TUBALCAIN Talks About Air Compressors mrpete222

Can you still buy an inexpensive air compressor that is USA made?
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[@mikedavis5397]

Nice video. A few comments if you don't mind. In my former life I was a Craftsman tool product specialist for Sears/Craftsman web center located in West DesMoines Iowa. ( now relocated to Round Rock, Texas. By no means an expert I was exposed to buyers,venders,and designers as well as marketing. Compressors have a variety of purposes it would be hard to say one brand/model is better than another. A few things I have learned...the very first thing customers look at is the price. It's has to be in their budget or none of the features will matter. The use will be the next factor. Something I haven't heard you mention is CFM. Even though a comp will make a 150 lbs,,,doesn't mean you can spray paint, sand blast or use certain tools. Look at the demands of the tool to get started. Other things to consider does the customer need air to dust off tools or inflating bike tires ? Low quality air will work, and a diaphragm model will work. Pancake comps are perfect for nailers since short bursts

[@mrpete222]

Thanks--good comments. Some things I never thought of.

[@EVguru]

My main compressor is a 3hp, 14cfm displacement FIAC (UK made) that has given nearly 30 years of trouble free service. The only fault was having to change the start capacitor about 10 years ago. The tank drain is at the lowest point (many or even most aren't) and a modification I made early on was to fit a 90 degree elbow and a 1/4 turn ball valve. If I've run the compressor for more than about 20 minutes during a day, I'll reach under and give the drain a quick blast. On a humid day I may get quite a bit of water out of there. I also regularly drain the pressure regulator, which is often overlooked.

[@TheOtherBill]

Mr. Pete - here's a thought for a multi-video project that we'd all like. See if you can find a decent old school compressor (pump only) and make your own "Ultimate Home Shop Compressor". Motors and controls are plentiful and something like an old but still good large propane (or welding type cylinder) tank (those are overbuilt for 150 PSI use). Can't find a tank big enough? Manifold a few smaller ones. Permanent garage install with a pipe run to the basement. Perhaps even an auto-drain at the bottom. Xynudu even shows a nice home built air dryer on his channel. He also shows a very inexpensive downstream low pressure regulator for things that don't take full pressure.

[@kenibnanak5554]

A big 10-4 that if you don't buy the foreign made stuff in the stores, you come home empty handed. It isn't just compressors. Most of the US producers moved overseas and the ones that remain are over priced. Consider wood chippers. My China made Jinma PTO powered wood chipper was $1,000 and handles 8 inch logs. The closest comparable US made chipper starts at $4,000. You should store your compressor with air in it. That keeps moisture out. I store mine at 40 PSI and drain it once a year. An old Sears unit like the one you autopsied I bought it in 93 and it still works just fine.The same is true of Mill stuff. I last night went to Ebay to try to find a 'buy it now' 1/16" HSS End Mill when my last one snapped. The ones made in the USA started at $120 The ones made in China were about $10 (TN coated). They break easy if the steel being cut is over 40 rockwell or the feed rate is too high. Sp at those prices, guess which ones I bought 3 of? The biggest problem with Sears compressors is the non-standard fittings. Apapters are available, but it is a pain in the rear to deal with.

[@tobyw9573]

If you buy a new compressor, there is nothing stopping you from mounting your old compressor/motor/regulator on a shelf and connect it to the new tank/compressor some place where the space is unneeded. This is particularly nice if your new compressor is a screamer! Set the pressure relay to favor the quiet compressor. It might be safe to use old propane tanks as air reservoirs. Take care!

[@tobyw9573]

I bought a 2HP Speedair about 30 years ago and before putting into service I poured a fair amount of wax type undercoating in the tank as I was putting tee fitting in the tank feed in order to bypass the pressure regulator. Regulators impede the airflow under high flow conditions. Now I can choose regulated or unregulated air. I also put a better drain under it with a street elbow and a long enough nipple to move the ball valve to where it could be easily opened. I also installed a washable element type air filter and manifold in place of the foam one it came with. Even with a decent filter, there was some restriction due to the size of the filter housing inlet. Next time I will just run a pipe outside to a auto air filter. I use 10W30 Mobil One and change the oil every few years depending on use and ambient dust. I use AF cleanings and feel to gage oil changes. Oil that doesn’t feel like petroleum jelly is suspect. I would flush an old pump before adding detergent oil and add a magnet to drain plug. Mine has needed retorquing the head several times over the first ten years.

[@mrpete222]

Those are great ideas. But a lot more work than I want to go through for my compressor. I didn't throw that old one away. Good riddance

[@KingNast]

I used some pipe fittings and a ball valve to extend the drain out from under the tank on mine. Makes it a lot easier to drain.

[@danbreyfogle8486]

Finding any tool made in the US is becoming so difficult. Good video Mr. Pete.

[@databang]

Hello Mr. Pete channel. I’m new to your videos and have taken a liking to them. You seem like a nice man Tubalcain, and I appreciate you opening your shop to teach me something my mama never could. So, I subscribed! Thanks for sharing!

[@mrpete222]

Thanks and welcome

[@BisonWorkshop]

why do you feel you need to explain anything to anyone? if people dont like what you bought with your own money the tell them to send you the one they want you to have, that will shut them cry babies up for good.

