Here’s another tip: I took about a dozen of my wife’s generic cotton makeup remover pads and put them in the “silencer” (which is just empty). They fit perfectly. Exact same diameter. Cut the noise level CONSIDERABLY!
Back about 2 or 3 weeks ago I went into 2 different HF in my area to find the Fortress compressor in both, plugged in with a sign that said to turn it on. I did and was blown away by the lack of noise. I was in the market for a new compressor because my very old craftsman 20 gal vintage some 20 or 30 years ago had too many problems to fix, again. I ended up ordering a 10 Gal Quiet Flow (10020SQ Air Compressor) from California Air. They have 3 models for home/DIY, the 10 gal is the largest. What made my mind up is the option to rebuild the piston with a kit they have when it wears out. I just hate the thought of using it for a time and then throwing it out. It is $300 new, but they have some that they say the paint had some problems that they are selling for $255. I have had it for a week now and the paint thing is very minor. I am a woodworker and only spray finish so this is all I need using a LVLP gun. I did not see any other quiet compressors that could be rebuilt when worn out. Real happy so far.
I have the 21 gallon oil-less McGraw air compressor from Harbor Freight. I love it. Have two tools from GZ-KJM that I use. Plenty of run time, less expensive than other brand names, and the results are incredible. Do I expect these tools to run forever? No. Do I expect to be able to get replacements? Yes. As long as I can keep doing what I'm doing, not sure what the problem is. Not made in America? Nothing is. Not built to last? Nothing is.
I just purchased the McGraw 135psi, 10 gallon oil filled compressor today...! I have been running a top handheld hopper , sandblaster at 90 psi and it works fantastic I’m very pleased with it mine was $239.00...! Got no complaints.....👍
Awesome! Thank you, you just made my day shine (in the air, about air)! lol FYI - Our HF store has sold almost 20 of the new Fortress units ... no complaints ... and even better, no returns yet.
We just bought the 20-gallon McGraw at work to replace a 20-25 gallon (?) Campbell Hausfeld. I was expecting the McGraw to be much quieter but it wasn't that much quieter. The sound was different too, not as 'deep'. I can try and download a sound meter app but there needs to be some ground rules on measuring. Everyone needs to check from the same distance away, facing the same part of the compressor (the McGraw is noticeably quieter if you face the shrouded side vs on the exposed side, as you'd expect), etc.
Five or six years ago I bought the 21 gal Central Pneumatic compressor on clearance for cheap, its been powering my table top blast cabinet ever since. I run glass beads and I run low pressure, so it keeps up fine. My neighbor bought the McGraw 20 gal last fall for his garage, he mostly uses it for air tools and pumping up tires. He liked my blast cabinet set up so he bought the same HF cabinet I've got. The McGraw is not as capable when pushed to the limits. The smaller tank and lower CFM becomes apparent when running air hungry items like a blast cabinet or blow gun. I haven't checked the dB level but I'd venture to guess that the McGraw is as loud or louder than the Central Pneumatic. The build quality on the McGraw does look a bit nicer than the CP but the lesser rating sort of rules it out as far as I'm concerned. I likely wouldn't have ever bought a HF compressor in the first place but I got mine for $40 after someone returned it saying it didn't work. It was missing the air filter when I got it. I made a home made air filter assembly for it and its been great ever since. If or when it blows up, the plan is to just put an American pump and motor on that tank, which I have from an older compressor which had a rusted out tank.
Last time I was at harbor freight, they had a demonstration set up of one of their cheap pancake compressors next to one of the similar Fortress ones. Basically, the types of compressors used by contractors to run nail guns. And the Fortress compressor was ridiculously quiet. Very impressive, and perfect for remodelers working in or around residential areas, where they want to be as quiet as possible.
I have the 21 gal, about 2 years old. Runs air tools OK, struggles a bit with high grade die grinders like dynabrade. Impacts and the ratchets it runs great if you change out everything to Hi-Flo couplers and switch to a spectre air filter/Intake. It's loud, it runs pretty hard, and it's a bit of a bitch during the northeastern winters. Synthetic oil really helps, esp when changed every so often. The CP does what I've asked it to do for 2 years, and it's been used a lot. I can't complain. Do I wish I'd have gotten the 29 gallon CP? Yah, but I rarely have to wait on it to catch up. Only running a die grinder do I have to wait or itll basically run non stop. They take tons of air.
Just for comparison, my Speedaire belt driven compressor clocked in at 77 db on the app that you recommended. Thanks for all the videos big bear. On a side note I paid $20 for it 15 years ago cause the guy said it ran and quit on him. It had a crack in the motor's case. Hit with a sledgehammer when I got home and it's been working ever since.
The smartest thing HF has done is getting in on the good, better, best game! Not going to lie, I questioned it at first (given HF's history when it comes to quality) but I was presently surprised that they have started taking quality seriously. Finally stuff from HF that isnt one and done!
I own and use an 8 gallon Harbor Freight Central Pneumatic compressor. I like it. Keep in mind I don't do a lot of work with it, but I'm very satisfied with it. I just tested my new 1/2 inch impact hammer with it. It worked really well. So, I've used it to spray paint, impact driver, and I've yet to test with a nail driver, but I'm quite sure it will do well with it too. I wheel this very portable compressor outside. The sound level is quite reasonable since I'm not inside.
My 8gal is like 20 years old guys ! Still running. the ONLY thing I ever did to it was replace the square rubber diaphram piece under the regulator?. Cut a piece of inner tube about 8 years ago and still running. I actually wore a hole in my hose, and had to replace the hose a couple years ago. Granted it is loud. I run a 1/2 impact wrench, paint, and a 4inch grinder. The grinder runs a lot of air, need bigger for that one.
I have the CP air compressor and so far it's done me well. I bought it as a return, which might've been not the best route to go. It's held up well for now, and I make sure to stay on top of oil changes. When I first changed the oil, it was sparkling like crazy from the previous owner. Not to mention the tank had quite a bit of water in it. But like you said, people treat HF as a rental service. Someone returned one of the lawnmower engines, and it CLEARLY had been run for a good length of time. It was dirty and covered in scratches.
Recently bought the McGraw 20 gal. It is LOUD! Much louder than my smaller (5 gal?) old HF US General oil air compressor and WAY louder than my 2 gal HF Fortress compressor. Thanks for the tip on the phone decibel meter. I suspect it depends on the sensitivity of the particular phone microphone for accuracy but at least on a given phone I can do some objective comparisons next time I run them. Right now, I"m looking for mods that will quiet the McGraw to neighborhood-tolerable levels.
I just bought the McGraw, and I can say that my 15yr old Campbell Hausefeld 21 gallon is actually quieter, as well as being oil free and with 200psi it seems to last a lot longer before kicking on. I got it to put a second AC in the shed workshop while leaving the old one in the garage, now i think I am going to put the CH in the shed workshop.
I have a 4 gallon CAT compressor and I would bet that the fortress has the exact same motor, from what I understand this is a design that has been popular in Europe for a while now, The CAT compressor is a rebrand version marketed to the US, but it could be the other way around.
