Bostitch BTFP02012 Portable Air Compressor Review
Bostitch is a pancake air compressor with a small footprint so it is easy to store, but with enviable tank size. It is a great alternative to those bulky and overweight compressors that cost an arm and a leg, especially if you need it for some light to medium work around the house or in the workshop. We won’t kid ourselves, it is not suited for powering up industrial-grade tools, but it is great at tackling all inflation jobs and will come in handy if you need to run some smaller tools as well.
Features of Bostitch BTFP02012
This is a user-friendly air compressor, designed for small to medium jobs, and allowing for care-free operation. Its 14-inch diameter and 29 pounds weight make it an ideal companion for small contractors who need to carry their equipment around. Since it is small and compact, it is also very easy to store and won’t take too much space at your workshop or in the trunk of your car.
- 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI – This compressor can deliver up to 2.6 cubic feet of air per minute. It will excel at any and all inflation jobs, and is also capable of powering smaller tools, such as airbrushes and nail guns that are not too power hungry.
- 6-gallon tank – A six-gallon tank allows for longer operation before reaching the cut in point during which the pump will start working again. It will also power up tools that require continuous bursts, but not a lot of CFM for a longer period of time (think smaller brail guns).
- Two outlets – Two connecting outlets allow you to work with more than one tool. Although this is an option, keep in mind that you will get the best results if you dedicate the compressor to just one tool at a time.
Advantages of Bostitch BTFP02012
- Quieter than most compressors - This unit runs at around 78db, which is not quiet but it is also not deafeningly noisy. It definitely beats some more expensive compressors that are less powerful but generate more noise when operating.
- Fast recovery time – The recovery time is around 20 seconds, in which the compressor goes from its cutting point of 120 PSI to a 150 PSI. This allows you to work longer, given the unit only short breaks before continuing the work.
- Extended duty cycle – The duty cycle of this compressor is 75%. This means that you can run it around 45 minutes every hour, allowing for 15-minute breaks. A lot of compressors in this price range have a 50% duty cycle, so this is a definite thumb up.
Buyers don’t complain much about this particular product. There is one thing that is a definite drawback, and that is the fact that the electrical cord is only 5 feet long. If you anticipate moving the unit a lot during a job, make sure to pack an extension cord.
Bottom Line
Bostitch BTFP02012 6 Gallon Pancake Compressor is a compact and well-designed air compressor that will be a welcome addition to your workshop. Regardless of whether you need it for small inflation jobs or powering up tools, this unit delivers what you are after. It is also an affordable counterpart to those branded alternatives, yet still manages to outperform some when it comes to ease of use and power output.
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