[@phooesnax]

Interesting. Also funny because I was watching all the units go by and all of sudden realized I was looking right at Mr Pete Good to see our friend. Thanks Mr Pete

[@MrUbiquitousTech]

I saw that too, looks like he's sporting a beard now. :)

[@RosaStringWorks]

The oiless compressors are the loud compressors. The ones with oil are quieter and last longer regardless of of the style. Pancake or not. The oiless ones are junk (if you use them a lot).

[@nedshead5906]

yeah, I have a Teflon bore oilless compressor with an aluminium tank and it's damn noisy, but it's great to carry around in the back of the ute in case I need air, plus it won't rust. They do have their place

[@stefantrethan]

I specifically bought one with oil, and it is as loud as can be. Now I use a refrigeration compressor, ca. 1970 made in Scotland of all places, to fill it up quietly.

[@noelhenderson700]

See if you can find an inexpensive ultrasonic thickness tester, or borrow one. You can look inside with a borescope but that won't tell you how much metal you have left. The only way to know for sure is to actually measure the thickness of the walls of the receiver. That's how they check the tubes in recovery boilers for instance.

[@KPearce57]

Early in the year I went to an auction, Purchased an Ingersol Rand 25CFM/350 LB. 2 Year old compressor for $350.00 with 2 extra 250 gallon air tanks, with auto moisture sensors that will auto-drain the tanks when water is detected. I can use them all day without them even coming on. I think it was a little overkill but the price was right.

[@petershearman9484]

Drain the tank, take off the air filter and spray WD40/RP7 into the intake as the compressor charges up. This leaves an oil film inside the tank helping prevent rust. I haven't seen this cause any contamination when spray painting.

[@brandibartolomucci789]

My Quincy 325 compressor went down due to valve failure(18yrs service) ! I went to Harbour Freight and got a 5hp compressor head($169) and mounted same day! We were able to keep working until I was able to order parts and repair the Quincy( about 2weeks)!! The Harbor Frieght was loud,built up a littel slower but it sure got the got us out of the weeds and enabled us to keep working!!! Don't get me wrong that Quincy RULES!!!! Quite and a quick cycle time!! ☝😜

[@mrpete222]

👍👍

[@nodrogawson963]

If it wasn't for the Chinese imported tools and machines I have bought and could afford I would have no hobby at all. The ridiculous prices for branded tools etc. in the UK is way out of my league and find that some of the top brands are getting to be very poor quality indeed. I have found lately that the quality of the Chinese stuff I have bought as been very good for the money I have paid and now I don't even look at top brands because I am fed up of being ripped off. Thanks Mr. Pete for another interesting video.

[@w056007568]

Consider yourself lucky Mr Pete that you are even able to find 4 stores to visit that stocked any sort of compressor! here I would have to travel 20miles into the city to find 2 and I guess the choice would be mighty limited at that! The internet is generally ones friend but one is never entirely sure what your getting until it has been delivered.

[@AmateurRedneckWorkshop]

I saw a compressor at HF that I would buy if it were horizontal. Unfortunately it is upright and I have no room for something tall. We don't make any thing here anymore except petrochemicals. Keep on keeping on.

[@wildbill23c]

I bought a Central Pneumatic 29 Gallon belt driven air compressor from harbor freight last year. Why? Because it doesn't matter what brand you buy they're not made in the USA, they're all full of foreign parts, they may have put it together here but all the parts are from other countries. Don't be fooled by the made in USA tags and labels, and don't be fooled with a brand, many are made on the same assembly line just like your pants and shirts. They get a order on Monday for example from Craftsman saying we need 100 air compressors. So they run that order until its complete. Then the next order request they pickup is from Porter Cable saying they also need 100 air compressors, same exact factory same exact parts, different color paint and different labels. Many products are made in the same factories.

[@johnferguson7235]

To be labeled Made in the USA a product must be a minimum 50%+ made in the US. That, at least keeps some of the jobs here.

[@wildbill23c]

John Ferguson Pretty sure none of the "Made in USA" stuff has more than just the label made here. They should be using a label assembled in the USA, or rather imported to the USA.

[@JuanFernandez-zv2oz]

Manufacturers now use chinese parts to build an 'americian' sub assy, to be used on a 'made in usa' item. It is deceptive fraud, but sadly the norm.

[@westvirginiamudder3235]

Top end Quincy's still are,but they are expensive and even they even have off shore stuff in the lower end models now.

[@raabsand]

You're kind of right. The difference is some brands have higher quality control and the factory runs better materials in certain brands

[@meocats]

go with the Husky 'UltraSilent' Air compressor. I have it, it is very quiet. And the tank is made of aluminium so it will never rust! Something like 300USD at home depot. I haven't checked in a year.

[@eldonashbaugh493]

I added a comment quite a few months ago telling you about the compressors and tank that I bought and found a leak in the tank and spend quite a lot of time chasing the new holes that showed up. I finally gave up and bought some 100# propane tanks and evacuated them very carefully and cut my old compressor tank in half because it had wheels on it and used it for a saddle for one of the propane tanks. I made a video of my compressors on my setup to send to you but don't know where or how to send it to you. The setup I bought from a dentist and they had been very well taken care of except for draining the tanks. The compressors are Copeland refrigeration compressors. When I first saw them I thought it was a home made setup but it was not. Refrigeration compressors are made to send oil thru the system to keep things lubricated. However these do not send oil. I think these compressors must have an oil ring along with the compression ring on the pistons to keep the oil in the crankcase. They are extremely quiet, and fill both of my 100# propane tanks up in around 5 minutes. however their is a down side, I have them in my shop which is not insulated and they DON'T like the cold weather, they try very hard to start but I turn them off because I don't want to destroy them. I know that they make hard start kits for them but I think it will put undue stress on them. I am working on a way to heat them with a glow plug from my diesel pickup inserted in the drain hole but haven't figured how much voltage I can give the glow plugs with out overheating the oil. So if you can let me know how to send you a vide I will get it off to you right away.

