Do people still import "air compressors"?

[Duamer]

Hello,

Doing some research into possible putting together a group buy for some CS 12/2s for the NY/NJ/PA area.

I've never done this before, so I was hoping to take part in someone else's group buy. I can do pickup from the warehouse and I might be able to get a few other people interested.

I'd really rather work with someone who has done this before. I understand that finding a seller willing to work with unusual requests might be difficult.

[Hugh Conway]

Good morning Daumer
You might try contacting Jim Calder at justliveoffgrid.com/
He's in Canada, just north of you. Has sold several  "air compressors" to customers in the U.S.
Jim may be able to provide them, or have the connections to import.
Worth a try.
Cheers
Hugh

[dkmc]

I'm just curious if big brother figures out the air compressor thing, if all involved would be in some hot water.

[38ac]

There is not much they can do about importing air compressors but IF they would find a way to call them not importable you would lose the engine, plus pay a fine, plus pay to have it destroyed.

[38ac]

I'd really rather work with someone who has done this before. I understand that finding a seller willing to work with unusual requests might be difficult.

Importing isn't unduly complicated but understand that fees on top of the cost of the engine and freight add up quickly, everyone who touches it or even looks at it at the port will have thier hands out. Many people have tried the group buy deal and to my knowledge none have went through. Problems arise with paying up front and who is responsible for problems with delivery or product. Don't mean to be a negative Nancy but those are just the facts.

[Powdermonkey]

I have imported 2 in the last...8 years or so.  Be aware that there's a "price point" where you can slip in without paying import duties.  But above that price level, it can get expensive.  You'd have to research that price point.  Might have changed over time.

[dkmc]

There is not much they can do about importing air compressors but IF they would find a way to call them not importable you would lose the engine, plus pay a fine, plus pay to have it destroyed.

Yea, but if they figure out the real goal it gets risky. I mean it's only a $45,268 fine. Well, plus $45,268 per day, so....

https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/clean-air-act-vehicle-and-engine-enforcement-case-resolutions

[Duamer]

Good morning Daumer
You might try contacting Jim Calder at justliveoffgrid.com/
He's in Canada, just north of you. Has sold several  "air compressors" to customers in the U.S.
Jim may be able to provide them, or have the connections to import.
Worth a try.
Cheers
Hugh

I'll check him out. Thanks.

I'd really rather work with someone who has done this before. I understand that finding a seller willing to work with unusual requests might be difficult.

Importing isn't unduly complicated but understand that fees on top of the cost of the engine and freight add up quickly, everyone who touches it or even looks at it at the port will have thier hands out. Many people have tried the group buy deal and to my knowledge none have went through. Problems arise with paying up front and who is responsible for problems with delivery or product. Don't mean to be a negative Nancy but those are just the facts.

I've imported something once before, so I know the price balloons from shipping and various other import costs. I was going to tell people to expect to spend twice the list price.

[glassblower]

I imported a compressor from Jim about 10 years ago, it went smooth but I was nervous I would lose the whole thing. I wanted an electric start compressor , ha ha... what everyone said is true about fees... I thought I knew what it was going to cost me and ended up costing me another $200 in fees I didn't expect. I bought some spares from Jim about 5 years ago and it went smooth but not sure if he's sold any compressors to the US lately.

[38ac]

Also if you are not in a hurry keep a watch on Marketplace and CL as they still pop up from time to time in new and slightly used condition. I  directed a buyer person to a new old stock 8/1 just last month that was on Marketplace and extremely cheap

[dkmc]

Also if you are not in a hurry keep a watch on Marketplace and CL as they still pop up from time to time in new and slightly used condition. I  directed a buyer person to a new old stock 8/1 just last month that was on Marketplace and extremely cheap

I've bought 3 that way.

[ejgagne]

Hello Daumer,

I had purchased a 12/1 (compressor) back in 21/22 from Jim Calder, but wished I had known there was a more local option to me here in Massachusetts - aka Bolton Power Equipment (http://www.boltonpowerequip.com). The gentleman's name is Graham, and he is top shelf and first rate to work with. Being on the east coast, it should make your purchases much easier. I believe he buys "compressors" and parts in bulk at least twice yearly, so I would definitely get in contact with him. I have gotten parts and such from him, and again, he is great to work with. As a note, Jim was fine to work with as well, but having someone in MA is far closer and cheaper in the long run.

Take care,

Eric