Review: Harbor Freight Fortress Pancake Air Compressor
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- čas přidán 22. 06. 2020
- The Fortress "house" brand for Harbor Freight air compressors has been getting a lot of attention lately. In this review I'll look in-depth at the FT6175 pancake style air compressor and compare it to the old Porter Cable pancake compressor which was so widely sold over the years. I'll examine noise level, performance and features. The specs are impressive on this compressor, at 175 PSI and 3 SCFM at 90 PSI. But, what about real world performance?
Don't purchase this compressor until you check out my review of another Fortress compressor in the same price range. That review is here: • Review: Harbor Freight... - Jak na to + styl
Using the online cfm calc based on pump up time it gets about 3.47cfm average. If you take that and plug it into the pump up time calc it will give you a time of 2min 21 seconds to fill and because the efficiency decreases as pressure increases it will probably be around 2 min 15 seconds to fill giving you a lot more air (for anyone who was wondering)
Great review thanks
I have had this red Porter Cable for 20 years. I have built additions to houses, blow out various things. Still use it today. We run framing and finish nail guns. It's loud but have never failed me. Very reliable. I would buy another in a New York minute (that's fast). The newer may not be as well made.
great review
The safety valve really is only there in case the pressure switch fails in the on position. It is there to prevent the tank from exploding. That could injure or kill someone. The pull ring is so you can dump pressure manually in an emergency. You could swap the ring for something else but I wouldn't do away with the manual pull capability at all. Just my safety oriented opinion.
I just bought one of these and from the first use it always kicks off at 170psi instead of 175. Is that normal for an air compressor to read 5lbs off? I think mine also goes down further than yours before it kicks back on, like around 145psi. This is the first air compressor I've owned so I'm still learning about them. I did know ahead of time to break it in for 15min wide open and I did do that before any other use.
Yep, those tiny, hard to get to, impossible to twist drain port are #1 thing I hate on compressors, always freezing up or leaking. I have a 18 yr old Bostitch 6 gal and its okay but I'm getting this 6 gal pancake or 5 gal vertical jobsite one. Im a DAV so its very difficult to carry the pancake style, the jobsite is expensive but the ability to roll it around and easy up high access is something I really need. Im also selling and old Craftsman 26 gal & get a similar Fortress or McGraw.
I had this compressor for a home remodel about a year and a half ago. It just broke this weekend and won't hold more than 50 psi. We were using it pretty hard and was pleased with it. I called to get a repair part and it was 110$. So I bought another one instead. Definitely spend the money on the 2 year warranty just Incase.
I have the Porter Cable compressor that's about 2 years old now. It has a cord wrap area, and 2 ports. Mine 'walks' even more than yours did when I run it in my house on hardwood floors (that are really solid as they were build in 1960). I guess I should read the instructions, but to let the air out at the end of the day, I've always turned it off, pulled the pressure relief safety value which would cut off a few times and I would re-pull it, then I would let the remainder of the air out by unscrewing the little nipple on the bottom of the tank. I've never had any problem with this approach, but from you video it sounds like I should be just go straight to unscrewing the valve on the bottom of the tank?
The newer PC compressors apparently added some features, and kept the vibration "feature." Is your drain valve also the type in the video, I'm curious to know? As far as draining at the end of the day, there's nothing wrong with bleeding off some air first with the safety valve. I sometimes do the same with a blow gun while I clean off my tools. But, you want to leave enough air in the tank to push out all the water. On a hot, humid day it's surprising how much water can collect in the tank.
@@enduringcharm Thanks for the reply. Yes, my drain valve is the same as the type in the video.
I'd drain it from the bottom instead of the poop off valve, get as much moisture and contaminants out as possible that way.
So banging around the trailer is normal use too?
Normal for a contractor, that's for sure. Every tool gets a certain amount of abuse no matter who owns it. They're meant for doing work, not sitting on a shelf, so I do call out design issues which contribute or detract from longevity. The Fortress model is definitely better in this regard for recessing the gauges and providing a cord wrap.