I have the two gallon Fortress, it’s fantastic! I actually added a five gallon tank since it has two air outlets, gives me more time between starts for larger jobs.
FYI...a dB is a "logarithmic" value, or in this case "sound volume". So, every 3db is either double if growing, or half if dropping in value. A 5db difference is pretty significant in what you perceive. Also, your ears are logarithmic sensors as well, which is why sound pressure level is measured using dBs.
For years I worked in a shop with one of the 60 or 80 gallon Central Pneumatic compressors. It was ridiculously loud. You could not have a conversation in the shop with that running at all. I wish the owner had put it somewhere else. Myself having an old CP 8 gallon unit with similar specs on the actual compressor motor to that 21 gallon CP unit, and now having the McGraw 10 gallon unit (again, similar specs on the compressor motor to the 20 gallon Mcgraw unit) I can say the Mcgraw is noticeably quieter. I measured 80db around 5 feet away with the Mcgraw, but never measured the CP unit. I had found a lot of the noise was from the intake on either unit but I ended up making a coffee can muffler on the CP unit. It was still loud but a bit more tolerable.
I have the CP 8gal now. It is loud when running, but it works great for tire pressure checks and the compact spare. Also blow off dirt from the engine. Thinking of upgrading to the CP 21 gal. Better stats then the McGraw 20 except for sound. Think I will wait to see the new Fortress 20+ gal before I buy one.
Chris Javorski I have the 8 gal also. I've found it to be a useful little guy, and even routinely run an air impact and ratchet off of it. It keeps up with my slow DIY pace just fine. The 21 gal really isn't much of an upgrade because the pump isn't much better, but there are lots of reports that it likes to trip breakers. I was thinking about the 29 gal, but I think if the limited capacity of the 8 gal starts to annoy me, I'll just buy a second one, run it off a different circuit, and tee in its hose. Way cheaper than the much-better compressor. Noisy, but should be good enough for the rare instances I'll need it.
Bought the Central Pneumatic "CP" going on a year ago to replace a 5 HP (claimed) Coleman oil less unit that was very loud and not as powerful as hoped. Would not keep up with a production style paint gun. I'm planning on using the CP to repaint my '65 Mustang when the weather warms up. Have an HVLP gun now that is supposed to require only about 2.0 CFPM at 40 PSI. It's running through an oil separator filter into the HFT Diablo retractable hose, which I really like. But while the CP seems to match the Coleman in air output it's awful dang loud.
@@fromstarlighttosunrise128 - Please note that I specified "Central Pneumatic" for clarity for when, to save a bit of typing, "CP" was used. I'm sure the Windy City Boys and Girls at "Chicago Pneumatic" will understand.
The Black 21 gal is a hit or miss deal. Some are good,some are bad. I went through 2 in one year with different issues. I finally got my money back and went over to homedepot and got a similar oil free model for a little more and it is a better made and quieter.
I have the 80 gallon IR compressor from TSC. according to the sound meter it stayed around 76db. I also have a 20 gallon Sanborn from Menards. The meter bounced everywhere from the upper 60's to mid 70's. Happy belated birthday day Bear. Mine was the 3rd.
I considered the craftsman airboss (from sears, not lowes) vs the fortress, but thanks to your video a few weeks ago I realized I need a poweful one for air grinders. Being in an apartment I'd need the absolute quiet, oil-free ones... either one I can still lug down and up a flight of stairs, or a solid "mothership" compressor and auxiliary air tank. The fortress pancake or one of the midsize ones may be enough for me depending on the specs.
Decibels are logarithmic. The air compressor rated for 5dB louder is 50% noisier to the ear. Every 10dB increase is the same as doubling the perceived loudness. From a marketing standpoint it would make more sense for them to say 34% quieter rather then 85dB compared to 90dB. (150 compared to 100 comes out to be a 33-34% decrease)
Just picked up the ultra quiet 2 gallon and it is CRAZY quiet. Only about 40 db. I love it! Edit: I picked it up for $85 in the returns section at harbor freight. I couldn't pass up the %65 off.
Without those people that use it and return it we’d never get those amazing saving on those items at their sidewalk sales. I got that Central Pneumatic 21 gallon for $55 in the box. Because a guy bought it and his wife made him return it. Don’t know if that’s true but that’s what they said in the store.
I think the next big step HF should take with a lot of their new tools, is simply to stand behind them with a better warranty. I have Bauer cordless tools and love them. I bet the Hercules tools are great too, but I wouldn't buy them because for the same price I can get similar tools that have a year or more warranty. The Bauer tools are worth the money to me because they are a good chunk lower cost than most other brands, especially when you factor in battery cost. The Hercs aren't but would be if they had a 1 or 2 year warranty that came with them. That's something they are killing it with on the Pittsburg tools, no hassle bring it into your store lifetime replacement. That's awesome, and if they brought that type of warranty say a 2 or 3 year standard warranty on Fortress compressors for example. Maybe 1 year warranty on McGraw. That would make their products way more attractive, especially since you could walk into any HF store with a broken tool and walk out with a brand new tool. Also have the 21 gallon Central Pneumatic, and it's been good to me so far! Loud though!
Actually, HF has one of the best warranties in the biz. What you need to get your head around is this. They don't force you into paying for the warranty, it's ala carte. If you don't think you are going to use then you don't have to pay for it. All other tools have the warranty built in. What if they just tacked on a 2-year warranty but at check out, you had the opportunity to opt out of the warranty and save $20. Same thing.
@@denoftools I do realize they have a fantastic warranty service. I think their prices though are too high to not include a warranty when other brands do for the same price. Ca Air Compressors for example have a 1 year warranty, for cheaper than Fortress. Herc tools cost the same as dewalt or Milwaukee, but don't have a warrant. I'm saying the value isn't there for me. Yes that's great if the warranty is optional, but then they need to drop the price on these tools to be competitive with more trusted brands.
I cannot remember how loud my 25 gallon vertical Craftsman air compressor, I never used it a ton and I can't check since it was stolen. All I can remember is it was Ball's... loud.
I have the CP 61454. One day I turned it on and a puff of smoke came out of the motor. That was it. HF doesn’t sell just the motor. My son had the same one and his quit as well. It’s a crap shoot with the CP compressors. I think mine failed because I used an extension cord. Still love HF though.
the red series is oil-less, light duty, Black Series is heavier duty, the McGraw looks to be the same motor running at a lower RPM and the cut off set higher (based on the time I spent working there for five years)
My family is moving to a neighborhood that i don't think will be super friendly to diy projects and the noise associated with it so I'm waiting on that 27 gallon fo fortress to try and mitigate as many problems as possible Evan if it's $700 with plus the warranty I still think it will be worth it for people in this kind of situation because it will run quieter and won't kick on as often
I got one of the Kobalt 26 gallon Quiet Tech air compressors from Lowes about 6 months ago. IMO, these are what HF's new Fortress air compressors are really going to need to compete against. I paid about $250 for mine because at the time I had a coupon. It's WAY quieter than my old Campbell Hausfeld Wal-Mart special but it's slower to fill the tank. It takes a full 10 minutes to fill the tank from empty. Now granted I live at 6,600' above sea level and the altitude wreaks havoc on anything having to move air (especially engines!) but that's still a long time to wait to fill the tank. I live with it though as the thing is just so quiet.
