Quiet compressor--does one exist?

[Carlos]

Anybody familiar with this one:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=94667

Just how badly are the HF capacities over-rated? I think my biggest user is the plasma cutter at about 3.5 CFM.

Here's one of the Puma units, the specs seem impressive.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=34887

[Carlos]

Odd, this one has a higher rating, though a smaller tank, but costs less:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=34887

[Carlos]

I ended up with this from Craig's list:



It was being sold by a liquidation/salvage from a company that went out of business shortly after buying it. Still on the pallet, still had the covers on the threads and didn't appear to have ever been wired up. Brand new as far as I can tell.

Man, this thing moves some air.

[ryan.s]

Looks like a beaut, good score! How much much did they want for it?

[Carlos]

$400, seems to sell for about $800 plus shipping, so it was a decent deal. Unlike my old Craftsman, these guys guarantee their rating. It's funny to see this one next to the old one, which claims 5.5 HP. Funny stuff.

[footprintsinconc]

nice compressor! i think, no one should get a smaller compressor than that. have you turned it on yet? what do you think of the noise?

[Carlos]

I got it wired up yesterday (230v of course, and pulls 21 amps!). It's certainly not quiet, due to size, but it' a less annoying noise. More like a small low-RPM engine than the buzz of a direct-drive. Also it will run a LOT less often since it has more capacity refills at about four times the rate or better, and has a higher pressure spread for cut-in/cut-out.