A reader wrote in, asking for compact air compressor recommendations. By default, my thoughts turn to Rolair. The Rolair JC10 2.5 gal quiet air compressor left me with a positive impression 2 years ago, not just of that model but of Rolair as a brand.
They’re looking for a small portable air compressor – something simple for general purpose and light nailer use.
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Fran asked:
Do you have a recommendation for a small (less than 5 gallon) portable air compressor? Just something that will run a small nail gun, blow up a tire, etc. I had a little DeVilbiss weenie compressor for about 20 years and it worked flawlessly (if not a bit noisily) until it finally kicked the bucket recently.
Any preferences on pancake style vs hot dog style? The red porter cable pancake compressor is ubiquitous but is it the bees’ knees? I’m willing to pay a little more $$ for a quality unit but I’m not sure of any differences between porter cable, craftsman, hitachi, campbell hausfield, etc…. Any brand or model suggestions or ones to avoid?
The Rolair above, although recommended, isn’t exactly as small or portable as a 2.5 gallon air compressor could be. Rolair has since come out with the AB5 Air Buddy ($155+ via Amazon), but its 1 gallon tank might be too small for Fran’s needs.
Makita is hardly ever my first choice for anything, but their reviews on Amazon makes me want to give them a try. Makita came out with a new 1-gallon air compressor earlier this year, but it might be too small for general use, due to its small tank and low airflow rating.
Porter Cable’s pancake air compressors can be found for $100 via Amazon (both 3.5 gal and 6 gal compressors are currently the same price), and are a popular way to go. For casual use, I would probably go with Porter Cable or Craftsman, based on pricing and the brands’ reasonably good reputations, but I don’t think anyone will see 20 years of use from either brand’s modern air compressors.
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While the preference for hot dog-style air tank vs pancake-style will make for an interesting discussion another time, I think it comes down to what you’re looking for.
A hot-dog-shaped tank will be more compact, taking up less horizontal space, and I’ve found them to be more easily portable.
Pancake-shaped air tanks fit more volume with only a slightly wider footprint, but I find them to be a little more awkward to carry and transport.
Are there any small compressors you could recommend? Any that you would recommend against?
While Fran is looking for an air compressor that is less than 5 gallons, I think that 6 gallons might be a more common upper-limit.
Matt Steele
Makita MAC700. I love it. Quiet, portable. And it can keep up with a framing nailer.
Jon
The MAC700 is definitely quiet and will certainly last an incredibly long time. However it weighs a lot more than similar rated compressors (good for durability and longevity, but bad for carrying around).
Dan
Love my MAC700 – it’s my go to compressor and while it has to run often for nailers it definitely got me through laminating a house installing trim/quarter round along the edges to cover wall gaps.
Can confirm the weight it’s about 50lbs(?) – not easy to pick up and move but makes up for it being quieter (and deeper sounding quiet not the tin piercing sounding noise the pancake ones make).
If you dont mind the oil change part which goes a long way between for me – then it’s definitely one to consider. The reviews on Amazon prettymuch say it all, in stars and in number of ratings.
Dan
Oh and Amazon had some shipping concerns but HD had it for the same price so just picked it up there and opened it to make sure there was no damage.
Matt
Another vote for the MAC700, love it. Quiet, bomb proof, and keeps up with my framing nailer.
steve zissou
Another unqualified endorsement for the MAC700. It is heavy, but it is a workhorse, relatively quiet and extremely reliable in my experience. Less expensive / lighter weight small compressors just seem disposable by comparison.
fred
We had several Eagle (Wood Industries) compressors that did very well. Like the Rolair – you mention – their smallest is not exactly tiny:
http://www.amazon.com/Eagle-TS201BL-4-Gallon-Electric-Compressor/dp/B004QTP58I
fred
Another brand to consider is Emglo. Our experience with their products was also very good – but we used their engine-driven hot-dog/wheelbarrow style – which is a bit off-topic.
Tom
I’m planning on buying a California Air Tools model. The quiet operation just seems great. Haven’t bought it yet, so I can’t give you too much of an endorsement. I’m waiting for them to come on sale.