I have the Ultra Quiet one you showed next to the pancake model. It's actually very quiet. You can hold a conversation next to it. This pancake model seems just as noisy as any of them.
I have a video on that one coming out next, and I was also very impressed.
@@enduringcharm Is the second video out yet?
@@tmotorman Yes, it's here: czcams.com/video/7TlScD8_qpU/video.html
Can you spray paint with these compressors? Something like a vintage snowmobile resto or lawn tractor maybe?
No, these smaller compressors don't have enough capacity to do painting, you'd be waiting for it to catch up constantly. See this review, which is another good compressor which would work for your purpose:
czcams.com/video/xZe9KY5RiRE/video.html
Will a 6 gallon 175psi High Performance Hand Carry Jobsite Air Compressor operate an 6in Orbit Palm Sander? Just wanting to sand the bumper of ny daughters car and paint it.
You have to look at the SCFM requirements of the sander. If it requires, say, 7 CFM at 90 PSI, then you can check what your compressor can provide. This one in the video can only do 3 CFM at 90, and would therefore be underpowered for that job. My sense is that most air sanders will require a high CFM capacity and require a shop-sized air compressor. If I were in your shoes I'd look into a cheap random orbit electric sander, which can be purchased for $30-40 and will do the job just fine if you can get power to the work.
Electric or battery powered is best in that situation. Air power isn’t efficient with that kind of tool. Way more expensive to run.
I wanted to see how long it would take to take a break, to refill
You should see this video, which talks about recovery time between two Harbor Freight compressors:
czcams.com/video/7TlScD8_qpU/video.html
175 PSI is a pretty substantial difference from 150, you should have measured the time for both to reach 150 to compare. The last 25 PSI takes longer than the 0 to 25 psi times.
Well, yes, the maximum pressure is different. Really I was just trying to illustrate the real-world consequences of waiting for the compressor to stop running, whatever the max pressure. If you saw my review of the ultra quiet series after this one, I made the point that a quicker recovery time may be more important than overall capacity in the real world since you tend to fire off a few nails (or whatever) and pause while you set up for the next step. If the compressor recovers quickly during that pause that's all that matters.
@@enduringcharm
It's fine as long as your continuous duty tool requirements are within the limits of the compressor. Then it should keep up and you'd have no down time waiting for it to come back up to working pressure.
If you just have a few nails to drive and don't run tools that need more airflow, the small compressors will be fine. Just may want to plan for the future in case you get tools that do need more than nailers, like impact wrenches or sanders. Then it may be too frustrating to have to continually pause while waiting for the low cfm compressors to catch up.
I like compressors with smaller tanks and higher CFM capability, because they'll come up to working pressure quickly from an empty tank, and they're able to keep up for continuous duty even without the large tank that just act as a buffer to make up for low CFM.
You are going to like the 2 gallon and you will love the noise level.
I just picked up my 2 gallon fortress today, can’t wait to fire it up.
Are these good for car tire inflating?
I made a video about this! czcams.com/video/P0hxO9CoUVs/video.html
I just purchased one of these 6 gallon Fortress air compressors and the tank pressure has a VERY slow drop in pressure when not in use. For example, in 20 minutes the pressure needle drops about 3-5 PSI when sitting idle...is this normal? Or is there a problem with the compressor?
It's not unusual. You may have a slight leak from the fitting, which can be tightened or replaced. You could have a slight leak from the drain valve too. Under normal use it isn't a problem. Incidentally, you should not be leaving the compressor pressurized when the work is done and you put the tool away. Drain the tank of water and leave it unpressurized when in storage.
How has the Fortress held up?
Honestly, I use the "ultra quiet" fortress much more often (See czcams.com/video/7TlScD8_qpU/video.html). But, they are both holding up very well. No issues to report at all.
Is this fortress compressor good for auto detailing?
What tools would you want to run with it?
@@enduringcharm I’ll be running the Vortex and Tornador tools. Pretty much just for blowing air.