[@mrpete222]

You can find my email address in this recent video. Search for Tubalcain Spring 2019 special videos shop courses

[@jimhatch14]

I have a craftsman 4 cylinder compressor from a yard sale. I soldered the holes. Not expecting much. But runs about 20 mins/charge. Does 60 psi easily, but is for paint, not pressure. Lasting years. Very useful but hogs space. Had it on the metal scrap list and planned just buy a HF screamer soon. Our new model s tesla ran over demolition scrap Monday no one noticed it till complained a total flat in the garage next morning. Millions of dollars later (in my budget) tire replaced all is well. But I had used the junk sears compressor I loved, to find the leak, inflate it and trust leak time to a local tire chain. Tire warehouse, just a plug. After it making it minutes to get the tesla up, I decided to ask if worth how to put it on another tank. The motor, regulator etc. Just want to reward it with another life. I have a couple portable air tanks. I'm familiar with air fittings and all. Wife was impressed I saved her dental appointment and all.

[@AkubraHatman]

Tubalcain - 2 parts molasses to 8 parts water is the ducks guts for removing rust from steel. Mix the soup up good and put your rusted part in. Stir every 2 days and in a week pull the part out. Walllaaa! Wash the part off under water. It will flash rust but a dry off and then a wire brush will remove it. This is the cheapest and easiest method I have ever used to remove rust and the molasses mix only removes rust and does not affect the iron. The by product can then be put on your garden. I hope this helps. Old school but it works the simplest and best. Cheers

[@mrpete222]

Thanks-I need to try that

[@downunderwest2501]

Lyle, I have on several occasions through the years, replaced the tank, when the motor and compressor was still in good condition, with a large LPG (propane) cylinder. Worth the task and much cheaper than to try and find a tank to refit. The older compressors are worth fitting a new tank to as they just don't make them as they used too, unless one is willing to pay a small fortune for a well made unit. As always, thanks for yet another interesting video. Kind regards and have a blessed day.

[@terrytitus9258]

I also purchased a central pneumatic air compressor at HF ,2.5 Hp 21 gal tank and am very happy with it. Not everything at Harbor Freight is junk! They do have many well made items. Even their hand tools have the same replacement warranty as the well known brands.

[@mrpete222]

My Harbor freight compressor is worthless. It will never sell start if there is a charge in the tank. You have to bleed it down to zero, or the motor overload trips. An absolute piece of junk.

[@DrFiero]

A lot of the labels are the same since a lot of the companies are all the same. Porter Cable, Black and Decker, Dewalt, Stanley (the list goes on) are all owned by the same company for example.

[@anthonykirkby5144]

Hi. I think the tanks are welded then painted from the outside on these budget compressors?Lyle. Greetings: I run a small workshop at home here in England. Making small steam engines and some marine components for boats purely as a hobby. I am an Engineer by trade but these days get little time on the lathe or milling machine, I am mostly stuck behind a desk. I have had two compressors in the last 20 at home years. The last one failed quite catastrophically blowing a hole in the tank and dumping 5 cubic feet of air under pressure in to the work-shop in a few milliseconds. I thought I had burst an ear drum! Cutting the tank apart I found the moisture had degraded the internals to a point where the metal was wafer thin. The new “budget” compressor I bought 10 years ago has an inspection plug at one end. I decided from new that I would coat the tank internally with Red oxide (what we used to call red lead here before the health and safety numptys took over the world J) I flushed the new tank with acetone and poured about half a pint of red ox in, then rotated the tank so I could be sure all the tank was coated internally. Ten years on when I drain the tank once a month or so I still get milky water, no rust. Your right, you cannot buy a home workshop compressor made in UK (or USA) that’s not made from components from the East…. Even the big compressors we have at work are basically made else-where. We run two Hydrovanes for our spray shop, and a 1200 CFM in the press/folding/engineering shop, all made far far away …………. Keep doing what your doing, my son and grandson love to watch your videos over my shoulder. Your a gentleman and a scholar!! Ant.

[@mrpete222]

Thanks for watching. I bet that was quite a blast. That red lead was a good idea.

[@robc8468]

I agree with your conclusion. Two things I would never buy used regardless of country of origin are underwear and air compressors. BTW you inspired me to buy a new Harbor Freight 8 gallon oil type compressor to replace a failed Campbell Hausfeld oiless unit that was about 10 years old. BTW Mr Pete I strongly recommend about 2 break in oil changes on the HF unit mine had aluminum powder dissolved in the oil after 1/2 hour break in at O pressure. The aluminum piston skirt is likely "polishing" itself on the hone crosshatch of the iron bore. Remember those "Free Air" signs at the gas station where we pumped up are bike tires as kids. As a retired manufacturing engineer we used to call compressed air the 4th utility. Compressed air and molding machine cooling water were the biggest maintenance headaches we had.

[@mwganson]

I have one of the little pancake models (Campbell Hausfeld) I bought several years ago at Walmart for blowing the dust out of computers and such. I use it for an air nailer once in a while, too. It's small and lightweight, very portable, and gets the job done quite nicely. The problem is, like you say, boy oh boy that thing is loud.

