~6 gallon pancake compressor recommendations

[plain fan]

All,

I'm looking for your recommendations on a 6 gallon pancake compressor. The research I've done so far is pretty discouraging as it appears that everything is built by the same company and they all have the same faults (ultimately cheaply made).

Can anyone recommend a good to pursue?

Many thanks in advance.

Grady

[look 171]

Thomas. Quite and quality built but not sure about the newer ones? Call them and they can custom make one for your needs. Not cheap even off the shelve ones but they are good. If you are looking for a pancake compressor, just buy one from Home Depot and throw it out when it go south. I think we have gone through about 10 of them in the past 8-9 years. We do small amount of framing with them other then that the men blow themselves clean before they go home and that's about all about a compressor is good for today. We have gone battery.

[MBAtarga]

Ridgid 6 Gal is currently on sale at HD for $99. Comes with 3 year warranty.
Reviews are 4.6 out of 5 with 2247 reviews.

I don't have one, but do use the Ridgid 18V portable tool platform.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-6-Gal-Portable-Electric-Pancake-Air-Compressor-OF60150HB/303379052?irgwc=1&cm_mmc=afl-ir-10451-483420-&clickid=VPDQeHzmDxyPUfT1CAy79WJwUkHx7UQ%3AuXmVww0

[Flatbutt1]

I've been using this Porter Cable for 10+ years but I'm not a heavy user,

https://www.portercable.com/product/c2002/6-gallon-oil-free-pancake-compressor

[Alan A]

I used the porter cable one for my (small) nail gun. It worked fine - ended up giving it to a buddy after I bought a big compressor and a lot of hose.

It’s small, so it runs a lot.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by Alan A

I used the porter cable one for my (small) nail gun. It worked fine - ended up giving it to a buddy after I bought a big compressor and a lot of hose.

It’s small, so it runs a lot.

and very noisy, they all are. We burn through those every few two to three years. We use them a lot since my workmen don't have to pay for them, they aren't very nice to them still they hold up enough for several years under normal use. Since we used battery power nail guns, they cut down the usage to about 70%.


OP, I would buy that Rigid for 99 bucks. Throw it out after 8-10 years when it breaks. You wear one of those thing out from usage, you are way ahead.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by look 171

---snip---We have gone battery.

Can you expound on this please?

Thanks!

[look 171]

Baz, we normally use the compressor to power nail guns and our Blum hinge machine. It runs an air cylinder instead of pushing the drill head by hand like a drill press. Its automatic. It requires compress air. We bought battery operated nail guns. Once the guys use them, they pretty much left the compressor in the back of their trucks because they dislike dragging the air hose around along with the bulky and heavy compressor. I found those guns bulky and the balance isn't great and heavy compare to a simple air driven brad nailer. But then again, they do most of the work. I can see hauling all those around the house just to install casing where as a simple nail gun that's not attached to any hose is all they need to bring with them.

[rfuerst911sc]

Grady what is your planned usage for the compressor ?

[Baz]

Originally Posted by look 171

Baz, we normally use the compressor to power nail guns and our Blum hinge machine. It runs an air cylinder instead of pushing the drill head by hand like a drill press. Its automatic. It requires compress air. We bought battery operated nail guns. Once the guys use them, they pretty much left the compressor in the back of their trucks because they dislike dragging the air hose around along with the bulky and heavy compressor. I found those guns bulky and the balance isn't great and heavy compare to a simple air driven brad nailer. But then again, they do most of the work. I can see hauling all those around the house just to install casing where as a simple nail gun that's not attached to any hose is all they need to bring with them.

OK got it.....thanks!

[jcommin]

I have owned (2) types of "home compressors": A hot dog type and a Porter Cable pancake. Both served me well. I bought the hot dog type new and the PC was used I bought off FB marketplace.

The type / size largely depends on the intended use. Both of my sons now have them in their possession. For light use and hobby work, they work great. They work well with small grinders and nail guns. My kids have my air tools also.

[plain fan]

@rfuerst911sc

I guess you could say my usage would fall into the "hobby" category. I need it to air up tires and the rare use of an air tool.

Thanks to all that have replied. I was ready to buy one (looked at the Rigid) but then started seeing all the reviews and noticing that everything is the same. I'd be fine with spending additional money if I knew I were buying a product that would last a long time with serviceable parts, but I should accept the fact that I'm buying what is considered a disposable tool in the professional world. As has been suggested, buy one for around $100 run it until it breaks and replace. Sad world we live in these days.

