Porter-Cable C2004-WK 165 PSI Four-Gallon Compressor Review
Porter-Cable C2004-WK Compressor
The folks at Porter-Cable recently sent me their all new C2004-WK pancake compressor to evaluate. The C2004-WK just hit the stores in October just in time for the holidays. Read on to learn more about the new compressor and our thoughts.
C2004-WK Features
- 165 psi max pressure, 4 gallon tank for longer tool runtimes in a more compact, lighter design
- 2.6 SCFM* at 90 psi for fast recovery time (*per ISO1217)
- Low Amp 120V motor starts easily in cold weather or with extension cord
- Only 29 lbs for easy portability
“In response to the need for a quieter, more compact unit that will perform well for a long time, the C2004-WK offers convenience and efficiency on the jobsite,” said James Vintzel, product manager for PORTER-CABLE. “The C2004-WK is the perfect solution for contractors that demand compressors to ‘keep up’ while featuring the ability to support up to three nailers at once.”
Weighing a best-in-class 29 lbs. and featuring a 20 percent more compact size than previous PORTER-CABLE models, the C2004-WK is the most portable pancake air compressor on the market. The unit also has an ergonomic handle design located six-inches from the side making the unit easy to transport. In addition, redesigned components and added noise reduction material drops the sound level to an industry tested 75.5 decibels (dBA), making it 30 percent quieter than other PORTER-CABLE models.**
** Tested per ISO3744
Porter-Cable C2004-WK Review
I’ve been hauling around my Bostitch pancake-style compressor for years from job to job and my only complaint has always been how heavy it is (just over 50 lbs). In all fairness that older compressor is a 6 gallon size and this new C2004-WK is only 4 gallons but it runs a really light 29 lbs! Needless to say I was excited about trying a lighter more powerful compressor.
Weight / Portability
Right out of the box I was shocked at how light and compact the C2004-WK was. It has a very light, compact design that is much easier to handle and carry from job to job. The handle is comfortable and well balanced. If you want a light weight, compact sized compressor this is certainly a good option.
Noise
The second thing that I noticed right off was how quiet the C2004-WK is. This compressor is significantly quieter than some of my older pancake style compressors. This is a really nice feature when working inside finished / occupied homes and definitely better for long term hearing issues for the user.
Controls
The controls on the new C2004-WK are fairly straight forward including the regulator control valve, a tank pressure gauge and also a tool pressure gauge. The dials are easy to read and the control valve is easy to adjust. If I had one complaint it would be a pretty standard one for these type of compressors and that is locating the pressure valve in a place that can’t be easily broken. Over the years I’ve broken several of these rolling the compressor over in the back of the truck.
Performance
We tested the C2004-WK doing some standard trim work around windows and doors. The compressor was hooked up to two finish nailers. The compressor had no difficulty supplying sufficient air and pressure to both nailers. We also tested it hooked up to a positive placement hanger nailer which worked very well. The higher pressure is great for driving the nails into engineered lumber.
Final Thoughts
We’ve seen several new compressors launched this year and the theme seems to be smaller, lighter and quieter! These are all great features when it comes to small portable compressors for trim work, punch lists and taking care of small projects around the house.
The Porter-Cable C2004-WK maybe appear to be a small compressor but it functions like a much larger heavier version. Producing up to 165 psi while operating much quieter than comparable compressors the C2004-WK really impressed us.
The compressor comes with two factory installed couplers (nice feature for running multiple nailers) along with a nice 25′ polyurethane hose (again with factory installed fittings). All this makes for a great small portable compressor for finish carpentry, punch lists and even home owner projects. This is a compressor that we recommend for anyone in the market for a small pancake-style.
Where To Buy
The C2004-WK can be purchased for just over $200 at authorized Porter-Cable stores or online at:
- Amazon – $219.00 with FREE Shipping, Porter-Cable C2004-WK 4 gallon Oil-Free Pancake Compressor with 25-Feet PU Hose and Fittings
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