DIY Air Compressor Pump Harbor Freight

[@bobatbilletcreations]

Great video, Thanks for sharing all the info. How do you like the harbor freight pump so far? Would you recommend it? I'm looking at going with the 2 stage pump they have for $229.

[@mrmotofy]

@@bobatbilletcreations So far so good...I recommend doing a couple oil changes shortly after running it. Then use a good synthetic. I think I'm gonna also put some Lucas oil stabilizer in too. Helps stay tacky and stick to parts. Follow the instructions for the pulley sizing etc. I do like that it's lower pitched sound compared to my old IR unit. So when running it's not as irritating. But definitely put it in a closet or something to wall it off to help the sound. I can't really think of any negatives for it.

[@damienmikkelsen6056]

How far apart should the center of each pulley be? Great video

[@mrmotofy]

That distance is really a factor of mounting holes. I'd start at the closest of the slot. Belts only stretch and gives you maximum adjustment. But within reason it doesn't matter the distance. But shorter belts are cheaper...so there's that factor.

[@rong2578]

Great explanation, Thanks for taking the time to make and share this video. I have an older Campbell Hausfeld 220V motor, says it is 5HP, which I am sure is not a true 5HP motor. Do you have any suggestions on being able to use a motor like this. If the calculation is saying to use a 4 1/2 pulley based on motor RPM, do you think I could cheat it and use a smaller pulley to compensate?

[@mrmotofy]

Awesome glad it helps. I see so many vids have baseless opinions like it's so fast or reviews saying it fills the tank in 1 min...but no size info. So I learned a lot in my research so last minute decided to throw that into a vid. If your motor isn't a 22a 240v it's not a true 5HP. Most of the consumer labeled 5-7hp are not. They're 3-3.7hp and 15a. It's false advertising somehow allowed. You can use the the pulley calculator linked in the description to see how pulley sizes change the pump speed etc. But to more specifically answer basically a pump requires a specific amount of energy to operate it. In some cases one can "cheat" but with a motor I think it's pretty important to size it accurately. You can oversize the motor and run a lighter load. But undersizing means overheating, slipped belts and short life. Electric motors are expensive. I just seen a 3hp for like $420. I personally wouldn't use a small motor, but I'm no expert. So I'm a problem solver so I'll present some solutions. HF has a smaller pump that's only slightly less output and rated for a 3HP motor. I've seen lots of broken compressors on FB marketplace. Sometimes a bad pump sometimes a bad motor. Either way they can be found for very cheap. It's a cheaper way to get an extra tank for more capacity, or a larger motor etc. So for example get a used tank broken pump with the smaller motor that's very common and good motor then get 2 of the smaller pumps and you get like 20cfm which is more than this pump puts out. Use the 2nd tank if you want or use your single existing tank. I've seen 20-60gal tanks only for very cheap and even given away. If space is an issue a tank can be easily mounted up high on a wall. The tank can be separate from the motor and pump. Lot's of cheap options if you're not afraid to put a little effort in. Lemme know if you need more info or suggestions, I'm full of em which usually annoys people. Especially the one's who want to whine instead of solve problems.

[@carplazallccarplazallc5076]

That pump will be dead in 6 months. It’s pure garbage. I made that mistake already. I’ll be buying an American pump next week. This Chinese harbor junk is pure garbage.

[@mrmotofy]

@@carplazallccarplazallc5076 Except it's not Chinese it's Italian. There's thousands of good reviews. We'll see I guess

[@ivanalvarez5511]

Hey man, just bought a pump at HF. Got an old 80ga craftsman that had the pump with busted rod bearings. Getting ready to replace it now. How has this held up so far?

[@mrmotofy]

So far so good...there's a lot of good reviews on em. If ya wanna, get the extended warranty. I think it's 2 yrs replacement for $30 or so...I took a chance and skipped it

[@mrmotofy]

Few more months still going just fine.