Portable Air Compressors

We tested 11 units priced from $130 to $325 in search of one that will handle most woodworking shop needs. Although a portable compressor won′t cut shape, or join wood, it′s one of the handiest tools you′ll ever own; you can use it to power pneumatic nailers and other tools in your home, shop, or job site; to inflate all sorts of things: and to blow away wood debris. We like the 3- to 6-gallon size for its all-around usefulness, ease of moving from place to place, and affordability.

Featured in the September 2011 issue of WOOD.

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