Porter-Cable CPLDC2540S 2.5 HP 4 Gallon Oil-Lube Air Compressor

I've been searching for a portable compressor for a couple of months now and near the end came up with three to chose from: the Emglo 55155, a Hitachi dual stack and this PC.

After looking at the reviews here, elsewhere and comments from a friend about his Emglo, I decided to go with the 2540S. My requirements were portability (60 lbs or so), oil lubed, at least 4.0 SCFM @ 90 PSI so I can use some automotive tools as well. Other compressors did meet these, but what draw me was the oil lube system that permits you to use it on uneven surfaces. This should be the norm! Other good things are excellent build (USA), non-ball type draincock (ice can ruin a brass ball), pressure release valve (to lower the pressure before you open draincock that can shoot projectiles), caged, not too bad noise level about 83 dbA (noisy street), lower running 1.3HP (2.5max) to not trip the circuit breakers, filtered intake (not output though) for longer motor life, shrouded motor for airflow from fan...Read more

Not that I know much about compressors, but this one seems like a good buy. I considered a few others, but for the price, I liked this one. The features that attracted me were the oil-lube, well protected regulator/switches/valves, and the nice "console" to hook up two hoses. (I think the only other unit offering all these features is that one from DeWalt) I think the noise level is about what I expected. From what I have heard/read, the oil-less designs are much louder than this. It's a bit on the heavy side, but so what.

My only concern that keeps me from giving it five stars is this: the owner's manual states that the compressor should cut-in and cut-out to keep the tank pressure cycling between 120 and 150 psi. According to the gauge, it only gets up to 135 psi. Is this a problem? Doesn't seem right to me.

UPDATE:
Based on the low tank pressure, I exchanged this unit to try another one. The second unit airs up to about 140 psi and stops. Seems to me that if PC is going...Read more

after you read the directions follow the break in procedure. add the oil before you fire it up. open the tank drain and run it for 20 mins with the tank drain open to break it in. then close the drain. after i used it to inflate some tires on various pieces of equipment i shot 25 or so narrow crown staples into some oak, no problems ( at 100lbs on the regulator. always check your equipment for the proper pressure). then to check the presure gauges i left the tanks fill. tank gauge read 155 lbs. regulator 145. i'm not sure why there is a difference, but the regulator control when it seem to be turned all the way to where it's tight, can still be rotated which i did until i reached 145lbs at the regulator. however, i stopped at 145lbs so that i didn't break it. hope this is helpful.