I went through two of those before getting my money back. Neither one would refill after the first time. Don't know if there was a recall or what but I won't be buying another. Glad someone had a good experience with them.
@@maxgilbert18 I'm guessing you didnt do the full half hour running break-in period or had it on a thin orange extension cord.. those are the usual culprits for those signs.
@@jeffkushen5586 I plugged it straight into the wall and used both of them once. One fill up is all I ever got out of both of them. Was using a 10 gauge 50' extension for a while but that's a larger wire than the garage circuit 20amp 12 gauge. Like I said wouldn't work plugged straight into the wall either so whatever. Got my money back and won't buy another one.
Same 20 callers and 2 pannels of foam and you can cut down sound by a box.course you can go quite a bit further than that, but every little bit helps. I'd rather have the extra listless cfm's. I also bumped my compressor up to 150psi. Well more like 148 149. Thats just below your safety blow off valve. Your right its loud S hell... but there are things you can do to suppress sound. I also put a better filter on, and ported and polished the head. It airs a little bit faster.... not a huge improvement but a little. I also run a better oil in my compressor and have never had any issues
You ported and polished the 21 gallon CP air compressor? That sounds like a lot of work for a 150 dollar compressor lol. I was looking into trying to make mine quieter. Either build a foam box around the motor or add a length of hose to the air intake and attach the filter to a little 1 foot whip of air hose. I'm concerned that adding a foam insulated box around the motor will cause it to over heat from restricted airflow though. Any suggestions? This thing is just great for my needs. Runs a bit more than I'd like with my air impact, but otherwise has enough power for anything else I do. Will probably bump it up to 135psi or maybe even higher if it's not detrimental to the life of it. Any suggestions on sound deadening or adjusting the psi otherwise?
It's actually not a smart idea to buy and return compressors to Harbor Freight, because they are wise to people that do that. They will charge you a 20% restocking fee if you try that.
They didn't use to. They started charging restocking fees on items that get returned in working order often, a couple years ago. They charge 20% and then sell them open box at 20% off or even less during a parking lot sale.
@@jooper99 Good to know, but do you really want to go through that trouble? I wouldn't. Dealing with credit cards is always hot or miss in my experience.
Modern DIY Projects Right - It’s definitely not something you’d want to make a habit of to run a TH-cam channel. AmEx is very consumer friendly, but they’ll catch on to your shit quickly when you do the same thing over & over. I guess one could also just make the product “not work” and take it back. Not encouraging any of this - My brain just always seem to steer towards thinking of loopholes.
Paused this to say I agree 100% about buy a tool, use it, it’s yours. Be honest. Subscribed and thanks for the honesty. Any chance on a review of the trailer?.. I know I know, I watched some on TH-cam already. But I want your thoughts. Keep on being you. Love this channel!
They have to have a higher price at time of release. Wait a couple of months. Just like the icon cabinets, after a few months there will be a "price drop" and a big red line through the initial offer price.
Check out the menards quiet air compressor. My father bought one and I liked it so much I bought one aswell. Both are 2 years old and run in summer heat all day. Only downside is the air intake(black thing hanging off the side) can get knocked off pretty easy but pops right back on, but besides that they are awesome.
Here is the link. www.menards.com/main/tools-hardware/power-tools-accessories/air-compressors-pneumatic-tools-accessories/air-compressors/masterforce-reg-ultra-quiet-1-8-gallon-portable-electric-trim-air-compressor/3301511/p-1444423543348.htm
Looking closer at the fortress 2 gallon they look damn near like brothers. Fortresses tank is bolted on. Master force has a very nice cord, very quiet. 3 year warranty. Think it comes with a parts list too. Not sure if you could order parts for it.
I'm taking two Fortress Air Compressor motors and putting them on top of my 21 Gallon HF compressor tank... but if they are coming out with a 200 psi, 27 gallon version, maybe I'll hold off. I've already purchased one fortress and got a couple of one-way check valves. If I hadn't gotten busy this past weekend, I was planning on picking up the second one. But I really want a larger tank. I used to own the 33 gallon horizontal craftsman, and that size tank just doesn't really exist anymore.
@Race Hill Farms Have you actually seen both tool chests in person? If not I suggest you take a good look at the Husky and US General tool chests and you will see the poor quality the Husky is. The casters are garbage, really poor build quality using paper thin metal and rivets. The Husky tool chests are garbage. If you don't believe me check out Real Tool Reviews comparison.
Haha....Just developed a pinhole in my 25yo Campbell compressor from Eagle Hardware....so I'm researching this morning and ran across your video. Great information and comparisons, plus we got a laugh at the bear humor. Likely heading to HF today to see what they have in stock. Thanks for the info!!!
Well, here it is, four years later, and Harbor Freight is no longer showing Central Pneumatic air compressors of this type. So much for not keeping their "less expensive" line available. They are showing only two CP compressors at the opposite end of the price, $1000 wheel barrow style and cheap air brush for $90.
I'm not a fan of HF air compressors. Why, because I got two in a row that failed. The first one kept tripping the circuit breaker in my garage. Yes, I checked my breaker, etc. After awhile, junked it and bought another. The second one literally just died in a couple of weeks. I returned that one for a refund. On the way home, I stopped at a Sears and bought a larger one for the same price! It is still running great to this day, even though Sears has come and gone. BTW, my son has a HF air compressor and it works flawlessly.
I appreciate you putting out this content Red. Thanks for the reviews, saves a lot of time when shopping and I usually find a gem of a tool I didnt know existed
I own a fortress one it's quiet yeah but the air is so slow to get in the tank it's crazy. I just got the McGraw 20 let's see if it's able to paint a car like the old 21 gallon tank I got it in 2003 and it just stop working I've literally used it for everything painting cars drywall texture guns, air tool's but it could not run an air sander or air cut off cool. I'd like the old compressors now they're in black. I want to see if the McGraw can hang with doing a whole car paint job I will be happy if it can.
Always great videos! I'm curious as to what the Duty Cycle rating is for this compressor. I've tried calling HF product support and emailing them but no one appears to know the answer which I find a little ridiculous since all compressors have a duty cycle rating. Any info would be appreciated.
I'M IN THE NEED OF AN AIR COMPRESSOR, WHEN I SAW, THE DEN OF TOOLS, ON AIR COMPRESSORS I WATCHED IT. ONLY TO SEE ITS FOUR YEARS OLD! YOU NEED TO UPDATE THIS. ITS 04-13-23.
if you want a quiet great home owner compressor.. get the kobalt 26 gallon oil free quiet tech compressor.. fantastic. very quiet, and functions fantastic. couldnt be happier
I've been wanting a California air since the first review I saw on it. Unfortunately nobody around here carries them. Then I saw HFT's own video on the Fortress and I got excited, even more so when they had one running in the store. I kept holding out for a better coupon. Then I heard about the bigger ones coming out. Now I'm waiting to see the price on those. I'll probably pull the trigger soon after.
