Recommendations for a pancake compressor?

[kiteman]

I purchased this Porter Cable because of the reviews:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BMUGQNC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Then later started reading about some other models of Porter Cable and found they seem to have an inherent regulator problem. I just need something light for tires and a nail/staple gun, preferably around $100. There are so many models of compressors out there with so many mixed reviews, I thought I would ask people that probably have a much better idea of what a good quality compressor vs. some reviewer on amazon. Thanks.

 

[Syberia]

I have this one from Harbor Freight: http://www.harborfreight.com/8-gal-2-hp-125-psi-oil-lube-air-compressor-69667.html

With their (frequent) coupons, it is usually available for around $105. It is not a pancake compressor, but it is still portable with wheels and a handle, is oil-lubed (will last much longer) and produces more than twice the CFMs of the pancake you are looking at. I have used it for both a framing nailer and a stapler and it didn't break a sweat running either one. I suspect with the pancake you are looking at, at least with a framing nailer, you will be stopping to wait for it to catch up due to the tiny tank and low cfm.

 

[Major Ramifications]

For compressing pancakes, I use a spatula.

I'll be here all night folks!

 

[Syberia]

I like my pancakes light, fluffy, and uncompressed. Otherwise they get chewy.

 

[PBCampbell]

I'm sure there's a reason for that style tank but it's always escaped me. I like the "hotdog" style tanks purely for the reason they're easier to carry for any distance. As for your main question pertaining to filling tires and nail guns, just about anything will do. Nail guns in my experience have no need for air regulation as they have their own adjustments and of course you don't need it for filling tires.

 

[bob15]

I have a 10 year old bostich pancake compressor. No issues with it. Used mainly for roofing with two guns....You will have zero issues with using it to fill auto tires.

And I prefer real maple syrup on my pancakes....Grade A, Dark Amber

 

[PBCampbell]

Oh, as far as pancakes....dense, cooked with lard, a couple eggs sunnyside side up, no syrup but ample butter.

 

[road]

Canadain maple syrup on mine please ....

Back bacon and home fries.

 

[kazlx]

You get what you pay for.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001Q2VK0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[PBCampbell]

That link that Kazlx posted is exactly what I'm talking about although mine is a lesser Craftsman I've long wanted a good reason to buy that Makita.

 

[kazlx]

I have this one for carrying around the house to use my nailer or anything else I need super portable. Works great for going on three years. I use it all the time. Would probably struggle a little bit on car tires, but would get there. Maybe fine for topping them off. Just not a very high volume pump.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000AQK78/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[MadMark]

I think the pancake style is to reduce the risk of tipping over on a roof, due to the lower center of gravity of the tank.
of course be carefull to not spill maple syrup on the roof.

 

[bfm336]

I've had the same process OP is talking about for the last two years, I've used it for airing up tires, nail gun, staple gun, and yes a framing gun for building shelves. Has always worked great!

I also like that it is 3.5gal instead of 5gal, a little easier to move and doesn't function any differently than the 5gal pancakes I've used.

 

[Syberia]

I was reading this thread at work. When I got home, I was hungry.

Sent from my Tricorder using Tapatalk

 

[warmpancakes]

Pancakes?

 

[PBCampbell]

I was reading this thread at work. When I got home, I was hungry.

Sent from my Tricorder using Tapatalk

NUTS! I already had supper but now I'm hungry again.

 

[kiteman]

Haha, you guys are hilarious.

Seems like Harbor Freight, Porter Cable, and Bostich all have similar specs and get similar mixed reviews. And although I have a $50 gift certificate to Sears, I feel like Craftsman units are a bit overpriced.

The Makita is nice. I wish Sears sold it and that would be a done deal. I just don't have a ton of uses for the thing on today, 10/14/2014, but would like to buy something that can be versatile for future projects and not die for some random reason that 30% of all reviews seem to indicate happens to these pancakers.

 

[Snap_cap]

I bought this Bostitch kit:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_498816-355-BTFP72646_0__

It has enough power to run an impact wrench without lagging. The compressor is Made in USA, the stapler is Taiwan, and the two brad nailers are China manufacture.

I've seen it advertised as low as $200, so patience and shopping around should save you some money off that listed price.

 

[PT Doc]

What about this?

http://t.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-6-gal-Vertical-Pancake-Compressor-OF60150VP/205475858/

Are compressors covered under the lifetime service agreement?

I like the upright design.

 

[vartz04]

http://www.menards.com/main/mobile/...2-gallon-air-compressor/p-2118472-c-12910.htm

Not a pancake but I love it. Super quiet. Runs a Brad gun

 

[Iroc-Z]

I have a cheap harbor freight pancake one for my air nailers. I have been using it for over four years and zero problems.

 

[DiStOrTiOn]

I've got the 150psi version of the Porter-Cable pancakes. Got it from Home Depot with the combo'd finishing nailer. So far it's done me well, used it with the included nailer and a HF stapler. I wouldn't hesitate to use it with a framing nailer, if I had the need. My cousin has the same one, we used it on multiple home remodels and it's still running strong. My compressor is made in USA, bundled nailer is China. It works quite well with the HF nails too.

 

[Thumper68]

I have the older version of this one, about 10 years old now with many many hours on it. It will even run the impact for a bit.

I really like the extra air of two tanks and the compact size as well

I really abuse this thing, blowing out the water lines at the lake place. Running nailers in sub-zero temps. It lives in the back of my truck.

Still trying to figure out why anyone would take a compressor on a roof, use a longer hose.

 

[southalabama]

I've got a porter cable.

No complaints. Used it to run fraiming and finish nailers to air guns.

Worked fine for me. Only thing I've done is replace the drain valve. I bent it so I replaced it.

