5+ Best Air Compressor for framing Crew in 2024

Do you want the best air compressor for framing crews? If yes, then in this article we have selected the top 6 best air compressors for framing crew. So that you can easily select one of them without wasting any time on research.

But you need proper knowledge to choose a perfect air compressor because to choose a perfect air compressor you should have a basic understanding of the air compressor.

So if you are a beginner then we have also provided a detailed buying guide. So that you can get the basic knowledge about the compressors and choose the perfect one. 

So without any further delay let’s get straight into it.

List of Best Compressors for Framing Crew

Buddy, if you are in a hurry then here we have prepared a list of all of our selected air compressors with their CFM ratings and tank capacity. So that you can choose the perfect air compressor easily. But if you want in-depth reviews then scroll down.

Image Name Tank Capacity CFM Rating Price
  Makita MAC2400 2.5 HP Big Bore Air Compressor 4.2 Gallons 4.2 CFM at 90 PSI & 4.8 CFM at 40 PSI Check Lates Price
  California Air Tools 8010 Steel Tank Air Compressor 8 Gallons 2.2 CFM at 90 PSI & 3.10 CFM at 40 PSI Check Lates Price
  DEWALT Pancake Air Compressor 165 PSI (DWFP55126) 6 Gallons 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI Check Lates Price
  Craftsman Air Compressor (CMEC6150K) 6 Gallons 2.6 CFM at 90 PSI Check Lates Price
  BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor (BTFP02012) 6 Gallons 2.6 CFM at 90 PSI Check Lates Price
  California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S 1 Gallon 1.20 CFM @ 90 PSI & 1.60 CFM @ 40 PSI Check Lates Price


Buying Guide to Choose a Best Air Compressor for framing Jobs

 Buying Guide for best air compressor for framing crew
Buying Guide for best air compressor for the framing crew

So if you have any confusion to find a perfect air compressor for the framing crew then here we have provided the proper buying guide so that you can choose a perfect air compressor according to your need.

Air Tank

When we are going to buy an air compressor then the first thing that comes to our mind that how much tank capacity is perfect. So the tank size completely depends on your need. If you have continuous duty operations then you should choose a compressor with a large air tank. But framing operations are not continuous duty operations. So for framing operation 4 to 8-gallon capacity is more than enough.

CFM(Cubic Feet Per Minute)

CFM is the volume of air in cubic feet for each minute. For eg:- If the air compressor is rated for 5 CFM that means 5 cubic feet of air is blowing per minute.

So for Framing Tasks you need a compressor with a CFM rating from 2 to 4 CFM. So you can also check which types of air tools you are going to use for framing operations and according to that, you can choose a CFM rating.

PSI(Pounds Per Square Inch)

PSI is basically the air pressure that an air compressor can deliver. And for all the framing operations are light to medium-duty operations so those can be easily done within 120 PSI.

HP(Horse Power)

The HP is the unit of power the rate at which work is done. So it basically tells about how much powerful the pump is? So obviously a powerful pump can compressor the air with higher PSI.

But framing does not need a too powerful compressor. So if you choose a compressor between 0.8 to 1.5 HP then it’s more than enough.

Oil-Free or Oil Lubricated Pump

We are often confused between the oil-free and oil-lubricated pump. Here your all doubts will be clear.

Oil-Free Pump:- These are actually pre-lubricated pump which does not require much maintenance. So you do not have to check the oil level frequently. But these are not that efficient. So if you have low to medium-duty takes the there is no problem you can go with an oil-free pump compressor.

Oil Lubricated Pump:- These pumps are required lubricating oil to maintain their efficiency. So you need to check the oil level frequently. And these pumps are much more efficient than an oil-free pump. So if you have heavy-duty tasks then you need to choose a compressor with an oil-lubricated pump.

Portability

Yes, another important factor which you have to consider during your buying journey is potability.

Framing has no fixed place for their tasks. So you need to choose a compressor that is portable enough so that you can easily carry that to the workplace.

Noise Level

It’s also one of the most important factors which you should consider. Because air compressors are one of the noisy machines and noise can disturb your concentration. So you need to choose an air compressor with a low noise level (Less than 80dB).

We have also selected all the compressors to create less than 80 dB of noise. So you can choose one of them to get the silent operation.

