We’re no longer in the days when traditional hammers did the most framing job in a construction site. Nowadays framing crews can use power tools such as impact wrenches and nail guns to get work done faster.
But these tools require compressed air to work, which is why it’s important to invest in the best air compressor for framing crews.
To be clear, the best air compressor for framing crew is the one that makes it easy for your construction team to get their job done with much precision.
With constant supply of airflow at the right PSI, while working quietly at a noise level as low as 65 dB, the best air compressor can get even the most complicated framing job done fast.
In this guide, we take a look at some of the most versatile air compressors that you might want to consider if you’re looking for a model to bring to a construction site.
If you’re in a hurry and just want to know what the best recommendations are, here’s the list of the ones we picked:
- Makita MAC5200 Air Compressor
- California Air Tools CAT-4610AC Ultra Quiet Air Compressor
- BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor
- Makita MAC2400 Big Bore 2.5 HP Air Compressor
But if you need more information, keep reading to learn more about these air compressors.
Best Air Compressor for Framing Crew
1. Makita MAC5200 Air Compressor
Makita MAC5200 Air Compressor features 29 x 19.5 x 19 inches a teal cast-iron cylinder that doesn’t pack so much weight. You can actually move it from one place to another because it only weighs 75 pounds.
This air compressor is an ideal recommendation for a framing crew because it features a 3.0 HP horsepower motor that can generate 6.5 CFM at 90 PSI for added productivity.
It has an automatic air filter that records that much airflow and its oil lubricated pump ensures the unit produces heat at a low level. Its tank can accumulate up 5.2 gallons to keep up with an operating pressure of up to 140 IPS.
Makita MAC5200 air compressor operates at a low voltage of 120V/13.8 Amps and 1800 watts. It comes with a 50 feet air hose with an upright handle folder.
Makita includes a thermal overload protector in the air compressor to keep you safe.
As good as Makita MAC5200 air compressor is, the brand doesn’t engineer it well when it comes to noise production. The noise rating is at 90 dB. That’s equal to the noise level coming from a subway or shouted conversation, which can be quite harmful.
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Pros
- Made of cast iron for strength and durability
- The machine operates in low voltage
- Makita MAC5200 is easily portable
Cons
- It’s expensive
2. California Air Tools CAT-4610AC Air Compressor
California Air Tools CAT-4610AC is a perfect blend of power and efficiency, a unit that makes every framing job easy to complete with much precision.
California Air Tools CAT-4610AC is a durable air compressor because it operates at an RPM as low as 1,680. Often, a lower RMP means minimal wearing of the compressor parts, so you should expect the unit to last longer.
Guaranteeing more than 3,000+ hours of service, we can expect California Air Tools CAT-4610AC to last longer than some units in the same price range.
CAT-4610AC features a tank that can hold up to 4.6 gallons of oil to handle operation pressure. And it has an automatic air filter that delivers an airflow capacity of 3.10 CFM at 40 PSI.
When you increase the pressure of the compressor to 90 PSI, the CFM drops to about 2.20.
Unlike Makita MAC5200 Air Compressor, California Air Tools CAT-4610AC doesn’t make noise when it’s in use. With the noise rating as low as 60 dB, this has to be the most silent air compressor you’ll ever come across.
California Air Tools CAT-4610AC doesn’t pack too much weight. The brand has trimmed down the weight of the model to as low as possible. Even the box like structure makes it easy to carry from place to place.
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Pros
- It operates quietly and is therefore environmental friendly
- Rust free thanks to the aluminum construction
- Lightweight and easily portable
Cons
- It’s pricey
3. BOSTITCH BTFP02012 Pancake Air Compressor
BOSTITCH BTFP02012 is one of the best-selling air compressors for framing crew, with over 3,000 DIYers lauding it for being a well built and performance efficient unit. Being an oil free air compressor, BOSTITCH BTFP02012 doesn’t require a lot in terms of maintenance.
The 0.8 HP motor built into this unit isn’t the most powerful that we’ve seen from BOSTITCH, but it isn’t disappointing either. Given its power rating, the motor guarantees an airflow capacity of 2.6 CFM at 90 PSI, which is fine for longer working hours.
Some air compressors depend on seasons to function. For what it’s worth, they work so well in the times when the weather seems favorable but fall completely flat during cold seasons.
It’s not so with BOSTITCH BTFP02012, as it starts up fast in warm as well as cold weather conditions.
This model is one of the most lightweight pancake air compressors in the market. At 31 pounds, even someone without toned muscles can easily move it from one framing space to another.
BOSTITCH has tried and failed to optimize this model for reasonable noise level or has been reluctant to look into the same. As it stands, the noise level is at 78.5 dB, which makes this unit unsuitable for a framing crew that prefers low noise.
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Pros
- Includes a coupler and high flow regulator to boost performance
- It’s easy to setup and use
- Ideal for powering a number of air tools, including impact wrenches and nail guns
Cons
- Makes a loud noise when it’s in use
4. Makita MAC2400 Big Bore 2.5 HP Air Compressor
Makita MAC2400 is the air compressor to go for if you need a combination of better performance and portability.
To begin with, Makita uses the same cast iron to design this model, which means you’re getting a high quality until that you and your team can use for long. Cast iron isn’t just tough and heavy-duty. It also ensures proper distribution of heat for optimal performance.
Makita MAC2400 comes with two-stacked 4.2 gallon and it features a 4-pole 4.2 HP motor that motor that operates on a power of 130 IPS but delivers power between 40 IPS to 90 PSI.
It even includes a large piston that gives it the CMF boost necessary for easy and efficient operation.
Even the pump is made of cast iron, which apparently offers a prompt recovery time whenever there’s a need for frequent air supply.
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Pros
- It has a lower RPM of 1,730
- The model includes a quick piston recovery time
- It’s oil free and therefore easy to maintain
- Running a number of nails is possible with Makita MAC2400 since it has enough power.
- Makita MAC4200 has pump that is lubricated with oil.
- The oil-cooled pump induces cool temperature so the machine does not heat and over consume fuel.
Cons
- At 80 dB, the noise level of this unit is quite high
Now that you know what the best compressors for framing crews are, you shouldn’t have a difficult time choosing a model to bring to a construction site.
All these compressor provide the sufficient compressed air necessary to power a variety of tools to get your work done with utmost precision.
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