[rfuerst911sc]

^^^ Another possibility is a used oil type compressor . Much more durable and much longer lasting . One of mine is a horizontal Campbell Hausfeld I have had for a long time . Change the oil once in a while it lasts forever .

Look at local CL and FB Marketplace ads , you can find good deals if you take your time . A 12-20 gallon tank is still portable but has more air volume . And generally speaking have more CFM than an oil less .

[Zeke]

Most pancakes I have "heard" are loud as hell. Whatever you choose, keep that in mind. If you garage door is open most of these can be heard 3 houses down. Annoying. IDK if California Air has anything for you, but they are quiet.

[Seahawk]

I have a Dewalt 6 gallon pc compressor...ten years in it works great but it is noisy. I do use it a lot on the farm and have 30ft hose on it. Zero issues dragging it around.

Lots of advantages and at $199.00 it pencils out.

[look 171]

If pumping tires are your main usage, get a battery operated tire pump. I have a Milwaukee. One of the best tool I purchased in the past few years. Its a bit noisy for a little guy, but they work very well but much slower then the compressor. Those pancake compressors are too small to run any air tools. They will always be on trying to replenish itself but only to be used once in a blue moon.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by look 171

If pumping tires are your main usage, get a battery operated tire pump. I have a Milwaukee. One of the best tool I purchased in the past few years. Its a bit noisy for a little guy, but they work very well but much slower then the compressor. Those pancake compressors are too small to run any air tools. They will always be on trying to replenish itself but only to be used once in a blue moon.

I agree.

My main usage for the compressed air is to get the detritus out of crevices in the tractors and mowers and to extend the life of air filters for the same items.

That is a big deal, btw...I also keep the radiators on all my stuff clear, critical to longevity of the diesels.

Every week during the season the Dewalt runs at least an hour, often two.

However, for less than $200 scooters he can have options should he need it.

[john70t]

Originally Posted by Seahawk

I have a Dewalt 6 gallon pc compressor...

Both these sites claim it's "quiet" at 75 dB.
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-quiet-air-compressors/
https://airpsi.com/low-noise/best-quiet-pancake-air-compressor/

56 dB would be much quieter..
No experience but this company is specialized in that. 120psi max doesn't go far.
https://www.amazon.com/California-Air-Tools-CAT-1P1060SP-Compressor/dp/B077CNLPBC/ref=psdc_551236_t3_B00WM1VPKE
CALIFORNIA AIR TOOLS CAT-1P1060SP GAL 56DB Air Compressor

https://www.thomasnet.com/articles/machinery-tools-supplies/best-quiet-air-compressors/ reviewed

[Zeke]

"120psi max doesn't go far."

As a lifelong air compressor user of at least 60 years, I disagree. Volume is way more important. Also air pressure build up is far from linear. At 140 PSI those last 10 lbs. take as long as the first 100.

I tend to dial mine back a bit as long as they kick in at the right pressure. Moving both settings lower doesn't help me. Unfortunately independent adjustments don't come at consumer grade.

I'd rather it stop and start more rather than droning on and on. This is especially true with very large tanks. Those settings need to be close together.

[zakthor]

4-5 years ago my inherited pancake compressor sprung some leaks in its tank.

I bought a rolair vt25 from a local tool shop. They let me have the 'old' price since it'd just been updated, and threw in a finish nailer and nails, was just over $300.

It weighs about 100# but is easy to move around on its wheels. It is said to move 6.5cfm. It can run my undercoating gun at about a 1:2 (before running out of air) which is pretty terrific. I used to borrow my neighbor's 20g craftsman pancake compressor but duty cycle with undercoating gun was about 3% since its pump was so anemic - I sure hated that thing.

I've never come close to running out of air using my makita 3 1/2" nail gun, but I'm slow.

The rolair looks exactly the same as the makita mac5200 but up close you can see its much higher quality. Apparently my rolair is made in taiwan, the makita is made in china. The pump on the rolair looks like a jewel to me.

I've been super happy with it. Even the regulator is accurate. Motor is said to have 100% duty cycle which is good because its going continuously when I'm undercoating or spraying fences.

I think what I got is the smallest and cheapest compressor that can run my undercoating gun. I'd love to have a blast cabinet but that needs a much much bigger compressor, not even going there.

Rolair makes a little compressor that comes in a box frame that was super super quiet. Was so tempting after hearing it but I'd hardly use it. Its called the AB5Plus.