When you need to have a high powered portable air compressor, your options are rather limited. Most portable air compressors either have low air flows or small storage tanks which require the compressor to constantly run. The Bostitch 3 tool compressor combo kit offers you a complete solution for your next project so your problems are solved. Not only do you receive a large 6 gallon pancake compressor, but you’ll also receive a crown stapler, a straight finish nailer, and a brad nailer all for a price that is less than what some portable air compressors cost.
For the purpose of this review, we’re going to look at the performance of the pancake compressor on its own.
The Features of This Bostitich 6 Gallon Pancake Compressor
If you’ve used a pancake compressor before, then you know how ridiculously loud they can be. This is because most of these compressors have a big motor, a big pump, and have an oil-less design. Let’s face it – that’s what makes this type of compressor so attractive to own since it provides a good air flow and PSI in a small package. This Bostitich compressor features these as well, but it operates at 80 dB. That’s still loud, but not at a level where hearing damage can result if someone is nearby without hearing protection.
Here are some of the other features to think about when looking at this compressor and combo kit as your potential all-in-one solution.
- You receive a 15 foot PVC air hose with fittings inside the box. The hose is 0.25 in size so your air tools can receive the proper air flow. If you attach a blow gun to this unit, it will work pretty effectively as well.
- It has an impact-resistant composite shroud. If you set this compressor down a little harder than you meant to, you won’t need to worry about damaging your tank, gauges, or controls.
- It is ridiculously easy to start this compressor. The high efficiency motor is easy to get started. You won’t be wasting valuable work time as you struggle to get this compressor to begin filling up.
If you do a lot of trim, finish, and interior work, then we believe you’ll have a positive experience with this product. It let us cut down our completion times by about 10% per project when we put it to use.
Things to Consider Before Purchase
Although the Bostitch compressor is oil-less, the tools that come with this combo kit require oil. You’ll need to have some on hand if you plan to use the tools because they need to be lubricated after every use.
There are several negative reviews about this compressor because it has a “leak” or “hiss” when operating. We discovered that users were leaving their drainage valve slightly open causing this to happen. Just make sure it’s closed and you’ll have a positive experience with this compressor.
Not many products today offer a great value proposition and then follow through to meet or exceed your expectations. The Bostitch 3 tool compressor combo kit did just that. It’s a little loud for an enclosed environment and it can pick up a little more moisture to drain out than some other compressors, but overall we think you’ll love this little compressor as much as we did.
