Customer Reviews
A Nice Little Compressor 
2008-05-02
The Porter Cable Pancake Compressor is nice little compressor to have around the house. It's handy for keeping tires inflated to the correct pressure and having compressed air for blowing off the top of the work bench etc. The accessories aren't anything to get excited about but they will get you started. The hose that comes with the compressor is the stiff plastic type and not a nice rubber hose so it's a hard to roll up to keep out of the way. The write up states that the accessory pack is a $29.99 value, I'd rather have the money to purchase some better quality accessories.
Great deal 
2008-04-11
I'm a framer and carpenter with a 4 man crew. We run 2 framing nailers off this compressor every day.
It's bulletproof, very well made, liteweight and has a great refill time.
Air compressor 2008-03-06
Was using a one gallon Campbell Haus compressor. It was incredibly loud and didn't hold much air. Using it for filling car and atv tires. Wanted more air capacity and quiter use. This Porter Cable six gallon is far better and quieter too. The extra accessories included with the WK version is less expensive than the standard C2002. Very nice unit and well built. Meets all my needs and runs less often due to the 6 gallon tank. Delivered on time as promised by Amazon. Well done!
Great for the garage 2008-02-29
I was actually looking for one of those 12 volt dc compressors that plugs into the accessories outlet of the car, but my auto mechanic-brother-in-law recommended that I go with a pancake compressor. I'm glad I took his advise. It's great for keeping the tires on our cars properly inflated, blowing the dust out of air filters and tools, and even cleaning the empty mouse nest out the engine of the garden tractor.
I was originally worried that it might take up too much space in the garage but it's very compact, light, and highly mobile. Great price, too. No post-purchase regrets.
For home use, it fits the bill 2008-02-13
Highly portable. Light weight. We fill car, truck, rv tires and do everything else with it. We love it. Lots better than the old huge clunker compressors. Lots better than the little "toy" compressors too.
PC Pancake Compressor C2002-WK 2008-07-23
This small pancake compressor appeals because it is light weight, well balanced, easy to carry, reasonably quiet, and pumps the tank up to 150 psi. The ease of portability makes it enjoyable to carry about for use from one floor to another. The 150 psi means that the motor and compressor will not have to run as often. There are two air outlets for convenience; the two air pressure gauges are neatly arranged, located, and protected by the design of the cover. And the soft-start motor means that the unit will easily run off normal household circuits. This is a good tool.
It works perfectly 2008-07-19
The air compressor works perfectly and does all the jobs that I purchased it for. I am very happy with this purchase
Great product, great transaction! 2008-07-03
This Porter-Cable Pancake Compressor is a great buy. My cousin purchased one a few years ago and it has helped him totally refurbish his summer home, with ease! I went on his recommendation of this unit, and couldn't be happier! I ordered it, and it was received within a week.
Wife's reaction alone earns five stars 2008-07-02
When this product arrived and I unpacked the item, I received the typical icy stare from the wife. It was immediately followed by the comment, "Uh what the he!l is this thing?"
That alone is worth 5 stars since I know the sight of this thing will keep her miles away from my garage.
Great compressor, but know what it's good for 1st, then buy it 2008-05-14
My background: I am a General Contractor/Finish Carpenter, 20yrs in the business. Some of the tool reviews I see are flawed based on perception; "this or that tool doesn't do everything I hoped it would" - regardless of the tool designer's intention. Granted, there are some crappy, poorly designed tools out there, and it's good to have feedback to prevent buying mistakes.
That said, be honest with yourself, what do you need this compressor to do?
Here is what this compressor isn't good for:
(1) Running as the primary compressor for your rough framing gun for production work. Not just because it won't keep up, but also that it will not last as long as an oiled compressor under those conditions.
(2) Running an air-chisel/chipper gun or other large air consumption tool; it will not provide enough CFM at pressure.
(3) Throw-N-Go; yes it's light enough to toss in the back of your truck with ease, but if you don't secure it - expect a lumpy red bowling ball rolling around on the first quick turn/panic stop. (Note: it's stable standing still/won't fall over when bumped)
(4) For homeowners, the hose and accessory kit is adequate, nothing more, nothing less. If you contract, you already know it's not the reason you are buying this compressor.
Here is what it is great for:
(1) The best reason of all - lightweight (34 lbs.) but still has punch. You will actually use this w/o hesitation because of weight. Great for running up stairs. Easy to set down on a moving pad w/o too much worry about denting finished flooring. Easy to move through doorways/prevent damaged jambs. No oily residue around motor. Start-up is circuit breaker friendly. Small footprint/low profile, (a real asset when carrying so many tools).
(2) Great for running finish guns. They don't have high CFM requirements, so why keep carrying around the 60lb+ compressor?
(3) Basic everyday homeowner needs; tire inflation, blowing off dusty workbench, filter cleaning, etc. This compressor is perfect for you. Buy it, you will have no regrets.
(4) The higher/150psi is good for the occasional "kick" for some harder wood. (most top out at 120-135psi) Just be sure to dial it back down afterward to save the nailgun seals.
(5) Higher pressure allows for the 120 psi cut-in/restart. This means more useable air pressure for the nailgun; decrease in the last 2 or 3 shots not countersank by the gun because of low pressure/waiting for the compressor to kick in. When it drops to 120 psi, it restarts. Most other compressors in this class max out/shut off at 120 psi.
(6) Larger tank, (6 gallon), and higher CFM @ 90psi than most other compressors in this class.
(7) More durable and it has features that make sense, (2 hose couplers, a new handle design lets you run a cable to lock it up at the jobsite). It's better designed than most other small compressors.
There's a reason you see this compressor so often on a finish carpenter's rig - great bang-for-the-buck and it works well. If your expectations are realistic, it will last too. As far as the comments I see about it being loud, it's not any louder than other compressors of similar capacity, and actually quieter than some of the rest.
I use the DeWalt D55155 for my intermediate/remodel compressor. It's an absolutely great multi-gun/moderate rough framing compressor, but just too heavy to carry for those days of just finish work. Construction is hard enough on us as it is. Buy your tools accordingly.
The bottom line is this:
Be honest in your tool expectations. I highly recommend this compressor but only for small to med CFM use/finish carpentry work, and some incidental/on-the-spot rough framing (e.g. correcting bad framing for finish work, NOT production rough framing). For construction with higher CFM needs, buy this as your second compressor, not primary.
If you only have basic, small business/homeowner needs, buy it with confidence in your decision. (For the record, I own and use this as one of my on-the-job compressors)
For those new to the construction business/or tool buying, I hope this helps.
For the other contractors, sorry if it sounds like preaching the obvious. Just trying to help the newbies.
- Spread the love -
Also Note: Before starting, be sure to follow the break-in procedure to-the-letter. Since it is an oil-less motor, it will make a difference in how long this compressor lasts, and save you from some unnecessary grief.