Warranty

Air compressors do not come at a cheap price and no one wants to change their compressor every year. So you need to choose a compressor which comes with at least one year of warranty so that if needed you can claim your warranty.


Reviews of Top Air Compressor for framing Crew

Here we have provided in-depth reviews of all our selected air compressors with their pros and cons. So that you can easily choose a perfect air compressor according to your requirements.

1. Makita MAC2400 2.5 HP Big Bore Air Compressor

Makita is one of the top air compressor brands in the market and this air compressor from Makita is one of the best options available in the market because it comes with lots of great features which makes it perfect for this list.

Key Specifications

  • Horsepower:- 2.5 HP
  • Tank Capacity:- 4.2 Gallons
  • Maximum PSI:- 130 PSI
  • CFM:- 4.2 CFM at 90 PSI & 4.8 CFM at 40 PSI
  • Pump Type:- Oil Lubricated
  • Noise Level:- 79 dB
  • Warranty:- 1 Year

This Makita air compressor comes with a super powerful 2.5 HP bore-engineered oil-lubricated pump which makes it so powerful that it can provide great performance. The cast-iron build makes it more durable and long-lasting.

Because the pump is oil-lubricated so it requires more maintenance and you need to check the oil level on a very frequent basis. But these are more efficient than oil-free compressors.

This air compressor can deliver 4.2 CFM at 90 PSI & 4.8 CFM at 40 PSI which is more than enough for any type of farming operation. So if you have heavy-duty framing tools then you can go this operation.

It comes with a tank capacity of 4.2 gallons which can withstand the maximum pressure of upto 130 PSI. And the tank is also built with cast iron cylinders which enhances its durability for long-term performance.

It is also equipped with copper finned discharge tubings which help to increase heat dissipation and also reduces the water accumulation inside the tank.

The pump actually runs on lower RPM that is 170 RPM. This makes it silent and it produces only 79dB of noise which is quite low as a compressor to other air compressors.

The weight of this compressor is a little heavy but you can easily carry this compressor to your job site.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Highly powerful oil-lubricated pump.
  • High CFM rating.
  • Portable.
  • Silent operator.
  • Balances the heat very well.
  • Durable and long-lasting.
  • Warranty is available.

Cons

  • Little heavy.
  • Expensive.

Why should you buy this?

So if you have a high budget and you want a powerful air compressor from a good brand then this Makita air compressor is one of the best options available in the market.



2. California Air Tools 8010 Steel Tank Air Compressor

When we are talking about air compressor then California Air tools is one also the perfect options available in the market and they are especially known for silent air compressors. And this air compressor also comes with a super silent motor.

Key Specifications

  • Horsepower:- 1.0 HP
  • Tank Capacity:- 8 Gallons
  • Maximum PSI:- 120 PSI
  • CFM:- 2.2 CFM at 90 PSI & 3.10 CFM at 40 PSI
  • Pump Type:- Oil-Free
  • Noise Level:- 60 dB
  • Warranty:- 1 Year

This air compressor comes with a powerful 1 HP of pump which operates at only 1680 RPM. Which reduces the vibration and also minimizes the noise level of this air compressor. This is why it creates only 60 dB of the noise level.

The pump of this air compressor is an oil-free pump so it does not require lubricating oil. That’s why it requires almost zero maintenance.

This air compressor is so powerful that it can deliver 2.2 CFM at 90 PSI & 3.10 CFM at 40 PSI. So if you have medium to heavy-duty framing tasks then you can go with this air compressor.

And the 8 gallons of air tank makes it perfect for long-term operations. And the air tank is built with steel which makes it more durable and long-lasting. The motor can fill the empty tank within just 130 seconds.

The heat dissipation of this air compressor is very good and the thermal overload protector protects it from any kind of thermal disbalances.

It has easy-to-use two pressure gauges and a regulator to maintain the correct air pressure. 

The 8 gallon of large air tank makes it a league and heavy but it has portable wheels which makes it portable enough to carry on a job site.

It also comes with a 1-year warranty on the product which makes it more trustworthy.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Fill the tank within 130 sec.
  • Portable compressor.
  • Large tank.
  • Super silent operation.
  • Low maintenance.
  • Easy t use operation.

