I am a kitchen & bath remodeler, and have yet to use this on the job. I have, however, done some preliminary testing in my garage tonight. The results are stated below.
My first impressions are all positive: Better quality than expected at this price (great value). Smaller (better) than expected. Quieter than expected. Now for the tests.
Quantity of nails shot with various nail guns before motor kicked on, using this Senco PC1010:
23 gauge = 20
18 gauge = 10
15 gauge = 5
Framing nailer = 3
To give a comparison to a larger pancake style 4 gallon 1.5 HP Campbell Hausfeld that I have been using for 15 years, which weighs more than twice as much (52 lbs.):
18 gauge = 40
15 gauge = 18
Framing = 13
Obviously, these numbers coincide with the number of gallons of compressed air, as the 4 gallon unit delivered approx. 4 times more nails than the 1 gallon unit. No surprise here.
Recovery time (time from when motor first kicks back on while nailing, to when tank is fully charged and motor stops, with no nailing during this time) = 32 seconds. By comparison, my Campbell Hausfeld takes 30 seconds. It has a much larger motor, but it is having to compress 4 gallons of air instead of 1 gallon. Again, no surprise here.
Noise test:
I did two tests on both, this Senco, and my old Campbell Hausfeld. First I put my decibel meter right up next to the motor, and then I moved the meter to 3 feet from the motor. Here are the results:
Noise level, in decibels, at motor:
Senco = 83, Campbell Hausfeld = 99
Same test from 3 feet away from motor:
Senco = 69, Campbell Hausfeld = 80
From what I understand, 10 decibels = double the sound. Therefore, the Campbell Hausfeld is more than twice as loud. I believe this is accurate based on standing next to each unit.
My primary reason for wanting to change compressors was to reduce weight. I feel that having fewer gallons of compressed air immediately available is a small price to pay for having a compressor that is not only less than HALF the weight and size, but MUCH quieter as well. Especially given that my primary use will be with 23 & 18 gauge nailers.
This is NOT the kind of compressor you want for doing a lot of 15 gauge nailing, and certainly not for framing. It will drive them just as powerfully as any large compressor - after all, 125 psi is 125 psi - but it simply will not be able to keep up with mass nailing using this size gun. Need to install a couple pre-hung doors? No problem. Need to build a partition or two for that kitchen remodel? No problem. But don't even think about trying to use this, and expect it to keep up, if framing a house all day long, or roofing a house. It was not designed for that. Buy the tool that meets the need and rate it accordingly.
Note: I realize that my comparisons with the Campbell Hausfeld are not an apples-to-apples comparison. I just wanted to offer this info for anyone who may be wanting to change from a pancake style to this little Senco. I figured that since the pancake models were so popular that this comparison might be of help.
I will try to report back after I have used it on several jobs. Time will tell if this little gem can maintain it's 5 star rating. This was my first Senco tool ever purchased. I have a feeling it won't be my last. Very impressive, so far.
6 MONTH UPDATE: After using this product for the last 6 months, for my kitchen remodeling business, I maintain my rating of it. It has been a GREAT little compressor for all my nailing needs. It handles ALL of my trim needs, as well as the occasional building of a wall or two with a framing nailer. I love this compressor much more than I did the larger pancake compressor that I had used all those years.
16 MONTH UPDATE: After nearly a year and half of regular use on the job, I remain fully impressed with this compressor. The ONLY "problem" that I have encountered was that the foam pad around the handle has started to tear off. NO big deal since the unit is so light anyway. Nice to have the foam, but not really a NEED. Other than this minor flaw, this thing has been perfect. I have never once found that I wish I had a bigger unit.
| Brand | Senco |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 115 Volts |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Drilling, Air Brushing, Spraying, Nailing |
| Power Source | electric-powered |
| Noise Level | 68 dB |
| Special Feature | Portable, Lightweight |
| Included Components | Power Tool Accessory |
| Item Weight | 20 Pounds |
| Maximum Power | 1 Horsepower |
| Capacity | 1 Gallons |
| Color | Gray/Red |
| Material | Plastic |
| Product Dimensions | 14"L x 13"W x 10"H |
| Style | Air Compressor |
| Motor Horsepower | 1 Horsepower |
| Model Name | Senco - PC1010 |
| Manufacturer | Senco |
| Part Number | PC1010 |
| Item Weight | 20 pounds |
| Item model number | PC1010 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Size | 4 x 50 Feet |
| Horsepower | 1 |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Maximum Pressure | 1 |
| Special Features | Portable, Lightweight |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Warranty Description | Warranty |
