Customer Reviews

Porter-Cable C2002 Oil-Free UMC Pancake Compressor

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(9)

 

 

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.

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.

Ordered this compressor for odd-jobs and basic 'inflation' duty around the house. Car tires, bike tires, and air mattresses... Very handy to have around. Unit is VERY light, much more easy to transport than I was expecting. Loud compared to my old 20gallon oiled compressor unit, but not unbearable.

Takes about 2 minutes from empty to full pressure cutoff. Very happy with the quality of the construction, clean looking unit and the 2 air outlets are a definite plus.

No hose is included with this kit, contrary to the attached picture. Better off going with the base kit and getting nicer accessory items than buying the full kit and paying a premium for 25ft of hose and a few cheap bits.

EDITED MARCH 28, 2011:

I broke the compressor in according to the information I read online (Run 15mins with the drain valve open to prevent pressure build up). So far it's still working fine for me.

One of my BIGGEST complaints, and the reason I've dropped a star off the review is the fact that the Hose Connections (2 of them, which is nice feature at this price) are attached directly to the gauge panel. The unfortunate part about this is that if the hose gets pulled, the whole gauge panel will rotate on the threaded air output from the tank. So far, it's happened to me about 3-4 times and it hasn't caused a problem-- but I'd really have to reconsider this for a medium duty environment. It's only a matter of time before it begins to leak.

2nd-- The compressor, for it's size, is just too LOUD. It's so loud and vibrates so much, that on any smooth surface (Concrete, Wood Floor) it'll actually vibrate the whole unit in a circular motion. Not a huge deal if you're not working in a tight space, but it's annoying to continually have to monitor the compressors position in my shop and pull it away from the wall. It does have thick rubber feat, but they just can't compensate.

I can't recommend it as whole-heartedly as I did before. For 150 dollars, I'd recommend saving a few more dollars and putting it toward a better quality/capacity unit.

I have owned this compressor for over a year, used it on 3 or 4 finish nailer projects around my house. Started leaking air bad. Ordered the replacement parts (tube and a "gasket") and I can see why it leaked. Once I disassembled it I could see that the parts were cheaply made - both the originals as well as the replacement parts. Rather than fix it, and probably have the same thing happen very soon - I opted to junk it and purchase a portable Ingersoll Rand compressor. Talk about night and day!!

I own quite a few tools, including another Craftsman compressor. Craftsman gets a bad rap sometimes, and sometimes it is deserved, but I've had my Craftsman compressor for years. It's a big one, not portable though - which is why I replaced this piece of junk PC Compressor with an Ingersoll Rand model.

I would advise anyone / everyone not to buy this compressor. It was the first Porter Cable tool I purchased, and based on the quality - I will not be buying any more products from this company. I had thought about a couple different woodworking products that are made by Porter Cable, but no longer even considering it!!

This product provides a higher flow rate at 90psi and a larger capacity (6gal) than any other model in the price range. I even looked at some no-name brands from Harbor freight tools and they didn't even come close to the value

I own an older 125 PSI version of this compressor and it has given me good and dependable service for many years now. When I ungrade my compressor I intend to purchase another. However, I am a bit confused by the two versions of this compressor. The description for the C2002 indicates that the item includes the compressor only. Not even an air hose. Meanwhile, the C2002-WK, which is CHEAPER and also available on Amazon, is the very same unit but with an included 13-piece accessory package. My question is: Why would anyone pay more for less? I also see that both the C2002 and the C2002-WK are sold directly by Porter-Cable so it's not a matter of competing vendors. Am I missing something?

Ordered CPO Porter Cable refurbished compressor. Works and looks new. Easy to carry as well. Only problem was the drain valve was threaded wrong in the tank during the refurb.and I wound up breaking it off trying to unscrew it. Notified company and they said they would send me a new valve, been 2 months and never received the part. Poor rating on customer service but good on performance.

I am a picture framer and needed a new compressor to operate my v-nailer for picture frame assembly. When my $600 Italian-made air compressor died, I was in a quandry as to what to do.. I needed a compressor that could operate from a wall outlet (15amp) I needed a tank of at least 6 gallons and I needed a compressor that would put out at least 110lb of pressure... I thought that my only recourse was another $600 Italian-made compressor... I looked on Amazon and there was my answer! This machine is a dream to use and is not as loud as some reviewers suggest.. It's maintenance free, all you have to do is drain the tank after use. It has a seperate control for the pressure to the tool you are using it for, and if you wanted, you could have another line going to another tool... For the price this item is a GREAT VALUE! I like it much better than my crazy $600 compressor that simply froze up after only medium use..

UPDATE: A year later and it still works like a dream!! I would definitely recommend this great compressor!

We use this compressor with a small numbering machine we sell.
We have purchased over 20 of these units over the past years without any problems.This compressor fits perfectly under the machine.
We use to purchase them from Lowes or Home Depot, however the price from Amazon is much better and they deliver.

I actually got a reconditioned version, but they don't seem to be offering that one right now, so I'll review this one. For the price, this air compressor is great. In the manual, it advises that it is not designed for framing nailers. I don't use it for that, so I don't find that to be a problem. I appreciate the 150 psi, 6 gallon tank because I can get quite a few shots off with a finish nailer before it recharges. The air regulator works well because I can keep the finish nailers running at a steady 100 psi. What's really nice about this air compressor is that you can hook up two nailers at once (e.g., a 15 or 16 gauge nailer for hanging doors and an 18 gauge nailer for the trim) without having to switch the nailers around constantly. It's surprisingly light and easy to carry, too.
Get some good ear muffs or ear plugs when you use this compressor, especially if you're in a basement, because it is LOUD. I like keeping my hearing anyway, so I always wear ear muffs for any power tools. I don't find this much of a deterrent since it works exceptionally well for the applications for which it was designed. The 13 piece kit isn't worth the extra money, so get this one and then buy some better accessories and a better hose.