[@dan27052]

I love the fact that the pulley on that compressor has a fan cast in it

[@RMosher11]

I believe all oil bath compressors have a fan cast into the flywheel. It's what cools the pump.

[@dan27052]

Randpage I know they all have fans, but I’ve seen several that had plastic fans on them, I just have noticed any that were cast in place, but that on is 42 years old, so probably better quality then

[@johnstrange6799]

Just days ago I coincidentally trash picked the same Porter-Cable 6 gallon one you showed. It didn't switch on at all, but I soon discovered one of the on/off switch connectors had vibrated completely off of it's terminal. To be honest, even free I think the thing is literally a piece of junk, but I imagine I'll use it with an air gun now and then before returning it once again to it's rightful resting place in the alley.

[@mrpete222]

gOOD FIND--yes--poor quality

[@shadowdog500]

A few years ago the Harbor Freight 60 gallon two stage compressor was actually a rebadged Bel Air "made in USA" Air compressor. I wonder if it still is. Chris

[@bc65925]

I recently picked up one of the brand like the one you had at about 9:30 from Big R. It was very reasonably priced and like you I was shying away from used ones because you don't know now many times they were bled used. I needed one with enough CFM to keep ahead of my plasma cutter. I mounted a valve on it at the outlet and turn it off when not in use and it has so far did very well and does not bleed off either.

[@Tryin2FlyII]

Mrpete, Your Go-T looks Good!! Anyway I have bought a few things from HF I don't really have a choice being on a budget BUT even if I had the money it would be difficult as you pointed out to even find a all made USA item it would be over priced and probably be the same thing as HF anyway _ so don't worry Your still the BEST teacher on you tube I satand behind you 100% & unfortunately there is nothing we can do about it. They have (Government) sold us out!!! Very Sad my friend VERY very sad -Keep up the Great work!

[@Migueldeservantes]

Most of my life I have assemble my own compressors. My dad use to say that a good quality compressor should always use a boiler steam tank.. basically compressed air would never get any where near it's failure point. it still easy to find USA Made motors, air pumps etc... my current one have an ASME pancake tank... and before I assemble it i pitted the bottom with acid then I use epoxy primer for the interior of the tank... hope it will last me a while..

[@misfitsailor]

My Chinese compressor is over ten years old now. Never a problem. It holds air well, but the cheap hose connectors I use all leak!

[@westvirginiamudder3235]

I have the 80 gallon two stage Quincy. It is a wonderful compressor with bearings on the crankshaft and a baldor electric motor. The pump is modeled after an old design of theirs. Then again the compressor is twice the price of some of the current two stage offerings. The IR brand scared me with the Indian pumps on them and I thought if I were to buy something like that I might as well not pay for a name and go the route you did. Lot of big business think we don't pay attention and to be honest they are right,only the consumer can stop this bad marketing of using cheap product under qualty name.

[@MakeChips69]

hi Mr. Pete, you could use an ultrasonic meter to check tank thickness.

[@joemmams5785]

Yes,really like where your "name" originated...also like the instruction I have received from your videos...thank you

[@goldwingowner1983]

Its funny how people complain about harbor freight saying their stuff is junk. Having owned tool from most manufacturers its like anything else, you have to shop around. I wont by power anything from craftsman anymore because they wont warranty it. If you got the 1yr wty on that compressor hf will take it back no question. Even my 9×12 lathe from hf runs like a top and was accurate to within .001. maybe better but thats good enough for me.

[@superrodder2002]

I have a bore-a-scope which has about 1/4 " end on it that would fit into the drain hole of a compressor and show what the inside looks like on the screen. It cost less than $100.00 and is handy for looking into places or around corners when I'm working on vehicles. Might be an idea to use to look into your old huskee tank.

[@mrpete222]

I just bought one

[@willshankle8527]

My rule of thumb is if I am buying a tool that I will use at least once a week for a while then I will go ahead and buy name brand because the quality is usually better. If on the other hand I intend to use this tool once or twice a year, then I look for knock offs because it will typically do the job without breaking the bank. I think that I appreciate the "good stuff" all the more that way.

[@stevew270]

I have the exact Industrial Air model compressor model you showed at 10:31and I love it, I believe it was $473.89 after taxes, I got really tired of the noisy oil free piles of junk that are out now, I had three over the years and you couldn't hear yourself think over any of them.

[@garygerard4290]

I'd tilt the tank forward/backward to make sure any water in it will roll past the open port

[@MattsShop]

If you have money and want a USA made compressor. I'll save you the research: Quincy, Champion, Saylor-Beall. Don't be fooled by ingersoll Rand. The expensive 7.5hp 80 Gallon compressors are made in India/Mexico. The cheaper Ingersoll Rand ones might be made in China I don't know. If you want a high dollar last a life time compressor buy: Quincy, Champion, Saylor-Beall. Whatever you get, make sure that it has a BALDOR motor!

[@bcbloc02]

To do an air compressor tank cert they pressurize it with water to a 50% overcharge pressure. If you have access to a pump like for a portapower you could fill the tank with water and then pump it till pressure, since water is incompressible it doesn't explode on a tank failure like air does. That Quincy is the only one I saw in your pics that MIGHT be US made still. We have a 80yr old Champion at work that has pumped 200psi shop air everyday since back in the 30's. I do not know if Champion compressors are still US or not. I think they are built with Gardner Denver compressors in Quincy Ill now.

