A few weeks ago, Campbell Hausfeld announced several snazzy new nailers. The innovation did not stop there – CH recently announced two new compressor systems: a 26 gallon unit that has been dubbed the “ultimate portable compressor”, and a wall-mountable 8 gallon unit that can be equipped with up to two add-on 8 gallon tanks.
On CH’s microsite for these new compressors, it says: “CH Makes it Easy to Do it Like a Pro.” Read on to see why we consider this to be true and much more than a mere marketing line.
Advertisement
26 Gallon Floor Compressor
Taking a look at the highlights of the new 26 gallon unit, we noticed several interesting new features, the first of which is CH’s new rapid inflation technology. As implied, CH’s RIT design is intended for quicker inflation applications. What happens is that the compressor first pressurizes the hose before the tank so that you can start working as the tank fills up.
For greater ease of use, CH added an extra large regulator knob with soft rubber touch points, and an extra large and easy to read gauge. Easy-to-understand icons serve as reminders as to which pressures should be used for various tools and tasks.
The new 26 gallon unit also features enhanced portability, most notably due to its no-tilt push or pull 2-wheel and 2-caster design. CH engineered the compressor to maintain a low center of gravity for greater balance and stability, and also incorporated an axle brake to help minimum vibration.
Lastly, the oil-free compressor has a very easily accessed tank drain, an oversized “hands-free” power switch, and room for onboard tool storage.
Specs: 150 max PSI, 1.7HP, 3.8SCFM @90PSI, 5.6SCFM @ 40 PSI, and a current retail price tag of $340.
Advertisement
8 Gallon Wall-Mounted Compressor
Campbell Hausfeld’s new 8 gallon wall mountable compressor packs several very impressive features in a compact unit. What’s better than a small compressor footprint? No floor footprint at all!
In order to minimize vibration, CH engineers suspended the compressor motor and integrated an anti-vibration system into the wall mount. Suspending the motor has a straightforward rationale, but we are very curious as to how and how well the anti-vibration design works.
That this compressor is wall mountable was enough to open our eyes and hold our attention. But CH did not stop there – their engineers added an expandability option where up to two additional wall-mountable 8 gallon portable takeaway tanks can be coupled to the system. In other words, this 8 gallon setup can quickly and easily become a 16 or 24 gallon setup.
Pardon my frankness, but holy smokes, these are great features! Sure, one could always couple a portable air tank to any existing compressor, but not nearly as quickly, effortlessly, or seamlessly.
The oil-free 8 gallon compressor also includes an extra large regulator knob and pressure gauge, and an easy drain tank.
Specs: 150 max PSI, 1.7HP, 3.8SCFM @90PSI, 5.6SCFM @ 40 PSI, and a current retail price tag of $250 for the main unit, and $55 for each auxiliary 8 gallon tank.
These new CH compressors can be found at Lowes.com.
26 Gallon WL6701
8 Gallon Wall-Mountable WL6750
8 Gallon Takeaway Tank ET2000
CH Compressors (Product Details)
Stacy
What are the drawbacks, if any, to an oil free system?
Stuart
Well, Stacy, there are actually several drawbacks when compared to oil-filled compressors, but these minuses are usually offset by their benefits.
In general, oil-free compressors are typically noisier and are not as well suited for continuous or industrial use. But, they cost less than oil-filled units, require little or no maintenance, and can be used in certain environments where oil-filled units are not as desirable.
uthscsaedu
aren’t these all USA made? At least the tank is, I believe
Stuart
I have no information about the 8 gallon unit (yet), but on Lowes.com’s page for the 26 gallon unit, it says: “Assembled in Leitchfield, KY.”
2wykd
A wall mounted compressor is a pretty good idea it seems, I just wish it was a little bigger than 8 gal.
Glad to see CH really trying to move things along instead of continually “updating” the same product with a new package
Rob (CH Rep)
2wykd – The base unit is 8-gallon and can be expanded with one or two Takeaway tanks that are 8-gallons each. So, the system can be 8, 16, or 24 gallons.
The Takeaways tanks are unregulated and can be used for remote applications.
