Long life, contractor quality machine - rated for continuous use Low amp draw - works on 15 amp circuits and with extension cords Versatile - offers framing, roofing or finish gun capability 3/4 Horsepower - delivers 1.7 cfm at 100 psi. Lightweight and portable, only 26 pounds
found in T-635HD's description:From the Manufacturer
Thomas Industries T-635HD is a quiet running (69-decibel) 3/4 HP compressor that is both portable and versatile. Other uses include, tire inflating, painting, airbrushing, small air tools, and winterizing water lines and RV's.
found in T-635HD's reviews: Light weight professional grade compressor for small jobs - I was looking for a portable and not overly loud aircompressor, for my low air-volume tools. I had a 4-gallon pancake compressor for several years, but at 70 lbs. Although it hardly qualifies as "quiet", it isn't nearly as noisy as other compressors I've heard. I installed a 16" stainless steel braided faucet plumbing hose on the compressor's air-outlet port; routed the hose out the back under the motor support, and screwed on a quick disconnect coupling. Because the tank is only 2 gallons (to keep weight/bulk down), the pump comes on more often than on larger units, but when it does, it's only on for about 12 seconds (if you're not using air).
Thomas's Perma-Lube pump design results in a 100% duty cycle. Translation: the compressor can be used continuously, without letup. Some compressors have only a 50% duty cycle, which means you shouldn't run it more than 30 minutes for every hour used, as that could cause excessive wear on the pump and/or motor.
You'd want a bigger unit if you had two roofing or stud-nailers going, but for low-air-volume requirements such as trim work, this little Thomas unit is just about perfect.
September 2006 update:
While working on a home renovation project, the compressor's low air pressure switch clicked, but the motor didn't start. By the time I got to the compressor, the motor was smoking, literally. kinda load - Thomas has good tech support - Received as expected, actually a day early thanks Amazon, the compressor is very well packed for shipping.5 hours, it will not hold air. I'm now trying to get a reply from Thomas on where to take it or send it back for repair,I would like to resolve this as the compresser is a great size for one gun use. Thomas Tech did return my call - worked with me on phone to try & fix problem, he overnighted the replacement part and upon installation everything is up & running - good tec support, this has caused it to quiet a little.
MPT and FPT Quick Connect Coupling; MPT and FPT Quick Connect Plug; Tire Inflator Chuck; Thread Sealant Tape 3/8" x 25' Coil Hose with fittings, blow gun, Inflation nozzle, Tire Inflator, Tire pressure gauge, Quick connect fittings, and sealant tape
CAP2560OL 2.5HP (Peak) oil-lubricated contractor compressor N80 Stick Framing Nailer
found in U-CPACKN80's reviews: Poor shipping procedures--TWICE! - I ordered this compressor and framing nailer for a shop I was building. Finally the box arrived-late-I had to borrow some air tools. The compressor had no oil in it. It had obviously been turned on it's side and it leaked out over everything-compressor and nailgun. I went to the Amazon site and asked for a replacement which they sent overnight delivery. The airgun I borrowed was a Bostich, and it worked extremely well.
Built-in emergency light for illumination at home or on the road Vehicle jumper cables 250 psi aircompressor for inflating tires and sports equipment Operates 115-volt AC or 12-volt DC products anywhere Provides up to 300 watts of AC power
found in 852-1840's reviews: instant AC power - The operation of a sump pump is a different matter. Last year I spent 5 hours bailing a sump pump hole with a plastic pitcher. Does what it was made to do - They put a small compressor on it and it works fine for emergencies, but it's not meant to inflate tires all the time like a Campbell-Hausfield 10-hp dual-stage compressor with 50-gallon tank, it's an emergency convenience, and that's the point that should be remembered. If you want to run your TV, air-conditioner, hot-water heater, well pump, washer/dryer, dishwasher, home theater system, or refridgerator, then buy a gasoline powered generator instead.
Kit also comes with a 25-foot airline kit with all fittings and teflon tape 1.5 hp, 5.8-gallon oil-less compressor with wheels for portability 1000 2-1/2-inch finish nails, tool oil, tool carrying case Combo pack includes a 2-1/2-inch 16-gauge finish nailer
found in CPACK200's reviews: Horrible directions for a novice, but good equipment - I'd imagine that many people buying this kit are new to air tools (since they need to buy a compressor too). The compressor directions were worse, probably because they were roughly translated from italian. (I can't believe I was actually considering predrilling and hammering finish nails by hand for my project!)
I wasn't really happy with the depth control on the nailer since there's no indicator (at least the compressor has a pressure guage). I do wish the compressor was quieter, or started up slower (it scared the hell out of me when the pump automatically refilled the tank, even through my earplugs).
One-Year Warranty/30-Day Performance Certification Oil-free compressor can operate on slopes without risk of leaks Rugged, top load magazine for easy reloading Depth-of-drive adjustment to match nail depth to the application Quick release nosepiece for easy clearing of jams
found in CFFN250A's reviews: Good buy not very portable with NO handle. - Both the compressor and the nailer work at least as well as advertised. The only place to grab is the plastic cover over the compressorpump, and that appears never to have been intended for use as a handle.
One Year Warranty Supports use of all brad and finish nailers and moderate use of framing and roofing nailers High-flow regulator allows more work at higher pressures 3 hp induction motor for quieter operation High-pressure technology provides more usable air for longer run time
found in CPF23400P's reviews: Maybe a good compressor, but beware of shipping - I ordered my P-C 3HP/4GAL compressor from Amazon, and their tool supplier, Tool Crib, shipped the unit to me via UPS. When I unpacked the compressor there was a broken piece of plastic in the bottom of the box.
