1 Gallon Air Compressor Shoot Out

I test head to head trim carpenter air compressors from Makita, Senco, and California Air Tools. These little compressors are light weight and quiet. Perfect for working inside the house when handling case/base, molding, and stapling. Also these machine would work well for airbrushing hobbies.
0:00 Quiet Air Compressors
1:36 Senco
2:47 CAT
4:07 Makita
5:16 Testing them out
6:56 Ranking

[matthewkleinmann]

A few years ago I really wanted one of the paslode framing nail guns, but I was put off by two things. The initial price and the price of the consumables, and to some extent, being married to one vendor for all of it.

I came up with my own solution that I don't recommend unless you know what you are doing, but it works well for me and I love it. I got a 20 pound dip tube CO2 tank from my local welding shop, and I got a paintball tank filler from eBay. I got a CGA 320 adapter for the paintball tank, and a regulator for it. I put a regular quick connect air fitting on the output of the regulator.

I can charge up the paintball tank at home. I can drive about 8 racks of framing nails with my old blue HF 21 degree nail gun. I can shoot brads and staples all day. The set up makes no noise and takes no time to recharge. Last time I had the big tank refilled it was under $35. And the portable tank/regulator only weighs a couple of pounds. And as an added bonus, I can use other tools with it. I had one instance where I needed to blow something out and I could not make noise. It was a big waste of gas but it was easy to do and I did not have to run 100 feet of hose to a compressor outside.

I am not a pro so I did not put any emphasis on armoring it but it would not take much to make a wooden box for it or it might even fit in an old toolbox with some foam..

[pokeba]

Thank very much. I don't know there are such small and quiet air compressors. I ordered a Makita after watching your video yesterday and just received it. The compressor is really quiet and SSSSmall. Perfect for my nail guns. Thanks very much.

[FirstSuiGeneris]

_I just bought the Makita compressor this morning before watching your vlog about it. I was a little hesitant because of the price, looked at other brands, but kept coming back to the Makita for the quality known and the full roll cage around the components. That whats really sold me on it._

[californiaairtools]

DIYMARK, Great Video and demonstration. At California Air Tools we offer 2 Models of the .6 Hp Ultra Quiet Air Compressor. The CAT-1P1060S (the model you reviewed) and the CAT-1P1060SP. The 1P1060SP has a panel and roll cage that compares to the Makita air compressor you reviewed, The 1P1060SP retails for $125-$145.

[AFoulOdor]

There is an SP model of the California Air that has a cage and panel more similar to the other 2. It is still less expensive than the others and addresses at least 2 of the issues mentioned. I cannot speak to the center of gravity for that model.

It is basically the exact same compressor but designed for the use case you have in mind for these tests.

[Commut]

The Makita is my "house" compressor for dusting and minor chores. I've many years industrial and military equipment background and own much larger compressors, but the Makita is ideal for a convenient home gamer utility compressor.

[lemmegetone]

Good test thanks for the research. I went with a metabo 1 gallon and am
Pretty happy with it

[MurrayCallaghan]

My small portable crapped out yesterday. Appreciate the review

[fedguy]

May want to check out the Fortress ultra quiet 1 gal. I think it is on par with Mikita but quite. I have the 2 gal version for air brush and small nailers. I can get about 10 shots from my framing nailer in a pinch doing diy projects. I’m very happy with it

[mbj]

Great video! It would be interesting to see how the DEWALT D55140 1 Gal. Portable Electric Trim Air Compressor compares since given Dewalt's marketing reach it is one of the most popular in this class.

For more air at about the same footprint, price, weight, and dB the PORTER CABLE CMB15 and Chicago Pneumatic HCP-1116 are compact 1.6 gallon models that are worth a look. They advertise 2.0 CFM @ 90 psi (briefly) vs 0.75 CFM for the 1-gallon models. I've had the Porter Cable for 6 years but use it mainly for car tires and light blowing. That said, more isn't always better and the Makita you reviewed looks more "contractor grade".

BTW - I noticed the little water and oil separator on your working compressor and bought one. Thanks again.

[horacesawyer]

Seems like a fair comparison of the units. Good job.

[pinoysiaki]

thank you... it will help me in my decision process.

[rencleavus]

I've had my DeWalt 1-gallon now for over 15 years and only one glitch - the switch melted. Got an off-the-shelf switch at my local hardware store and fixed it myself. It runs just as quietly as those 3 units and is actually a more compact design.

[rpproductions]

Sounds like Tim Cook introducing a new iPhone

[jimmyf.x.]

Thanks for helping me make a decision.

[wplusr]

wow. thank you for the review. i was doing my own research and narrowed it down to these 3 air compressors. i wanted something quieter than my portal-cable. i might go with the mikita because that's the only brand i'm familiar with.

[Tardisius]

I bought 2 CATs @ $87.00 each. One for indoor air brushing and the other is in the garage with an 8 gal. Kobalt extra tank attached. =)

[ModularIsl]

would it be smart to box one and soundproof the box if youre working inside an apartment where any noise is noticeable? I really like bare minimum footprints

[emotionalfish]

Bought the Makita, thanks for the vid

[timlovejoy]

My bet is the Makita will outlast the others as well. I am still using 32 year old makita cordless drills.