Post, Freight and Carriers

Does anyone think a harbor freight air compressor is good or stay away?

I am looking at buying a air compressor and harbor freight is the cheapest and the best it seams they sale this brand called central pneumatic. The air compressor is 21 gallons and is a 3hp motor. It also has a 7 scfm @ 40 and a 4.9 @ 90 and a 4.3 @ 115 is this a good air compressor from harbor freight. Or should i stay away from the brand.

Public Comments

1. Yes! Still worried? Check through Consumer Reports. It is a good compressor.
2. I'd stay away from Harbor Freight. Some of their hand tools are OK but power equipment is very poor. I bought one of those air compressors and was sorry. The thing was so noisy and hopped around so much I took it back. Remember Central Pneumatics is a word play... the REAL brand name is Chicago Pneumatics. Also they're pretty shaky about warranties if it comes time to exchange. Get one from Sears.
3. This is a very good product. I have many tools by this brand and never had any problems at all. I also have an air compressor and it works great. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
4. I have this same compressor; bought it about 3 years ago. I have had zero problems with it, still works as well today as the day I bought it. Let me qualify this and agree with Jettech. I only use mine for filling my airplane tires about once a month and occasional use of a few air tools. I think he's right. If I had to do a bunch of nailing or heavy air tool use, I'd probably go with the Craftsman.
5. It's going to depend on your needs. Most tools list a maximum working pressure of 125, and the average compressor cuts off at 115. Most painters seem to run around 80 through their guns. And my experience has been that while inexpensive, there are better brands than anything you're going to find at Harbor Freight. So if you just need to air up a couple tires on the weekends, or run an impact wrench for the odd tire rotation, it's probably fine. If you're building a deck and going to be shooting a million nails, or using a die grinder for several hours on end, you're better off going to Sears for a nice, 100 gal. compressor. And if you're thinking of starting your own automotive shop, look into a really expensive screw type compressor. What the blazes is this doing in,.... Oh, never mind.
6. My rule of thumb is to buy old American machine tools, or, if new, machines manufactured in Taiwan or Japan. My rule of thumb is getting more difficult to abide by each day, since Communist China is pumping so much stuff out. Shop wisely, but right now I'd say this machine you're considering is pretty beefy for the price.