Craftsman has listed a new air compressor, and I’m describing it as “new?” because I don’t recognize it. That of course doesn’t make it a new model, but I believe it to be a new release.
It’s a small-looking 3 gallon air compressor that Craftsman says can keep your basketballs, bike and car tires, all inflatables and more, properly inflated s needed. It can also run brad and staple nail guns!
In other words, it’s a compact compressor meant for less demanding here-and-there tasks that you might not want a larger model for.
Features and specs include:
- Oil-free piston pump
- 1/3 HP
- 3 gallon capacity horizontal air tank
- 100 PSI Max (according to the photo)
- 0.6 SCFM at 40 PSI, 0.4 SCFM at 90 PSI (according to the photo)
- Steel housing material
- Carrying handle
- Weighs 22 lbs
The new air compressor comes with a 25′ coiled hose and 7 pc accessory kit.
Price: $70 (on sale)
Buy Now(via Sears)
First Thoughts
This look like a decent light duty air compressor.
While it lacks any flashy features, such as those you’ll find on the smaller but higher spec’ed Craftsman AirBoss compressor, it provides everything you need for quick inflation jobs, or to power a smaller sized nailer.
The price is right, too – $70 “on sale,” and with a “regular price” of $90. I have on sale and regular price in quotes because the air compressor seems to have been released straight to the $70 sale price.
I worked with a 1.5 gallon air compressor quite a bit in the past, for quick nailer jobs, inflation tasks, and even powering an airbrush.
I think that a 3 gallon air tank sounds small, but should be versatile enough for those with less demanding needs. If you want higher capacity, a 6 gallon tank might be better suited for your needs. But if not, this model is going to be lighter and much more portable.
In terms of airflow, 0.4 SCFM at 90 PSI is not a lot. If you need more, consider stepping up to something like the Porter Cable PCFP02003, a 3.5 gallon compressor that can deliver 135 PSI max, 2.0 SCFM at 90 PSI, and it has a slightly larger 3.5 gallon pancake-style air tank, for $118 via Amazon.