Has anyone purchased the Central Pneumatic 4-1/2 HP 21 Gal air compressor from Harbor Frieght before? Was looking at getting an air compressor that size to run air tools and some primer work.
Any thoughts?


http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=47065

I purchased one a couple of weeks ago. Does fine with a DA sander (which I bought there also). I haven't tried it with my paint gun yet.

If it runs a d.a. good it should run a paint gun 'cause you'll wanna gauge the gun down.

It will work fine unless your running sustained tools, such as a grinder, DA sander etc. Because of the small tank & low CFM at 90lbs it will never be able to keep up. I know by much experience. I have a 30 gal 6HP Ingersal Rand in our equipment shed for Farm style use puts out 10 cfm at 90 & it can not keep up with a grinder. If your just going to use it occasionally fine but if your planning on serious work buy a 60-80 Gal. Two Stage! If you shop around you can find some excellent deals.

I bought a 6hp 21 gal compressor from Sams Club that delivers 6 cfm at 90psi with a max working pressure of 155psi for $199. I like it. Not too big and will power intermittant use of impact wrenches and ratchets, a die grinder and a DA. It will run a lot if you use any tool for a long period of time, but I seldom do. It will definitely work fine for painting. Comes with a regulator.

If you are doing a lot of painting or repair work, like every day, you need a bigger unit. But for the average weekend warrior, I thinnk it's fine.

I bought the black 60 gallon upright for 399.00 @ Harbor Fright and they knocked off 60.00 bucks and added the 60.00 extended warranty for free (in a since). I love it, it keeps up with everything I’ve got.

I bought the one you are talking about. It does fine for small projects, but I wish I looked around for something else, but what I have will be fine, for what I am using it for. Well, good luck.

bljak64ss,

How loud is the compressor, I will be using it in a one car garrage. I've heard the oil free compressors are very loud and thats why I want to stay away from them.

the oil less ones are junk and loud and its a irritating sound that will pis you off in time i bought a 5hp sears 60gal for my home garage and sold it soon after for $200.and it spit out a lot of water,get a piston compressor you will be happy

Ragtop, I would get a bigger one, because you will use it.