motees
My AC arrived today. Having read every review before ordering, and with some anticipation, I first checked the condition of the external box and it looked in good condition. The box inside was the actual CAT’s box and it looked new and also good condition.
Opening that internal box I found all of the parts expected and the AC itself in excellent condition—-no scratches, no dings, no blemishes, no imperfection or worrisome cracks—-nothing; the entire contents looks perfect. Welds at the ends of the tanks look perfect.
I decided to spend a little more and get the aluminum tank over the steel tank for 2 reasons: rust-free and lighter.
OK; on to assembly—-Easy attaching the wheels, but I added lock washers to make the bolts more secure. No problem attaching front foot rubber bumper. I attached the air filter, hand-tight as the manual instructs (yes; some people actually *do* read manuals! :-) ) There is a short plastic hose that attaches to the air filter but it ended up pointing vertically upward. That did not seem like a good position for it to be in. I began to bend the tube and attach some duck tape so that it was at least somewhat horizontal until I discovered that the cover to the air filter could easily be removed and rotated so that the hose ended up pointing almost vertically downward = much better solution (no tape needed.)
Plugged it in and turned it on. Almost jumped back as a habit to my extremely noisy and annoying old pancake AC—-but no! It is much quieter. I would not say that it is “ultra quiet”, but the sound level is very acceptable—even pleasant!
I checked for leaks, again as directed by the manual, using a soapy water spray bottle. I found no leaks anywhere—-and I checked every possible location: valves, cables, connectors, guages—-everything. I also checked the tightness of all the bolts—-all were fine.
It is a bit odd, the orientation of the 2 pressure gauges: the tank guage being read from the side and the regulator guage being read from the top. No biggie, but I might install a 45 or 90 degree angled connector on the tank guage. I did that with my old compressor and it was then much more convenient reading the guage.
Many reviewers say that they found some components to be too fragile—-especially the regulator. I am not sure I would agree with that. On the other hand my AC will remain stationary in the corner of my garage for the vast majority of the time, using a long hose reel. So I am not worried about breaking anything on the AC. If you are going to be transporting this a lot you might want to read the other reviews.
Overall I am very pleased with this AC initially. If it lasts 3-5 years I will consider it an excellent purchase. Easily 5 stars for my purposes. I ordered a second one.
| Brand | California Air Tools |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 110 Volts |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Nailing |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Noise Level | 60 dB |
| Special Feature | Portable |
| Included Components | Air Compressor |
| Item Weight | 37.3 Pounds |
| Maximum Power | 2 Horsepower |
| Capacity | 8 Gallons |
| Color | Silver |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Product Dimensions | 24.01"L x 12.99"W x 21.85"H |
| Style | 8010A |
| AC Adapter Current | 8.5 Amps |
| Motor Horsepower | 1 Horsepower |
| Compatible Hose Diameter | 0.25 Inches |
| Model Name | Ultra Quiet and Oil-Free Air Compressor |
| Manufacturer | California Air Tools |
| UPC | 850004451212 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00850004451212 |
| Part Number | CAT-8010A |
| Item Weight | 37.2 pounds |
| Item model number | 8010A |
| Size | 8 Gallon |
| Pattern | Air Compressor |
| Horsepower | 1 |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Special Features | Portable |
| Usage | Inside, Outside |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Warranty Description | 1 Year Limited Warranty |
Purple Griffon