2 failures, some stuff we get there is Ok, but not the compressors...
Same here, I had my third failure this AM with their big compressor with alligator clamps that go on the battery. Hand tools are okay, but nothing with any kind of motor or heavy duty battery.
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Old 11-15-2012, 02:49 AM   #12
Metamorphosis
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Check out California Air Tools. You can order them from Home Depot. I got one and it is light, quiet and will go to 110psi. http://californiaairtools.com/

Hans
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Old 11-15-2012, 03:38 AM   #13
2Wanderers
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I bought a Sears portable 1.5 gallon compressor they sell for $110 which I have been very happy with. It fits in my pickup bed chest and provides the 80 psi I need in a timely fashion. It is supposed to be good to 150 psi, so I would like to think it would be able to handle 110 psi. I went through three of the cheaper 12v and 110v smaller compressors and they either would not get to 80 psi (although rated higher) or took FOREVER to air up a tire. This one is 110 volt and I use it from where it is stored with my honda generator for power. It is rated at 2 scfm at 90 psi. In comparing the different air compressors I found the scfm at high pressure rating is a very important factor in buying one that really does the job.
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Old 11-15-2012, 04:06 AM   #14
bncinwv
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The CFM is a very important consideration, particularly if your compressor is subject to cooling periods due to duty cycles. Some compressors have a 30% to 50% duty cycle which can have some very restraining times for high psi inflation needs. A 50% duty cycle at 20 minutes, means that if you use the compressor for 20 minutes, you have to let it cool for 20 minutes. A 1 cfm compressor with a duty cycle like that usually means you have to let the compressor cool before you can use it on all four tires, which may be a problem and may not. The PC I got does not have a duty cycle that I could find in the literature and delivers 2.6 cfm at 90 psi, which should work well with our 614's. Bottom line, if you are in the market for a compressor, do your homework and know the limitations of what you intend to purchase. I will be raising the pressure on our 614's this weekend to 105 psi cold, and will check the pressure before to see how long it takes the PC on each tire. Should be some good information for comparison purposes for any who are interested.
Bingo
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Old 11-15-2012, 10:54 AM   #15
DQDick
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I ended up with a Porter Cable from Loews. It's worked well for two years now and, as you know, I fool with my tire pressure all the time.
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Old 11-18-2012, 09:52 AM   #16
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I have had one like this for 4 years, running nailguns, trim guns and sprayers in construction, works like a champ, low power draw, and most important, quieter than any other I have found.
http://www.amazon.com/Grip-Rite-GR15...ite+compressor
Got it locally though, never a problem and tough.
TomJ
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Old 11-19-2012, 05:36 AM   #17
mtheo
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Habor feight = Chinese junk, IMHO
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