Seen in a WalMart newspaper insert ad:
$197
campbell hausfeld 8-gallon 2hp compressor wi tool kit:
1/2-in impact wrench
3/8-in ratchet
modular tool kit (??)
cleaning gun
1/2-in flip socket
1/2 – 3/8-in deep drive sae socket
9/16 – 3/8-in deep drive sae socket
connectors
25-ft pvc air hose
Is this a worthwhile deal?
I don’t know enough about C-H (other than Warren Buffet “owns” them) or compressors to determine its worth. (So why am I thinking of buying it? FINISH NAILER.)
I have the impression that serious users of “portable compressors” prefer the ones you can oil to the ones you can’t; and that “real compressors” are not portable…. ?
Thanks!
Replies
Your impression concerning oil vs oilless is probably corrrect for most "pro's". There are two reasons, in general. The oil-type runs much quieter, which makes a big difference when you use one for 40 hours a week. And oil-types will probably last a bit longer, provided they are maintained well.
But for a homeowner who wants a compressor to use for weekend projects, or for a hobbyist woodworker, the kind you saw in the ad is probably fine. As for the deal.....I guess that depends on how much you might use all of those extras, but its probably as good a deal as you'll find at a national retailer.
I assume you need the pneumatic tools, otherwise, you can pick up a portercable or bostitch combo (includes air nailer) for just a little more. You can also compare your Walmart deal by checking the price of a pneumatic tool kit at sears, sams or a similar place. Harbor Freight is probably going to be the least expensive but you get what you pay for, however, sometimes that is all I need.
I started out with a directdrive model. If you intend to use it in the house better warn everyone in the house. With a finish nailer it may take couple of hours to kick in and if you are not expecting it, it makes a heck of a racket. A cat will jump out of ones lap (better be declawed) when that thing kicks on.
I've used air tools long enough to switch away from them when possible. I've had oil and oiless compressors used commercially and can tell you that in operation, there is no difference, except that you won't have to change oil on the oiless. These were portables, in the size that you are considering. Ran them 8-10 hours a day, for weeks at a time. The oiless are fine. Now if someone could build them lighter..................
Good Luck!
John
Have owned CH oiless 11 gal compressor and although it wasn't the best, it also wasn't bad. It lasted about 8 years of moderate to constant use which I think is fairly good. I prefer the oil filled ones just for their quietness alone, I have a 30 gal for my garage and a 4 gal 'contractors' double tank for my daily use in the field. If you're in and out of alot of homes like myself and all you want to use is a finish nailer, you may consider one of those little 'hot dog' style 2 gal ones for their portability. Senco and Makita make one. I bought a cheapie for about $100, and it lasted under constant use about 5 years. I loved it. I would say if you are just going to use the CH on a less frequent basis, go for it, can't beat the price.
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