Don’t know why ppl think Harbor Freight is bad. I have bought from them for over 10 years never had a problem with anything I’ve bought from them nothing has ever broken I love them I go to them first
I have high end California Air compressor that has 2 HP. Even at 70 db, it's pretty quiet and the biggest noise I hear is air going into the tank. So, if the Fortress is the same, then people will like it for sure. But... I am not sure I'd pay ~$35 more for bit better cover, bit better knob and bit better handle if I have to buy one. Walmart has the same 90 day return period as HF, but Walmart wouldn't charge restocking fee if you happen to change your mind. Also, it can be pretty useless, but CA one has 1 year warranty without additional cost. Having longer warranty at the cheaper price cannot be a bad thing.
When I set up my shop I piped in air into the walls and bought a Ingersoll Rand 5 hp 18.1 CFM beast of a compressor, To run the plethora for air I have purchased over the years. However, with the leaps and bounds that cordless tool technology has made, I'm grabbing my cordless impact wrench or cordless ratchet with out even thinking about firing up the compressor and fighting with the air hose. I fact the only good reason for a large compressor system is if you do body work or paint jobs. A small compressor like these or even smaller are the way to go.
Behr paint is the best selling paint but that doesn’t make it great paint. That sells because it’s probably the best deal in the store. Thanks for the videos.
Trillyungpimp If you are out of warranty, the reeds are easy to replace. If HF won't sell them to you, they are available as parts for other brands, as the pumps all come from the same companies, no matter who sells the compressor. I have one of the 8 gal, and Campbell Hausfeld sells a kit for mine.
Make sure to compare apples to apples. The Fortress models have aluminum tanks, the two CA you showed have steel tanks. Aluminum always costs more. And with all the horror stories in the Amazon reviews for CA, I'll take the Fortress. Really looking forward to seeing the larger models, hoping they are all the silent design.
Can the Harbor Freight 21 gal use a hvlp paint gun?. I bought el cheapo HF and low end Devilbiss hvlp gun. Haven't used guns yet. Love the channel. Keep up the great reviews.🙌
I painted a Jeep Grand Cherokee using the 21 gal bargain, painted it with the purple gun as well. It worked fine , you just can't go quite as fast as you would like because that's a lot of surface area to cover, but it is doable, it would be even easier if you used one of their better spray guns. So yes, you.
Randolph Ferguson I am looking at picking up the 21 gallon and the purple gun to shoot my C-10 with single stage paint. Thinking about doing in 2-3 sections.
This comment is two years later and yes it does look like they are getting rid of Central Pneumatic, every model but one is on clearance and out of stock just about everywhere. I am usually a big HF fan but this compressor apparent change over is really pissing me off and yes I have a reason to be, look at the stats from HP to CFM numbers they are all lower but the price is higher on the McGraw (yes marginally), also what is with not posting all the usual stats like CFM at 40psi? The McGraw is a little more quiet than the Central Pneumatic but in every other way worse, Fortress is VERY quiet so I will give them that. None of this matters though because almost nothing is in stock in my entire region in any of the three brands, believe me I keep looking because I am in need asap of a higher capacity/ higher power compressor. To be fair to HF everywhere I look the models have shockingly low HP and CFM numbers for fairly big and expensive compressors. I am not a usual complainer I do not mind the slight price increase but give me at least equal numbers for that OK? I have some very specific jobs I need to do and if I go by the numbers listed the McGraw will not meet those numbers that a comparably priced and sized Central Pneumatic will, I have to go WAY up in price to get the same stats but again none of it really matters because nothing is in stock anywhere around me, OK rant over, sorry.
Wish my 5 gal fortress was whisper quiet. I was not impressed after break in. Getting better over time. But at first it was not much better than my CP 21 gal.
Issue: There is a quality control issue! The air outlet interferes with the handle. Harbor Frt Fix: Scre-in a 45 degree small pipe extension, which would then avoid the Handle. As with many Harbor Freight tooling, the consumer must 'fix something'.
I just put a street elbow on mine a couple of days ago so it points down towards the ground. The outlet was pointing the wrong way in my garage anyway.
Here’s another tip: I took about a dozen of my wife’s generic cotton makeup remover pads and put them in the “silencer” (which is just empty). They fit perfectly. Exact same diameter. Cut the noise level CONSIDERABLY!
Back about 2 or 3 weeks ago I went into 2 different HF in my area to find the Fortress compressor in both, plugged in with a sign that said to turn it on. I did and was blown away by the lack of noise. I was in the market for a new compressor because my very old craftsman 20 gal vintage some 20 or 30 years ago had too many problems to fix, again. I ended up ordering a 10 Gal Quiet Flow (10020SQ Air Compressor) from California Air. They have 3 models for home/DIY, the 10 gal is the largest. What made my mind up is the option to rebuild the piston with a kit they have when it wears out. I just hate the thought of using it for a time and then throwing it out. It is $300 new, but they have some that they say the paint had some problems that they are selling for $255. I have had it for a week now and the paint thing is very minor. I am a woodworker and only spray finish so this is all I need using a LVLP gun. I did not see any other quiet compressors that could be rebuilt when worn out. Real happy so far.
I have the 21 gallon oil-less McGraw air compressor from Harbor Freight. I love it. Have two tools from GZ-KJM that I use. Plenty of run time, less expensive than other brand names, and the results are incredible. Do I expect these tools to run forever? No. Do I expect to be able to get replacements? Yes. As long as I can keep doing what I'm doing, not sure what the problem is. Not made in America? Nothing is. Not built to last? Nothing is.
85 db? That's quieter than my ex wife.
185 DB would be quieter than my ex wife hahaha
🤪🤣🤣🤪🤣🤣🤣🤣🤪🤣🤣🤣🤪🤣🤣🤣🤣🤪🤣🤣🤣🤪🤣🤣🤣🤪🤣🤣
now thats funny ,,,
hehe....good one.
Wait. Ex wives should be 0db!
I bought a Campbell house field when I was 18. With iron cylinder. It was almost 33 years ago and it still works!
I just purchased the McGraw 135psi, 10 gallon oil filled compressor today...! I have been running a top handheld hopper , sandblaster at 90 psi and it works fantastic I’m very pleased with it mine was $239.00...! Got no complaints.....👍
Glad I watched this, I am needing a small Compressor and need one I can "Bearly" hear.
Sorry, couldn't resist.
Hahahaha...ok we'll bear with you on that one!
Awesome! Thank you, you just made my day shine (in the air, about air)! lol
FYI - Our HF store has sold almost 20 of the new Fortress units ... no complaints ... and even better, no returns yet.
I'm happy with the McGraw 20 gallon. Used it with my Ingersoll Rand 114GQC Air Hammer. Kept up really nicely.
how much does it weigh??
