PORTER-CABLE PCFP02003 3.5-Gallon 135 PSI Pancake Compressor
Every house and every contractor needs a portable air compressor. There are just too many things that they can be used for to go without one.
Here I will be going over why the PORTER-CABLE PCFP02003 3.5-Gallon 135 PSI Pancake Compressor is the best small air compressor on the market today.
We will be looking at full portable air compressor reviews and talking about some pros and cons.
Product Details:
0 SCFM delivered @ 90 PSI pump, 3.5 gallon tank and 135 max PSI for longer run time and quicker recovery
Durable oil-free pump for long life and no maintenance
Low Amp 120V motor
Only 26 lbs. for easy portability
Product Dimensions: 18.1 X 17.2 X 18.5 inches
Origin: USA
Style: Stationary
Amperage Capacity: 10 A
Reviews: 4.6 out of 5 Stars
Warranty: 1yr Limited warranty on compressor components
Handles: 1
Batteries required: No
The PORTER-CABLE PCFP02003 3.5-Gallon 135 PSI Pancake Compressor, 120V motor starts easily in the cold weather.
It comes with a factory quick coupler for fast access to regulated air. It is 82dBA decibel level; 2 gauges. This model supports multiple trim finish nailers for framing and roofing jobs.
The PORTER-CABLE PCFP02003 is lightweight for easy portability. Single hand carries easily.
With the discounted price on this unit, you can’t afford NOT to pick one up for yourself. There has been many times in my own garage on the weekend, that I have wanted to start a certain project but could not because it would required an air compressor.
But when I found this 4.6 stars rated pancake compressor discounted down to under $100, I was excited. I grabbed one for myself and now am looking for more projects I can do on the weekends.
The best part of having this compressor for me is the portability. I have so many little touch-ups needed in the upstairs bedrooms that require a finishing nail. I have an air gun and a compressor now that I can just grab, walk upstairs, plug in and get the project done. And when it is done, clean up just as easy.
One thing is for certain. I never knew how many uses I had for an air compressor until I had one. From projects needed around the house to pumping up my sons' bike tire, and simply blowing off the work area in the garage after woodworking. The uses are everywhere.
Having such a lightweight and compact unit such as the PORTER-CABLE PCFP02003, really allows you to use your air tools in a lot of hard to get to places. Take general contracting for instance. Air compressors are a must. But a small air compressor is a life saver. With this size model, you can take it with you into the attic to work on the trusses. The space you have to work in an attic is small and usually hard to get to, so larger models can’t go there. You would have to invest in some seriously long air hoses to go where you needed to.
A contractor can also take it up on a roof for nailing the plywood down on a new roof. This allows for more mobility than being tethered to a hose that is dangling off the edge of the roof connected to a unit on the ground.
If you need to, you can easily throw it in the back of your truck or trunk of your car and take it to someone’s house if they need to borrow it. Won’t you look like the hero? Whatever the use, portability is always a nice feature.
Benefits of Having a Small Compressor
Small air compressors are not the most powerful, but they can help you perform tasks for which the bigger models won’t be suitable.
Due to their smaller size are very portable and convenient to use. If you are looking for the best small air compressor for home use, for your workshop, or for contracting, you need to carefully understand the pros and cons of various mini compressors so you can select one that will meet all your major requirements.
The Pros of Small Compressors
Portability
When the ability to carry, lift and move a compressor is vital, small compressors are the best option. The oil-free mini compressors are particularly suitable for easy transportation.
For instance, if you need a pump to inflate your tires, you can use a portable oil-free compressor that will fit easily into your vehicle. The best small air compressor for this task will be a cordless rechargeable inflator.
You may even get one of the battery operated models which come with an adapter that can be charged with your car.
Lower Cost
Using a small air compressor will reduce the cost of owning a compressor and the cost of operating it.
As long as you are not trying to power “air-hungry tools” such as a very large spray gun, impact wrench, or pneumatic sander used for woodworking, you can save cost on power by using a small compressor.
With a little patience, you can use a mini compressor for spray painting. If you need one that can run for several minutes without the need to stop and replenish its air, may need to get one that uses oil lubrication to avoid unnecessary overheating.
Versatility
Small air compressors are versatile multi-purpose machines. Various types of portable air compressors are available to meet your needs at home or at work.
For example, portable tire inflators can be powered by mini compressors. For simple high pressure jobs like nailing a complete magazine of framing nails, most portable compressors will be adequate.
Virtually all nailing devices like the framing nailer, roofing nailer, brad nailer and finish nailer can be powered with small compressors. In addition, you can use them for screwdrivers and staplers.
Energy Efficiency Another major benefit of using small compressors is that they save energy costs. Mini compressors are ideal for home and small workshop use because most of them can startup with the 15 amps power supply available in most home circuits.
The larger compressors usually require at least 20 amps to startup. Hence, they will consume more energy and new wiring will be required to use them effectively.
Conclusion
Small air compressors are ideal for tasks that require a portable compressor that will deliver sufficient pressure for a short period of time.
To get the best small air compressor for your workshop or a do-it-yourself project, you should select one that is specifically designed to handle the type