DEWALT D55155 15 Amp 2-3/4-Horsepower 4-Gallon Oiled Single Hot Dog CompressorDEWALT D55155 15 Amp 2-3/4-Horsepower 4-Gallon Oiled Single Hot Dog Compressor
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We should have known better when the first thing we saw was the word "Emglo" emblazoned in black on that famous DeWalt yellow. Emglo's half-century in the compressor business is evident in this model, and with a couple of small exceptions (we'll get into that in a minute), we don't think anyone could make a finer piece of air power.
Structurally, it's top-notch. DeWalt/Emglo's great new roll-cage shape protects your investment in the shop, in the truck and at the job site, and the gauges are easier to read than many we've squinted at over the years. It weighs in at around 60 pounds, and the way the handle's designed, you can carry it much like a suitcase without overexertion. To let out any moisture that's accumulated, it's just an easy turn of the ball-valve tank drain, then just wrap the cord on its holder and you're ready to go.
In the performance department, we have to say this machine blew us away, moving 4.5 cfm at 100 psi. Now, this may be a plus or a minus in your book, but we liked the fact that the compressor is factory set to power on at 100 psi an+d shut off at 120 psi, and the cycle time was under 15 seconds. We didn't find it unusually loud, but we're given to wearing hearing protection with tools such as this one anyway (and we hope you are, too.) It has air aplenty for two nailers at once, and with that fast recovery, the job will get done in no time.
If we had to say what we didn't like, there are two items on that list: First, we thought the power switch would have been better seated on the front panel rather than the side, but that's a miniscule complaint. What you do want to watch out for, though, is the proximity of the reset switch to parts that get searingly hot while in use. A little care will save you some pain.
In balance, this is one of the best compressor's we've seen for the size, power, ruggedness and incredible portability it offers. Here's to a great pairing of two great toolmakers.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste
- Tools & Hardware: 0 pages
- Publisher: DEWALT
- Label: DEWALT
- Studio: DEWALT
- Average Customer Review: based on 55 reviews
- Sales Rank in Tools: #68170
Cons: Regulator is noted as failure-prone by several reviewers, including me! Dewalt, this is an inexpensive part and a real annoyance. You can do better. No continuous-run mode and factory set on/off too close to max pressure.
This compressor is fine for the hobbyist who wants to fill tires or run an occasional nail gun. Will keep up with one framing nailer or a couple of smaller guns, but you'll have to slow down for plywood decking or anything else that requires constant firing. The ability to run the motor in constant mode, while the pressure valve cuts off, would really extend the engine life... with the factory preset cutoff so high, this thing will turn on/off constantly with even normal use. That's bound to be tough on the bearings.
I'm giving it three stars because it is a decent unit, is fairly-priced, and suits my needs, despite the fact that I am having to replace the regulator after one year of VERY occasional use. People with only slightly more demanding needs won't be as happy.
Pro:
Well built, dependable.
Convenient size, solid carrying handle.
Good for general blowing, nail gun, small jobs.
Idiot-proof, a feature that suited my needs.
Con:
EXTREMELY LOUD!
Awkward on/off switch (on the side of the motor where you can't see it very well, right next to the "Danger HOT!" sticker -- why not on the front control panel??).
Awkward relief valve that nearly explodes when you open it.
Cycles on and off way too often which means it gets startlingly LOUD for 30-second bursts every 10-15 minutes while in use.
The user can't adjust cycling levels.
Not enough CFM for spray painting or other heavy applications.
A little heavy for carrying far or often (I finally put mine on wheels after five years of lugging it around).
Overall:
Not a bad unit for taking on the road, but it's REALLY ANNOYING to use in a workshop which is where I usually use it. I'd like to trade it up to a higher CFM unit on wheels but the darn thing is built like a tank and will probably last another 20 years.
Sorry for the SHOUTS but if you buy this unit you'll find yourself SHOUTING too!