Stuart – The 8-gallon units are also assembled in Leitchfield, KY
Stuart
Rob, thanks for the update – it’s a relief to know that both units are assembled domestically.
uthscsaedu
ASSEMBLED is the key word here. I went to Lowe’s to check these out. As you said, the portable and wall mounted compressors have a big sticker that says “Assembled in KY”
However, the 8-gal takeaway tanks (not compressor) had a “made in China” sticker on the bottom. I have picts but I don’t know how to post them. I will email them to Toolguyd.
The 8-gal wall mounted compressor has this bottom part of the tank covered by the black plastic as seen in the picts above. I would be curious to see if the bottom of the tanks are the same.
Having said all that, I would still definitely buy one of these setups. I think the ability to connect these auxiliary tanks is a neat idea. I don’t know enough about the physics though – if you connected (3) 8-gal tanks, would it act like a regular 24-gal unit? ie- would the CFM and PSI be the same?
Stuart
I too spotted the new compressors at Lowes this weekend – pics will be up later this week.
You are welcome to email your pics as well, which will of course be properly credited.
Theoretically, if you connect three 8 gallon tanks, the pressure should equalize between them, resulting in the capacity identical to a 24 gallon tank. Realistically, one might have to take into account a marginal loss or variation of some kind.
Tony
You shouldn’t see any loss based off multiple tanks. Just like a SCUBA rig, or the air banks on a submarine, air flow will be the same but capacity will increase.
Now, looking at it from an engineering standpoint… there should be no reason why you couldn’t hook up more than 3 auxiliary tanks with standard hardware. I believe the limit is the number of ports on the main unit. That being said, you can rig this thing up with any configuration of tanks your crazy mind can come up with.
Cheryl
I checked these out at lowes and was looking to get one for my boyfriend for his power tools and paint gun but I am not sure if it is big enough or has enough psi and scfm! Can any body help and kinda tell me what I need to look for!? Its a christmas gift and I dont know how big his tools are or anything else! Please help. If I get this one I will also get the 8 gallon one that adds on!
Stuart
Cheryl,
These compressors provide 3.8 SCFM at 90 PSI, which should be more than enough for nailers, smaller air tools, and common light duty usage.
Given its SCFM rating, these compressors would not meet the needs of more demanding air tools or HVLP paint sprayers.
uthscsaedu
Cheryl –
doubt that I can answer your question, however I did notice that the wall-mounted 8-gal tank is on sale for $200 (down from $250), and the spare tanks are $50, down from $55.
I’ve been fortunate not to get hassled at Lowe’s when trying to return stuff, so keep that in mind if he doesn’t like it, or if it doesn’t provide enough power for whatever tools he has (especially sanders).
Also, my local Home Depot has had huge 60-gal compressors on sale for a long time, much less than $400. You may want to check out your local stores.
Adam
I’ve been reading up on both of these units and don’t know if it would be a good buy for me. It would only be used for minor vehicle fixes (tires, etc) and using nail guns and that type of equipment, but I can’t find man reviews. Has anyone on here used one for more than a couple of months? If so how do you rate it?
Stuart
These compressors are more than adequate for most nail guns and general purpose tools. If you’re looking to use it with impact ratchets or wrenches, you should check the CFM of the tool to ensure that the compressors can sufficiently power them.
I’ve been watching for reviews on the unit, and like yourself I could only find short-term reviews, nothing about the compressors’ long-term durability.
If by “minor vehicle fixes” you mean tire inflation rather than removal, then any of these compressors will be more than adequate for your needs, and the same goes for nail guns. You could probably even get away with spending a little less and opting for something smaller.
I hope this helps, and I’ll be on the lookout for user reviews that could hopefully help you further.
RICHARD DECKERT
how are these filled? I mean, how do you know when it’s full? and, how long will 8 gallons last for normal small jobs- not building homes etc?
Stuart
None of these units seem to be available anymore.
Most inflators have auto shut-off sensors. When the peak tank pressure is reached, they shut off the compressor motor.
8 gallons should be plenty for small DIY projects. With heavy use you might find yourself waiting for the compressor to refill the tank more frequently.