To see me spray painting using the Harbor Freight compressor you can watch "Lift Table Restoration, Epoxy Primer and Acrylic Enamel Paint" ruclips.net/video/sBjYUfGpsjc/видео.html
Awesome comparison! Really love the technical tests. The only issue I have is when you said the CAT compressor "clearly has a stronger motor" from the higher Amp draw. That's not necessarily true. Amp draw could be increased by resistance etc. Other than that, this was fantastic. My HF compressor just died and I couldn't stand the noise. Switching to a CAT compressor and as long as it lasts, well worth the cost.
They have very few negatives and some are paid reviews. I've had mine for over a year and a half and it's still running great. I have the 4.7 gallon. I'm gonna upgrade to the ultra quiet.
Performance of a compressor is not measured by noise level alone. You shall think about pump life, cfm, efficiency, duty cycle. What's your pump life when used all day continuously?
Excellent video, I'm considering the Central Pneumatic 10 gallon, but really hard to chose between all the different HF models these days. I will have to find a way to quiet it down some.. Think I'll check out your other vids...
CAT is quiet but they constantly break down. Always a problem with them. I’m on my third unit (5 gallon) which now also sprung a leak and can’t be run without the motor overheating. They are quiet yeah. But cheaply made. Just like the crap at the freight. And all I do is engrave with it. Takes very little air. At this point I may as well sprung for the Silentaire or built my own from a refrigerator compressor (quiet air compressors are not new tech by any means). Point being plan on replacing it. If you want a unit that lasts 10’years or more with consistent run. CAT isn’t worth buying - the fact they are oil less also is problematic as they wear out quicker than shit thru a goose on taco Tuesday. Would be nice if companies stopped building their shit in China.
Great video but i think for a noise issue making a long box with sound deading would still give it air to breath Cool and cut DB less then the california ..also a neat trick is to blow a fan very close on high it helps on sound too
Sure you could build a box but who wants to keep screwing with opening a box to turn it on, check pressure, attach a hose, relieve pressure, drain the tank, etc?
I watched the section with the clamp meter a few times, thinking how is that working without a line splitter, before finally seeing one conductor is outside the clamp. Was hard to see on a small screen :)
Yes it is hard to see (trying to get the video zoomed in so you can see the meter's screen without reflection, with the compressor in the background, without the cable pulling the meter off the table, ....) . After I shot the video I went to Amazon and purchased a commercial one for $13 for that very reason. I'm finding it's one thing to do a project, it is totally different to take video of doing a project. Also, now when I purchase tools, I find myself asking the additional question of how they will look on camera.
Wow, you must be doing it right, your channel is growing fast. This video had 10 views or so when I commented, and it's up over a thousand less than 12 hrs. later. I'm generally lucky to break 100 or so :) Keep up the growth
I have ordered a 2HP/10GAL Cal Air Tools compressor. Should be more than enough to run an LVLP spray gun. I am hoping I don't get a lemon because I have heard more than once that their quality control is non existent, factory testing is a myth and their customer service stinks. Fingers crossed on this $360 investment.
Yes, if you're using your garage as a workshop you really want more than 15A available, or if just using it to inflate tires, opt for smaller than 2HP.
Not really a fair comparison in my books the compressor 's are far not different from each other -one Harbor Freight is a Budget model and the other is in a totally different class.
they are different mechanism harborfreight also selling the ""quiet type"" the 1 hp is quiet, but as hp raising decibel also raising lowes has the 30 gal what is already a good stuff
Definitely not a fair comparison. The new McGraw 21 gal might be a better comparison since they're closer in price range. From there you could look at performance, noise, & value
There are a lot of factors to consider when purchasing an air compressor and I only really discuss two in the video, noise and power. From a power perspective, this caliber of compressor is about as big as you can go on a standard home 15 amp circuit before the inrush current starts tripping it. You may have 220 available, then you could get much bigger one for about the same cost as you mention. However, if you need to put in 220, that can cost more than the compressor (wire is very expensive) depending on how far a run you have.
How do you power multiply 3 of the same compressor unless you're talking about having to put in 2 more electrical circuits to power them then 3 more trips to the store when the shorter lifespan causes replacement? The truth is, you can't build (I mean sell, all-in) a quality 2HP air compressor for $100.