Cons

  • No such cons.

Why should you buy this?

So if you want a silent air compressor with a large air tank then for framing operations it can be the best option available in the market.


Read More: Best Air Compressor for Floor Nailer


3. DEWALT Pancake Air Compressor, 6 Gallon, 165 PSI (DWFP55126)

Dewalt is also one of the top air tool brands because of its high-quality product and service. And this pancake air compressor is also one of the perfect options available for the framing crew.

Key Specifications

  • Horsepower:- N/A
  • Tank Capacity:- 6 Gallons
  • Maximum PSI:- 165 PSI
  • CFM:- 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI
  • Pump Type:- Oil-Free
  • Noise Level:- 75.5 dB
  • Warranty:- 1 Year

This air compressor comes with a very powerful oil-free pump so it requires almost zero. And you do not have to check the oil level on daily basis.

It has 6 gallons of large air tank which can withstand air pressure upto 165 PSI. And the 6 gallons capacity is also good for framing jobs and the pancake style enhances its stability as well as durability.

This air compressor can deliver the air pressure of 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI. So with this air pressure and CFM rating you can operate most of the framing air tools easily.

It has 2 universal couplers so that you can operate two air tools at a time. Which ensures to finish the job quickly. 

It is also equipped with 2 pressure gauges with a regulator that helps to maintain the air pressure depending upon the air tools.

This is also one of the powerful silent machines and it creates almost 75.5 dB of the noise level. So it can also provide a silent operation.

The weight of this machine is almost 30 pounds which is quite less and you can easily carry this machine to your workspace. So it a super portable too.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Super portable machine.
  • Warranty is available.
  • Operate multiple tools at a time.
  • Silent operation.
  • Durable and long-lasting.
  • Less maintenance.
  • Cold weather start.

Cons

  • Little expensive than other pancake compressors.

Why should you buy this?

So if you want a pancake air compressor from one of the top brands then let me tell you that this Dewalt pancake compressor is one of the perfect options available in the market.


4. Craftsman Air Compressor (CMEC6150K)

So when it comes to small pancake air compressors then we always choose this Craftsman air compressor because this compressor has all the required features in a very reasonable price range. That is why we have incleded this in the list of best air compressor for framing crew.

Key Specifications

  • Horsepower:- 0.8 HP
  • Tank Capacity:- 6 Gallons
  • Maximum PSI:- 150 PSI
  • CFM:- 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI
  • Pump Type:- Oil-Free
  • Noise Level:- N/A
  • Warranty:- Not Mentioned

This air compressor comes with 0.8 HP of the oil-free pump. And because the pump is oil-free so you need not check the oil level on a daily basis and it requires almost no maintenance. 

It also has 6 gallons of air than which can withstand pressure upto 150 PSI. and the pancake style makes it more stable and also makes it portable. So that you can easily carry this to your workplace.

This compressor can provide 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI. So if you have low to medium-duty air tools for framing operations then this is also one of the best options.

This air compressor also has dual couplers which ensure that you can use two air tools at a single time. Which helps to increase your productivity.

And the two pressure gauges with a regulator helps to maintain the air pressure according to your need.

The additional benefit of this air compressor is that you get 13 pieces of accessories lit with this air compressor which helps to make your journey much easier.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Portable compressor.
  • Got an additional accessory kit along with the compressor.
  • Comes at a much economical price.
  • Low maintenance.
  • Easy to use.
  • Durable and long-lasting.

Cons

  • Warranty not mentioned by the manufactures.

Why should you buy this?

So if you are a beginner and you have a low budget then you can choose a compressor because with this compressor you got 13 Piece Accessory Kit which makes your journey much easier.


5. BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor (BTFP02012)

Bostitch is also a tool-making company and this is also one of the people’s favorite brands. And this pancake air compressor also comes with lots of features in a very reasonable price range.

Key Specifications

  • Horsepower:- 0.8 HP
  • Tank Capacity:- 6 Gallons
  • Maximum PSI:- 150 PSI
  • CFM:- 2.6 CFM at 90 PSI
  • Pump Type:- Oil-Free
  • Noise Level:- 78.5
  • Warranty:- 1 Year

This pancake air compressor also comes with 0.8 HP of a powerful oil-free pump. And because of this oil-free design, it required less maintenance. 