[@patw52pb1]

Yessir, hydrostatic testing is not difficult or very hazardous to perform at home if a suitable pump, accurate gauge and properly sized Pi-tapes are available. The fill medium can be hydraulic fluid or water, it does not matter. The Pi-tapes are to measure the expansion of the vessel under pressure. If that old Champion is like the one we have it is a very low RPM pump that just won't die. It was recently replaced with a rotary unit that has 240 gallons of storage. The old Champion is now the backup compressor and I suspect it will still be chugging long after that rotary compressor is recycled. Unfortunately the Quincy reciprocating compressors available to the consumer market are "assembled in the US with global components" including China. Atlas Copco is another brand name that is partially assembled in the USA with global components. You are correct, Champion is now a brand name for Gardner Denver and suffers the same offshore plague of global components assembled in the US.

[@bcbloc02]

patw52pb1 Ingersoll Rand are global components as well. There may not be a True complete US made air compressor available today. Polar air advertises US but uses Eaton compressors which I think are also "global". Our Champion V-4 runs a whopping 400rpm. I would love to know if anyone knows of a US compressor today.

[@patw52pb1]

bcbloc02 Isn't I-R just a brand name of Doosan? Currently, I do not know of a completely manufactured and assembled in the USA unit. Eaton's divisions have been global sourced across the board for a while. That pump speed sounds about right, you can just about count the intake breathing events when it is running. Me too.

[@timramich]

Liquids and solids are most definitely compressible. Just not a very perceptible amount.

[@johnferguson7235]

A liquid can be pressurized but is not compressible unless there are dissolved gasses in the liquid.

[@GarthGoldberg]

When the compressors leak, replace the leaky regulator and they'll hold pressure again. I've replaced these twice on my Campbell Hausfeld Made in USA compressor I bought in the 1980's (at Harbor Freight, back when they still sold some U.S. products).

[@noelhenderson700]

From the look of things you should unplug the opening the plug came out of. Either that or replace the gauge on the outlet. Also the oil in the receiver suggests a rebuild on the pressure head might be in order. It doesn't matter much how dry the room is that the compressor is in. If you do the math you will find that whatever moisture is in the air, (and there will be some), will drop out after the compressed air cools down in the receiver. Whatever local pressure vessel authority you have where you live can certify the receiver. Sometimes they will do a hydrostatic examination, (fill the receiver with water and pressurize it to 1 1/2 times the working pressure), sometimes a certified non destructive examination report will be accepted.

[@d.j.9961]

Mr. Tulbalcain, I also made the mistake of purchasing a Harbor Freight air compressor though, Mine is a 21 gallon which I picked up for $62.50 & THAT IS WHY I BOUGHT IT! Although, The reason I cannot stand it is because of the 1/4 cold start valve which fails constantly! It is because the electric motor does not have enough power to start so, The 1/4 cold start valve allows the first 4 or 5 psi to escape to allow the electric motor to get up to speed so, THEY ARE DUDDS IN MY BOOK! After replacing the 1/4" cold start valve several times, I have given up & put a drain valve in there instead but, Now I have to open it to start the compressor & then shut it after it gets going & rush to open it every time it cycle's=REAL PAIN IN MY BUTT! Wish I could get a GOOD 1/4 COLD START VALVE! Good luck Sir! Love your video's & I as well have the tool & rust/rusty tool syndrome & I have to clean them up! Nothing worse then a rusty tool!!! It bothers me seeing a rusty, neglected tool!!! You can always get a MUCH BETTER SELECTION OF AIR COMPRESSORS BY SHOPPING ON THEIR WEBSITE! There just is not enough room to display them all in a store! I work at a big box store & when I go onto their website, They have much more air compressors on their site rather then in store because I work the tool dept of said store!!! So many deals to be had online but as far as "Made in the U.S.A., These days not much is, at least not in a big box store!!! If there was an embargo against made in foreign country products, Many stores would seize to exist!

[@mrpete222]

In cold weather, I have to drain the tank of air in order for it to start. Total junk

[@mrpete222]

In cold weather, I have to drain the tank of air in order for it to start. Total junk

[@worthdoss8043]

I just went out and looked at my air compressor. It is a Sears Craftsman Professional upright 60 gallon belt drive twin cylinder 6.5 HP 13 scfm at 40 psi 10.5 scfm at 90 psi 240 volt. It has a huge 2 inch plug at the top where you can get a bore scope in it. If I leave it on it might come on about once in 24 hours without use. It has a huge data plate on the side with testing certification and tank specs I bought it in 2000. It says made in USA with foreign and domestic parts. I bought it new and it cost a pile of money but I wont be buying another air compressor, it is also quiet as far as air compressors go. The ASME code tank was made by Manchester Tank in the US. The motor is a GE.made in the US. The pressure switch is a Square D made in the US. When I did the research on this compressor before I bought it was made by Devilbiss or Pentair since then they have been bought by someone else. I remember the time I first heard one of those oi-less compressors come on, I almost jumped out of my skin.

[@DSCKy]

Some 20 years ago I bought a small torpedo compressor at Sam's club for about $120. I saw the exact same compressor at ACE with the Makita brand on it for $350. :)

[@RMosher11]

Welding a pressure vessel is terrifying. Especially an oil bath compressor. And then trusting the weld to hold in a tank that isn't drained after every single use.

