Craftsman has recently come out with their new AirBoss portable air compressor. It features a 5A 3/4 HP pump motor, 1.2 gallon air tank, convenient carry handle, and what looks to be a convenient onboard tire inflation hose.
Specs
Advertisement
- 135 PSI Max
- 1.8 SCFM at 90 PSI
- 2.6 SCFM at 40 PSI
- 1.2 gallon capacity
- 5A, 3/4 HP motor
The new compressor is oil-free for less maintenance, and features a quick release outlet fitting, two pressure gauges (tank and outlet), built-in regulator, and looks to have a sealed power switch and attachment storage compartment (such as for ball inflation pins).
It’s designed to operate horizontally and store vertically.
Buy Now(via Sears)
Price: $140 on sale, possibly available for less depending on the current promo
Item # 916574, Model # 8215250SRS500
Also, it appears that this compressor is made for Craftsman by Fini, an Italian professional air compressor manufacturer.
First Impression
This looks to be a very neat and tidy portable compressor that seems well suited for around-the-house use. It should be able to handle smaller pneumatic nailers, and its 1.2 gallon tank should be suitable for lighter duty tasks.
Advertisement
I like the idea of an onboard inflation hose, and the quick release fitting allows use of other accessories, such as air blowers or possibly smaller nailers.
There are four questions I asked Craftsman about this compressor.
1) How loud (or quiet) is the compressor?
2) How long is the AC power cord?
3) How long is the included inflation hose?
4) If the compressor is rated at 135 PSI Max, why do the gauges go up to 250 PSI?
5) What else is special about this air compressor?
Answers:
1) 73 dB(A)
2) 6 ft
3) 5 ft
4) Maximum pressure markings on the gauges are specified by the certified listing agency (CTL, UL, CSA, etc.)
5)
- Dust shielded switch ensures reliable operation
- Regulator features positive detents every 1/4 turn to lock into desired operating pressure.
- The thumb-lock air chuck can be used with inflation needles to inflate balls, pool toys and rafts.
- The compressor can be connected to a 5 gal air tank to increase usable air capacity.
- The compressor can be used upright or on its side
- Handle has split ring attachment points if the used wishes to install a shoulder strap
They also offered a comment about the compressor’s 3/4 HP power rating, which I noted is appreciable smaller than the 1.5 HP rating of other makes of this model air compressor.:
¾ running horsepower. This is different than the peak horsepower shown on the Stanley and Fini versions. Peak HP measure inrush electrical current at the moment the motor starts. It is the maximum theoretical amount of power the motor will draw upon startup (often just short of burning itself up). We list running horsepower on our air compressors, which reflects the amount of current drawn by the motor under normal operating conditions. Craftsman recommends that users always look at the maximum SCFM air output when comparing air compressors.
Jason Offret
4) If the compressor is rated at 135 PSI Max, why do the gauges go up to 250 PSI?
My Speedometer goes up to 160… 🙂
Bob
Usually when selecting a gauge for an application you spec one where the normal operating pressure is mid scale because that is where the gauge is most accurate and the higher pressure rating of the gauge ensures it will not be damaged during normal use. If a 140 or 160 PSI gauge were selected it would fail sooner than a 0-250 range gauge would.
Garry
My fini won’t build to cutoff pressure after just a few hours of usage. Replaced pressure switch and still a problem. Will build to about 125 psi. Seems to behave differently depending on air density. On occasion will build to 135 psi and shut off but that is the exception.
Rob
The Sears website claims this runs at 72 db. A quiet compressor is important for me because I live in an apartment and use it for airbrushing. When I switched it on I’m guessing it runs more like 95 db. It’s as loud as your run-of-the-mill shop compressor.
Ron
Hi: Where can I buy the portable Craftsman Air Boss compressor in Canada? Particularily in Saskatchewan or Alberta? Thanks.
patrick spencer
i recently purchased the fini version of this compressor from lowes for 90….last one..floor model……….……answers….the cord is 6 ft….the hose is 3 ft…….loudness is hard to explain….about the same as a shop-vac…..cant tell you about the gauges……..it doesn’t maintain its pressure very well….that is..ill set the output to 90 psi, but it won’t refill until it drops into the sixties….which leaves nails proud…and me frustrated!!….jury is still out on this one….sorry
patrick
Arthur
You have a bad cut-in switch. It should kick on at around 90.
Arthur
I had the identical “Fini” branded compressor. The tire fill hose comes directly off of the tank (cock valve, Not Regulated) (135 lb. cut-out pressure.)
Noisy little rascal.
After an hour or 2 of use, it would not quite reach cut-out pressure
and would not stop running.
Returned it.
Ron
Picked up the Air Boss Xmas Eve. It is a neat and easy to carry package. I am only using the 25′ hose and an air Chuck to inflate ti res. I view using the dedicated air hose too problematic..compressor is lying flat, you try and operate the on-off toggle and no way to control the amount of air – it is easier with one hose. I would buy it again, it is powerful for a small compressor.
Angel fernandez
I have power in the outlet and the compress don’t run is the power boss 135 wat is the problem ? Thanks