- Vertically Angled Tanks-Enables better center of gravity for easy transport through-out the jobsite
- EZ Drain - One ball valve drain located in control panel for simultaneous draining of both tanks.
- Roll Cage - For maximum durability and protection from job-site conditions
- Recessed Control Panel-All gauges, regular, couplers, safety valve and drain valve are located in easy to access location and are protected from job-site conditions.
- Oil Lubed Pump-Extends product life for extra durability.
I bought this air compressor because mainly: it had a contractor grade pump, said it was well balanced for easy maneuvering around the jobsite, oil-lube pump, 79dB (decibel) 3 gallon twin stack (vertically positioned) for more free air and 2.6 CFM.
The good: this thing works well, and I found out it has 100% duty rating (or continous duty). I can use it all day and runs well and the pump doesn't seem to get too hot. It has a pretty fast pump up/recovery time, and pretty fast initial pump up. Not sure of the initial pump up stat, probally slightly over 1 min, revovery is probally around 16-18 seconds (not quite as fast as Bosch claims, but close. You can still sink nails even when the compressor is recycling, which is a plus, as some compressors won't counter sink nails until it fully recovers. I used it fine with an Omer 12.50 18 ga brad nailer (about 35-40) before it kicked in. It worked well with an Hitachi 15 ga nailer (possibly around the same number of nails, I stop keeping track). I also used a Craftsman utility coil nailer (2-1/4" ring shank) for 5/8" T-1-11 and worked well all day firing off coil after coil. Lastly, I also used a craftsman framing nailer for framing work, however after about 3-5 shots the compressor kicked in, but I pretty much used it all day long and was sinking the nails; very rarely did it leave a framing nail slightly proud. The compressor was recycling often while framing and shooting the coil nails, but it kept on giving me the air to get the job done. Now, I wouldn't hook into the CET-3 as a regular component for framing, and in a rapid fire nail off, but It was out for the finish work, so I used it, and did the job. The coil nailer used much less air per shot than framing and actually kept up decently firing in bump mode all day.
The Bad: this air compressor is awkward to move around. and fairly heavy too. It claims it's center of gravity is better because the tanks are vertically positioned making it to move around the jobsite. You have to reach in the middle for the handle, and rest the side of the compressor on your leg as you walk it. It is a Pain walking this thing up flights of stairs, so if you are looking for something small and light to do finish work, you can find another compressor. I found it actually much easier to grap it with two hands by the top roll bar/frame and rest the bottom plate on my belt buckle, it frees up your leg and you can take a full stride, up stairs or where ever. Decibels/loudnessit claims it is 79dB, well indoors it definately seems louder than that. Now, I obviously didn't have a decibel meter, but I have used the Senco PC1010 plenty times, and that is listed around 76-79dB (give or take a few) and that compressor is ridicuously quite. The Bosch is noticeably louder, and if the Senco is say 76dB no way is the Bosch 79dB. Also, if you are working in and old house with loose floor boards, it vibrates and can increase the noise and the unit can walk on you; so you'll need to put it on a stable, clean surface (not on a drop cloth or dusty floor, rubberized feet need to contact solid substrate). But also, with saying that, this unit is quiter than most and you definately won't go deaf or anything working next to it, and you can carry on a conversation with it running.
Last tip: the manual is very basic, probally written in Chinese and translated to English (to rationalize some of the wording/grammar issues) which makes you read a few parts twice. This unit is made in CHINA too, maybe some of the parts are made domestically (maybe not) but it is definately made in China, I emailed Bosch and they said it was made here in USA-WRONG!. Make sure you break-it-in correctly before putting it to use.
Very Simple:(1) Open drain valve (on bottom of front plate) twist 1/4" turn
(2) plug unit in and turn lever ON
(3) run the compressor for 20 min continuously
(4) after twenty min, close drain valve-letting tanks fill-when it auto turns off at 125 psibreak-in is done
(5) CHANGE OIL!!!!!! (they don't tell you this, but it only benefits your new purchase)
Things to remember-don't be stupid and check the freggin' oil level first before you break it in. And yes, immediately after you break it in, get that oil outta there and get some fresh oil back in, you'll see what i'm saying when you see how dirty it is. Best oil I found to use is: MOBILE RARUS 427 (about $8.50 1 qt) lasts many oil changes. It takes about 150 ml to fill. (how do I measure 150 ml? buy a clear plastic bucket with ml marks on it, fill bucket to line, use a funnel & pour)
Also, try to always run your compressor on a level surface, if the ground, or driveway etc is pitched/sloped you can ruin your compressor because the motor isn't getting lubed properly, the oil will pool to one side and the parts inside won't pick up any oil. level is the way to go.
OK enough ramblin' onIf you are looking for a small professional grade compressor to use on mainly finish work, with an occational coil/ light framing nailer (not a high speed nail off) and the extra weight of the compressor is no issue, it's perfect. BTW, the extra weight is mainly to do from the heavy duty pump and the heavy duty roll bar/frame design, two features most contractors will gladly trade off for the extra weight beacause this thing is built to last. If, on the other hand you do mostly light punch out work,quarter round, shoe, trim out 1 window here & there and want something very easy to pick up & move around without dealing with oil changes, buy another compressor. Quick other points: Bosch's drain valve is the best design, it functions by turning only a 1/4 turn to open or close. Not the threaded kind that sticks out at the bottom, can break off or threads can strip. Pressure/regulator gauges are small and you have to bend down low and get close to read. Tool pressure knob doesn't feel real solid, cheaper light gauge plastic. Rubberized feet are very spongey and solid to absorb vibrations well (if your feet where out, you have to replace them, believe it or not a key feature vital to a long duty life. Heavy duty pump-100% duty rating (use it all day long continously) check other compressors for duty rating, some are 50% so for say 5 hours on, you need about 5 hours off, or you'll be looking for another compressor shortly if you push them too hard. Heavy duty frame/roll bar design to take jobsite abuse. recessed gauges-keeping components away from damage (it looks like the regulator knob could snap off easily though.
I would buy it again for sure, because if I bought a smaller lighter unit, (like I was initially looking for) I would have been left high & dry because, as luck would have it my large compressor broke the day before, & the Bosch substituted fine for finish & light framing & siding work that had to get done.
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