[@MrSuperheterodyne]

What a fantastic channel. Great videos Mr Pete.

[@mrpete222]

Thanks

[@erichershberger3733]

If I remember correctly Quincy compressors are made (manufactured and assembled) here in the US. I'm not positive, but I think they are made by a company called California Pneumatic.

[@norbs]

I would LOVE to have a harbor freight like store in my country.

[@johnferguson7235]

The problem is your sales taxes and EU import restrictions. Here in California our sales taxes in 7.5% and that is pretty high for the US; 21% for my Canadian relatives. The Trans-Pacific Partnership(TPP) trade treaty will bring even more intense competition to American businesses.

[@mikedavis5397]

Bursts of air will work great. Contractors like them since they can be moved from jobs easily. Regarding moisture, condensation from heat is the source. Diaphragm models have little high speed motors and lots of heat is generated and may condense in the tank. Belt driven model turn slow and may contain cooling fan blades built into the pulley, the compres itself has cooling fins resulting in less moisture. Most Sears units were made by DeVilbiss in the Carolina's. Can't honestly say where the steel originated. Quincy compressors ( most noted for high quality air ) were built in Quincy Illinois,,,sounds like a day trip.lol.. Tool quality has changed over the years some better some worse. People assoc chrome with quality,,,chrome is cheap. Chrome tools are not allowed in the food industry. Anyway I am old and my mind drifts,,,lol I would love to talk tools on the phone if you ever have time...signed,,a real fan ! 🔧🛠⚙🔩

[@yambo59]

Regarding vinegar for rust removal, you might also try apple cider vinegar its a bit stronger -- and I keep hearing about commercial grade "cleaning vinegar" that's even stronger yet, its typically only one or two percent stronger but supposed to make a very big difference - but its a little harder to find the cleaning type in stores, its also available online but pricey. I have some of the apple cider vinegar and its definitely stronger, though the label only claims 5% acidity.

[@dodgeramsport01]

The ones you showed with the industrial name has a unmarked PUMA pump on them! I have a Magnum Air 60gallon with same pump and it is a dual stage and is the quietest compressor I have ever heard! Even my friends name brand is louder! the PUMAS are work horses I have had mine for years and no problems!

[@1jtolvey]

GREAT VIDEO !! YOU'ER VINDICATED :-) USED TO BUY "CRAFTSMAN" TOOLS FOR THE PLANT ,---- BUT THEY WOULD DISAPPEAR . STARTED BUYING CHEAP CHIANA TOOLS , SO THEY'D BE THERE TO USE ! ABOUT 1980'S STARTED TO WORRY WHEN THEY GOT SO MUCH BETTER 1990'S & CRAFTSMAN GOT CRAPPY .

[@jamesmorleyjmor5003]

its the same story in the uk ,all imported stuff good vid,thanks mr pete.

[@BigAdam2050]

Might want to pick up a bore scope one day from the ebay. Just to look in tanks, and tight spaces, might be worth it for the $50-100 it costs. Think AvE did a video on a cheap one recently.

[@stevedotrsa]

more like $10 for a usb/android one.

[@code3responsevideos872]

Buy what you want, it’s your money! I bought a beautiful champion air compressor made in the beautiful USA!

[@tedsykora1858]

good info . I just bought a farm fleet upright for about 350 and a similar Dewalt next to it was about the same price but the Dewalt had a very short life expectancy listed

[@cyrex686]

My solution to water in the tank: I run my air line from the drain hole. No problems doing this for years.

[@ronwrob2819]

I am in my 70,s so what time I left cannot be wasted building compressors,won,t be around when tank rusts out,

[@mrpete222]

My sentiments exactly. Thats why I would not repair the red one!!!

[@kwd57]

I learned a long time ago, that the thing that kills a compressor is the speed they are turning the pump. The faster they turn, the hotter they get and will fail sooner. Also unless you have a 2 stage pump, don't go over 120 Psi.

[@peteroleary9447]

Pressure vessels can be extremely dangerous. Stress risers around welds and corrosion can make for a catastrophic failure. Be careful mrpete. "Post-industrial" is an apt term to describe our economy, IMO.

[@bluedeath996]

There is nothing wrong with Chinese items as long as the quality control is good. Regardless of the manufacturing location, I would trust DeWalt, Makita, Bosch, etc to make good quality items even if it is to a price point.

[@stevemcentyre1570]

Recertification of a pressure may be done by Hartford Steam Boiler Insurance Co. Or Factory Mutual.

[@patw52pb1]

In the US there are a large number of hydrostatic testing and certification service providers/laboratories. Air Gas is nationwide and there are many others. www.google.com/search?num=100&newwindow=1&q=hydrostatic+tank+testing+service+USA&oq=hydrostatic+tank+testing+service+USA&gs_l=serp.3...164959.172588.0.173172.13.13.0.0.0.0.168.816.12j1.13.0....0...1c.1.64.serp..0.7.389...0j0i22i30j35i39j33i21.wLnS5aK76Bk

[@SeanBZA]

I have it done every 3 years, and it is worth it just from the lower insurance rates. Remember that when it fails, and you have no pressure test cert, many insurers will decline the claim, and leave you to hold all the costs, along with any injury bills. If somebody loses a finger or worse you will likely be bankrupt paying medical bills and accident compensation.

[@mxcollin95]

+SeanBZA Thanks for bringing up that great point. The more tooling I add to my garage the more I should look into that!