Why not do an actual CFM test which to me is far more important as it can be the difference in what the compressor can do for the money. If the california air tools can't run an impact driver, to me it's not worth the money.
and if neither can run your impact driver then he wasted that time. Never suggest that someone else does more work for you, for free. DIY. These products have published specs you can use to judge for yourself.
@@mattyates8787 Not really. I win ebay auctions all the time. It's even true in the context of a low quality air compressor that costs 1/3rd as much but only lasts 1/10th as long. The one that lasted 10X longer was getting more lifespan per dollar than you would have paid for the cheaper one.
Good video,hope they last you a lifetime but if one ever breaks down before the other that would make for a good video,of course taking into account wish one gets used more.
Cal Air Tool quit after less than 160 hrs but since it was beyond warranty the replacement ppart is going to be about $300. I only paid $330 from Amazon..... This is junk and while it's quiet s they say, the actual user cost is TOO Expensive. it's a POS.
The testings seems a been unfair because of the California air tools compressor will cost several hundred dollars more compared to the harbor freight so obviously with the California air tools it's going to be higher quality and you're going to house better futures
To see me spray painting using the Harbor Freight compressor you can watch "Lift Table Restoration, Epoxy Primer and Acrylic Enamel Paint" ruclips.net/video/sBjYUfGpsjc/видео.html
The only true review out there that doesn't just show how quiet it is.
i like the unbiased comparison in absolute tests that are not subjective - good info and thanks for sharing
Thanks, for the feedback, really appreciate it.
Awesome comparison! Really love the technical tests.
The only issue I have is when you said the CAT compressor "clearly has a stronger motor" from the higher Amp draw.
That's not necessarily true. Amp draw could be increased by resistance etc.
Other than that, this was fantastic. My HF compressor just died and I couldn't stand the noise.
Switching to a CAT compressor and as long as it lasts, well worth the cost.
I agree, CAT compressors are quiet and perform much better than everything out there.
It would have been useful to know the delivered air CFM at 40 and 90 psi.
How is the California Air Tools compressor holding up? I've read negative reviews for many of their models describing failures after weeks or months.
They have very few negatives and some are paid reviews. I've had mine for over a year and a half and it's still running great. I have the 4.7 gallon. I'm gonna upgrade to the ultra quiet.
great review, perfect comparison & thanks for taking the time to share this
Performance of a compressor is not measured by noise level alone. You shall think about pump life, cfm, efficiency, duty cycle. What's your pump life when used all day continuously?
LOVE THIS!!! Best review of the California Air Tools compressor EVER. Wish I could like more than once!
Excellent video, I'm considering the Central Pneumatic 10 gallon, but really hard to chose between all the different HF models these days. I will have to find a way to quiet it down some..
Think I'll check out your other vids...
Excellent video! Clear, concise, and relevant.....new sub. Cheers
CAT is quiet but they constantly break down. Always a problem with them. I’m on my third unit (5 gallon) which now also sprung a leak and can’t be run without the motor overheating. They are quiet yeah. But cheaply made. Just like the crap at the freight. And all I do is engrave with it. Takes very little air. At this point I may as well sprung for the Silentaire or built my own from a refrigerator compressor (quiet air compressors are not new tech by any means). Point being plan on replacing it. If you want a unit that lasts 10’years or more with consistent run. CAT isn’t worth buying - the fact they are oil less also is problematic as they wear out quicker than shit thru a goose on taco Tuesday.
Would be nice if companies stopped building their shit in China.
Great video but i think for a noise issue making a long box with sound deading would still give it air to breath Cool and cut DB less then the california ..also a neat trick is to blow a fan very close on high it helps on sound too
Sure you could build a box but who wants to keep screwing with opening a box to turn it on, check pressure, attach a hose, relieve pressure, drain the tank, etc?
I watched the section with the clamp meter a few times, thinking how is that working without a line splitter, before finally seeing one conductor is outside the clamp. Was hard to see on a small screen :)
Yes it is hard to see (trying to get the video zoomed in so you can see the meter's screen without reflection, with the compressor in the background, without the cable pulling the meter off the table, ....) . After I shot the video I went to Amazon and purchased a commercial one for $13 for that very reason. I'm finding it's one thing to do a project, it is totally different to take video of doing a project. Also, now when I purchase tools, I find myself asking the additional question of how they will look on camera.