Art
I was considering this quiet model below. Anybody have thoughts on California Air Tool compressors? Same dB rating, but about 7 lbs heavier. Although, it does deliver slightly less CFM at 40/90 psi. I do like the reservoir tank is 5.5 gal vs. 2.5 on the Rolair. The wheels are nice as I would be transporting it around quite a bit. I was considering the Rolair until I came across this one. I would want something for “light” use with a framing nailer (just a few small projects) as it’s most intensive use. Mostly for finish nailing, stapling, and overall general use.
http://www.amazon.com/California-Air-Tools-5510SE-5-5-Gallon/dp/B00NOSCDPA/ref=dp_ob_title_hi
http://www.californiaairtools.com/ultra-quiet-oil-free-air-compressors/1-0-hp-air-compressors/cat-5510se/
John
Wow, that is quiet — likely a toss-up between this and the Rolair JC10.
I like the wheels, too,
Does that little foot (handle?) at the base of the hotdog mean that you can stand the unit up during operation, making the dials point upward for easier viewing?
James
The best portable is Porter Cable pancake
http://m.homedepot.com/p/Porter-Cable-6-Gal-150-PSI-Portable-Air-Compressor-C2002/203162815
Jake
I have that exact model of the California Air Tools compressor and I absolutely love it. Its small enough to tuck underneath my work desk and quiet enough that I can use it in my small bedroom apartment and not bother anyone else. It might not be powerful enough for everything, but for general use it hasn’t failed me once. It’s a bit heavy, but the wheels definitely make moving it around a lot easier. I definitely recommend it.
John
Just a couple days ago I came to ToolGuyd to research this very question, and was drawn to Stuart’s review of the Rolair JC10. I’m sold on it, and am just looking to see where I can get the best deal (maybe on black Friday).
This YouTube video, which is linked from the Rolair website really convinced me how quiet this compressor is:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxnPpa9OT0Y
Daniel Greening
Rolair JC10 all the way! You can even run a framing gun on it so long as you don’t go crazy with sequential shots. It is SO QUIET!
John
I heard good things about that Rolair. However in my recent research I was kinda eyeing the recently released Dewalt DWFP55130 “Heavy Duty 200 PSI Quiet Trim Compressor” myself. I like the compact design and the ability to put it up and alternatively flat in a truck bed. Not to mention it’s quieter decibel operation level.
Pablo
I have a Ryobi AIRBASE that has a lot of functional cute things to it, it has onboard nailer storage, small tools, etc.
https://www.ryobitools.com/products/details/315
Metabo has this one that looks well thought out too, it has a nice systainer/Metaloc dock on it. @3:50 in the video:
https://youtu.be/v0FjTVIqnT4?t=3m50s
Stuart
That Ryobi Airbase looks interesting, but doesn’t seem to be sold anymore.
Pablo
Oh man, that’s disappointing! I picked it up for less than $70 because it was the old blue Ryobi, I thought I saw pics of the green version on the internet, but looks like they killed it altogether.
https://links.imagerelay.com/cdn/517/ql/8ba42250512f4ffa978efceacf9d185d/ryobi-ERC1512-hero-1_360x360_72_RGB.png
Mike
Mafell banner in background!
Stuart, just wanna say regarding Makita-their quality spectrum is broader than their direct competition(DeWALT, Milw., Bosch) Sure lots of Makita low end is def ho-hum, but they are real strong with pneumatics generally(maybe better than Hitachi), SDS/demo tools, higher end grinders are good, all the ‘mg’ saws(5377MG), AVT recip, fancy jigsaws, high end sanders very nice, some great large planers, and some quality table saws. In short all the tools Home Depot doesn’t stock in-store.