We just bought the 20-gallon McGraw at work to replace a 20-25 gallon (?) Campbell Hausfeld. I was expecting the McGraw to be much quieter but it wasn't that much quieter. The sound was different too, not as 'deep'.
I can try and download a sound meter app but there needs to be some ground rules on measuring. Everyone needs to check from the same distance away, facing the same part of the compressor (the McGraw is noticeably quieter if you face the shrouded side vs on the exposed side, as you'd expect), etc.
Five or six years ago I bought the 21 gal Central Pneumatic compressor on clearance for cheap, its been powering my table top blast cabinet ever since. I run glass beads and I run low pressure, so it keeps up fine.
My neighbor bought the McGraw 20 gal last fall for his garage, he mostly uses it for air tools and pumping up tires. He liked my blast cabinet set up so he bought the same HF cabinet I've got. The McGraw is not as capable when pushed to the limits. The smaller tank and lower CFM becomes apparent when running air hungry items like a blast cabinet or blow gun. I haven't checked the dB level but I'd venture to guess that the McGraw is as loud or louder than the Central Pneumatic. The build quality on the McGraw does look a bit nicer than the CP but the lesser rating sort of rules it out as far as I'm concerned.
I likely wouldn't have ever bought a HF compressor in the first place but I got mine for $40 after someone returned it saying it didn't work. It was missing the air filter when I got it. I made a home made air filter assembly for it and its been great ever since. If or when it blows up, the plan is to just put an American pump and motor on that tank, which I have from an older compressor which had a rusted out tank.
Last time I was at harbor freight, they had a demonstration set up of one of their cheap pancake compressors next to one of the similar Fortress ones. Basically, the types of compressors used by contractors to run nail guns. And the Fortress compressor was ridiculously quiet. Very impressive, and perfect for remodelers working in or around residential areas, where they want to be as quiet as possible.
I have the 21 gal, about 2 years old. Runs air tools OK, struggles a bit with high grade die grinders like dynabrade. Impacts and the ratchets it runs great if you change out everything to Hi-Flo couplers and switch to a spectre air filter/Intake. It's loud, it runs pretty hard, and it's a bit of a bitch during the northeastern winters. Synthetic oil really helps, esp when changed every so often. The CP does what I've asked it to do for 2 years, and it's been used a lot. I can't complain. Do I wish I'd have gotten the 29 gallon CP? Yah, but I rarely have to wait on it to catch up. Only running a die grinder do I have to wait or itll basically run non stop. They take tons of air.
Just for comparison, my Speedaire belt driven compressor clocked in at 77 db on the app that you recommended. Thanks for all the videos big bear. On a side note I paid $20 for it 15 years ago cause the guy said it ran and quit on him. It had a crack in the motor's case. Hit with a sledgehammer when I got home and it's been working ever since.
Meanwhile In The Air Compressor Of Harbor Fright...
No Joke I’m At Harbor Fright Right Now.
The smartest thing HF has done is getting in on the good, better, best game! Not going to lie, I questioned it at first (given HF's history when it comes to quality) but I was presently surprised that they have started taking quality seriously. Finally stuff from HF that isnt one and done!
I own and use an 8 gallon Harbor Freight Central Pneumatic compressor. I like it. Keep in mind I don't do a lot of work with it, but I'm very satisfied with it. I just tested my new 1/2 inch impact hammer with it. It worked really well.
So, I've used it to spray paint, impact driver, and I've yet to test with a nail driver, but I'm quite sure it will do well with it too.
I wheel this very portable compressor outside. The sound level is quite reasonable since I'm not inside.
My 8gal is like 20 years old guys ! Still running. the ONLY thing I ever did to it was replace the square rubber diaphram piece under the regulator?. Cut a piece of inner tube about 8 years ago and still running. I actually wore a hole in my hose, and had to replace the hose a couple years ago. Granted it is loud. I run a 1/2 impact wrench, paint, and a 4inch grinder. The grinder runs a lot of air, need bigger for that one.
I have the CP air compressor and so far it's done me well. I bought it as a return, which might've been not the best route to go. It's held up well for now, and I make sure to stay on top of oil changes. When I first changed the oil, it was sparkling like crazy from the previous owner. Not to mention the tank had quite a bit of water in it. But like you said, people treat HF as a rental service. Someone returned one of the lawnmower engines, and it CLEARLY had been run for a good length of time. It was dirty and covered in scratches.
Got one.....loud and never dies.....like my exwife
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Recently bought the McGraw 20 gal. It is LOUD! Much louder than my smaller (5 gal?) old HF US General oil air compressor and WAY louder than my 2 gal HF Fortress compressor. Thanks for the tip on the phone decibel meter. I suspect it depends on the sensitivity of the particular phone microphone for accuracy but at least on a given phone I can do some objective comparisons next time I run them. Right now, I"m looking for mods that will quiet the McGraw to neighborhood-tolerable levels.
I just bought the McGraw, and I can say that my 15yr old Campbell Hausefeld 21 gallon is actually quieter, as well as being oil free and with 200psi it seems to last a lot longer before kicking on. I got it to put a second AC in the shed workshop while leaving the old one in the garage, now i think I am going to put the CH in the shed workshop.
Ive had mine for about a year and love it
I own the 20 gallon McGraw. It's relatively quite compared to the central nuematic.
I have a 4 gallon CAT compressor and I would bet that the fortress has the exact same motor, from what I understand this is a design that has been popular in Europe for a while now, The CAT compressor is a rebrand version marketed to the US, but it could be the other way around.
I have the two gallon Fortress, it’s fantastic! I actually added a five gallon tank since it has two air outlets, gives me more time between starts for larger jobs.
FYI...a dB is a "logarithmic" value, or in this case "sound volume". So, every 3db is either double if growing, or half if dropping in value. A 5db difference is pretty significant in what you perceive. Also, your ears are logarithmic sensors as well, which is why sound pressure level is measured using dBs.
For years I worked in a shop with one of the 60 or 80 gallon Central Pneumatic compressors. It was ridiculously loud. You could not have a conversation in the shop with that running at all. I wish the owner had put it somewhere else. Myself having an old CP 8 gallon unit with similar specs on the actual compressor motor to that 21 gallon CP unit, and now having the McGraw 10 gallon unit (again, similar specs on the compressor motor to the 20 gallon Mcgraw unit) I can say the Mcgraw is noticeably quieter. I measured 80db around 5 feet away with the Mcgraw, but never measured the CP unit. I had found a lot of the noise was from the intake on either unit but I ended up making a coffee can muffler on the CP unit. It was still loud but a bit more tolerable.
I have the CP 8gal now. It is loud when running, but it works great for tire pressure checks and the compact spare. Also blow off dirt from the engine. Thinking of upgrading to the CP 21 gal. Better stats then the McGraw 20 except for sound. Think I will wait to see the new Fortress 20+ gal before I buy one.
Chris Javorski I have the 8 gal also. I've found it to be a useful little guy, and even routinely run an air impact and ratchet off of it. It keeps up with my slow DIY pace just fine. The 21 gal really isn't much of an upgrade because the pump isn't much better, but there are lots of reports that it likes to trip breakers.
