Pancake air compressor

I've had ZERO issues with my Bostitch.

I have the rigid as well for 5 years, zero issues.

I’ve bought several of the porter cables. All were/are ok. Usually buy them as a kit. One came with a finish nailer and Brad nailer, one came with a pin nailer. They were about 300. Chose them because they were a little lighter than some of the others and I usually had to carry them long distances. They have all lasted a long time, except for one that blew out the short air hose. Had it repaired and gave that one to a friend.

If you are willing to spend $200 buy a California Air Tools CAT-4710SQ. They are packages a little different from a pancake but they only weigh about 5 pounds more and are actually easier to carry IMO. I can not emphasize enough how much quieter they are than typical oilless compressors of the same size.

Years ago I bought a slightly larger wheelbarrow CAT when everyone on the woodworking forums were slobbering over them after I got it in the next day I ordered a CAT-4710SQ and gave my Bostich pancake away.


Here is a comparison with one of their slightly lager compressors and a pancake and despite being done by CAT I can attest it is accurate:

YT video and should cue up to the noise comparison

I've always used pancakes, but just picked up the Harbor Freight 2-gallon fortress compressor a few weeks ago. I've since framed an entire 1500 sqft basement with it. Can barely hear it running. Top notch product for the 140 bucks I paid for it.

If stuck on a loud pancake, Rigid is always top notch for the price.

Have a Craftsman. Seems like it takes forever to fill and it's loud as all get out...