[@puddingpimp]

It's a good idea then, and anyway, to put your compressor in a strong wooden box if you don't need to yank it around. Makes it quieter and you end up with a busted box rather than a busted shop and a busted body if it does go.

[@johs290185]

I don't know the first thing about compressors so this is actually an interesting video to watch and learn from. I'm from at younger generation and all i've know is these disposable items. I guess if compare it to an quality item then the chinese model might be 1/2 as good but might cost 1/3 of the price, which make it worth it in the end. The machine shop I work at, is dependant on compressed air. Cnc machines can't run without it. So that demands high quality tools. At home though I would be just fine with cheaper, and I guess less dependant chinese model. I would too have gone with the affordable option.

[@JunkMikesWorld]

I have to say as an Industrial Arts Teacher the De-industrialization of America is quite disturbing. I am teaching skills needed for jobs that are now much rarer than they were just 40 years ago. Man, it sucks! Mike

[@mrpete222]

We are a rare breed

[@worthdoss8043]

MrPete where I went to school it was poor and we didn't have a shop class we had FFA and that was it.

[@imbadwrench]

I recently picked up a USB endoscope off ebay (us seller) for $18, got it in 3 days. You might find a lot of use in one.

[@moparerrnocar]

I believe the pumps on HF compressors are US made. Regardless, they're great units, at least their larger 2 stage units are. No falsely inflated specs either.

[@N.Cognito]

It's your money. Spend it on what you see fit. If that items happens to be made in a foreign country, so be it.

[@kevinwillis9126]

some companies buy cheaper equipment and put there logo on it..... That's what i think... Thanks for sharing sir....

[@MrShobar]

Like Snap-On. Then charge a premium for it.

[@kenibnanak5554]

Actually what happens is once the name brand has a good rep, the company licenses it out for making of junk. Think Schwinn Bikes for a for instance. Compare the ones made 40 years ago to the $50 dollar Schwinns sold by Walmart.

[@verdatum]

I knew how to get a good American compressor. I bought mine from a company called "California Air Tools" So I could be confident that this thing is made in.....Oh, it's made in China. >_< I'm super happy with it though. They do lots of stuff to make theirs incredibly quiet. My previous compressor was so loud it made made me want to jam a screwdriver into my ears. And it'd always make me jump when it kicked on; not good when using it for airbrushing!

[@tobyw9573]

Mr Pete, have you ever examined the difficulty in making a scroll compressor?

[@mrpete222]

Have not

[@castro1780]

Cant beat the value you get at harbor freight

[@johnferguson7235]

It depends on how hard you use your tools. Businesses and professionals can depreciate the cost of the equipment from their taxes and amortize the cost. Break downs are usually more expensive than equipment so it makes sense to buy better equipment.

[@worthdoss8043]

There are cheap junk things and good things it matters not where they are made these days, and has been that way for many years. Some of it is finale finishing, I am very disappointed in the finished US made fire arms these days. I love my Grizzly G4003G Lathe, and yes I have ran equipment made in every part of the world.

[@MrKidkiller159]

Some products are hard to find or afford USA made. I buy American when ever I can . @mrpete222 thnanx

[@mrpete222]

Yes

[@windsorrocks]

How many times do you buy a $100 item before a $400 equivalent, of higher quality, makes sense? Much of the equipment (and products in general) available today is disposable junk, and is often more hassle than its worth.

[@mechaform]

There’s always the option of buying the older, American-made compressor and moving all the working parts to a newly built pressure vessel.

[@dirtroad57chevy49]

AGREE ABOUT PANCAKE SO LOUD ITwill drve you crazy 🤪

[@pyromedichd1]

For What it's Worth- My Opinion: Whether you buy Chinese (cheap) or high quality US made depends a great deal upon your intended use. If you seldom use a compressor and then only for airing tires, a blow gun, small air tools such as a nail gun then the small oil less compressors might be OK even though theya re typically noisier than compressors with an oil sump. If you use it regularly, use impact wrenches and die grinders and other high consumption air tools you are far better off with a compressor with a crankcase and the higher pumping capacity that larger heavy duty compressors provide. A small oil less compressor will wear out more quickly and has such a small pumping capacity at 90 PSI and above that it will run nearly continuously when using tools which require high volumes and still be extremely annoying because they cannot keep up with demands. In my opinion anyone that uses a compressor even moderately is far better off springing for a more expensive compressor with an oil sump, large air tank and higher volume and buying only once instead of buying cheap and having to replace more often and ultimately spending as much as the better compressor would have cost if bought originally. Plus, if you have my luck the cheap compressor will fail just when you need it most.

[@mrpete222]

Thanks-good observations

[@Mullicamanufactory]

Very informative. Thank you sir.

[@danielwiley5796]

you should Hydro test that tank using a homemade Hydro tester you can easily build one out of an old bottle jack by removing the piston and threading on a pipe fitting in its place at that point you just need to run a hydraulic hose to the tank after it's full of water and pump it up to 300 PSI if it holds then it's safe for air

[@mrpete222]

Good idea

[@epindigozylacone5730]

Oh. I'm tired. Had that right the first time.

