Campbell Hausfeld VT6271 26 Gallon ASME Oil-Lubricated 240V Horizontal Air Compressor

Comment: I received this unit last week and am in the process of disassembling it, moving it into the garage attic as my floor space is limited. The ONLY reason I purchased this unit was the compact size and the fact it was $300 less than in Ingersoll Rand 3HP wheelbarrow compressor. I purchased this unit site unseen as it is hard to find this config in the local big box stores.

The compressor is relocated but not running yet but my first impressions are memorable.
1) The pressure switch on this unit is CHEAP, CHEAP plastic. Also, the phillips screw that holds down the cover to the pressure switch was thoroughly gauged by the hacks at CHPower before the unit shipped from their factory. I'll probably end up making a flat head screw out of it by taking the hacksaw to the head after it strips out completely as it seems to be cheap white metal.
2) The main pressure outlet on this unit is 1/4", not 3/8" on this "10+" cfm @90 psi machine ! Without doing the math to see what kind of velocity is screaming thru that 1/4" heavy hex fitting they have screwed into the pressure port of the vessel, let's just agree it should be at least 3/8" compared to other compressors of this size I've seen. Most likely, I'll end up replacing the main pressure tap port on the pressure vessel with something larger. It appears to be a screw-in hex fitting, but I'll just use it as-is for the time being.

Again, not impressed with the unit is CHEAP and POORLY engineered. Would I purchase this unit again, NO if money was no object. Was I expecting for more. DEFINITELY.

Comment: First of all, let me start by saying I did a lot of work researching other air compressors on-line reading customer reviews like the one I am writing. That said, here it goes. For me, I was seeking an air compressor I would use with my father in-law to build a 16'x18' deck on the back of my house, so I needed one with a lot of power and reserve. The first air compressor came damaged to me. I found the damage after the shipper left. The damage was a broken pump wheel. The entire wheel was broken off the spokes. I called Campbell Hausfeld. They explained to me that Amazon would prefer that I call them because the product was damaged upon arrival. So, I called them and they handled everything perfectly. The customer representative gave me the option of exchanging the product or returning it for a complete refund. I opted for an exchange. I received the second one no more than 5 days later (I pressed Amazon for that because I was taking vacation the following week to start my project and needed it then, not the following week).

The second one arrived in perfect condition. I used the compressor; I worked it very hard and am completely satisfied with its performance. However, after three and a half months (purchased last week of July 2009) I noticed the paint flaking off the tank and rust underneath the paint. I know this might not seem like a big deal, but I was looking at it from the view point that the tank may be leaking air and the moisture from the condensed air may be causing the paint to flake. Anyhow, after I spent $[...] I expect it to still look like new after just a few months. Besides, in the rare event I decided to sell it, would anyone be interested in purchasing a rusty air compressor even though the owner states "works great even though it looks bad"? I think NOT considering a rusty tank is typically a sign of a leaky tank. Furthermore, how is that my father in-law's compressor looks great after building his 2,800 sqft home himself nearly 20 years ago? In the end, I just want mine to look like the rest of my tools - in great condition from taking care of them properly.

Moving on, I called Campbell Hausfeld and they said tank paint is covered. The only problem is they want to replace my shiny blue tank with a crummy, dull, grey primer colored tank. I know some of you might be thinking no big deal, but again I paid $519.99 and I expect $519.99. I bought this product for two reasons. First, it was made in the United States of America [I only buy American made (a product manufactured by an American company headquartered in America and not just assembled here like those cheap foreign cars). Second, I purchased it because I knew it could handle the demands I would require of it while building the deck and working on my vehicles as a hobby (no I am not a union laborer - I am a professional, 4 year degreed individual).

Anyhow, to conclude this review, I am very happy with the compressors performance; however, I am and dissatisfied with Campbell Hausfeld's cheap fix/replacement option for my rusting tank. I am still in the process of convincing Campbell Hausfeld of replacing my tank with painted one. I will keep you posted as to what comes of all of this.

I hope my review was helpful? My intention was to inform future purchasers not to dissuade or persuade.

Regards,
Mark, Ohio

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Comment: This is a great compressor for a home shop or even a small business. With a 240V motor, the compressor is able to put out over 10 SCFM at 90 PSI. I am able to run my 6" random orbital sander at 98% duty without any drop-outs. Granted, the motor will pump the whole time, but it certainly provides enough air. Same story with die grinders, cutoff tools, air ratchets, impact wrenches, etc.

I was concerned about the noise level before I purchased it. Those concerns proved to be unfounded. Compared to the tiny (~2-6 gal) oil-free compressors, this thing is super quiet!

The physical size is perfect for sitting under my workbench. Maintenance is a breeze, too. I am certainly the envy of my neighbors now!