Well, air guns in general do run through a lot of air in a short time. I use open blow guns for dusting off tools, or blowing out debris, etc. Your detailing air guns may use slightly less air. But, much depends on the length of time you'll be using the air before stopping for some other task. If you just give a few squirts of air at a time and then move to a different task, then almost any compressor will have enough capacity. But, if you are using the air for 30 seconds, a minute, or extended times, then you will quickly run down the compressor tank before it has a chance to recover. Compressors have two components--the compressor motor itself, which is capable of producing X amount of air, and then the air tank, which holds a reserve of pressurized air. Generally speaking, an air gun is going to require a big tank because you need that stored air to draw from to prevent your compressor motor from running all the time.
I have several other compressor videos you might watch. If you are only going to be using occasional squirts of air, then you should consider the Harbor Freight "quiet" compressor I reviewed. It is MUCH quieter than this pancake compressor even though it has a smaller tank. But, if you will be using your air guns for more extended periods, I think you should think about a much larger tank--like a 30 gallon or more. I also did a review of a HF compressor that size which I still have in my shop. That will keep up with greater demand.
@@enduringcharm thank you so much! I really appreciate all the details. I’m glad I asked the right person before I made a purchase. I will watch your other videos. Stay safe, God bless. Subbed! 🤙🏼
Yeah this really isnt a fair accessment. I just bought the a new Porter Cable and its still in the box. It has the recessed gauges now with the pullout on the side. Ive only used my ex's old compressor but it died when I moved it so this is the first one I have bought. I was all ready to return this and get the harbor freight one even though pretty much all they sell is crap ready to break in a week. Once I used the measuring tape in the store and the tape came out of the dispenser. I asked the cashiers for help to put it back in but one was playing on her phone and the other was doing her nails. I left the tape in the aisle and left. They really do suck at the Casa Grande, AZ location.
To be clear, the point of mentioning the Porter Cable model was not a comparison between current models. It was only to demonstrate the features of the Harbor Freight model in contrast to the older Porter Cable compressors that many of us have bought over the years.
Bought similar 4gal "quiet" compressor under a different brand with the same looking motor. These "quiet" motors are all made in China. It worked well for a little while but now the motor will fill the tank but will not restart until it cools off. I still have my reliable Porter Cable that is still quieter than all my cursing toward the "quiet" compressor.
Be sure and check out my next video on a different fortress compressor (coming out in a matter of days). I was pleasantly surprised about what I found.
Hoses are not included????
No. See this video: czcams.com/video/7Df0kSYHoyc/video.html
OMG when i turn on that PC neighbors two blocks away complain.so false advertising on fortress 60 DB not even close on your meter.
Not so fast! It's important to understand that sound levels vary dramatically according to distance from the source and other factors. So my readings could well be due (at least in part) to different measuring methods. That said, if you want a quiet compressor, check out this other review of mine of a truly quiet unit that I've had a good experience with: czcams.com/video/7TlScD8_qpU/video.html
Like the added features and psi, but not worth an extra $40 for the diyer. The PC still sells for $99 in NH w/o tools and still wants to heat-up and waltz around. I've mine in-lined to a spare tank for the greater volume. When filling both, I had to shut it off to cool down fearing the rubber hose connecting the motor and tank would melt.
I can't disagree. However, see the video I'll have coming out in another day or two about a different Fortress compressor which impressed me much more.
Thanks for the review. I also have the Porter Cable and was looking at this Fortress to replace it. You saved me the hassle! Based on your noise ratings, it's a hard NO. The noise of these pancake compressors is the worst thing and the PC is awful, so the Fortress doesn't represent any improvement for me. Back to the drawing board.
The noise does grate on you after a long day. You need to check out this review of a different Harbor Freight compressor that I've now made my primary unit on my trailer. It's VERY quiet. As long as you are not doing heavy framing nailer work, it will be just fine. czcams.com/video/7TlScD8_qpU/video.html
Can you use it for taking out lug nuts from rims
No, air impact guns will require more capacity for any serious use. They eat a lot of air. This compressor would be appropriate for general household duty like pumping up tires, or finish nail guns in carpentry.