The 6 Gallon air tank can withstand pressure upto 150 PSI. And the pancake design enhances its stability and reduces vibration.

It can deliver 2.6 CFM at 90 PSI so this CFM rating is more than enough for medium-duty operations. And the 6 gallon capacity of the air tank also makes it perfect for framing operations.

It is a lightweight air compressor which makes it portable enough to carry this compressor to your job site easily.

This air compressor is also equipped with 2 couplers which makes it perfect for multitasking. So you can use multiple air tools at a time to increases your productivity.

It also comes with a 1-year warranty on the product which makes it more trustworthy.

It is also an easy-to-use compressor that has 2 gauges and a regulator to maintain the air pressure depending on your need.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Lightweight and portable compressor.
  • Easy to use.
  • Warranty is available.
  • Durable and long-lasting.
  • Low maintenance.

Cons

  • The noise level is on the higher side.

Why should you buy this?

So if you want a pancake air compressor at a very reasonable price then you can also consider the Bostitch air compressor because it has also some kind of features like Craftsman and Dewalt.


6. California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S Light & Quiet Portable Air Compressor

This is also one of the best-selling air compressors but we choose last in our list because this compressor is the least powerful on this list but it’s a super-portable unit. So let’s discuss all of its features.

Key Specifications

  • Horsepower:- 0.6 HP
  • Tank Capacity:- 1 Gallon
  • Maximum PSI:- 120 PSI
  • CFM:- 1.20 CFM @ 90 PSI & 1.60 CFM @ 40 PSI
  • Pump Type:- Oil Free
  • Noise Level:- 56 dB
  • Warranty:- 1 Year

This air compressor has 0.6 HP of oil-free motor and it’s powerful enough to provide good performance. And because of the oil-free design, it requires almost no maintenance.

This has only a 1 gallon capacity of air tank which makes it perfect for light-duty tasks and because of the small air tank this compressor is too light so you can easily carry this.

It can deliver 1.20 CFM @ 90 PSI & 1.60 CFM @ 40 PSI. So the CFM rating is perfect for light-duty air tools like nailing.

The best part is that it produces only 58 dB of noise level which means it can provide you super silent operation.

This also comes with a 1-year warranty on the product. So you can claim your warranty if needed.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Easy to use.
  • Super portable compressor.
  • Good for light-duty tasks.
  • Warranty is available.
  • Low maintenance.
  • Super silent operation.

Cons

  • Not good for medium or heavy-duty tasks.

Why should you buy this?

So if you want a super lightweight air compressor for light-duty tasks then you can go with this option. Otherwise, you can choose from the rest 5 compressors.


FAQs for Best Air Compressor for framing Nailer

 FAQs for Best Compressor for framing Nailer
FAQs for Best Compressor for framing Nailer

How much air pressure does a framing gun need?

Actually framing nail guns required high air pressure as compare to other nail guns because they are typically equipped with 3 to 3 1/2 inch nails that are using on framing studs during the construction process. So Framing nail guns require 100 to 130 PSI of air pressure.

Which is the best air compressor for the framing crew?

There are lots of brands available with lots of different air compressors. So you can choose one from them but if you want my recommendation then
For Premium Category:- Makita MAC2400 2.5 HP Big Bore Air Compressor
For Budget Category:- DEWALT Pancake Air Compressor(DWFP55126)

Conclusion: Best Compressors for Framing Crew

In This article, we have included everything so that you will select the best air compressor for framing crew so that you can choose according to your requirements. 

So Which air compressor can fulfill your requirements? Let me know in the comment box.

Still, if you are facing a problem with finding the best compressor for framing nailers then you can also choose our top picks:-

For Premium Category:- Makita MAC2400 2.5 HP Big Bore Air Compressor

For Budget Category:- DEWALT Pancake Air Compressor(DWFP55126)

So guys If you liked this post don’t forget to share.

By the way, thanks for visiting.

Hi. This is Subhadip. I am a Mechanical Engineer and I have been working in mechanical Industries for more than 3 years. I have expertise in several kinds of Mechanical Devices and Air Compressor is one of them. So I am here to help you find the best air compressor for your desired need.

Leave a Comment