Power Tools Reviews
Porter-Cable C2002 Oil-Free UMC Pancake Compressor
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 Great for what it is designed to do My background: I am a General Contractor/Finish Carpenter, 20yrs in the business. Some of the tool reviews I see are flawed based on perception; "this or that tool doesn't do everything I hoped it would" - regardless of the tool designers intention. Granted, there are some crappy, poorly designed tools out there, and it's good to have feedback to prevent buying mistakes. That said, be honest with yourself, what do you need this compressor to do? Here is what this compressor isn't good for: (1) Running as the primary compressor for your rough framing gun for production work. Not just because it won't keep up, but also that it will not last as long as an oiled compressor under those conditions. (2) Running an air-chipper gun or other large air consumption tool; It will not provide enough CFM at pressure. Here is what it is great for: (1) The best reason of all - lightweight (34 lbs.) but still has punch. You will actually use this w/o hesitation because of weight. Great for running up stairs. Easy to set down on a moving pad w/o too much worry about denting finished flooring. Easy to move through doorways/prevent damaged jambs. No oily residue around motor. Small footprint/low profile, (a real asset when carrying so many tools). (2) Great for running any finish guns. They require less CFM, so why keep carrying around the 60lb+ compressor? (3) Basic everyday homeowner needs; tire inflation, blowing off dusty workbench, filter cleaning, etc. This compressor is perfect for you. Buy it, you will have no regrets. (4) The higher/150psi is good for the occasional "kick" for some harder wood. (most top out at 120-135psi) Just be sure to dial it back down afterward to save the nailgun seals. (5) Larger tank, (6 gallon), and higher CFM @ 90psi than most other compressors in this class. (6) More durable and it has features that make sense. It's better designed than most other small compressors. There's a reason you see this compressor so often on a finish carpenter's rig - great bang-for-the-buck and it works well. If your expectations are realistic, it will last too. As far as the comments I see about it being loud, it's not any louder than other compressors of similar capacity, and actually quieter than some of the rest. I use the DeWalt D55155 for my intermediate/remodel compressor. It's an absolutely great multi-gun/moderate rough framing compressor, but just too heavy to carry for those days of just finish work. Construction is hard enough on us as it is. Buy your tools accordingly. If your tools wear you out it's been shown that often, fatigue = poor decision making and/or safety compromise. The bottom line is this: Be honest in your tool expectations. I highly recommend this compressor but only for small to med CFM use/finish carpentry work, and some incidental/on-the-spot rough framing (e.g. correcting bad framing for finish work, NOT production rough framing). For construction with higher cfm needs, (e.g. more than just finish work), buy this as your second compressor, not primary. If you only have basic, small business/homeowner needs, buy it with confidence in your decision. (For the record, I own and use this as one of my on-the-job compressors) For those new to the construction business/or tool buying, I hope this helps. For the other contractors, sorry if it sounds like preaching the obvious. Just trying to help the newbies. - Spread the love - Also Note: Before starting, be sure to follow the break-in procedure to-the-letter. Since it is an oil-less motor, it will make all the difference in how long this compressor lasts, and save you from some unnecessary grief. This is a quality compressor for the homeowner I purchased this item from Lowes just because I had seen this item manufactured on How It's Made on the Science Channel and took note that many steps were taken during manufacturing to insure a good end product. I have other compressors at my home including a 60 Gallon 240 Volt professional grade compressor but this portable compressor is a great product. It is compact, light, powerful, is stable and balanced when running, and has a cutoff pressure of 150 P.S.I. that helps it stay well ahead of the performance game. I use it whenever I want a portable air source, it is as convenient to transport as a portable vacuum cleaner. I would recommend this to any homeowner who needs a reliable, convenient source of compressed air. Additionally, it has two output quick connectors and very nice gauges and regulator. It is my first oil-less air compressor and I am satisfied with it's performance. A good value I recently purchased this for my father, we work on a cabin in Canada, using a generator, and we wanted lightweight as we haul items in and out by boat. Also, the generator is not that large (3000 watt) and it handled this compressor without any problem. I previously purchased an oil-lubed compressor for myself (PC, 2.5 hp, dual tank, model CPLDC2540S), because I wanted something quite. I was surprised when I turned this compressor on, as it seems quieter than mine!! It also weighs less than mine! There is 1 minute of assembly requiring a phillips screwdriver, but it was fairly easy (attach the motor to the tank, although the hose is already attached). I think it is a good buy from of a good brand. | |||||||||