[@TY1979KA]

sir you don't have to defend yourself for buying foreign goods, the companys startet to move to Mexico and China in the late 80s and early 90s to make bigger profits. Closing one factory after another, moving them to these states and continued producing there. Its the world we live in and virtually everthing we buy today is made in China or its parts were manufactured over there

[@johnferguson7235]

The Carrier air conditioner factory is closing in Indiana and moving to Mexico. US workers earned $15 per hour. The Mexican workers will earn about $15 per DAY. We can't compete with that. Carrier sells more A/C units outside the US than in the US and they can't continue to build these units and compete in the global markets.

[@royreynolds108]

Trane built a compressor factory in Monterrey, Mexico in 1998 and moved the reciprocating compressor making there from Tyler, TX. They did have problems with quality though. A condenser unit line was added to the Monterrey plant but they couldn't sell very many of them as I understand. When I retired in 2013 a condenser plant was under construction in India. The Tyler plant is still running as of July 2016. A large number of parts come from Mexico, China, or Korea.

[@johnferguson7235]

Roy Reynolds With value of the dollar so high and American manufacturers trying to compete in the international market, they close their US facilities unless they bring in robots and automation to replace a large percentage of the workers.

[@JuanFernandez-zv2oz]

My 'american' compressor was made in china (tiny stamp) but 'Assembled Proudly in USA' in full color superimposed on a giant flag on a huge glossy sticker. The best you can do is be sure a few americans were paid something.

[@westvirginiamudder3235]

That's exactly right,look at the quality names and how the cheapness moves in on lower base units. It continues to work up the model line because the powers at be can shove more dough in the pockets. They know most consumers won't look at the small stuff and if you put lipstick on a pig it is still a pig. So you either have a choice,pay top dollar like I did or save your money and buy the model that saves you the cost of the big names sticker on a cheaper product to begin with.

[@AtelierDBurgoyne]

I am still looking for a good and quiet compressor for my shop, at a reasonable price!

[@stefantrethan]

Look at old refrigeration / AC compressors, they run very quiet. You need to completely take them apart to get the old oil out and replace it with regular motor oil or compressor oil. They do introduce more oil into the tank, so probably not ideal for spray painting, but otherwise I am very satisfied.

[@UberAlphaSirus]

buy a cheep noisy one, build a box for it to go in. line the box with sound damping, make a bottom and to entry labrynth type baffle and to will have a compressor thats a bit louder than a fridge. done it many a time.

[@eldoradony]

What you have shown in your video is that if you aren't willing to spend what a commercial quality machine costs, you are going to get imported(most likely Chinese)low end junk. American companies like Snap-On are licensing their name to importers. This is becoming more common each year. A good example is AC Delco wiper blades or AC Delco tools. Both are imports, not top quality, and in the case of the wiper blades, not something you would ever find on a new GM car. If you have been around a while and know the difference and what to look for, you can still find the good stuff. It takes some looking and will cost you more. Like everything you buy, you get what you pay for.

[@ablelock]

Yes I know what you mean when you say most of the things are made in other countries like in China and etc. there used to be a company here in the USA that used to build compressors and I think they still do but I can't swear to that but there used to be a company up in Mill walkie Wisconsin the bill compressors the pumps anyways for most of the compressors that were out there they still build refrigeration compressors still today. And that company is called Tecumseh and they have built refrigeration compressors for years they also used to build air compressors as well they did a lot of major large compressors I'm just not sure if it's still being done today but that was in the US it's up in mill walkie Wisconsin just thought I'd put in my two cents worth.

[@Daledavispratt]

Mr. Pete, I wouldn't consider any criticism about a truthful statement a valid statement at all.

[@elsdp-4560]

ATHANK YOU...for sharing.

[@mrpete222]

Thanks to a loyal viewer

[@tom7601]

Great video, as usual.

[@ScottandTera]

That central pneumatic is the same as my husky from homedepot same exact layout

[@mikerobinson3156]

An air compressor tank will not explode it will develop a pinhole and then progressively more overtime

[@mrpete222]

I think you are right, and mine had a pinhole

[@beansgas6821]

I know why you want to buy American, I have the same problem here in Britain whenever I need a new tool I always try to buy a British made tool, you soon begin to realise how much is no longer made in the country you live in.If I can't buy British then for me it's American, with makes such as Starrett or German, such as Stahlwille, with the odd Japanese thrown in like Mitutoyo for instance. I don't have much in the way of Mitutoyo tools because I prefer to buy the British made Moore and Wright. But don't beat yourself up over it Mr Pete it's just the way it is now, I have a cheap compressor in my workshop which I bought in Machine Mart (which is probably the equivalent of your Harbor Freight), it does the job it was purchased for, so to me that's fine, is it a tool I will hand down to my grandson's I don't think so. Because I know it won't last and it wouldn't be safe, but neither would expensively made British compressors if I could find them, so it is, what it is.I always find your videos interesting and entertaining and always make time to catch the odd one every now and again. Thanks Mr Pete.

[@SeanBZA]

Fix air leaks. It otherwise is just like taking $100 bills and dropping them in the street every day. Compressed air is expensive, it takes a lot of energy to compress it and cool it, and then you throw it away in a preventable air leak. Easy to replace the seals or fittings that are leaking, and cut the running hours of the expensive compressor and the power it uses. I added an hour meter to the one at work, and it only runs under 10 hours a month, as I do look for the leaks and fix them. Compare to the local garage, which has around 500 hours of runtime a month, and plenty of air leaks. Exactly the same IR compressor and similar size tank, but guess who only has a 3 year life on compressors, and an extra $1000 on the electric bill.

[@samnelms593]

I like the rust removal videos so keep it u