I was thinking about the 29 gal, but I think if the limited capacity of the 8 gal starts to annoy me, I'll just buy a second one, run it off a different circuit, and tee in its hose. Way cheaper than the much-better compressor. Noisy, but should be good enough for the rare instances I'll need it.
I like the way that harbor freight is getting better products on the shelf. Hopefully they won't get rid of the diy budget friendly tools.
I feel ya on the hearing loss I'm trying to protect my hearing as much as possible anymore.
Bought the Central Pneumatic "CP" going on a year ago to replace a 5 HP (claimed) Coleman oil less unit that was very loud and not as powerful as hoped. Would not keep up with a production style paint gun. I'm planning on using the CP to repaint my '65 Mustang when the weather warms up. Have an HVLP gun now that is supposed to require only about 2.0 CFPM at 40 PSI. It's running through an oil separator filter into the HFT Diablo retractable hose, which I really like. But while the CP seems to match the Coleman in air output it's awful dang loud.
CP is for chicago pneumatic which has been around for over a hundred years and uses the logo CP.
@@fromstarlighttosunrise128 - Please note that I specified "Central Pneumatic" for clarity for when, to save a bit of typing, "CP" was used. I'm sure the Windy City Boys and Girls at "Chicago Pneumatic" will understand.
The Black 21 gal is a hit or miss deal. Some are good,some are bad. I went through 2 in one year with different issues. I finally got my money back and went over to homedepot and got a similar oil free model for a little more and it is a better made and quieter.
I have the 80 gallon IR compressor from TSC. according to the sound meter it stayed around 76db. I also have a 20 gallon Sanborn from Menards. The meter bounced everywhere from the upper 60's to mid 70's. Happy belated birthday day Bear. Mine was the 3rd.
Happy B-Day to you!!!
I considered the craftsman airboss (from sears, not lowes) vs the fortress, but thanks to your video a few weeks ago I realized I need a poweful one for air grinders. Being in an apartment I'd need the absolute quiet, oil-free ones... either one I can still lug down and up a flight of stairs, or a solid "mothership" compressor and auxiliary air tank. The fortress pancake or one of the midsize ones may be enough for me depending on the specs.
Decibels are logarithmic. The air compressor rated for 5dB louder is 50% noisier to the ear. Every 10dB increase is the same as doubling the perceived loudness. From a marketing standpoint it would make more sense for them to say 34% quieter rather then 85dB compared to 90dB. (150 compared to 100 comes out to be a 33-34% decrease)
Just picked up the ultra quiet 2 gallon and it is CRAZY quiet. Only about 40 db. I love it!
Edit:
I picked it up for $85 in the returns section at harbor freight. I couldn't pass up the %65 off.
Without those people that use it and return it we’d never get those amazing saving on those items at their sidewalk sales. I got that Central Pneumatic 21 gallon for $55 in the box. Because a guy bought it and his wife made him return it. Don’t know if that’s true but that’s what they said in the store.
I think the next big step HF should take with a lot of their new tools, is simply to stand behind them with a better warranty. I have Bauer cordless tools and love them. I bet the Hercules tools are great too, but I wouldn't buy them because for the same price I can get similar tools that have a year or more warranty. The Bauer tools are worth the money to me because they are a good chunk lower cost than most other brands, especially when you factor in battery cost. The Hercs aren't but would be if they had a 1 or 2 year warranty that came with them.
That's something they are killing it with on the Pittsburg tools, no hassle bring it into your store lifetime replacement. That's awesome, and if they brought that type of warranty say a 2 or 3 year standard warranty on Fortress compressors for example. Maybe 1 year warranty on McGraw. That would make their products way more attractive, especially since you could walk into any HF store with a broken tool and walk out with a brand new tool.
Also have the 21 gallon Central Pneumatic, and it's been good to me so far! Loud though!
Actually, HF has one of the best warranties in the biz. What you need to get your head around is this. They don't force you into paying for the warranty, it's ala carte. If you don't think you are going to use then you don't have to pay for it. All other tools have the warranty built in. What if they just tacked on a 2-year warranty but at check out, you had the opportunity to opt out of the warranty and save $20. Same thing.
@@denoftools I do realize they have a fantastic warranty service. I think their prices though are too high to not include a warranty when other brands do for the same price. Ca Air Compressors for example have a 1 year warranty, for cheaper than Fortress. Herc tools cost the same as dewalt or Milwaukee, but don't have a warrant. I'm saying the value isn't there for me. Yes that's great if the warranty is optional, but then they need to drop the price on these tools to be competitive with more trusted brands.
You can always by 2 of the 20 gallon to get extra air and cfm at that price
I cannot remember how loud my 25 gallon vertical Craftsman air compressor, I never used it a ton and I can't check since it was stolen. All I can remember is it was Ball's... loud.
I bet if you listen really hard you will hear it somewhere.
@@bondovwvw
Maybe
I have the CP 61454. One day I turned it on and a puff of smoke came out of the motor. That was it. HF doesn’t sell just the motor. My son had the same one and his quit as well. It’s a crap shoot with the CP compressors. I think mine failed because I used an extension cord. Still love HF though.
the red series is oil-less, light duty, Black Series is heavier duty, the McGraw looks to be the same motor running at a lower RPM and the cut off set higher (based on the time I spent working there for five years)
I got asked about these new ones at work, couldn't answer how they were better than the old ones specifically.
you can tweak the regulator up and adjust to the spot where the blow off valve kicks on...runs about 150 psi with the cheaper version
My family is moving to a neighborhood that i don't think will be super friendly to diy projects and the noise associated with it so I'm waiting on that 27 gallon fo fortress to try and mitigate as many problems as possible Evan if it's $700 with plus the warranty I still think it will be worth it for people in this kind of situation because it will run quieter and won't kick on as often
Man, I feel ya. I'm living there now. At least till the end of May. Then we are out of here!!!
I got one of the Kobalt 26 gallon Quiet Tech air compressors from Lowes about 6 months ago. IMO, these are what HF's new Fortress air compressors are really going to need to compete against. I paid about $250 for mine because at the time I had a coupon. It's WAY quieter than my old Campbell Hausfeld Wal-Mart special but it's slower to fill the tank. It takes a full 10 minutes to fill the tank from empty. Now granted I live at 6,600' above sea level and the altitude wreaks havoc on anything having to move air (especially engines!) but that's still a long time to wait to fill the tank. I live with it though as the thing is just so quiet.
I went through two of those before getting my money back. Neither one would refill after the first time. Don't know if there was a recall or what but I won't be buying another. Glad someone had a good experience with them.
@@maxgilbert18 I'm guessing you didnt do the full half hour running break-in period or had it on a thin orange extension cord.. those are the usual culprits for those signs.
@@jeffkushen5586 I plugged it straight into the wall and used both of them once. One fill up is all I ever got out of both of them. Was using a 10 gauge 50' extension for a while but that's a larger wire than the garage circuit 20amp 12 gauge. Like I said wouldn't work plugged straight into the wall either so whatever. Got my money back and won't buy another one.