That's funny....they're advertised at 81db
3:18 did you try a gun
For me that's the main use of this compressor--finish nail guns. I've had some questions about using framing nailers with small compressors like this and I may do a video on that in the coming weeks.
@@enduringcharm lol no i meant shooting the porter cable with a handgun to destroy the compresor
Oh, ha! Yeah, my luck the bullet would ricochet off the tank and take out my eye. I don't know what I'm going to do with this thing, it's still sitting in my shop. Maybe I'll hand it over to one of my kids when they get a house.
@@enduringcharm it will last like another 5 years
I've had a 150 psi PC for 14 years only thing I had replace was the regulator internal spring components..it handles framing guns as well as brads. Noise ? All compressors make noise, I don't mind as long as it brings in the moolah ..old reliable..take care of em they last..however I want to try the new fortress see how it stands up to actual working conditions. Good reviews
I’m watching your video and am laughing. The Porter Cable air compressor has been “kicking around” in the back of your trailer for 15 years? What do you expect? You beat the shit out of it. Why didn’t you replace the pressure gauges and air regulator? Seriously, what do you expect when you don’t take care of your tools? I have 15 year old tools that look and work great, and I use them almost everyday. I take care of my stuff. Come on, John. I’d hate to see the 15 year review of your new Fortress. I appreciate your video. I really do. Thanks.
I wasn't really hating on the Porter Cable--I'm amazed that the thing still runs! Here in the Northeast the roads are so bad that no matter how I tie down the contents of my trailer, stuff is going to get beat up. So, the PC compressor gets points for durability, even though the noise level and performance is not remarkable. This HF pancake compressor I've not used much since the video was made. Instead, I've gravitated toward the "ultra-quiet" HF compressor reviewed in another video. The reduced noise level is a huge plus for me and for clients, and it actually performs pretty well. We'll see in 15 years what it looks like!
They are a 90 day warranty you have to pay for a full warranty kinda a deal breaker for me.....
I've never used a tool warranty in my life. Either the tool works when I buy it or it doesn't. If it doesn't it gets returned, if it does I use it till it dies. I've repaired lots of my tools over the years, but none that were within a waranty period. I think of warranties as more of a marketing gimmick than real utility. Typically the warranties are so limited or so difficult to fulfill that it's more effort than it's worth.
@@enduringcharm I heard they charge a restocking fee too that's no good either ?
With this noise level - I'd go with a $39 Porter Cable!
See my review of the "ultra quiet" compressor. I was very much impressed with the low noise level of that one.
Okay so since ur meters were broken you were not able to notice you had a dangerous amount of air, so that pesky safety valve potentially saved your life!
These compressors are set from the factory to a maximum pressure shut-off. Besides that, the motors start to strain at the upper end of the pressure range so you can hear when they get to the cut-off pressure. Even if the safety valve failed, probably the motor would give up or a hose or fitting would leak long before the tank ruptured. They're pretty safe in that regard. I'm probably a bigger danger to my own life than my tools!
why do you keep calling these a "House Brand". Fortress makes them, not Harbor Freight. HF is just an importer.
That's the definition of a house brand. A brand used exclusively by one retailer for products typically sold at a discount. This is a Harbor Freight brand. You can't buy a Fortress tool in any other store or online retailer.
@@enduringcharm thanks. So I am considering either this pancake or either the 2 gallon and 4 gallon jobsite compressor. It will be 90% used for a plasma torch. I know you've reviewed both, which one is your favorite?
Between the pancake compressor in this video and the ultra quiet I reviewed here (czcams.com/video/7TlScD8_qpU/video.html) the latter is far and away my favorite. The reduced noise is so much more pleasant to work around. However, I have concerns about your plan. Plasma cutters typically have a fairly high CFM draw and I doubt either of these compressors will keep up with your cuts, especially longer ones. I suspect the minimum compressor you'll need is somethin more like this one that I reviewed (czcams.com/video/xZe9KY5RiRE/video.html) so check your plasma cutter requirements.