Wow, you must be doing it right, your channel is growing fast. This video had 10 views or so when I commented, and it's up over a thousand less than 12 hrs. later. I'm generally lucky to break 100 or so :) Keep up the growth
I have ordered a 2HP/10GAL Cal Air Tools compressor. Should be more than enough to run an LVLP spray gun. I am hoping I don't get a lemon because I have heard more than once that their quality control is non existent, factory testing is a myth and their customer service stinks. Fingers crossed on this $360 investment.
And? The Air tool compressor is $600. The Harbor freight one is $200. For 3 times as expensive, I hope you get something.
Stupid question...so if my garage is on a 15 amp breaker, either of these is going to nearly max it out?
Yes, if you're using your garage as a workshop you really want more than 15A available, or if just using it to inflate tires, opt for smaller than 2HP.
Any updates on the reliability of either of these compressors? Both still running?
This was a great review!
The CAT compressor will successfully run an LVLP spray paint gun. The HF compressor will successfully fill a beach ball with air.
Really good video👍🙏
Not really a fair comparison in my books the compressor 's are far not different from each other -one Harbor Freight is a Budget model and the other is in a totally different class.
they are different mechanism
harborfreight also selling the ""quiet type""
the 1 hp is quiet, but as hp raising decibel also raising
lowes has the 30 gal what is already a good stuff
Definitely not a fair comparison. The new McGraw 21 gal might be a better comparison since they're closer in price range. From there you could look at performance, noise, & value
Compare the California to Eagle compressors. Game over for California.
Do an update vs the Fortress 1.5 HP
Would you please tell me where you bought your California Air Tools Compressor 10020C from ??
Amazon
So i could buy 3 harbour freight compressors and have 3x the power as cali air haha hands down we have a winner
There are a lot of factors to consider when purchasing an air compressor and I only really discuss two in the video, noise and power. From a power perspective, this caliber of compressor is about as big as you can go on a standard home 15 amp circuit before the inrush current starts tripping it. You may have 220 available, then you could get much bigger one for about the same cost as you mention. However, if you need to put in 220, that can cost more than the compressor (wire is very expensive) depending on how far a run you have.
How do you power multiply 3 of the same compressor unless you're talking about having to put in 2 more electrical circuits to power them then 3 more trips to the store when the shorter lifespan causes replacement?
The truth is, you can't build (I mean sell, all-in) a quality 2HP air compressor for $100.
Why not do an actual CFM test which to me is far more important as it can be the difference in what the compressor can do for the money. If the california air tools can't run an impact driver, to me it's not worth the money.
and if neither can run your impact driver then he wasted that time. Never suggest that someone else does more work for you, for free. DIY. These products have published specs you can use to judge for yourself.
Probably worth remaking this video with the new HF compressors that are a knockoff of the CAT.
The old adage of you get what you pay for works most of the time as it does here.
Yep, very true.
Really true one is "you never get more than you pay for"
@@mattyates8787 Not really. I win ebay auctions all the time. It's even true in the context of a low quality air compressor that costs 1/3rd as much but only lasts 1/10th as long. The one that lasted 10X longer was getting more lifespan per dollar than you would have paid for the cheaper one.
The california compressor also cost 3 times as much and it's only 1 hp.
The Cali compressor is 2hp.
Good video,hope they last you a lifetime but if one ever breaks down before the other that would make for a good video,of course taking into account wish one gets used more.
DOPE video!
Cal Air Tool quit after less than 160 hrs but since it was beyond warranty the replacement ppart is going to be about $300. I only paid $330 from Amazon..... This is junk and while it's quiet s they say, the actual user cost is TOO Expensive. it's a POS.
I thought this was an advertisement.
What's the mean time before failure? California air tools says 3000 hours :/
They don't say in their manual, I have put about 100hrs on it now without any problems, so I'm hopeful.
every 3DP is double your power you Goose
The testings seems a been unfair because of the California air tools compressor will cost several hundred dollars more compared to the harbor freight so obviously with the California air tools it's going to be higher quality and you're going to house better futures
CALIFORNIA AIR TOOLS *BEATS* HARBOR FREIGHT. Like if you get the joke