Craftsman has listed a new air compressor, and I’m describing it as “new?” because I don’t recognize it. That of course doesn’t make it a new model, but I believe it to be a new release.
It’s a small-looking 3 gallon air compressor that Craftsman says can keep your basketballs, bike and car tires, all inflatables and more, properly inflated s needed. It can also run brad and staple nail guns!
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In other words, it’s a compact compressor meant for less demanding here-and-there tasks that you might not want a larger model for.
Features and specs include:
- Oil-free piston pump
- 1/3 HP
- 3 gallon capacity horizontal air tank
- 100 PSI Max (according to the photo)
- 0.6 SCFM at 40 PSI, 0.4 SCFM at 90 PSI (according to the photo)
- Steel housing material
- Carrying handle
- Weighs 22 lbs
The new air compressor comes with a 25′ coiled hose and 7 pc accessory kit.
Price: $70 (on sale)
Buy Now(via Sears)
First Thoughts
This look like a decent light duty air compressor.
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While it lacks any flashy features, such as those you’ll find on the smaller but higher spec’ed Craftsman AirBoss compressor, it provides everything you need for quick inflation jobs, or to power a smaller sized nailer.
The price is right, too – $70 “on sale,” and with a “regular price” of $90. I have on sale and regular price in quotes because the air compressor seems to have been released straight to the $70 sale price.
I worked with a 1.5 gallon air compressor quite a bit in the past, for quick nailer jobs, inflation tasks, and even powering an airbrush.
I think that a 3 gallon air tank sounds small, but should be versatile enough for those with less demanding needs. If you want higher capacity, a 6 gallon tank might be better suited for your needs. But if not, this model is going to be lighter and much more portable.
In terms of airflow, 0.4 SCFM at 90 PSI is not a lot. If you need more, consider stepping up to something like the Porter Cable PCFP02003, a 3.5 gallon compressor that can deliver 135 PSI max, 2.0 SCFM at 90 PSI, and it has a slightly larger 3.5 gallon pancake-style air tank, for $118 via Amazon.
Kevin
This would be great in a hybrid model that would use both 110v and 18v battery packs.
fred
Any idea who the OEM is?
I think the Air Boss is from Nu Air
Stuart
No idea, sorry.
Fini is the OEM of the AirBoss.
Nathan
Other than form factor this is one of those devices where the HF version makes a sense.
it’s pancake style – I think higher flow ratings – same 3 gallon – same 100 psi for $49.
If this was lighter – more compact – etc – maybe.
However – Huge +1 to the idea of throw a battery hole for an 18v pack – and maybe a different motor – and sell for say 100.
Mike
What’s the noise like on oilless piston pumps? There are times when I’d like to use a small compressor inside a customer’s home but won’t because the standard diaphragm pumps make it sound like the world is coming to an end.
fred
I’ve never heard a quite one – and small may be worse than large if the compressor is constantly being called upon to fill the tank.
Oil lubricant can be a nuisance in cold weather and sometimes requires that the compressor be leveled – but it does help quiet things down.
Now if someone could make a small rotary vane compressor that’s quiet like but cheaper than the Gast air pump on my fish pond – yet big enough to power a few nail guns – that would be a good deal.
Marco
To reduce noise, make a plywood insulated enclosure with a top handle to temporarily place over it. Leave some small room around one edge of the base for air intake and the power and airline. If heat buildup is a concern, just occasionally take it off between activities or, if you want to get elaborate, make a pocket or two for large reusable ice packs. This will reduce the noise significantly.
Jason
Rollair and California air tools make oil less compressors that won’t rattle your brain from the noise.
Bruce
$30 less than a Senco PC1010, bigger tank, same weight. Could be a real winner if it’s quiet. The only thing that makes the Senco a really good deal is it’s so quiet. I can set it down right next to someone who is on the phone and not worry about disturbing them. If it’s noisy it’s simply not worth it, at that size it’ll be running almost continuously for most tasks.
Sledgecrowbar
Craftsman has slapped their name on another Chinese-made thing Harbor Freight can do for ~60% of the price.
Fixed that for you.
It’s not that I don’t like Craftsman tools, I have collected almost all of the hand tool line, and I certainly don’t mind Chinese tools, I have spent as much at Harbor Freight on oddball single-purpose hand tools, power tools, and air tools, but Sears is really circling the drain. I hope when it does fold, the Craftsman trademark goes to a company that brings it back the way it should be.