OP: Cal Air Tools, Rolair prob best for this particular person. Not as quiet but I-R and Chicago Pneumatics are good too. And, of course, Bosch. Couple of good Senco’s, but some not great ones too. Porter-Cable pancake, that’s funny. Personally, I’d go California Air Tools all the way. Or Metabo!!!
fred
I’ll add my two cents to endorse the Makita AN611 coil nailer that we loved for siding work. Too bad it doesn’t qualify for Amazon’s $25 off deal.
Mike
Obviously highly anecdotal/subjective but, “doesn’t qualify for Amazon’s $25 off” is a near sure indicator that it’s one of the brand’s better/more durable(lower margin) offerings. Seems the better a brand is, the less frequently there are sales. Example: Mafell, Festool, Hilti-no sales ever excluding clearance discontinues and possibly refurb. Opposite end of spectrum Harbor Freight and Craftsman. When are they NOT on sale? Hurry in for those super-duper-appreciated-exclusive-points-club prices folks! Sale ends SUNDAY!SUNDAY!SUNDAY! (tip: the next new sale starts Sunday)
Craftsman has become a George Carlin(RIP) joke.
When I was fortunate enough to work for a living, my company used a contractor-only supplier. Prices were not always the best, but the rep remembered what driver bits, jig/circ/recip blades, sandpaper(even wire and twist connector) types I typically needed. That’s worth something. Awesome about defects and returns too. That guy saw six figure annual sales from my crew of five bums.
Brian
I have the CAT 1 or 2 (or 2.5, I can’t remember ) gallon unit and it is unbelievably quiet. Couldn’t be happier with it.
Jim D
We sell more JC-10 Rol-air than all other small compressors combined at Bay Verte, The Power Tool Store. It has great power, low noise, and we sell it at $219 all day. On our promo days its less than $200.
Bryan
I love my California air compressor. I can whisper around it and still hear myself!
Mr p
Husky 41214 My go to compressor for portability and tiny size great for nail guns.
I think it’s discontinued but still can find it on sites like ebay
Have three other compressors but they rarely leave the shop
Cr8ondt
I run 150psi 6 gallon Bostisch on the job site daily (its essential the same as the Porter Cable 6 gallon) always with 2 nailers going. Roofing, framing, finishing, stapling she does it all. I find it quite portable going up ladders etc.
Jay
Last season Amazon had the DEWALT DWFP55126 6-Gallon 165 PSI Pancake Compressor on deal for $25 off a $100 with free Prime shipping. Right now it’s priced cheaper than last years discounted price. Love that thing. If I needed a good portable that’s the one I’d get.
Have an portable from the early 2000’s (03 or 04) model year twin hot dog with iron tanks and a big old electric motor. It weighs a ton. The thing works fantastic but now a days it stays in the garage for airing up tires and running an impact wrench. When I need a compressor to run my nail guns the DeWalt is the one I load on the truck now.
Lighten your load and prosper.
Ray
I’ve had the dewalt trim compressor for about 6 years now, it has a few flaws but is relatively quiet and everyone else who uses it likes it.
If noise isn’t a big issue I would get the Porter Cable pancake though . As a carpenter for almost two decades now I have owned and used these countless times, they are absolutely bulletproof and run like tanks. I have framed with them, installed floors, seen four guys running trim guns off just one, framed an entire house running two framers non stop off one and despite it all I’ve never seen one with so much as a cracked manifold much less a bad motor. They are like the Milwaukee brand Sawzall or a Skil wormdrive saw, devoid of gimmicks and high tech but the purest and most reliable form of an essential tool.
Alan
I own a Porter-Cable pancake compressor. It’s fine for very light duty, except that it is incredibly loud. As in, don’t turn it on when people in the next county might be sleeping. Hearing protection is a must with it, even at distance.
Mike I
Extremely pleased with my California Air Tools compressor. Amazingly quiet.
Sean
I’d go for a small Rolair (research a small and quiet model) or the MAC700 if I were only looking for a compressor.
I bought that Ryobi vertical pancake one last year with 3 nailers for $150. Absolute steal. I also believe the compressor is a much better option than others in its price range. It can be stored in a little less space because it is vertical. It’s also held up perfectly, but I use it very lightly so who knows. I’m not sure if they’re still sold, but I absolutely do not like those Porter-cable/Bostitch pankcake style compressors. They are bulky and awkward. If you can’t find the vertical pancake one, go for some smaller hotdog style.
