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Thu Apr 16, 2020 4:56 pm

Retiring my old 30gal Craftsman compressor and looking for the best value in a 60 gal replacement. These 2 are on sale and even though I think they are made by the same manf. their specs are slightly different. Which would you choose for your home garage....I plan to paint a car or two.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-60-Gallon-Two-Stage-Electric-Vertical-Air-Compressor/1000542193
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-60-Gal-Stationary-Electric-Air-Compressor-C602H/205389936
I open to other options within $50 of these 2 compressors.
Thanks.

Thu Apr 16, 2020 6:11 pm

Between those two I would pick the Kobalt, its a two stage and cast iron pump. For most air tools and painting you will need the higher volume of the two stage pump.

Thu Apr 16, 2020 7:34 pm

I'm planning to buy the Kobalt, and I've been researching it for a while now. It is regarded pretty well amongst lots of different types of users. I also just saw the discounted price today, and will probably pull the trigger soon.

Thu Apr 16, 2020 8:52 pm

I’d go with the husky. It has more cfm, that’s all I care about, and 2 stage pumps are too loud

Thu Apr 16, 2020 10:55 pm

For a bit more, this Quincy looks to be a lot better:

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_20...gLHJ_D_BwE

But between the two you posted, the Husky looks like a better performing unit. Back when I started researching the Kobalt, the specs listed it at 11 scfm @90psi, and now I see that they've changed it, after some reviewers called them out on the accuracy of the specs.

Fri Apr 17, 2020 2:05 pm

The Home Depot compressor looks very similar in specs and form factor to this one from Northern Tool: https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200756209_200756209

I bought the equivalent unit (different style) to this one from Northern a few years ago and have been very happy with it. The one I bought appears to be a rebranded Puma but I have no clue about the current unit. As has been stated before, go with the higher SCFM unit. Duty cycle is another factor to consider; the higher the better. Northern shows their compressor rated at 75% duty cycle. I did not see a rating for the HD one.

The compressor from Lowe's looks very similar to mine in form factor and mine is a single stage. I am also doubtful about the Lowe's unit due to the low SCFM ratings at lower pressures. The absolute lowest consumption HVLP guns will usually consume about 6-7 SCFM. The typical HVLP will use closer to 10 -13 SCFM at 40 PSI.

My vote is for the Home Depot or Northern Tool compressors.

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Emil

Fri Apr 17, 2020 3:46 pm

I personally like my Quincy. Have an 80 gallon that Ive owned since 1990. Used for sandblasting with a pressure pot. Can run constantly for hours, no problems. You might want to also compare how many RPMS that pump is turning. High RPMS will burn out much quicker than a slower turning pump putting out the same CFMs. Quincy=American made. Even the smaller Quincy units are quality products. TIP has a number of compressors listed online also.

Fri Apr 17, 2020 5:24 pm

Evil_Fiz wrote: The Home Depot compressor looks very similar in specs and form factor to this one from Northern Tool: https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200756209_200756209

I bought the equivalent unit (different style) to this one from Northern a few years ago and have been very happy with it. The one I bought appears to be a rebranded Puma but I have no clue about the current unit. As has been stated before, go with the higher SCFM unit. Duty cycle is another factor to consider; the higher the better. Northern shows their compressor rated at 75% duty cycle. I did not see a rating for the HD one.

The compressor from Lowe's looks very similar to mine in form factor and mine is a single stage. I am also doubtful about the Lowe's unit due to the low SCFM ratings at lower pressures. The absolute lowest consumption HVLP guns will usually consume about 6-7 SCFM. The typical HVLP will use closer to 10 -13 SCFM at 40 PSI.

My vote is for the Home Depot or Northern Tool compressors.

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Emil

Confusing...those advertised scfm for the Kobalt do seem kind of low but comments in the ratings section indicate that with the exception of some quality issues that are pretty much shared by all below $1000 compressors most are happy with it. This includes those that use it continuously in a commercial shop environment.

Fri Apr 17, 2020 9:24 pm

DerrickfromNC1 wrote:

Confusing...those advertised scfm for the Kobalt do seem kind of low but comments in the ratings section indicate that with the exception of some quality issues that are pretty much shared by all below $1000 compressors most are happy with it. This includes those that use it continuously in a commercial shop environment.

I'm thoroughly confused as well, the rated scfm numbers don't seem to match the big sticker on the tank. On the tank sticker, it lists 11scfm @90psi.

Also, I found a review video on youtube for the Husky, and holy shit, it's loud! I've owned a Campbell Hausfeld 60 gallon in the past, and no way was it even close to being that loud. Videos of the Kobalt show that it is much quieter.

Sat Apr 18, 2020 12:49 am

Just a note. I always check the ratings and feedback about the product when ever possible. Especially when it has a motor / power cord. Many times it gives you an idea about the product and customer service. .