Same 20 callers and 2 pannels of foam and you can cut down sound by a box.course you can go quite a bit further than that, but every little bit helps. I'd rather have the extra listless cfm's. I also bumped my compressor up to 150psi. Well more like 148 149. Thats just below your safety blow off valve. Your right its loud S hell... but there are things you can do to suppress sound. I also put a better filter on, and ported and polished the head. It airs a little bit faster.... not a huge improvement but a little. I also run a better oil in my compressor and have never had any issues
You ported and polished the 21 gallon CP air compressor? That sounds like a lot of work for a 150 dollar compressor lol. I was looking into trying to make mine quieter. Either build a foam box around the motor or add a length of hose to the air intake and attach the filter to a little 1 foot whip of air hose. I'm concerned that adding a foam insulated box around the motor will cause it to over heat from restricted airflow though. Any suggestions? This thing is just great for my needs. Runs a bit more than I'd like with my air impact, but otherwise has enough power for anything else I do. Will probably bump it up to 135psi or maybe even higher if it's not detrimental to the life of it. Any suggestions on sound deadening or adjusting the psi otherwise?
@@shawnamison2485 ha ha hey, I like to tinker around a little bit. No harm done...
@@dustinalexander156 No harm in that, and you always learn something new in the process!
the fortress is quiter imo to the california one
I bought the 22 gallon a/c delco at o'Reilly's, Petered out after 2 yrs with average use.
I’ve heard the fortress completely run and holy cow is it quiet.
It's actually not a smart idea to buy and return compressors to Harbor Freight, because they are wise to people that do that. They will charge you a 20% restocking fee if you try that.
They didn't use to. They started charging restocking fees on items that get returned in working order often, a couple years ago. They charge 20% and then sell them open box at 20% off or even less during a parking lot sale.
AmEx will do a chargeback for the restocking fee.
@@jooper99 Good to know, but do you really want to go through that trouble? I wouldn't. Dealing with credit cards is always hot or miss in my experience.
Modern DIY Projects Right - It’s definitely not something you’d want to make a habit of to run a TH-cam channel. AmEx is very consumer friendly, but they’ll catch on to your shit quickly when you do the same thing over & over.
I guess one could also just make the product “not work” and take it back.
Not encouraging any of this - My brain just always seem to steer towards thinking of loopholes.
Definitely interested in those Fortresses
I would like to see a scroll compressor offered by HF like the one Eastwood came out with...
Paused this to say I agree 100% about buy a tool, use it, it’s yours. Be honest. Subscribed and thanks for the honesty. Any chance on a review of the trailer?.. I know I know, I watched some on TH-cam already. But I want your thoughts. Keep on being you. Love this channel!
Sorry, but I have a utility trailer from Tractor Supply so I don't see myself replacing it anytime soon.
They have to have a higher price at time of release. Wait a couple of months. Just like the icon cabinets, after a few months there will be a "price drop" and a big red line through the initial offer price.
I bought this one a couple years ago and it performs great. I got it for like 129$ at a parking lot sale.
Check out the menards quiet air compressor. My father bought one and I liked it so much I bought one aswell. Both are 2 years old and run in summer heat all day. Only downside is the air intake(black thing hanging off the side) can get knocked off pretty easy but pops right back on, but besides that they are awesome.
Here is the link.
www.menards.com/main/tools-hardware/power-tools-accessories/air-compressors-pneumatic-tools-accessories/air-compressors/masterforce-reg-ultra-quiet-1-8-gallon-portable-electric-trim-air-compressor/3301511/p-1444423543348.htm
Looking closer at the fortress 2 gallon they look damn near like brothers. Fortresses tank is bolted on.
Master force has a very nice cord, very quiet. 3 year warranty. Think it comes with a parts list too. Not sure if you could order parts for it.
I'm taking two Fortress Air Compressor motors and putting them on top of my 21 Gallon HF compressor tank... but if they are coming out with a 200 psi, 27 gallon version, maybe I'll hold off. I've already purchased one fortress and got a couple of one-way check valves. If I hadn't gotten busy this past weekend, I was planning on picking up the second one. But I really want a larger tank. I used to own the 33 gallon horizontal craftsman, and that size tank just doesn't really exist anymore.
i know your a bit pro to harbor freight but $124 to $187 and the negative being a handle ill take the $124 all day sir
They need to make a 30 gallon fortress. I’d buy one!
In their new catalogue it said coming soon and I saw a big fortress one which i would definitely buy
If you are an occasional user, get a 30 gallon auxiliary tank with the small one. Always have the tank full (quiet = overnight charging)
I'm not surprised anymore that this is better. It's like the US Generals, they're better than the Huskies from Home Depot.
The wood top is good if you are going to use it as a workbench. The rubber mat is better for automotive stuff.
@Race Hill Farms Have you actually seen both tool chests in person? If not I suggest you take a good look at the Husky and US General tool chests and you will see the poor quality the Husky is. The casters are garbage, really poor build quality using paper thin metal and rivets. The Husky tool chests are garbage. If you don't believe me check out Real Tool Reviews comparison.
Got one of those california air compressors on your reccomendation
Haha....Just developed a pinhole in my 25yo Campbell compressor from Eagle Hardware....so I'm researching this morning and ran across your video. Great information and comparisons, plus we got a laugh at the bear humor. Likely heading to HF today to see what they have in stock. Thanks for the info!!!
Welcome to the Den!
Well, here it is, four years later, and Harbor Freight is no longer showing Central Pneumatic air compressors of this type. So much for not keeping their "less expensive" line available. They are showing only two CP compressors at the opposite end of the price, $1000 wheel barrow style and cheap air brush for $90.
I'm not a fan of HF air compressors. Why, because I got two in a row that failed. The first one kept tripping the circuit breaker in my garage. Yes, I checked my breaker, etc. After awhile, junked it and bought another. The second one literally just died in a couple of weeks. I returned that one for a refund. On the way home, I stopped at a Sears and bought a larger one for the same price! It is still running great to this day, even though Sears has come and gone.
BTW, my son has a HF air compressor and it works flawlessly.
I appreciate you putting out this content Red. Thanks for the reviews, saves a lot of time when shopping and I usually find a gem of a tool I didnt know existed
I own a fortress one it's quiet yeah but the air is so slow to get in the tank it's crazy. I just got the McGraw 20 let's see if it's able to paint a car like the old 21 gallon tank I got it in 2003 and it just stop working I've literally used it for everything painting cars drywall texture guns, air tool's but it could not run an air sander or air cut off cool. I'd like the old compressors now they're in black.
I want to see if the McGraw can hang with doing a whole car paint job I will be happy if it can.
Hey! I recognize that voice! You're the amplifier test guy! "I'm outta heah!!!"
Always great videos! I'm curious as to what the Duty Cycle rating is for this compressor. I've tried calling HF product support and emailing them but no one appears to know the answer which I find a little ridiculous since all compressors have a duty cycle rating. Any info would be appreciated.
