Porter-Cable C1010 Heavy-Duty 1-Gallon 135 PSI Max Quiet Trim Compressor

I bought one of these to replace a Campbell-Hausfield compressor I've used for home projects over the past 20 years. My C-H was still viable, barely, but lacked some pretty basic elements that have made using it increasingly questionable (no pressure gauge, a crude output pressure regular which doubles as the tank drain, no automatic cut in/cut out). With another project coming up, I decided it was probably past time for a change and so began looking. I was very tempted by the very favorable reviews for the big brother of this one, the Porter-Cable C2002-WK, a pancake compressor that was just a bit too big for my needs, not to mention 10 pounds heavier and $60 more. The fact that Amazon had this one priced for $80 on Cyber Monday sealed the deal. It is very easy to use, although as many have noted, make sure you perform the 15 minute break-in by running it with the tank drain open before you pressure it up for the first time. The drain is a levered ball valve on the underside of the tank that is positioned so that when you lift the front of the unit to reach it, the valve opening will be on the tank's lowest point. The factory settings have the pump cut in when pressure is less than 120 psi and cut out when it reaches 135, which has worked flawlessly on my unit (there is a spring-loaded emergency pressure relief valve should the cut out fail for some reason). A knob allows you to set the output pressure level to match the pressure need of your device, although with a 1 gallon tank it can't be anything that requires a lot of air flow other than in bursts. A quick connect is pre-installed for common 1/4" NPT coupler plugs. For me the big attraction was the low profile for the 18" shelf in my garage and the low volume level (it's still a bit noisy, but well below ear plug levels; i.e., you can work along side it). I've set it up with a 30' air hose and tire inflator to have it always ready for that particular need. Otherwise, the compact form factor is well-suited for hauling it to where it's needed, and it is more than potent enough for my brad and staple guns, although a professional might prefer a unit with a bigger tank so as to drive more nails per minute.

I just bought this compressor and sold my 6 gallon compressor. This unit is fairly quiet (acceptable), I have owned small compressors for 3 years now and mainly do trim work, and drywall texturing with these units. I bought this unit for installing a hard wood floor using a Bostitch pnuematic floor stapler and corner round around base. This worked great, it recharged up fairly quick and feels like it is built to last. I know how well Porter Cable tools and compressors hold up and think this is going to be a keeper. Smaller compressors do work a little harder because of the size of the tank, but they haven't let me down yet and I am impressed by how much better they get each year.

I ordered one because I am tired of lugging my twin tank Porter Cable around when I want to do small jobs around the house. My twin tank weighs at least 60-70 pounds so it stays in the garage most of the time and I loathe moving it around. I'll normally roll a hose through the house to the job which is a big pain. Great compressor that I have owned for almost 10 years but it is just too big to move around and setup. Also too noisy for indoor use. Also cannot use any old extension cord with it which limits its flexibility.

So, hopefully this one will work for those small jobs. I considered those CO2 tanks with the regulator but that seemed a pain with the bottles and the cost was about the same as this little compressor.

Only question I have is who makes the darn thing? DeWalt's version looks identical but painted yellow. Same or similar specs. DeWalt's has EMGLO printed boldly on the front. Emglo is owned by Stanley Black & Decker.

EDIT: 2/4/2012
Well, I've used it and I like it. Very portable and easily runs trim guns. It does run a bit more when you are driving longer and bigger nails but still handled everything I have thrown at it. It is quiet but in a confined space, you still might want to wear some ear plugs. Only gripes I have are the power cord is too short (just like my twin tank Porter Cable) and the little power cord keeper wraparounds get it the way and snag the air hose.

EDIT: 2/19/2012
OK - have used this extensively in my kitchen for some cabinet and trim work. Works fine except that darn hose regulator leaks just like several others have reported. Even when it doesn't leak, it is hard to dial the right pressure. It seems you have to fiddle with it to get it where you want it, then of course, you don't know if it will stay on that pressure. My twin tank Porter Cable regulator works flawlessly and has for almost 10 years now. I guess you get what you pay for but now I am considering returning this to Amazon for another one or maybe going with the Senco. I like everything about this PC unit, but can't live with a balky hose regulator. Knocked off 3 stars.

EDIT: 3/17/2103
I used this a lot last year with a room expansion. Fought the regulator constantly. Don't use it now - going to take it and see if they can replace the regulator under warranty. If anyone knows an inexpensive fix, please post as a COMMENT. I like the size and weight - the regulator is a POS and ruins the compressor.