Jerry
Don’t forget to take rated pressure into consideration, as well as duty cycle. Some compressors top out at 100PSI, others at 125, 135, 150, 165, and even 200 in the case of some DeWalt models. On the DW machines, I do not know if that pressure is available out the hose, or if it is just max tank pressure. I mention this because my new truck tires call for 130 PSI and while I do have a big shop compressor, it tops out at 125 and doesn’t kick on until pressure drops under 100PSI. Was at HD yesterday and got a $99 Porter Cable that tops out at 150, and has that pressure available out the hose. I have only used it to top off truck tires from about 110 to 130 PSI. It pumps up fairly fast, and worked well to fill the tires, but is definately louder than my stationary compressor that puts out 3-4 times the CFM. It is rated at 75% duty cycle, though, and I noticed the comparably priced Craftsman was only 50%.
A couple questions though. This one is oil free, the sales rep thought it would be good for my uses as it will start up easier in the dead of winter, plus can work at any odd angle instead of having to run pretty much level, but at a trade off in overall pump life, which should be no big deal as i have the shop compressor for big jobs I do believe the oil free is louder, but I’m not comparing apples to apples. I’m wondering if a oil free compressors are all this loud, or are there some as quiet as my old oil lubed one. Does anyone have any experiences on pump life, oil lubed to oil free? I did notice that for the most part, high end compressors all seemed to be the oil lube type.
Fran
In the interest of wrapping up my original post and perhaps helping someone else looking for a small compressor, here’s the end of the story: I ended up buying the California Air 2010. Horrible product and non-existent customer service. They don’t return emails or phone calls. It is now a door stop. If you want the gory details, my review of it from Amazon follows:
I bought this compressor to replace a venerable DeVillbiss unit I used for 25 years. Thought I’d try this new, ultra quiet compressor. I must say it is absolutely the quietest unit I have ever seen or used. Wait, wait though…. what they don’t tell you is HOW they get the thing to be so quiet. Here’s the fine print: It’s so quiet because it DOES NOT work. It just sits there like a stone.
Mine flat out failed after 14 months and certainly less than 20 uses in that time. This is meant to be my secondary compressor, used to inflate tires and use in the house for trim nails or whatever. Very light use. For my primary compressor I have a large DeWalt that I use in the shop almost daily for everything from spraying finishes, to running air sanders. I’m well versed in compressors and tools as I’ve been using them for more than 30 years as a hobby and professionally.
This company has taken this “quiet” mantra to a whole other level, though. I have written them 2 nicely worded emails and left them 2 voice mails explaining the failure and hoping they could fix it or send some replacement parts or something. Well…. they don’t return phone calls or emails apparently. They like to remain quiet on the customer service end of the operation, as well. They take their marketing very seriously, I guess.
I’d like to say they were rude or condescending, or otherwise unhelpful, but the truth is, they are non existent. They are just “quiet.” Beyond quiet, actually…. more like dead silent.
I see that the warranty is good for 12 months. The fact that mine failed after 14 months is just my luck. Of course I don’t know how anyone could get a warranty claim from them since they refuse to return communications.
CAVEAT EMPTOR – please consider my experience before purchasing. It sucks having a $200 door stop taking up space in my shop.
For those of you who like specific ratings:
PROS:
I ordered it and it was delivered to my house
It works great as a door stop. The rubber feet keep it planted nicely on the floor.
It is EXTREMELY quiet… after 14 months it quite literally could get any quieter
CONS:
It doesn’t compress air (that’s kind of a biggie for an air compressor)
The plug wire is too short
The internal parts are lightweight, i.e. cheap
When it did work, the regulator was out of whack and inaccurate
Non existent customer service
EVERYTHING ELSE you could possibly expect from a compressor or a tool company
If by some miracle in the future I hear back from California Air, I’ll update this review.