I can bet you it's not 100%
With that background it's very hard to see your avatar starting to blend in video seems really dark. Great video Red...👍
I'M IN THE NEED OF AN AIR COMPRESSOR, WHEN I SAW, THE DEN OF TOOLS, ON AIR COMPRESSORS I WATCHED IT. ONLY TO SEE ITS FOUR YEARS OLD! YOU NEED TO UPDATE THIS. ITS 04-13-23.
if you want a quiet great home owner compressor.. get the kobalt 26 gallon oil free quiet tech compressor.. fantastic. very quiet, and functions fantastic. couldnt be happier
I used the piss outta the left thumbnail black HF compressor for 10 years, worked great! Only sold it as needed a 220v 60 gallon when got a full shop.
I've been wanting a California air since the first review I saw on it. Unfortunately nobody around here carries them.
Then I saw HFT's own video on the Fortress and I got excited, even more so when they had one running in the store. I kept holding out for a better coupon. Then I heard about the bigger ones coming out. Now I'm waiting to see the price on those. I'll probably pull the trigger soon after.
Don’t know why ppl think Harbor Freight is bad. I have bought from them for over 10 years never had a problem with anything I’ve bought from them nothing has ever broken I love them I go to them first
I have high end California Air compressor that has 2 HP.
Even at 70 db, it's pretty quiet and the biggest noise I hear is air going into the tank.
So, if the Fortress is the same, then people will like it for sure.
But... I am not sure I'd pay ~$35 more for bit better cover, bit better knob and bit better handle if I have to buy one.
Walmart has the same 90 day return period as HF, but Walmart wouldn't charge restocking fee if you happen to change your mind.
Also, it can be pretty useless, but CA one has 1 year warranty without additional cost. Having longer warranty at the cheaper price cannot be a bad thing.
When I set up my shop I piped in air into the walls and bought a Ingersoll Rand 5 hp 18.1 CFM beast of a compressor, To run the plethora for air I have purchased over the years. However, with the leaps and bounds that cordless tool technology has made, I'm grabbing my cordless impact wrench or cordless ratchet with out even thinking about firing up the compressor and fighting with the air hose. I fact the only good reason for a large compressor system is if you do body work or paint jobs. A small compressor like these or even smaller are the way to go.
Yeah, unless you are in a big production shop air tools just don't make sense like they used to.
Behr paint is the best selling paint but that doesn’t make it great paint. That sells because it’s probably the best deal in the store. Thanks for the videos.
Just bought a McGraw 20 gallon and it reads 77-78db
The 29 Gal. Central Pneumatic compressor is the best one in the entire HF lineup. Easily.
I bought a DeWalt 60 gal same as the Kobalt he shows from Tractor Supply that frequently goes on sale for $449...
Only issue with the central pneumatic is the valve reeds. They overheat and crack. It's cool cause there warranty is nice. No question asked.
Trillyungpimp If you are out of warranty, the reeds are easy to replace. If HF won't sell them to you, they are available as parts for other brands, as the pumps all come from the same companies, no matter who sells the compressor. I have one of the 8 gal, and Campbell Hausfeld sells a kit for mine.
They are not that quiet that you would not notice it but it would have to be a loud environment I mean they are not bad but not that quiet
Make sure to compare apples to apples. The Fortress models have aluminum tanks, the two CA you showed have steel tanks. Aluminum always costs more. And with all the horror stories in the Amazon reviews for CA, I'll take the Fortress. Really looking forward to seeing the larger models, hoping they are all the silent design.
I want one, but the price has gone up on the 2 gallon fortress... $200 with no coupon atm :/
Bro! ...i mean bear, i have the Central pneumatic and i love it. I've changed the oil like 10 times an even added a little Motorkote for protection.
Love your videos and your commentary is hilarious. So a new subcriber here as well really love your HF videos and the jokes
Welcome to the Den brother!
@@denoftools thank you sir
Can the Harbor Freight 21 gal use a hvlp paint gun?. I bought el cheapo HF and low end Devilbiss hvlp gun. Haven't used guns yet. Love the channel. Keep up the great reviews.🙌
I have a full hands-on with these coming up where I will cover all of that.
I painted a Jeep Grand Cherokee using the 21 gal bargain, painted it with the purple gun as well. It worked fine , you just can't go quite as fast as you would like because that's a lot of surface area to cover, but it is doable, it would be even easier if you used one of their better spray guns. So yes, you.
Randolph Ferguson I am looking at picking up the 21 gallon and the purple gun to shoot my C-10 with single stage paint. Thinking about doing in 2-3 sections.
27 Gallon Fortress is $399 on their website!
A friend bought 2 harbor compressors, both quit working real quick. Maybe a month.
Why has nobody done a video on the new fortress engine Drive air compressor? Or am I missing something?
This comment is two years later and yes it does look like they are getting rid of Central Pneumatic, every model but one is on clearance and out of stock just about everywhere. I am usually a big HF fan but this compressor apparent change over is really pissing me off and yes I have a reason to be, look at the stats from HP to CFM numbers they are all lower but the price is higher on the McGraw (yes marginally), also what is with not posting all the usual stats like CFM at 40psi? The McGraw is a little more quiet than the Central Pneumatic but in every other way worse, Fortress is VERY quiet so I will give them that. None of this matters though because almost nothing is in stock in my entire region in any of the three brands, believe me I keep looking because I am in need asap of a higher capacity/ higher power compressor. To be fair to HF everywhere I look the models have shockingly low HP and CFM numbers for fairly big and expensive compressors. I am not a usual complainer I do not mind the slight price increase but give me at least equal numbers for that OK? I have some very specific jobs I need to do and if I go by the numbers listed the McGraw will not meet those numbers that a comparably priced and sized Central Pneumatic will, I have to go WAY up in price to get the same stats but again none of it really matters because nothing is in stock anywhere around me, OK rant over, sorry.
Wish my 5 gal fortress was whisper quiet. I was not impressed after break in. Getting better over time. But at first it was not much better than my CP 21 gal.
What compressor would work well for a cheap plasma cutter ? The cheap kind preferred lol
Issue: There is a quality control issue! The air outlet interferes with the handle. Harbor Frt Fix: Scre-in a 45 degree small pipe extension, which would then avoid the Handle. As with many Harbor Freight tooling, the consumer must 'fix something'.
I just put a street elbow on mine a couple of days ago so it points down towards the ground. The outlet was pointing the wrong way in my garage anyway.
So is the central pneumatic a good one?
The picture of the Fortress rolling compressor looks like the Menards Masterforce 5-Gallon that I have.
Wouldn’t surprise me. I have the McGraw 8 gallon and it’s the same as the Husky and Briggs and Stratton 8 gallon. Just a different color.
I'll put my 26 gal 150 psi bostich I got in sale at Menards for 199 against em all. Would be interesting to have a showdown
I've had my Central Pneumatic for 4 years and I've never had a problem with noise. But that's because I can't get the mofo to run 75% of the time.
Bear do you have any idea of 3/8 air drills if they are worth buying thank you Bear 😎