 

[tarbellb]

Ive had my 3.5g PC for 5-6 years. Not impressed, had plenty of issues with it now, leaky pressure check hose (2x), busted drain valve (upgraded to ball valve), and general decent to poor performance. And loud!

Overall it seems like either get a cheap compressor w/ warranty or step up to the Makita big bore M700 or 30 gallon tank.

 

[tarbellb]

Oh and just about any tiny compressor will run a nail/brad/staple gun.

 

[kiteman]

Ive had my 3.5g PC for 5-6 years. Not impressed, had plenty of issues with it now, leaky pressure check hose (2x), busted drain valve (upgraded to ball valve), and general decent to poor performance. And loud!

Overall it seems like either get a cheap compressor w/ warranty or step up to the Makita big bore M700 or 30 gallon tank.

Thanks for your input. Trust me, if I were buying a TV or a new laptop, I would totally be in for another $100. It's not about the money for me. I just don't have many uses for a compressor at this moment other than tires and the occasional nail/staple project.

Maybe I should hold off a bit altogether. Started this journey looking at tire inflators that didn't run off your car's cigarette lighter and took less than 30 minutes. Those *better* tire inflators will still run you $40-50, at which point I said why the heck not pay another $50 and get something way more versatile.

Perhaps I should stick with the $2 gas station pumps for air, and a hammer for small projects until the time comes where I feel confident that extra $100 is going to be worth it, haha.

 

[AndeiH]

If you don't need a household air compressor get a 12 volt inflator to keep in the car. Spare tires go flat too.

 

[vartz04]

The more I read what you are saying the more I think you should buy the one I posted above or something similar (sub $75 hotdogs style) . It's not a lot of money, small and easy to store, and is quiet. I think everyone should have an air compressor at your home. Maybe that's just because I never didn't have one.

You think you don't have a lot of use for it but trust me you'll get it and find lots of uses. I thought the same thing because I have my larger 220v compressor in the garage but I grab the little one most of the time now.

 

[thewatusi]

I've been using the same cheapo PC compressor for over 10 years now. Bought it at HD as a combo kit.

Works great with my framing gun, blowing up a giant inflatable pool, tires, staplers, trim guns, ect.

Zero issues with it.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I'm glad this thread came up, I believe I'm going to purchase one in the Spring. Unless I can find one on a Black Friday sale, which will be coming up soon.

I considered the Porter-Cable combo that comes with the finish nailer. I'm glad to see some posts on both sides of the issue with this compressor.

 

[unslow1]

If you aren't going to use it everyday just get the HF one. Just about every car magazine has a $40 coupon for them. I went looking for an air tank one day and the compressor was only $4 more.

 

[franzdom]

 

[tarbellb]

Thanks for your input. Trust me, if I were buying a TV or a new laptop, I would totally be in for another $100. It's not about the money for me. I just don't have many uses for a compressor at this moment other than tires and the occasional nail/staple project.

Maybe I should hold off a bit altogether. Started this journey looking at tire inflators that didn't run off your car's cigarette lighter and took less than 30 minutes. Those *better* tire inflators will still run you $40-50, at which point I said why the heck not pay another $50 and get something way more versatile.

Perhaps I should stick with the $2 gas station pumps for air, and a hammer for small projects until the time comes where I feel confident that extra $100 is going to be worth it, haha.

I will say this, there is a price point in which the PC, Bostitich, and the HF pancake compressors become attractive. You will find more reasons to use one once you get it.

Find a refurb unit, kit if you can. Or just piece meal it together as deals come. There should be some Black Friday deals coming, and CPO tends to run a lot of specials this time of year.

 

[kiteman]

I will say this, there is a price point in which the PC, Bostitich, and the HF pancake compressors become attractive. You will find more reasons to use one once you get it.

I was thinking the same thing. Do you think the PC I posted is worth the $95 I paid? I realize I could get something cheaper at HF or wait till Black Friday and get the same PC for $10 less (hardly worth waiting for a $10 discount IMO), but again I feel HF is probably of lesser quality than PC just based on reviews only.

 

[finn]

I've had the PC combo kit for probably 10 years, with no issues, other than it is pretty loud.

I've roofed a house, two garages, replaced all the floor joists in a house, and done hundreds of smaller projects, so it has paid for itself many times over.

Would I buy another? Probably not. I'd upgrade to something quieter.

Would I recommend it to a homeowner? Yes, without batting an eye. For the money, it can't be beat.

I didn't read all the threads, but this being GJ, I'm surprised nobody recommended a 7.5 hp, 80 gallon Quincy instead of a PC pancake compressor.

 

[kiteman]

If you aren't going to use it everyday just get the HF one. Just about every car magazine has a $40 coupon for them. I went looking for an air tank one day and the compressor was only $4 more.

Any magazines you know of in particular? All I can find online is 20% off.

They have a 6g 2.6 SCFM pancake for $115, which would be $75 with $40 off, not a bad deal.

 

[BK13]

I didn't read all the threads, but this being GJ, I'm surprised nobody recommended a 7.5 hp, 80 gallon Quincy instead of a PC pancake compressor.

I was going to suggest a Kaeser industrial screw drive compressor... What the heck, it's only $20k over what he wants to spend...

 

[kiteman]

Thanks for all the responses guys! I think I'm going to stick with the PC. I got it from amazon and it looks pretty spiffy! It will probably get the jobs done that I want.

 

[Parrothead]

http://www.menards.com/main/mobile/...2-gallon-air-compressor/p-2118472-c-12910.htm

Not a pancake but I love it. Super quiet. Runs a Brad gun

If you're going to go that route, might as well get this for a few bones more. Almost 2x the CFM.

I personally have the Porter Cable I bought on clearance a few years ago. No issues yet.