Fortress - 2 Gallon - Ultra Quiet (Rating: 4)
The Fortress compressor was on sale at Harbor Freight for under $200, and they had one set up in the store to demonstrate how quiet it was. With the HF return policy it wasn't even a gamble to take one home.
I've been using the Fortress compressor for a few months now. It's as quiet as most dishwashers, and goes from zero to 130 psi in just 45 seconds. It holds pressure very well, however the quick disconnect is a bit touchy. If the connected hose is pushed to the side you can hear a leak, but if left alone there are no leaks at all. It stays plugged into the hose reel, and there has been no problem as there might be if a hose with a direct connection to a tool were used. I thought of replacing the disconnect, but decided not to fix something that works.
I've had a 6 gallon Porter Cable pancake compressor for years. It is small enough for the shop to not be in the way, but every time it turned on I would jump out of my shop apron. The noise was deafening, and the run time to come up to pressure was quite long and very annoying.
The Fortress compressor was on sale at Harbor Freight for under $200, and they had one set up in the store to demonstrate how quiet it was. With the HF return policy it wasn't even a gamble to take one home.
I've been using the Fortress compressor for a few months now. It's as quiet as most dishwashers, and goes from zero to 130 psi in just 45 seconds. It holds pressure very well, however the quick disconnect is a bit touchy. If the connected hose is pushed to the side you can hear a leak, but if left alone there are no leaks at all. It stays plugged into the hose reel, and there has been no problem as there might be if a hose with a direct connection to a tool were used. I thought of replacing the disconnect, but decided not to fix something that works.
I've had a 6 gallon Porter Cable pancake compressor for years. It is small enough for the shop to not be in the way, but every time it turned on I would jump out of my shop apron. The noise was deafening, and the run time to come up to pressure was quite long and very annoying.