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Framing Compressor

DawgPaw

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 8, 2014
Messages
313
Location
USA
I’m looking to replace my 10 year old Porter Cable pancake compressor. I want it to handle light framing duties. I have a Senco 1 gallon that I love because it’s light weight and so quiet.

I thought about the larger stacked version of that. I guess my priorities are noise, weight, and reliability. So i’d appreciate suggestions!
 
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Robinson1

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Joined
Jun 22, 2015
Messages
834
Location
Kentucky
Practically any compressor 6 gallon or bigger will do a decent job running a framing gun.

In a production setting I run a Rolair VT25 it's a 100% duty rated compressor. Not uncommon for it to run practically continuously while shooting roof decking or sub floor.

The other train of thought I see a lot of contractors with is using a 30 gallon compressor. That's over kill unless you are running multiple guns but it really cuts down on listening to the compressor run and in many cases a "good enough" 30 gallon is cheaper than a top of the line small compressor.

In true Garage Journal overkill fashion a engine drive wheelbarrow style compressor will never run out of air framing and never needs electric.

Whatever you decide I'd highly recommend you take a look at what Rolair offers. While not being truly quiet they are much quieter than anything you'll buy at the box store
 
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DawgPaw

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Joined
Mar 8, 2014
Messages
313
Location
USA
Thanks for that. I will add that I primarily do landscaping and this is for decks and fences. A framing nailer, but not true production framing.
 

Robinson1

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Jun 22, 2015
Messages
834
Location
Kentucky
Glad to help. I'm a third generation contractor/carpenter. Grew up in the business and I'm glad to pass on any knowledge that can help.

Rolair is the best compressor I've ever ran and my family has been using nail guns since back in the 80s
 
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oilslick

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Joined
Feb 19, 2011
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1,925
Location
Central illinois
Just got a 1hp California air compressor, turned up shutoff 8psi and love it for finishing, ,framing I'd get the 2hp. It's incredible how quiet they are.
 

PNWguy

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Joined
Jan 3, 2018
Messages
494
Location
Near Grants Pass, OR
A friend has a California Air compressor that is amazingly quiet. It's like no other small compressor I've been around.

It's good for noise, probably similar weight to other compressors and unknown reliability.
 

Citation

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Joined
Jan 20, 2016
Messages
3,212
Location
Indy
I've got two compressors that would qualify, a CAT 5510A and an Emglo Dewalt twin tank 4 gallon with oil lube.

The CAT is quiet and thanks to the alloy tank light at 35 lb. However I'm not sure about the long term quality. Most parts are bottom of the barrel. I got mine really cheap because a seal in the regulator was installed wrong at the factory. The materials of construction are low grade and several have complained that parts break apart if you take things apart to fix problems. But very quiet. BTW, I don't think CAT actually came up with these quiet compressors. The first one I knew of was a GMC Cyclone (no relation to the automobile company). It was identical to the CAT 6 gallon compressor. Some of the earlier CAT compressors were just another variant of the low quality, made in China stuff you would find at the car parts stores. Kobalt, Campbell Hausfeld and others also have compressors with similar pumps (not sure which company actually makes the pumps).

The Emglo has a significantly higher flow pump but isn't much quieter than things like the Rigid and PC pancake compressors. Build quality is good. Starting current can be an issue in the cold if your wiring is substandard. This is actually the biggest complaint I've seen of the unit in reviews. When cold it doesn't tolerate voltage drops during startup. I was having issues in my garage untill I redid the wiring to the building. Quality wise the compressor is quite good or at least my near 20 year old version is.
 
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