What do you guys think of this compressor?
Harbor Freight, lot number 92504:
http://www.harborfreight.com/manuals/92000-92999/92504.pdf
http://mgaguru.com/mgtech//tools/pics/comp6_92504.jpg

I figure I have up to $500 to spend on an air compressor, so if this is not worthy then please suggest a model. Thanks.

if its $500 i'm sure you can find a craftsman 33gal one or a husky or kobalt one for around $300. i've never used that particular brand but i'm not to fond of harbor freight. good luck
Roberto

I think I'm going with a Napa compressor instead. Found a nice one for about $569, number 82-4276VAT, 7hp, 60gallon, 230voltage, 12.35cfm@90psi. I just have to figure out how to get it to my shop.
Wife said to go ahead and spend the extra money for a non-Harbor Freight special.

check home depot before u jump they usually have great prices on compressors

I read around a lot and everyone always says harbor freight is horrible and its true for a lot of things. But I was curious and I bought this compressor.

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/itemdisplay/displayItem.do?itemid=3848&CategoryName=&SubCategoryName=

its not on there www.harborfreight.com site anymore but my local store ordered it for me, it was 389 or 419, one of those prices. Anyway, the compressor works great and havent had any problems. Tomorrow Im going to test it and actually see what its actual CFM rating is and not what they say its rated for.

Homedepots husky compressors are nice but they are very expensive for low the cfm rating is. Another good option is keep looking craigslist in the tools section, I saw a husky twin stage compressor that was new for 550 and didnt have enough time to go grab it.

I noticed some compressors have 1/4" outlet, others are 1/2", and there might be others (not sure). What is the difference between the outlet size other than the obvious? Will it mean that I am restricted in using some tools and not others?

If you're using this to make a living, pay attention to the CFM rating at whatever pressure you intend to use it at. Find the tool you have with the highest CFM requirement and make sure your compressor matches it.

Of course, unless you're painting cars all the time or running air tools non-stop, I wouldn't worry too much if the tank is a decent size. For the home user, since you're going to be in the same room as it, I would worry more about noise than anything. Twin cylinders are usually quieter, but mainly pay attention to the rpm the motor spins at. Less rpm, higher efficiency (from an electricty to air output standpoint) and less noise. If that means sacrificing CFM, so be it. Nothing's worse than a compressor that's so loud you can't, as the old man in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation says, "hear a garbage truck driving through a nitro-glycerine plant." NEVER buy anything that says "oil less" or is direct drive.

i will chime in on this one as i own my own body shop. that compressor from harbor freight aint bad at all. I have had several name brand compressors and i have an 80 gallon professional series craftsman and was 16 days out of warranty....16 whole days when the pump seized up, and they wouldnt do a thing about it and the thing is they went from the production date on the vin plate on compressor...WTF?? so dug out the receipt and it was actually 3 weeks and 2 days left going by the purchase date.I felt raped by them after all these years of bizzness with them and now this was how they treated a valued customer. had correct oil level and clean air intake filters per their service man. so after lots of back and forth bickering i go to harbor freight and buy a $119.00 5HP twin cylinder pump, its bigger than the craftsmen head and fills my tank 3 minutes quicker and bout twice as loud, and paid 20 bucks for a 3 year warranty. now with all that said i have a friend who has that compressor you asked about and i painted 4 cars with it in his 3 car bay without a glitch. i buy lots of tools from them as well, never had issues with replacements if had to exchange stuff. there is many name brand units out there but not as low priced as this for the money, you get a lil more compressor. get the extended warranty....its well worth the money for that compressor and it aint a cheapo flea market unit...lol My 2 cents

i meant the harbor freight pumphead is 2 as quiet as craftsman

harbor freight has good quality stuff just dont forget to get the extended warranty on it.....look for sales and the 20% OFF COUPONS.they email out...if you want i can forward mine to you next if you send me your email addy...

... I have had several name brand compressors and i have an 80 gallon professional series craftsman and was 16 days out of warranty....16 whole days when the pump seized up, ...

You know, I wouldn't mind buying somebodies broken 80 gallon air compressor. I would upgrade whatever it needs to better specs, and might be cheaper than a new off-the-shelf unit.