PorterCable Compressor and Nailers

cFguy, I have the pancake compressor, Framing nailer, finish nailer and a staple gun. The compressor runs them all no problem. I have had all of the tools for 5 plus years, sporadic use and have encountered no problems with any of them. The compressor is LOUD so I built a cart for it, check it out .

-- Tim: Remember, if it doesn't say Binford, someone else made it.

At AWFS , Senco was selling a complete compressor for 80$ . I own two Porter nail guns, lots of repairs$$$ , never again-

I have the Porter Cable 150 PSI pancake compressor and the brad and finish nailor, narrow crown stapler, and full round head framer. After owning them for around two years with light to medium use, I had to have the compressor repaired due to the fact that it wouldn’t stop running when it reached the pressure cut off point. It cost me $100 to fix it, but they basically rebuilt the entire unit like new. As far as the guns are concerned, they have worked flawlwessly…never a problem, and I have recently driven over 2000 nails with my framing gun without a single jam or misfire.

-- David, South Windsor, CT "I love the smell of sawdust in the morning"

thanks for the info! Timbo thats a good idea to build a cabinet for it! i will check into that if it comes to it! i have a 80 gal compressor now but it runs on 230volts and its way too big for my garage and way too loud! so i have it at a friends barn/shop where i have my sandblast cabinet and do all my painting and welding.

so i guess its kinda 50/50 on the reliability? sometime you get a good one sometime you dont?

-- Justin, STL Missouri

I’ve got a PC compressor and 5 PC nailers (brad, pin, narrow crown, finish, and framing) and haven’t had a day’s complaint about any of it. It’s less than a year old and gets light-to-medium use, including inflating tires on the kids’ bikes, blowing up back yard balls, and blowing off dust. A lot.

It is loud, but I keep earplugs around my neck in the shop. It was only a real problem when installing a hardwood floor indoors. Kept scaring the kids & cats. Powered my Grizzly flooring stapler without complaint.

Bought mine at HD for a couple hundred on a holiday sale. The biggest change I’m going to make soon is to toss the hose it came with and get something more flexible.

If I were buying new, I’d take a hard look at the new Bosch nailers; haven’t used one or seen one in person, but they sure look nice on paper.

-- Bret, Colorado

Hi cFurnitureGuy
I’ve owned one for 8 years with no problems. As far as capability, as long as you aren’t gang running it will it keep up with even a framing nailer. My pancake goes out to job sites with me and it is loud. But I will say that the life of all compressors depends on maintenance and care of both guns and tank. While they now selling oil-less guns, older guns need regular lubrication. If you casually use your guns a drop of oil in them before use will keep them in good order. An air filter in line, will keep your guns supply clean and dry. With regard to your tank draining after use and cleaning your air filter will prolong its life. I still own my 35 year old oil compressor changing out the head gasket, oil, and changing/cleaning the air filter. It is also quiet compared to oilless versions. Hope my experience helps you with your decision. Good luck.

If you are using the PC for light duty it should serve you very well, I have one with several nail guns that I use for on site installations, for med – heavy duty work the tank is to small and will constantly cycle, I use a much larger unit in the shop. I have recently bought 2 Dewalt cordless nail guns a 16 and 18ga and they are heavier but a lot less hassle than my air powered tools, i prefer the cordless tools much more.

Hi cFurnitureGuy, Try Tyler Tool. I got mine , a Porter Cable outfit for under 200 new. No Complaints. Plus, they have great deals on factory reconditioned tools. Got myself a Dewalt 12” CMS Slider for under 500. They have great deals. Just depends on what you need.

-- Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy-May all your dovetails fit tight and right the first time

I was trying to decide on tools like this when I saw reviews on the new line of pneumatic tools by Bosch. After comparing features, I bought the Bosch. They are 20% smaller, 10% lighter, and 10% more powerful. For the compressor, I got the little Senco 1 gallon, 1/2 hp because it is the quietest and easiest to carry (only 20 lbs). It won’t handle framing nailers; but for the finishing and brad nailing it’s great.

Some of the reviews from the woodworking shows said that the design of the Bosch nailers will make obsolete all other brands.

Hope this helps.

-- Rich, Seattle, WA

Hi Justin

I work at Lowe’s a few days a week and we sell a lot of these Porter Cable units. The guys that buy them really seem to like them and I have never seen one come back yet. It is a little loud but a good way to get everything you need to get started. I have a Makita compressor and cannot say enough good about it. I did a tool review on it if you care to look. If you want a quite unit, this is the one to have. You have to buy the guns seperate. I prefer senco guns over Porter cable.Thanks for asking.

God Bless
tom

-- Mc Bridge Cabinets, Iowa

I’ve got the nail guns.. Framing/finsih/brad nailers. No issues with any. The framing nailer has been through hell and back. No problems. And, PC sells a refub kit which is actually a bunch of o-rings and misc parts to rebuild the nailer when it wears out. They all wear out eventually so the refurb kit is a nice touch.

-- The smell of wood, coffee in the cup, the wife let's me do my thing, the lake is peaceful. http://web.me.com/deceiver6/Deceiver/Craftsman_on_the_lake/Craftsman_on_the_lake.html

thanks again for all the advice! i will have to look into some of the different suggestions and see what i can workout and afford!
i really like the idea of the cordless guns but i like having the option of air for other things around the shop as well… ie cleaning dust !

-- Justin, STL Missouri