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68 of 71 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Once pneumatic, you never go back, February 4, 2004
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!
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