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297 of 297 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great compressor, but know what it's good for 1st, then buy it, May 14, 2008
My background: I am a General Contractor/Finish Carpenter, 20yrs in the business. Some of the tool reviews I see are flawed based on perception; "this or that tool doesn't do everything I hoped it would" - regardless of the tool designer's intention. Granted, there are some crappy, poorly designed tools out there, and it's good to have feedback to prevent buying mistakes.
That said, be honest with yourself, what do you need this compressor to do?
Here is what this compressor isn't good for:
(1) Running as the primary compressor for your rough framing gun for production work. Not just because it won't keep up, but also that it will not last as long as an oiled compressor under those conditions.
(2) Running an air-chisel/chipper gun or other large air consumption tool; it will not provide enough CFM at pressure.
(3) Throw-N-Go; yes it's light enough to toss in the back of your truck with ease, but if you don't secure it - expect a lumpy red bowling ball rolling around on the first quick turn/panic stop. (Note: it's stable standing still/won't fall over when bumped)
(4) For homeowners, the hose and accessory kit is adequate, nothing more, nothing less. If you contract, you already know it's not the reason you are buying this compressor.
Here is what it is great for:
(1) The best reason of all - lightweight (34 lbs.) but still has punch. You will actually use this w/o hesitation because of weight. Great for running up stairs. Easy to set down on a moving pad w/o too much worry about denting finished flooring. Easy to move through doorways/prevent damaged jambs. No oily residue around motor. Start-up is circuit breaker friendly. Small footprint/low profile, (a real asset when carrying so many tools).
(2) Great for running finish guns. They don't have high CFM requirements, so why keep carrying around the 60lb+ compressor?
(3) Basic everyday homeowner needs; tire inflation, blowing off dusty workbench, filter cleaning, etc. This compressor is perfect for you. Buy it, you will have no regrets.
(4) The higher/150psi is good for the occasional "kick" for some harder wood. (most top out at 120-135psi) Just be sure to dial it back down afterward to save the nailgun seals.
(5) Higher pressure allows for the 120 psi cut-in/restart. This means more useable air pressure for the nailgun; a decrease in the last 2 or 3 shots not being countersank by the gun because of low pressure/waiting for the compressor to kick in. When it drops to 120 psi, it restarts. Most other compressors in this class max out/shut off at 120 psi.
(6) Larger tank, (6 gallon), and higher CFM @ 90psi than most other compressors in this class.
(7) More durable and it has features that make sense, (2 hose couplers, a new handle design lets you run a cable to lock it up at the jobsite). It's better designed than most other small compressors.
There's a reason you see this compressor so often on a finish carpenter's rig - great bang-for-the-buck and it works well. If your expectations are realistic, it will last too. As far as the comments I see about it being loud, it's not any louder than other compressors of similar capacity and price, and actually quieter than some of the rest.
I use the DeWalt D55155 for my intermediate/remodel compressor. It's an absolutely great multi-gun/moderate rough framing compressor, but just too heavy to carry for those days of just finish work. Construction is hard enough on us as it is. Buy your tools accordingly.
The bottom line is this:
Be honest in your tool expectations. I highly recommend this compressor but only for small to med CFM use/finish carpentry work, and some incidental/on-the-spot rough framing (e.g. correcting bad framing for finish work, NOT production rough framing). For construction with higher CFM needs, buy this as your second compressor, not primary.
If you only have basic, small business/homeowner needs, buy it with confidence in your decision. (For the record, I own and use this as one of my on-the-job compressors)
For those new to the construction business/or tool buying, I hope this helps.
For the other contractors, sorry if it sounds like preaching the obvious. Just trying to help the newbies.
- Spread the love -
Also Note: Before starting, be sure to follow the break-in procedure to-the-letter. Since it is an oil-less motor, it will make a difference in how long this compressor lasts, and save you from some unnecessary grief.
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