DecisionalReview.info

Overall Rating

It is what it is…
I recently received my Bostitch Trim Air compressor. Deerso was the Amazon vendor. UPS delivered it in just 3 days. There was no damage to either the factory packaging, nor the compressor.

I’m a self employed, sole proprietor, remodel carpentry contractor. I needed to replace my recently deceased, 8 year old Porter Cable 4 gallon pancake compressor. My new compressor would have to meet 4 criteria:

* Light weight. I already own a 65 pound, cast iron, oil cooled behemoth. Though it’s great for spraying drywall texture and production wall framing, I’m getting too old to lug it around when I only need to nail up some kitchen cabinet crown moldings.

* Powerful enough to also run my framing nailer. Most featherweight compressors are only designed to be used with brad nailers.

* Reliable. A poorly made tool that breaks when you need it is useless, no matter how little it costs. This is going be my every day compressor.

* Noise level. This is more of a factor for my clients than me, since I wear hearing protection almost constantly while on the job. At 75 db, the Bostitch was one of the quietest in its class.

After researching all of the lightweight models available, the Bostitch Trim Air proved to have the highest CFM @ 90 psi in the 20-30 pound weight class. I’ve owned and used several Stanley/Bostitch pneumatic tools before, and never had a problem with any of them.

Upon removing it from its packaging, I’ll admit, I was a bit disappointed. Although the photos of it looked rather cool; unlike any compressor I’d ever seen before (kinda like a cartop carrier, racing bicycle helmet, or maybe an ‘AlienWare’ computer?), the fit and finish seemed rather cheap, almost toy-like. From top to bottom, this thing looks fragile. The weak, spring loaded ON/OFF push button, the wiggly regulator/pressure gauge/hose fitting assembly, the flimsy powercord wrap tabs, all look vulnerable. And the first time I drained the moisture from the tank, the petcock fitting refused to close completely, until I was forced to over-tighten it with a pair of pliers.

However, the CAP1516 does perform as advertised. At just under 20 lbs. , hauling it in and out of the truck is a pleasure. It is surprisingly quiet, compared to any other compressor I’ve owned; about as loud as a quiet home vacuum cleaner. It rapidly fills its 1.6 gallon tank with 125 psi, though there is no gauge to indicate anything other than outflow (regulator adjusted) air pressure. And I am able to sink five 3″ framing nails into old doug fir framing lumber with it, before it needs to refill the tank. You won’t be able to nail off a subfloor like a machine gun, or frame a house with it, but it will capably handle a roomful of basebaord, or slam in a few wall studs.

All in all, the Bostitch Trim Air compressor did meet most of my requirements. I’d have to say the “contractor” label Stanley has given it might be a bit of a stretch. This unit seems more likely to excel as a homeowner compressor. If you’re not too hard on your tools, it will probably prove durable enough.

At around $150, IT IS WHAT IT IS…

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