Best Pancake/Portable Compressor under 225.00???

[ARustyPatina]

Howdy Folks,
Have been on the run since my first post. We'll just say PIA IN LAWS are most definitely like fish, especially after 5 months!!
So, now we have been able to confirm we will be moving from the rental we are in; killer nice 2 car garage to our 20's era bungalow- model A drive way....... You know, 2 runs of cement and no garage....

This week I'll be tackling our home and having the entire interior redone by January/February. I have tons of automotive tools which now occupy my black HF tool cart (thanks to you guys here on GJ for the HF coupon). I'm now looking at nail guns and air compressors.

So, finally, what is the best portable compressor, ie pancake etc? I'll be doing mostly nail gunning trim and some misc. wood task like reinforcing the rafters in the attic and installing some wood floors.

Recap: good/cheap/portable/compressor .....thanks in advance.
W.

 

[SignalZero]

I have the Harbor Freight Central Pneumatic 3 gallon pancake compressor. Got it as a gift; my parents thought I'd want it to pump up tires. Bought a nail gun for it, and ended up using it for trim in my house, and loaning to a friend when he renovated a '1930's rental house he bought a few months ago.
I probably would've never bought the thing, but I'm glad I got it for a present; one of those things I just didn't know I needed! I'd probably go for the 6 gallon if I had to purchase another one.

Not saying it's the best, but I'm happy with the HF one. Can't complain about their prices either.

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-to...Air+Compressors&RequestData=CA_CategoryExpand


(waits for all the HF bashers. )

 

[ARustyPatina]

Sounds like a plan!! Now, off to find a coupon!!!
W.

 

[cheechi]

Lowes sells a few different Bostitch 6 gal pancakes with gun combos. That's the small compressor I have, bonus now they are made in USA (probably just assembled but hey). If you have nailers already, either upgrade to the Bostitch ones or sell them, they sell for decent money.

I would look at the HF 6 gal pancake, for $99 its a good deal but that's not an every-month type coupon. probably every 2-3 months.

That's value as in 'get what you pay for' not necessarily lowest price. I owned a 3 gal pancake and it was basically useless. unless you have crazy high PSI, like in the 200's then you should get a 6 gal or larger.