7 Best Air Compressors For Framing Crew & Nailer

An air compressor is of great importance to deal with a number of woodworking tools. As a woodworker, you must have a lot to deal with framing, finishing, and joining tasks. And to make your tools work at their best, you need a best-suited compressor to make them work the right way. 

CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150k is our top pick for the best air compressor for framing crew. We have already covered some extra miles to test it thoroughly in our projects. Choose it unhesitatingly if you don’t have leisure time to go through the whole article!

At times it gets harder to choose the right tool among a myriad of available products in the market. So, we have tried to eliminate your efforts to do rigorous market research. In this article, we’ll walk you through our list of the best air compressor for framing crew. 

You don’t need to be hesitant while choosing from these compressors. Most of the reviews are based on our personal experience and the rest on authentic user reviews. 

What Type of Compressor Is Best For Framing Nailer

You’ll find different types of compressors available in the market. They all differ in features and performance they offer. The pancake and capsule-shaped compressors are more preferred. 

There are other factors to look for as well such as PSI, CFM, and other significant features that you can get a better idea about after looking through our buying guide. So, stick with us until the end to make your purchase of the best framing compressor butter smooth!

Best Air Compressor For Framing Crew

Following are our best picks and their reviews. We hope it helps you a lot in finding the best compressor for your type of work.

1. CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K Air Compressor For Framing – Overall Best

CMEC15K is USA manufactured compressor with global materials that make it highly durable. It gives excellent durability. With this low-maintenance oil-free compressor, you won’t have to worry about the maintenance cost because it can deliver non-stop for years. 

The 32.5 pounds compressor runs on 120 Volt power. It can be easily stored in your compact garage space. The fact that it comes with no tires can give you a hard time transporting it from a job site to the other. 

This compressor kit comes with 13 piece accessories set with one year warranty. The kit is a great value to the money that you can get possession of to attach with your framing nailer. 

2. Makita MAC2400 2.5 HP Big Bore Air Compressor For Framing Gun

Makita MAC2400 has a twin-stacked tank that manages to maintain an operating pressure of 130 PSI. It maintains delivering 40 PSI and 90 PSI to easily deal with two nailers at a time.

Its low AMP drainage avoids breaker tripping and voltage drop that can possibly cause motor failure. Its industrial power delivery makes it the best air compressor for framing crew. 

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With this machine, you won’t have to worry about keeping the maintenance track because that hassle can be handled by the oil sight. It will indicate when maintenance is required. 

The roll bar handle is another perk of the pump construction that offers high protection and portability. You can use it even in a harsh job site environment without any hesitation. 

Apart from all the useful features, the one downside of the machine construction that I noticed is that the oil tank is constructed so close to the oil site window. Whenever there’s a need of removing the oil tank, the wrench hits the oil glass. 

Overall, it’s a durable and sturdy machine that delivers high performance for various tasks. It is worth to be added to your workshop. 

3. DEWALT D55140 135-PSI Max Portable Air Compressor

The noise level is as less as 69 dBA which enables you to work in a quiet environment without getting to hear any bothering noises. 

The maintenance of the devices is easy with its oil-free operation of the air compression. It comes with no hassle of change the pump and filling oil in the compressor after every while. 

DEWALT’s power tools lack nowhere in the performance. The same is the case with this model, it offers great execution to enable your air tools to deal with multiple indoor as well as construction jobs. 

This cast-iron constructed compressor comes with one year warranty. The rolling cage of this 24 pounds compressor makes it easier to be dragged around the workspace. You can even transport it to multiple job sites effortlessly.

One issue you might face with this machine is the hose fitting. It can give you some hard time with the fitting. And even when it fits, you may face some air leakage. So, I’ll suggest getting the perfect-sized hose for your compressor separately;y. 

All-inclusive, it’s the best framing compressor that can make your framing jobs butter smooth! 

4. BOSTITCH BTFP02012 150 PSI Oil-Free Pancake Air Compressor

The maintenance-free and oil-free pump adds to the convenience of use and portability of the compressor. Moreover, the pump gives a long run time and quick recovery of the compressor. 

BTFP02012 is an oil-free compressor, that has a high flow regulator along with two universal couplers that provide a maximized tool performance. The two couplers can handle two users at a time. 

With 15.2m cord is long enough to easily reach the corners of your workshop. It eliminates your extra efforts of dragging the compressor here and there. 

Its portability, low noise production, and low maintenance, all together make it the best air compressor for framing gun and other applications.

One downfall of the machine that most users face is the accuracy of the air regulator. It can be hard to deal with at times.

Overall, BOSTITCH BTFP02012 is a machine that is a great value to money and lacks nowhere in performance. 

5. PORTER-CABLE PCFP12234 Air Compressor Kit

It delivers a power of 2.6 CFM and 90 PSI. You may find it not that high in power but it’s the best compressor you can get in an affordable price bracket. 

The motor of the compressor consumes 12V power to run for effortlessly dealing with commercial jobs. 

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With its 30 lbs weight, you can easily carry it to different workplaces. The shroud of the compressor is designed to offer great protection and high portability. 

On its purchase, you’ll get three nailers to deal with different capacity works with this compressor. 

FN250C is a 16 gauge finish nailer that is compatible with 1 to 2-½inch finish nailers. It runs over an oil-free long-lasting motor. In addition, it features a rear exhaust system that keeps the work dirt-free.

Second is the BN200C 18 gauge brad nailer that is compatible with nails ranging from 5/8 inches to 2 inches in size. Rear exhaust is added to this nailer as well. It’s overall a maintenance-free nail gun. 

