Replies

1. 
   RalphBarker | Oct 27, 2011 12:50pm | #1

   Versatility

   You might also consider a larger compressor for greater versatility. A 20-gallon Campbell Hausfeld, for example. Read the specs for those you are considering - CFM at a given PSI, max PSI, etc., and match that to your possible/probable uses.

2. 
   jfak7670 | Jan 23, 2020 11:55pm | #2

   Try a 20-gallon air compressor. I use one and quite pleased with its work. It’s durable, portable and very quiet, that even my wife noticed. Industrial Air IL1682066 hasn’t disappointed me yet.

3. 
   xylie6 | Jan 24, 2020 04:01am | #3

   I would check Sears, if they are close to you. I have had a craftsman compressor for about 10 years now, no complaints. If you catch them at the right time, you will find amazing deals right now. It seems they are cash strapped or something. Hope they make it, I can't imagine the world without Sears.

4. 
   _mj_ | Jan 24, 2020 07:15am | #4

   My 5 gal PC died last year so I did some digging..I wound up buying a Dewalt 6 gal. What pushed me there was a substantial noise reduction over the others in the pancake class.

5. 
   sclause | Jan 24, 2020 08:46am | #5

   Look at the noise ratings, you will be glad you did.

   I hate my Porter Cable pancake compressor because of the noise level. If you ever plan on getting a spray gun you may want enough capacity to run it.

6. 
   bilyo | Jan 24, 2020 11:56am | #6

   I am very pleased with my California Air 20 gal. It is pretty quiet and has enough capacity for some low volume spraying.

7. 
   chipsawdust | Jan 27, 2020 05:05pm | #7

   I've been curious about the California compressors. i sure could use a quiet compressor. My old Costco (don't know the real brand offhand) compressor hasn't died yet though after 20+ years of using, but otherwise ignoring, it. :)

8. 
   bilyo | Jan 28, 2020 11:40am | #8

   How something sounds is difficult to describe. There are decibel meters but, that is difficult to relate to. My CA compressor is in my carport and the two of us could stand next to it and have a conversation. It would still be annoying but, possible. If it were inside my small 20x16 shop, due to the reverberations, it would be plenty annoying. By comparison, before the CA, I had an old 4 gal compressor in the same spot in the carport. When it was running and you were in the house with the TV on, you might as well turn the TV off. The CA compressor is hardly noticed. Hope this helps.
   I have only had the CA for a short time. So. I can't speak to longevity. I can't see any reason why it shouldn't last as long as any other.
   BTW, I see other brands that advertise that they are "quiet". I don't know what that means exactly. One would have to compare decibel readings or experience a side by side comparison.

9. 
   DRBWWing | Jan 29, 2020 02:52pm | #9

   The PC pancake compressor is quite loud, for this reason not the best choice for shop use. I had a Husky compact compressor that was much better but alas, its lifespan was not very long.

   10-20 gallon compressors with induction motors are really not much more expensive. This is one case where I wouldn't be to averse to Harbor Freight. For a few bucks more I recommend the replacement policy on anything from HF with moving parts ;-)

   From what I've seen the CA compressors are a good way to go if noise is a priority. The portable compressors are competitively priced.

10. 
    user-6001446 | Jan 31, 2020 07:05am | #10

    I’ve also had good experience with California Air. If all you want to do is run a brad nailer and blow dust, they have a small hotdog, super light and amazingly quiet - stores easy below my outfeed/sometimes assembly table. I also have their 10 gal 2hp - 90-125 psi, with dual outlet connectors. That replaced a 20+ year old craftsman 30 gallon upright that was so loud as to be hazardous up close and bordering on unneighborly even down the street let alone next door. Loud, but reliable and hardy and a great value. Sadly, in my experience craftsman today is only a shadow of their heyday.

11. 
    rwmerryman | Jan 31, 2020 03:26pm | #11

    Check out the Eagle Silent Series air compressor. A 5.5 gal, 1.5 HP. Really quiet...49 db @ 2 feet. It will cost you more than a PC or Sears, but your hearing will benefit.