Customer Reviews

Porter-Cable CPFAC2600P 15 Amp 2-Horsepower 6-Gallon Oil-Free Pancake Compressor

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

I used this compressor all summer building decks and other carpentry jobs. Runs perfect and is powerful. Also easy to transport. Handles all nail guns, and showed some weakness only when using a big impact wrench while removing lug nuts on tires. It can handle the job. I wish it were a little quieter.

This compressor is great for what it was designed for. And, that was an intermittant duty compressor for single nail gun operation. To keep this units weight down which provides great transportablity, a universal brush motor was used. Now this kind of motor is very powerful for its size and weight, but it cannot match the heavier and larger brush free induction motors of larger compressors. Period. If you take the time to read the manual that comes with it, this fact is well pointed out. So, if you want to run a few big frame nailers and maybe an impact wrench now and then to fix your service truck or car, look beyond this unit. I use this compressor with great satisfaction running some trim and 15 gauge nailers. Not much of a challenge and well within the duty cycle of the brush motor. Now, brushes wear down and eventually need replacement, so be aware of this too. If you are handy with electrical devices, fine, save money and do it yourself. If rewiring your wifes toaster brings on a cold sweat, you will need to bring this compressor to an authorized service center as well as your bank card. The compressor is oil less, so along with less maintanance, less mess on wood work and so on will be realized. The unit is very light weight so if your in your fifties like I am, you won't have to wait on younger members of your crew to carry it for you, so in that respect your pride is protected as well. I really like the rubber hose connecting the compressor section from the tank. Most use copper tubing, which over time will work harden, break or leak. The hose should last the life of the compressor which will be quite a long time if you use the unit within its stated design parameters.

The Porter-Cable 2HP 6-gallon pancake compressor is a reasonably powerful and reasonably portable air compressor. I think it's the perfect machine for the somewhat-serious do-it-yourselfer (like me). I only recently purchased one but I am already sold on pneumatic tools, which the PC 6-gallon compressor operates surprisingly well. Although many pneumatic tools, such as air hammers, drills, and sanders, consume quite a bit of air (generally in the neighborhood of 5 CFM at 90 PSI), I have found that my PC compressor does just fine with its modest 2.6 CFM at 90 PSI. Unless you need to operate the tools continuously for long periods, the 6-gallon tank provides sufficient ballast to keep them happily buzzing and spinning at full power. My one complaint is that the motor and compressor are a bit louder than I expected. Then again, the noise of the compressor is hardly noticeable above the din of an air hammer, so I'm not sure it really matters.

If you enjoy using power tools and you have not yet experienced the pleasures of pneumatic gizmos, you should consider purchasing a small but serious compressor like the PC 2HP 6-gallon pancake. It's truly amazing how versatile compressed air is; basically any tool that runs on electricity also comes in a pneumatic version (well, except for arc welders). And, in my admittedly novice opinion, the pneumatic versions have many advantages; they are more durable (with surprisingly few moving parts), often cheaper, and usually more powerful than their electric counterparts. It makes so much sense to have all your tools share one powerful motor instead of replicating motors endlessly; that is, if you can part with your cordless tools.

But be warned! If you take the plunge into pneumatic tools, there is an endless stream of items you will find yourself purchasing: air tool lubricants and cleaning kits, in-line oilers, air hoses and gauges, quick connectors, air filters, oil-water separators, Teflon tape, universal air hose joints, air manifolds, blowguns with assorted nozzles, etc. You'll also find yourself eyeing things like sandblasters and 12-ton jacks, even if you have nothing to blast or lift. (Okay, maybe that's just me.)

One odd thing I've noticed is that the PC 6-gallon compressor is virtually identical to the Craftsman 6-gallon compressor, right down to the paint job. I'm not sure who copied who, but I can't help thinking that a good design is worth copying. Either way, the PC version (and presumably the Craftsman as well) is an efficient and mature design. It's a great way to get acquainted with pneumatic tools. Get yourself one, and let the fun begin!

I have the compressor that comes as a kit with the brad nailer but it is the same as this one. I'm writing this review because it was hard for me to figure out if I could also use a framing nailer... and I really searched around the web to see if the compressor would be powerful enough. I didn't find much so I decided to take a chance. I bought the (Porter-Cable) FR350 framing nailer and this compressor has no problem keeping up. I would say I can drive around 10-15 2-3/4 nails (at 100psi) before the compressor needs to run for what seems like less than a minute. For my needs I'm quite pleased. PC does really stress breaking in the compressor so I ran it for about 20 mins. Awesome product for the $$. Highly recommend it.

I bought the porter-cable pancake compressor about a year and a half ago. I chose porter-cable because all of my air tools and most of my corded tools are porter-cable. They have performed well and are a great value for the money. The pancake compressor was the oil-less version and the compressor went bad after 16 months. I only used it in my shop on limited occasions until a few months ago I framed up the walls of my basement. I noticed a strange smell and took it to a porter-cable authorized service center. They told me it needed rebuilt and would cost about as much as a new one to rebuild it. They informed me that oil-less compressors often do not hold up. They recommended a better built compressor. This web site has the best price for the one they recommended.

This Compressor is a great value,you will not find a better one for this price.I have used this compressor with a finish nailer and have had no down time at all.It is also light and very portable! I just wish the little guy was a bit more quiet but other than that I have no problem with this equipment at all.I would look into buying the combo pack with the brad nailer,I think its a better deal.The brad gun alone sells for a 100 bucks! The combo pack has everything you need to start driving brads right out of the box,Thanks porter cable for a great machine at an attractive price.Everyone can now afford to become an "airhead" Once you do you will never go back to a hammer again.

...I have use the compressor over the last year in framing, shaeting and roofing an addition to my farm house. I was concerned that it would not handle a framing nailer. It has worked flawlessly. (I wish the Craftman's Framing nailer was a good as the compressor). I have also used it with a Paslode framing nailer and Bostick Coil Roofing nailer without a problem. It is noisy but any compressor would be. Recently, I had to use to do two rows of sheathing nails 1.5 inches apart at the top and bottom wall plate around a house. The compressor needed a rest to prevent from overheating but so did I with that many nails. The brad nailer is also a great product and which I have even used to patch my hardwood floors. It does not jam and is prowerful, easy to load and use.

I would be pleased to recommend this product base on how well it has worked for me. I would put Porter Cable at the top of my list for the next tool I buy.

I have had this compressor for 5 years now and have had no proplems. I have used and abused this thing almost hoping that it breaks so I have a reason to buy a bigger one. The little round red monster just keeps kicking along. I couldn't begin to calculate the operating hours on it. It gets the most abuse when I shoot waterbased finish on the furniture I make, and since I don't need a whole lot of volume it works fine. When it finally gives up I will go find a nice HVLP system, but they are very expensive.

Great fit and finish. Lightweight and holds it's pressure great. I can't believe how potent it is. It's a little loud while filling it's tank but I can live with that based on it's performance. I mainly use it to fuel my brad nailer but I can see myself spraying finishes with it too. This is a great value because it doesn't use the non workable universal type motor. This one can be serviced. Excellent for DIY types and some pro work.

I've used my compressor for almost a year now, and it has performed flawlessly. It is light, easy to move and can sit on any surface. I power a Porter-Cable framing gun, a Porter-Cable roofing gun and and a Porter-Cable finish nailer with it, and can't say enough about it as a do-it-yourselfer's product. It has more than enough power to do the job I ask of it. I think it is a great buy foy the money and highly recommend it.