Getting a suitable air compressor for your framing crew is an integral part of the construction. Unfortunately, there are many air compressors in the market right now, making it difficult for you to choose the best. This article lists air compressors that we recommend, an air compressor buying guide. Lastly, some frequently asked questions that you also might have about buying one.
We recommend the Craftsman 6-gallon portable electric pancake air compressor out of the seven below. Read more to know why!
Here are our top 7 air compressor recommendations:
1. Craftsman cmec6150 6-gallon air compressor
The craftsman cmec61150 6-gallon air compressor has an exceptional in-built tank. This makes it durable and stable, the two qualities you want in your air compressor.
Also, Read – Best quiet air compressor
You will not have to spend on the maintenance as much as it has an oil-free pump. In addition, it is lightweight, which makes it easier to move around and work with.
Price: $137.74
Key Specifications:
- Capacity: 6 gallons
- Power: 0.9 HP
- Weight: 32.5 pounds
- Voltage: 120V
Pros:
- Materials are all high quality
- Starts easily in cold weather
- Light-weight for easy handling
Cons:
- Sometimes the safety valve leaks
2. Porter-Cable C2002-WK Oil-Free UMC Pancake Compressor
The Porter-Cable Pancake Compressor has an air pressure of 150 PSI, making the air tool performance longer and smoother. It has unique rubber feet and a water drain valve. In addition, it has a provision for you to replace its motor’s brushes to expand its lifespan.
Price: $118.75
Key Specifications:
- Capacity: 6 gallons
- Power: 120 V
- Weight: 34 pounds
- Voltage: 150 PSI
Pros:
- A pancake-styled tank
- Oil-free pump
- Easy to start in cold weather
Cons:
- Can get a bit noisy
3. Bostitch btfp02012 6 gallon pancake compressor
The Bostitch pancake compressor ensures optimum effectiveness as it has an in-built dynamic motor. It is easy to turn on the motor even in freezing weather. It has a long runtime and a shorter recovery period as it operates on 150 PSI.
Price: $131.80
Key Specifications:
- Capacity: 6 gallons
- Maximum pressure: 150 PSI
- Weight: 31 pounds
- Noise level: 78.5 dba
Pros:
- Has a dynamic motor
- Oil-free pump
- Airflow regulator
Cons:
- Sometimes it can get too loud
4. California air tools 8010 ultra-quiet air compressor
The California air tools air compressor is one of the quietest machines with its 60 dba noise level. Its motor of 1 horsepower works at 1680 RPM, allowing it to operate at a lower noise level. In addition, the motor’s pump life cycle is 3000 hours, and you will not need to do maintenance on it for a very long time, saving you money as well.
Price: $214.37
Key Specifications:
- Capacity: 8 gallons
- Power: 1HP
- Weight: 48 pounds
- Voltage: 110V
Pros:
- Oil-free pump
- Light-weight design
- Low noise at just 60 dba
Cons:
- Motor can become hot at times
5. Bostitch btfp 3-kit air compressor
The Bostitch air compressor is the best at efficiency and effectiveness in the market. Its dynamic motor has an airspeed of 2.3 SCFM at 90PSI, making it the most effective machine. In addition, the framing nailer that comes along with this air compressor makes it perfect for multiple purposes.
Price: $336.09
Key Specifications:
- Capacity: 6 gallons
- Pressure: 150 PSI
- Hose length: 15 feet
- Weight: 41.8 pounds
Pros:
- High-efficiency motor
- Can use it for multiple purposes
- Oil-free pump
Cons:
- Inconsistent pressure
6. Senco pc1010 air compressor
The Senco air compressor is perfect for any light work. The tank’s capacity is 1 gallon, but the motor runs at 1HP at the climax. This air compressor can be used in residential areas without any worry as it is ultra-quiet. It also has an oil-free pump making maintenance an effortless task.
Price: $138.99
Key Specifications:
- Capacity: 1 gallon
- Power: 1HP
- Weight: 20 pounds
- Voltage: 115V
Pros:
- 1HP motor
- Extremely light-weight design
- 44 drives per minute delivery
Cons:
- Recharging the batteries can take time
7. Dewalt dwfp55126 6-gallon 165 psi pancake compressor
The Dewalt pancake compressor has luxurious features that make it stand out from the others like it in the market. The tank capacity of this air compressor is 6 gallons, giving you complete control over your projects. On top of it all, it is lightweight. This makes it easy to maneuver while working on big projects.
Price: $179.00
Key Specifications:
- Capacity: 6 gallons
- Max Pressure: 165 PSI
- Weight: 32.1 pounds
- Voltage: 120V
Pros:
- Low-noise operations
- Is lightweight and compact
- Has universal couplers
Cons:
- Sometimes the pressure is not consistent
Key Factors to pick the Best Air Compressor for Framing Crew
1. CFM and PSI ratings
The CFM and PSI decide how well your compressor can function.
Since you will be using different air tools, the first step is to check what CFM your gun is and make up your mind accordingly. Once you determine that, you need to check that your air compressor should produce more CFM than the tools.
Also, Read – Best air compressor for hvlp painting
Keep in mind not to buy one with the same CFM as the framing nail gun. This is very important, as any mistakes here will mess up your job.
2. Tank Size
For framing crews you need continuous air flowing into the air compressor. This means that your air compressor will use up more air. For this purpose, you need one with a large tank size. Large tank sizes should mean large enough not to interrupt your work again and again while you paint. Even if you have a small tank, ensure a quick recovery time.
Go in for at least an 8-gllon tank space.
3. Portability and Weight
The product’s portability is tied with its weight. If a compressor is heavy, then you cannot transport it easily. If you are undertaking a project that requires a lot of moving around, you will have to take your compressor everywhere.
Getting a compressor with easy portability or less weight is a prerogative.
What Size of Air Compressor Do You Need for the Framing Crew?
The size of the compressor entirely depends upon your own needs. We recommend that you check the size and air pressure that your air tool requires before coming to a decision. All the products mentioned above are good in terms of sizes, so take your pick once you have determined the air pressure and airspeed you need.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
All of the products in this guide are great choices, so you can use your comparison methods to compare and review the products, and pick one that suits you. Our recommendation is Craftsman cmec6150 6-gallon air compressor due to the various perks it comes with.
Yes, you can. Battery-powered air compressors are available in the market, and are trendy. But, performance-wise they cannot beat lithium-ion battery powered compressors.
Yes, draining the framing air compressor after every use is ideal because it prevents the machine from clogging up or rust due to the remaining moisture.
A good framing nailer will need at least 2.2 CFM. Keep this in mind while you decide on the optimum air compressor to buy. Since framing nailers need more air, they have a bigger CFM requirement.
Yes, they are absolutely essential. Pressure gauges and regulators allow you to control the airflow in the machine. There are different air pressure requirements for different air tools and pressure gauges help you check and meet these requirements.
Wrapping Up
While picking a compressor, you will need to focus on the specifications of the compressor, as well as the air tools you use and the CFM and PSI ratings of your chosen model. As mentioned earlier, our top pick for a good framing nailer compressor is the Craftsman cmec6150 6-gallon air compressor. Selecting a proper air compressor for your needs is challenging, but we hope that our guide gave you some answers and clarity.