The third added tool in the kit is the TSO56 crown stapler. This stapler is powered by an oil-free cylinder and can staple into a  number of woods. 

Altogether, this multi-purpose tool kit is a wise choice you can make by keeping within the budget. 

6. California Air Tools CAT-4610AC Quiet & Oil-Free Portable Air Compressor

You’ll get a prolonged life cycle of 500 to 3000 hours, thanks to the oil-free pumps which require little to no effort for maintenance. 

In addition, the oil-free pump ensures smooth working even in unstable temperatures. You don’t need to worry about the smooth motor startup under extreme weather conditions. 

The gallon of the compressor is constructed with rust-free aluminum that not only makes it durable but easily transportable as well.

CAT-4610AC gives the facility of two hose connectors. You can connect two tools at a time and make the work quicker by saving time. 

With this ultra-quiet compressor, you can continue working without creating any disturbance for your surroundings. This machine can be ideally used for indoor jobs. 

It weighs 45.5 lbs that make it portable and can be easily moved around the workspace as well as can be transported to multiple locations. 

Overall, it offers great usability but you may not get satisfied with the value it offers durability-wise. A lot of its users have complaints about its longevity. 

7. Senco PC1010 1/2- Horsepower 1-Gallon Trim Portable Air Compressor

You won’t have to spend a heap of money for its money the reason is that this is an oil-less pump that reduces the need for time to time maintenance of the machine. It offers a maximum capacity of inserting 20 to 44 nails per minute. 

PC110 is constructed with high-quality material. You can unhesitatingly use it in a harsh job environment.  Moreover it’s lightweight and highly portable. It can easily be carried to different workplaces and is easy to maneuver. 

This machine is quiet and you can keep your surroundings peaceful and uninterrupted while working with this. 

One of the downfalls of this compressor is that it takes a bit more time to fill the tank. This delay might affect your productivity at the worksite. If you want a fast and efficient pump, then you can also consider the CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K compressor for the best framing work. 

Guide For Buying Best Air Compressor for Framing Crew

If you plan to purchase the best air compressor for the framing crew, we suggest not ignoring the subsequent factors. These features can add more value to your work life and will provide you with the best tool for your workshop. 

CFM Range

CFM stands for cubic feet per meter which denotes the speed of air at which a compressor works. You can get a better output if your compressor’s CFM matches that of your nailer’s. A high rate of CFM offers more air to the framing compressor. 

It is suggested that you go for a machine that gives a CFM rate that is up to your requirement in order to enjoy a better execution rate.

PSI Rate

The pressure square inch or PSI is a unit by which the pressure of a compressor is measured. This is the amount of pressure a compressor delivers to perform framing or nailing tasks. It affects the air reserve that is stored in the compressor’s tank. 

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More amount of PSI means more efficient performance. Be vigilant with the amount of PSI your compressor offers. The range of around 90 PSI is considerable for the smooth functioning of your framing devices. But remember, try to go for an average rate that is suitable for your nailer as well. Going for a higher PSI range can cost you some extra bucks too. 

Range of Horsepower

Horsepower is another key factor to consider when going to get your hands on a compressor for framing guns. It somehow depends on the type of work you have to do using your nailer, but for framing nailer, a good amount is more preferable.1.0 HP to 2.0 HP compressor can serve most of your framing tasks. 

Portability

Portability is also listed among some of the key features to look at in a compressor. The portable compressors can be moved around in your workspace easily. Some of the models don’t come with wheels that make them hard to transport and move. 

But it depends on your need as well. If portability isn’t your preference, you can go for a model that isn’t that portable as long as it doesn’t lack other important features.

Tank Size

The size of the tank is measured in gallons. More gallons means more capacity to store air. The 2 to 6 gallons size is suitable for a compressor to perform well for nailing jobs. You’ll find the tank in different shapes. The pancake and capsule-shaped tanks are more preferred in most cases. 

The bigger size can serve best for your framing tasks. So try to look for a maximum number of gallons if you have to deal with some heavy-duty tasks. It will make the workflow better.  

Noise Level

This is the thing to look for, not only for yourself but to maintain peace in your surroundings too. A quiet working compressor can make your work life easier and increase productivity as well. 

No one likes to work with a noisy and loud machine that is no less than mental torture. It’s harmful to both your environment and your ears as well. In a busy workplace, 90 dB of noise level is bearable but in a quiet place such as your home garage try to look for a compressor with less than the range of 70 dB. There are a number of models now available in the market that are ultra-quiet. They can work well for you. 

FAQ’s

What size air compressor for framing nailer?

A compressor with a capacity ranging from 2 to 6 gallons is preferred to deal with framing tasks. But you don’t overlook the fact that what is your job demand. The capacity of your work has to do a lot in choosing which size of compressor you should go with. 

What is a good compressor for framing?

CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K is a good compressor that can effortlessly deal with most of your framing jobs. It offers a 6-gallons capacity for a good amount of air storage. Its 150 PSI cut-inch pressure makes the work butter smooth. With this compressor, you won’t feel under powered while dealing with your framing projects.

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Concluding Framing Air Compressors

We expect that all of your doubts regarding the selection of the best air compressor for framing crew are cleared in this article. Choose the tool that fulfills your work requirements best way. You now must be having a clear idea in the head that which is your pick.

We also have covered an article on 120v Air Compressors after using many of these, you may check Best 120 Volt Portable Air Compressor

All the required features are described in the buying guide to walk you on a straight path towards your device. We wish you luck with your decision!