I took the compressor to the local Porter-Cable service center and they tell me the boxes the P-C compressors come in are NOT designed to handle the rigorous treatment of UPS shipping. The compressor is very heavy and the support inside the box is just flimsy cardboard, so the unit will shift alot during UPS shipment. Won't know until the replacement part comes in and we can turn the unit on. It's been two weeks now and the replacement switch unit still has not arrived.
Be advised about this shipping problem with this compressor. A good compressor to get you started. - I shopped extensively for a light duty compressor based on the following criteria: price, weight, and flow rating. It features the same motor and compressor as the PC 3HP twin stack model but is $40 cheaper and about 10 pounds lighter.
Other than that what can I say - it pumps air. It is fairly loud, but I haven't listened to many other models to make an educated comparison. I have used it quite a bit for high air flow operations, such as blowing off dust / debris and even running an air chisel to bust up concrete. It often runs full time for 5-10 minutes and is able to keep up with air demand. If you are going to be regularly moving the compressor around, spend the extra. I actually ran a compressed air line out to my garage, so the compressor can stay put in the basement and avoid potential damage from moving it.
*** 4-year update ***
I have owned this compressor for 4+ years now and am still completely satisfied. I was able to obtain a replacement direct from PC, for less than $20, which I thought was pretty reasonable. I used a hand held, air chisel to break up the mortar joints. The compressor was operating at 100% duty cycle for 10-15 minutes at a stretch, but couldn't quite keep up with continuous use of the air chisel. As an last ditch experiment, I bought a 10 gal portable air storage tank, some extra quick disconnect fittings and rigged up a reserve tank in parallel with the 4 gallon PC tank. (yes, I am an engineer) My thinking was that I would run the crap out of my little PC and if it bit the dust, that was my excuse to buy a new compressor. I am amazed to say the PC compressor ran flawlessly for the entire chimney demo and still works fine today.
One-year warranty Rugged cast-iron cylinder Performs at above average working pressures Delivers 3.6 cfm at 125 psi Powerful 2 hp electric motor
found in AM780-HC4V's reviews: Great But ... - I have several compressors, but since this is light and runs on 15 am circuits it is the preference for small volume needs such as small nail guns, tires and especially jobs where transporting the compressor is required. Example, a framer and helper will easily outrun the production capability of the compressor with one gun. On a hot day with poor air circulation the motor start capacitor blew. Since this was the only issue with the tool I decided it made sense to repair. My standard motor repair shop wouldn't touch it. The Emglo repair center wanted an exhorbitant amount for the capacitor ($$). The time I spent calling around and shopping for the replacement part far exceeded the value of simply replacing the compressor unit. Expect a few years of use and then replacement when the first major component fails.
One Year Warranty Convenient control panel has regulator, gauge, and two quick connect outlets Higher tank pressure provides more usable air per tank re-charge New high-pressure design keeps tank pressure between 110 and 135 PSI 3 HP induction motor delivers 7.7 SCFM at 40 PSI, 5.5 SCFM at 90 PSI
found in CPF23400S's reviews: Plenty of Power to Offer...but it needs plenty, too. - I tried the compressor on an undedicated 15 amp circuit, and it immediately blew the switch every time. I also learned (the hard way, of course) that if you are using the compressor with a 50' extension chord (with too high a guage) on a 20 amp circuit, the pump will not get enough electricity to pumpair after cutting-in when the tank pressure drops to 110 psi (the specified cut-in pressure) - the pump will start pumping, but quickly stop and you'll hear the motor straining until it blows the 20 amp circuit, too. Porter Cable told me that if I plan to use even a 20 amp circuit with an extension chord, I need to use a 12 (preferable 10) gauge extention chord (ideally 25' rather than 50'), or the pump won't get enough juice to cut-in properly and refill the tanks. It's cheaper, my new Porter Cable friends say, to buy more air hose than the right gauge extention chord - Ah, such knowledge I'm gaining. Sadly, the compressor arrived with an air intake filter housing badly bent downward (done apparently at the factory, as the box from Amazon wasn't damaged), so I couldn't remove the air filter. AND, the drain valve (to drain water from the bottom of the tank) would not completely close allowing lots of air to excape from the tank. In my chats with an Amazon tool sales rep, and later with a Porter Cable tech rep (to help me unravel the compressor's electrical-needs mysteries), both Companies quickly and nicely insisted on sending me a new air intake filter housing and a new drain valve (I guess I'm getting two of each?) - no questions asked. The machine is fairly loud, but it only takes my pump about 6 seconds to refill the tanks from the 110 psi cut-in pressure to the specified 135 psi cut-out pressure. I figure the noise level goes hand-in-hand with the added power this compressor offers - power I think I need.
One-year warranty Automatic start/stop Overload protected, low amp draw Delivers 2.6 cfm at 125 psi Powerful 2 hp electric motor
found in AM700-HC4V's reviews: AM700 vs AM780 and M790 - Upon inspection the AM700 is clearly a consumer model compressor. The price is very good but I wouldn't expect the run time that we see with the am78 pump assemblies used on the AM780 and the M790's. It also requires more oil than the am78 pump, not to mention the cheezy air filter. Although as a consumer model I believe this unit is far superior to an oiless compressor.
One-year warranty Provides 8.6 SCFM at 40 PSI and 6.8 SCFM at 90 PSI High-flow regulator for more efficient operation of pneumatic tools Tank pressure is maintained between 110 and 135 PSI for more usable air High-pressure technology provides the equivalent of a 32-gallon air supply
found in CPL6025's reviews: Great Compressor for Average Woodworker - I held off on this review because a had to get a replacement. Amazon was very nice and understanding in making the replacement.