Customer Reviews

Thomas Compressors T-635HD 6 Amp 3/4-Horsepower 2-Gallon Oil-Free Hot Dog Compressor

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was looking for a portable and not overly loud air compressor, for my low air-volume tools. I had a 4-gallon pancake compressor for several years, but at 70 lbs., it was just too heavy and bulky to lug around. Sold it and purchased the inexpensive Sears Craftsman model 15210, a 2 gallon, oil unit. The Sears unit came with numerous accessories and was only 40 lbs. -- much more portable than the pancake unit. Unfortunately, it was also VERY noisy, so it was returned.

My third attempt at a portable was the winner. The Thomas 3/4 HP model, at 26 pounds, is so lightweight that I can comfortably pick it up with TWO fingers. It's also very small: 16" long, 17.5" high, and 7" deep. Quality is first rate. Although it hardly qualifies as "quiet", it isn't nearly as noisy as other compressors I've heard. I installed a 16" stainless steel braided faucet plumbing hose on the compressor's air-outlet port; routed the hose out the back under the motor support, and screwed on a quick disconnect coupling. First thing that gets plugged into the quick-disconnect is a regulator, since none comes with the unit. This setup works fine. Because the tank is only 2 gallons (to keep weight/bulk down), the pump comes on more often than on larger units, but when it does, it's only on for about 12 seconds (if you're not using air). The unit comes on when pressure drops below 100 PSI and goes off at 125 PSI.

Thomas's Perma-Lube pump design results in a 100% duty cycle. Translation: the compressor can be used continuously, without letup. Some compressors have only a 50% duty cycle, which means you shouldn't run it more than 30 minutes for every hour used, as that could cause excessive wear on the pump and/or motor. The last thing I need to worry about when working on a project is giving my tools a rest.

You'd want a bigger unit if you had two roofing or stud-nailers going, but for low-air-volume requirements such as trim work, this little Thomas unit is just about perfect. If you can afford the best and need a truly portable machine, this is it.

September 2006 update:

While working on a home renovation project, the compressor's low air pressure switch clicked, but the motor didn't start. By the time I got to the compressor, the motor was smoking, literally. Perhaps there was low voltage to that particular outlet in that 46-year-old house. In any case, the little Thomas had sat there for a few minutes just humming; and overheated. Am wondering if the motor would have burned out had I not gotten to it in time. As hot as it was, it should have shut off by itself, but maybe it lacks over-heating circuitry. After it cooled, I plugged it into an outlet on another circuit and it worked fine.

I've had mine for four years now. It's quiet, powerful and never gives me any trouble. I've used it to run nailers in remodeling my house, fill tires on occasion, run my Critter spray gun and blow dust out of corners in my shop. I loaned it to a friend for a month so he could build a back porch. Still looks and runs like new. From what I'm told, it's hard to wear these out, and if you do, Thomas has the parts to do an easy rebuild.

Update: It's been eight years now since I bought it for a home remodeling project. It's still driving nails, spraying paint and varnish, filling tires, and blowing dust, and it still works like it did when it was new.

It is ideal for any small project contactor. You can use a framer with it, its very quiet, its light, it recompresses quickly, and has low electrical draw. I no longer use my emglo (unless I'm on a job more than a week with strictly framing). Spare your back one less heavy thing to pick up all the time and get one of these wonderfully engineered compressors.

Light weight, dependable; and quiet! This is what I was looking for in a compressor...and this is why I specifically went looking for Thomas Compressors.

I worked on a top notch remodeling company restoring historical houses, and a carpenter used one on everything from framing, to trim work, rain or shine Thomas kept up...Since then I have been waiting for my Emglo to get retired so I too can be a proud owner of a Thomas T-635HD

One thing that I did not like when my Thomas T-635HD arrived was a real lack of directions to assemble the few parts that did need to be put on before operation, but anyone with common knowlege of compressors will figure it out.

Also a FYI for those ordering... REMEMBER!!! to get a pressure control valve, and all the connections you will need to mount a hose coupler; because these items do not come with the tool.

This compressor is not intended for HIGH-PRODUCTION ie... nail-off on sheeting, production framing or sand-blasting... if you are in the market for a compressor that is small,light;and dependabley quiet... Your search has ended here !

Don't get fooled by tool packs that come with nail gun, air-hose and compressor in one deal you will be looking for a new compressor soon.

I have larger compressors and wanted something lighter to take on small remodeling jobs. This compressor has delivered as promised. It does not have a lot of storage or pump volume, so if you have hose leaks, or go to blow off something, you notice yourself waiting. I wish that the compressor had come with a regulator. This seems to be a quality tool that a frequent user could justify the cost of through reliability and longevity. Time will tell if oil-less technology will endure. I do apreciate not worrying about oil leaks or the fan spraying oil on customer's walls and carpets. Cold-weather starts are much better.

Don't let the price dissuade you. This compressor is the perfect accompaniment to your arsenal of nailers. Put the three way splitter on it with universal quick snap connectors and you will definitely appreciate this tool. Sure it has to chug along to keep up but it's relatively quiet. Its narrow footprint is well considered.

This thing is great! Light weight, which makes it very portable, enough umph to keep the nails flowing. It

could have a little larger carrying handle, but I have very large hands. This is a winner.

Bob

Bought this because we needed a continuous flow compressor, and the MFG said this was the quietest one they had and would provide the continuous compressed air flow we needed.
I does provide the airflow, and so far works without any problems.
Of course, it is so loud that working in the same room is not possible.

Received as expected, actually a day early thanks Amazon, the compressor is very well packed for shipping.
Upon set-up and adding a regulator, all seems fine -but it is much much louder then expected, it seems to have blown the pressure switch after 4.5 hours, it will not hold air.
I'm now trying to get a reply from Thomas on where to take it or send it back for repair,I would like to resolve this as the compresser is a great size for one gun use...
Thomas Tech did return my call - worked with me on phone to try & fix problem, he overnighted the replacement part and upon installation everything is up & running - good tec support, this has caused it to quiet a little