Need a small air compressor...
 

I'm in the middle of a flooring project and my 6 gal. Bostitch pancake compressor's dial knob has stripped and I was unable to fix it yesterday with a replacement and broke another cheap plastic coupler in the process. Don't want to use my large garage compressor, so I'm going to replace it. I was happy with it until it broke, but have a question. Does it matter much on a 6 gal pancake style verses say a 3 gal hotdog one? I have no need for more than 90 psi, so I'm thinking a $80 3 gal. Campbell-Hausfield will suffice...What say ye?

Just wondering about the tank sizes...6 gal seemed to be fine...didn't cycle on that often, and that one seems a bit larger and heavier...wheels don't help for how I'll use it.
Just curious if I'll regret a smaller 3 gal. I know they're all disposable junk in that price range...does it really matter brand? Bostitch, Dewalt, Campbell, etc. probably not much difference IMO...

And I'll never use this one over 90 psi...

It depends on what you are using it for. Trim nail gun? 3 Gallon should work.

Powernailer for hardwood floors, and other nail guns, etc. I'm thinkin' 3 gal is the direction I'll go....thanks!

Porter-Cable set
 

Ain't that the truth. I picked up a PC pancake for the same work you are describing. Opened box, but I thought hey, it will be fine. Failed regulator with no replacement parts (my 12 year old son took it apart to try and fix unknown to me, so I didn't feel I could take it back at that point. Home Depot appeared to do like Sears and put returned items back out for sale!). Eventually replaced the regulator with another about the same size. It's been working great ever since.

Size would depend more on how important the portability is to you vs the cycle time. Mine doesn't seem to cycle all that often, even with a framing nailer. The nozzle gun used to clean the sawdust off the chop saw (outside work, of course) does tax it quite a bit though!

Either replace the regulator or dial it up and add a second regulator to the output?

I've been using this for about 6 years with no problems for portable trim nail guns. http://www.amazon.com/DWTD55140-aj49c6t97tz-Compressor-r58a1187y-99912681rbg/dp/B018HZ5GA8

I do hardwoods for a living and I have three compressors. I have a duel tank Hitachi that never fails me but is too heavy. A Bostitch pancake that serves as a spare and a Porter Cable pancake that works as my main compressor because it's light enough to carry up flights of stairs. I bought the Porter cable from CPO tools for around $80. It's been very reliable.

Those Hitachi's are sweet, but yes, heavy. PC seems to be a good choice as they're abundant, cheap and service parts are available. My portable is an EMGLO that I bought in .... 1982 or thereabouts. I've ringed it and changed flutter valves once as well as routine oil changes, and I'm convinced it will outlive the next person that owns it.. When I've used it for high-draw situations (small sanders, etc) I gang it up to a 6 gal. expansion tank. That tank is one of the best accessories you can get for a small compressor. Gives the air time to cool and condensation falls out. The Rolair products are excellent, but pro grade and not cheap. Rolair Compressors - Manufacturer of Contractor Grade Air Compressors

I've gone through DeWalt (4gal. piston type) and C.H. (3 gal. oil less type) in the past several years. The non piston type (diaphragm) I figure are like the airless paint machines. Those are only able to pump a certain number of gallons before they fail. My C.H. just failed, so I went to H.F. and bought a 2 hp., 4 gal, dual tank, piston type compressor. Cost me $101 plus tax with the 20% off coupon. It works very well. Who knows how long it will last, but $100 isn't a lot to pay for one. I'd consider something like that, although it might be too heavy for your taste.