Tuesday, July 15, 2014

DEWALT D55141 2-Gallon 150 PSI Max Trim Oil Free Air Compressor

DEWALT D55141 2-Gallon 150 PSI Max Trim Oil Free Air Compressor
  • 2.0 SCFM delivered at 90 PSI pump, 2.0 gallon tank and 150 max PSI enables more nails to be fired and provides quicker recovery
  • Durable oil free pump provides extended maintenance-free operation
  • Low 79 dBA allows for quieter operation
  • Roll cage and control panel provide protection to key compressor components
  • Low 8 amp draw motor provides easy start-up and reduces breaker tripping;Lightweight (30 lbs), thin (10.5-inch) and compact design is easy to carry and store

UPDATE 8/6/2010: After frustration with the constant water problem, I have modified the tank plumbing to stop the vapor/droplet problem... I have now plumbed the compressor outlet to the bottom drain and the header is still fed by the air outlet alone. This is now putting the water vapor into the tank. It cost about $15 in plumbing parts, but at least when I use it to blow dust out of computers it is not spitting water into the electronics anymore...

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Right to the point: This compressor, due to the way it is plumbed, produces A LOT of WATER that goes directly into the header, then into your expensive nailers...

Only workaround, without buying and rigging a water filter, is to tilt the compressor so that the header inlet is at a downward pitch and the outlets are at the top of the pitch. But add higher volume (framing nailer) and you will get water droplets/vapor no matter what position the compressor is in.

The problem is that there is only one fitting on the tank (besides drain) and the air that the compressor makes bypasses the tank and goes directly into the header and into your tool. Sadly, this air is LOADED with water vapor and quickly condenses into water. I get very little water in the tank as the air and water have to take a 90 degree turn to enter into the tank. Least resistance would just take the air straight through into the header during demand times.

The solution for DeWalt: add a second fitting to the tank so that the compressor directly feeds into the tank and then the other fitting goes to the header for use. That way the water enters and stays IN THE TANK.

Otherwise, this is a GREAT little compressor. Very portable and relatively quiet. Tough design. But I would not buy another unless that water problem is fixed by DeWalt. Maybe a less humid environment (I'm in Virginia) would fair better, but I think it is just the physics of compressed air... YMMV, as others seem to give it great reviews and do not mention the water entering the header...

After I use tools on this compressor, I then oil and use them briefly on my large, stationary compressor to blow out any water that has entered the tool.

Buy DEWALT D55141 2-Gallon 150 PSI Max Trim Oil Free Air Compressor Now

This is a great compressor for what it is designed for which is finish carpentry. I really like the lower noise factor in the oilless design. My only dislike is they did not build this compressor with the intent to be able to attach a water vapor trap to prolong the life of pneumatic nail guns. I was able to put one on with some creative thinking and reconfiguration of the air flow which cost me my time and an extra 40 dollars. Aside from from the one dislikable aspect of the design this is still a great compressor.

Read Best Reviews of DEWALT D55141 2-Gallon 150 PSI Max Trim Oil Free Air Compressor Here

(This compressor was refurbished when I bought it through Amazon) I typically am satisfied with Dewalt products and almost every cordless tool or saw I have are theirs. I feel like this compressor is one step above something from Harbor Freight. When I first got it it ran for the break-in period then wouldn't turn on. Got something electrical fixed by the nearest service center. Then after a few months of very light use it started leaking from somewhere around the piston. There's a metal tube that has a poor seal to the piston head. I took it apart and everything is cheaply made. So now it will fill to 130psi, and hiss like crazy for 5 minutes going back down to 0. I wanted quiet and light, but I'm thinking I'd rather lug around 50-60 lbs than a light weight piece of junk. *EDIT* After taking the compressor apart myself I found a check valve that was corroded and leaked. I ordered another one for $12 and installed it myself. By the way, the unit was missing several screws and the plastic housing was held together with two different sized allen screws that looked like spare parts. The compressor now works again but I was just about ready to throw it away.

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This compessor was very quite and worked well for about 13 months then the motor started smoking. When I took it in for repair the cost was going to be almost as much as a new unit. Needless to say it sits in my shop collecting dust.

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I do residential remodeling, so I'm always using a compressor--inside the house, or outside. I have a Porter-Cable 6 gallon pancake compressor that was part of a kit, and a good buy to get me started, but the PC is NOISY, so I hate to take it indoors. And it's relatively heavy. The DeWalt was just what I was looking for. It's quiet, and as it turns out, it usually has enough capacity to run either the brad nailer or finish nailer, regardless of the job (inside or out). Much lighter to pack and carry, too.

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