Top 4 (or so) Pancake Air Compressors ?

[427HISS]

I've seen a few deals with a small air compressors that include one to three nail guns like these below. I would like to use around the house, so just small jobs. I don't want to spend the money for the top compressor and guns, but no crapy shi☆ either.

Lowes- $199

Bostitch 6-Gallon Portable Electric Pancake Air Compressor (3 Tools Included)
Item # 691030 Model # BTFP3KIT

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bostitch-6...cake-Air-Compressor-3-Tools-Included/50396512

Amazon-$199

PORTER-CABLE PCFP12234 3-Tool Combo Kit.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009NR3R6A/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Top rated compressors on Amazon-

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009NR3R6A/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Combo's-

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009NR3R6A/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Shop Dad]

I got the Bostich deal about three years ago. I've been happy with it so far for hobbiest woodworking/homeowner use.

 

[Fbmoose48]

I picked up the Bostich last week for $99 on Amazon to compliment my stationary compressor. I'd be interested in experiences and comparisons while I determine if it is worth keeping and suits my portable needs.

 

[GarageGuy89]

All I can say is not Harbor freight. I have been battling mine for a year. The plumbing up front is cast aluminum junk and I have cracks everywhere. Might just be a dud, but I have re-tapped that thing enough times I'm down to nubs and can say the aluminum does not behave like your typical cast aluminium, it crumbles...

 

[tube_guy]

I've been pretty happy with a Rolair portable compressor I've been using. Nicer, quieter, and probably longer lasting than any of the oil-less pancake compressors I've ever used. The Harbor Freight pancakes with the oil compressor pumps really don't last and, based on my experience with one of them, are probably more expensive than the higher priced compressors in the long run.

 

[Wildstar]

I have the Porter-Cable, relatively quiet for an oil less. Works like a champ. I also have the older version of the same compressor. Works fine, loud enough to wake the dead on another continent. New one is quite the improvement.

 

[427HISS]

I know that a lot of company's are dealing with their foundries mixing bad aluminum for their products. The metal is "dirty", with cheap "fillers" and heat distribution within their melting pot's. Even auto manufactures are having issues with suppliers aluminum for engines, heads, intakes to switches.

I sent back my engine intake manifold for my 427 Cobra (rep) as the metal was rough, pitted and had bas bubbles. Theres no way that I can grind and polish the aluminum, the imperfection's run through out the casting. Friends that have the same issues say that water sweats inside out ! Nothing can be done, their junk !

Cast aluminum can be brittle if using cheap fillers and cheap filters, so when you have companys that use a low grade **** to save money, it ***** for everyone.

That might,.....be the situation with some, of HF's products. If castings from any companys products look rough and pitted, walk away.

Anyway, I'll keep on reading members suggestions on small compressions and guns.
I appreciate it.

 

[427HISS]

I was just looking at the Porter Cable and the Hitachi at Lowes wesite.
Is the latter worth the extra cost

I'd like to buy a package deal of a compressor and 2 to 3 guns if it's a lower cost. I don't need the stappler.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/PORTER-CAB...y_product_spot3&et_rid=85510674&et_cid=205374

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hitachi-6-...y_product_spot2&et_rid=85510674&et_cid=205374

 

[CobraRed]

I've never come across a pancake compressor that was worth the metal they were made from

 

[ryan20021982]

Have had a Bostitch for about 8 years and it's great, all I had to replace was this little thin metal flap that acts as a 1 way valve inside, it just pushes it up when it pumps and drops when it stops and the constant up and down wore it out.

 

[Fbmoose48]

I was just looking at the Porter Cable and the Hitachi at Lowes wesite.
Is the latter worth the extra cost

I'd like to buy a package deal of a compressor and 2 to 3 guns if it's a lower cost. I don't need the stappler.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/PORTER-CAB...y_product_spot3&et_rid=85510674&et_cid=205374

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hitachi-6-...y_product_spot2&et_rid=85510674&et_cid=205374

I have several of the Hitachi guns, as well as an assortment of Freeman, Ridgid, and Milwaukee guns. The Hitachi guns are certainly worth the money, can't speak to their compressor though.

 

[Fbmoose48]

I also only buy the Hitach nails, make a special trip to Lowes just for them. Tried the others, a few cents isn't worth the hassle of sloppy glue

 

[427HISS]

I've been pretty happy with a Rolair portable compressor I've been using. Nicer, quieter, and probably longer lasting than any of the oil-less pancake compressors I've ever used. The Harbor Freight pancakes with the oil compressor pumps really don't last and, based on my experience with one of them, are probably more expensive than the higher priced compressors in the long run.

I thought this may be a good deal for $155, but it's only 1 gallon. Man, it would be running constanly. High quality though.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rolair-1-2...221559064642?_trksid=p2349526.m4383.l4275.c10

 

[MacMcMacmac]

Jun-Air.

 

[cbacres]

I have a Thomas compressor, not sure if there still around. Bought in the mid 80s and used weekley until about 90 or so. Still use today, never done anything to it. It's a real one, bought at tool supply back then.

 

[tube_guy]

I thought this may be a good deal for $155, but it's only 1 gallon. Man, it would be running constanly. High quality though.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rolair-1-2...221559064642?_trksid=p2349526.m4383.l4275.c10

Yes, that's a high quality compressor, but it's very small and would only be suitable for certain jobs.

The Bull is a pretty nice, high-value, Rolair compressor. It's assembled in China, but it uses the same pump as many of their more expensive US assembled pancake models. It's also quality checked in the US plant before it's shipped out.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rolair-The...415221&hash=item4adf3cdf24:g:l2kAAOSw3v5Yp5rc


-

 

[LX-Markham]

not a "pancake" per-say, but I've been using the Dewalt 1 gal. compressor for a few years now, works great. Really quiet which is nice. Goes from empty to shut-off in about a minute. I use it for my Bendpak lift, but it doubles as a small job compressor for when I need it in the house or something.

 

[EOC_Jason]

I've seen the Porter Cable + Nailers on sale at HD around this time last year... Might want to watch out for a sale as they really slash the prices...

 

[Ign]

Hmm, I’ve got the oiled HF version and think it’s great. The noise level is surprisingly low being oiled.

 

[tube_guy]

Hmm, I’ve got the oiled HF version and think it’s great. The noise level is surprisingly low being oiled.

I have an oil HF pancake compressor and I've used it quite a bit over the past three years or so. Slowly it's showing what it's really made of. It's developed a knock within the pump, which really sounds bad, especially when it's cold. And now it's lost compression and won't build pressure past like 60 psi. Almost ready for the dumpster for sure. I've taken very good care of it too. Changed the oil in it pretty frequently and when it was brand new I made a nice gasket for the air filter where it mounts to the pump's head. The fit there was sloppy and I wanted to make sure I got the most life out of the pump. Seriously, there is no comparision between the HF and the Rolair. At least based on the few examples I've had experience with.