Hi to all
I am currently restoring/updating an old 1927 bungalow and will be doing some framing work but nothing like adding an addition or anything that big a project. So here is my question! Can the portercable oiless pancake compressor handle a framing nailer? There website says it can but I am looking to see if any of you have had experience with using this combo. My budget for tools is not big at this time but I do’nt want to waste money on something that wo’nt last. I ca’nt stay online right now but would appreciate any input you can give on my question. Thanks
Replies
The PC pancake will do very nicely for one gun. It, and all pancakes, have two inherent faults: noise, and they don't last as long as a oil-bath compressor. But with proper maintenance they will last many years.
Look for a package deal. I see Bostich pancakes in HD and Lowes with one or two nailers included, and the hoses and fittings.
This is not a chat forum, so it would not have mattered how long you stayed on line. Post and go on to something better, like the Tavern, then come back.
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
I agree, FastEddie, but i have to clarify one point. Your message implies that all pancakes are oil-less. They're not. In fact, I think Porter Cable makes an oil-bath pancake. Can't offer much insight regarding its quality. I did burn through two oilless pancakes over the course of two years doing significant framing. But i have friends who frame all the time and use oilless pancakes w/o significant burnout. Like you point out - a lot of it has to do with how well you maintain it. I certainly didn't take care of mine all that well.
Thanks for your input and it definitely helped in my descion to go for a oil filled compressor because who knows what I may end up doing to this place in the future as well as I would like to help out in the future with HABITAT in my area. So thanks
Bob
Like my dad told me when I was younger: "Always buy the best tool you can afford, it will pay for itself in the long run". I'm not saying you should go out and buy a two tank Emglo for whatever they are going for now, but consider that you may not be buying another for quite awhile. Get the one you think will suit your needs the best. I have many tools that cost me a pretty penny, but have had several of them for well past 10 years. By the way, my two tank Emglo is going on 13 years.
Chris M
You should be fine with an oiless pancake compressor. I've had a 6 gal. Stanley-Bostich for almost 20 years and it still runs like new.
A few months ago, I bought a little 1 gal. Campbell-Hausfeld to use for trimming out doors and windows and it's turned into a real "keeper". No more lugging my bigger compressor upstairs - or running a bunch of air hose.
In Oct., I took it along to rebuild about 10' of fence at my daughters house. It ran a framing nailer just fine - including nailing off the fence boards. It ran continuously, but didn't miss a beat.
I have a Task Force 1 gal. it's great for real small projects, like shoe mould ina bathroom after tile.
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
Eddie -
I'm really impressed with my little C-H compressor. It was on sale at the hardware store for $40 and I figured that I couldn't lose much if it was a clunker. I took it to my daughters house just to see if it could even run a framing nail gun and was totally surprised at how easily it handled it. When we nailed up the fenceboards, I held them in place while she shot them. We did 12 boards just as fast as I could get them in place.
I did have to go over it and tighten all the threaded fittings before it would get up to pressure, but that's all it took. It's become my "go-to" compressor for small trim out and casing jobs. I really hated lugging my "big" pancake compressor up the stairs to case out one door.
FWIW, the hardware store still has them, but they're $90 now - lol
I paid about $80. And I left it at daughters house to inflate bike tires etc.
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
porter cable rates there compressers differently it will work with one framer but it will run alot I would not buy one again ridgid makes a good one and the warrenty is alot better