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now i know some of you guys figure if it don't come off of a tool truck it's junk, so this is more geared to the average hobby dude or dudette. i got my new catalog from northern today, and found a few things i consider a bargain. i need a new compressor, but not bad enough to spend 2 grand, so i started looking through the catalog and found a 6 h.p. comp. with a 20 gallon tank for $269.00. free shipping. while i wouldn't recommend using it for a lift, or big sandblaster, this is plenty big enough for air tools, paintgun, tire work, etc.----which is about all i do with one anyway--and i don't have to go shopping! some stuff they have i can get locally, and some is not what i want--but it is an alternative that could serve many of us well, especially those of us who live in the more remote parts of the world. there website is NorthernTool.com

Dave, shipping will bring that up too. Got a Tractor Supply by you? Or a Lowes. I got the campbell=hausfeld 6.5 hp upright with a 60 gallon tank on it, 220 volt only tho, for around $350 last year. I like C-H as has iron pumps, not direct connected to motor like "Oilless" ones are, that they also make. Also got nice brand at Lowes for money, forgot, maybe Coleman, but almost got one of those. 20 Gallon tank will hve you running all the time to get enough air for all those 20" tires. Harbor freight and Northern have some neat things, but have to watch for too cheapy, as most are made in China and break easy. I figure for once a year or less use, why not! I have a HDC tools or Homiers, may have seen at INDY some years back, and they have same stuff sometimes, even cheaper, then no shipping as it's in Huntington with ME!

I buy stuff from Northern all of the time. I started getting their industrial catalogue at work. You have to watch what you're buying, consider the manufacturer and price (if its dirt cheap, its probably foreign). However, I've had real good luck with Northern stuff.

Try this for compressor shopping:

Campbell Hausfeld Compressors

Click on " HOT BUYS " and you will find a 5 hp 20 gallon compressor for $189, or an upright one for $205.

I bought the upright one a year ago to replace my aging and dead Devillbiss compressor. It is WAY quiet, I mean a WORLD of difference and it does everything I use it for. I run tools, nailers, fill tires, and use it for general duty and have had great luck with it and it was on some super special for abotu $200 del'd last year. Just keep checking the "Hot Buys" of this website. This is the one I got:
[img]http://www.chpower.com/chimages/catalog/active/comp_wl6110obs_74x150.gif[/img]

I don't have to run anything big like a blast cabinet, but that's why I stay friendly with 53 4 me who has the world's most impressive backyard garage! I have used it to do small blasting jobs but nothing "continuous".

Best part is that I can buy repair/replacement parts easily and locally if I need them. The DeVillbiss compressor parts were like trying to find parts for an old truck!

thanks for the input guys---gives me alittle more to think about. it's a good thing when we put our heads together!

I buy from Northern. Most of their stuff is O.K. -- much better than Harbor Freight, IMHO. A lot is made right here in the U.S of A. vs. cheap junk from others.

Like you guys have said, Northern does make some good tools, but be wary of the cheap stuff.Even with some of the warranteed tools, you will have to wait two or more weeks to get things replaced when they break
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Some of the tools are great, but the consistence of quality is somewhat lacking(buy two sets ).WHen you break one, you will have a spare