Re: campbell hausfeld compressors quality

Jul 15, 2003 17 Replies

I suspect you got a bad one...and suspect that what every valve you think is broken, may be a bad one and is probably not an inherent problem. I think the bigger problem with these direct drive compressors is the Oil-less design. Some direct drives use oil.


Are there any known problems with quality with this particular brand? >
> I've got a 4gal, oil-less, double hot dog (sorry, don't know the
> technical terms) extreme duty, contractor grade, blah, blah, blah unit
> that hasn't been used very much at all. But, the check valve seems to
> be busted (based on symptoms and web site description - item #5 under
> technical support). I'm in the middle of a job, deperately trying to
> finish and the thing craps out (after very few hours of use). Gonna
> take it in for service or return, but just wondering about reputation
> (it broke so fast I suspect it's a defect; the other question is, have
> they fixed the design so that it doesn't recur).
>
> THanx
> Renata
>

I got a 20 gallon, 5hp belt drive on wheels when I built my house 6 years ago. It had a problem with the release valve a year ago, replaced it ($15) and it still running great. I think is finally getting broken in, runs better now (read less noise) then ever. Good value. That said, I have CH impact driver and it does just enough for me that I don't through it away; I don't think that comes as a surpise to anyone and not me either.

Renata wrote:

I avoid them whenever possible. I bought a Husky (made by Campbell Hausfeld) 26 gal oil-lube compressor last year that had a leaking weld which was clearly not caused by shipping damage. There is no excuse for something like that to leave the factory.

I got nearly 10 years out of my first CH (same description as yours - w/ black tanks) doing construction day-in, day-out. The only problem was the trail of ballbearings it left behind on the last day:) I not have the new improved iron-fortified model (yellow now) - it has a bum switch but works like a champ.

Why? I think you've got it backwards. In case you haven't heard, petroleum oil makes a decent lubricant ;)

I just got a 10-year old oil-lube belt drive 3.5HP 15-gal for $60. Works like a champ.

Might want to reread his statement.

That is the one I would get if I used it daily in the field.

Renata,

Similar story: I too have the CH 4 gal, 3 hp (yeah, right), 'Extreme Duty' Contractor Series compressor...same as yours. The check valve crapped-out about 1 month ago after having owned and used (sparingly) for 1 year.

Interesting side: I bought it at The Despot, mostly due to the fact that is was marked down from $260 to $210 (sold out of box as returned/reconditioned). For a compressor of that size and price to be putting out 6+ SCFM at 90psi, I thought it was a steal and since, I have not come across any other brand that states similar volume for less. Since purchasing that unit, I have seen another unit (exact same model) on the floor at HD, out of the box, for the same price.

Conclusion: That particular model compressor by CH has a faulty check valve that fails frequently. Most get returned, you and I own the other 2.

I managed to pick up a little-used CH for $free. What gets me is the size of the outlet pipe. It smaller than the size recommended for my tools. I can't remember the sizes now, its a long way away. Seems the outlet is only 1/4" and I use 3/8" fittings and hoses, just like my tools need.

Renata wrote: Group: rec.woodworking Date: Tue, Jul 15, 2003, 12:30pm (EDT+4) From: snipped-for-privacy@myrealbox.com (Renata) Are there any known problems with quality with this particular brand?

****************************************************** I have had a CH compressor for about 10 years. The cast iron compressor (oil in crankcase) and the motor are excellent. All of the control components, i.e., pressure regulator, unloader, on-off switch, etc., are very cheaply made and part of an integrated plastic assembly. I have had to replace this once at a price of $60.00. They have no in-house customer service department, When you call their 800 number you get a computer voice that directs you to their nearest service shop, according to your zip code, which is many miles away in my case. I will say that when I called this shop the person was quite knowlegeable. But it cost me a toll call and a 100 mile roundtrip drive to get a new pressure relief valve which leaked. I also replaced the drain c*ck, which was the type used on automobile radiators and impossible to open, with a ball valve that has a handle on it. When the next part fails I will buy another make of air compressor. Peace ~ Sir Edgar =F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8= =F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8=F8

You might want to reread mine. I was responding to the part about "wouldn't buy oiless" and "disposable compressor."

You see, the conversation could go like this:

mat: "Personally, I wouldn't buy an oil-less. I view them as more of a disposable compressor"

Mike Reed: "Why? I think you've got it backwards. In case you haven't heard, petroleum oil makes a decent lubricant ;)"

-Mike

I guess I still miss your point... he said, he would not buy oil-less. Meaning that he would only buy a oil lubricated compressor.

You seem to indicate also that the oil type would be the way to go, as he does.

Ok, I'm a retard. I read it as "oil-lubed," not "oil-less." Once my brain sees something one way, I guess I don't really look at it closely again.

lol

my bad

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