Tool Box Buzz

Senco 200 PSI 15 Gallon Air Compressor

Senco 15 Gallon Air Compressor PC0970

3/5

Manufacturer: Senco
Model number: PC0970
Price: $329 - $349
Power source: 110v
Motor size: 1.75 HP
Weight: <100 lbs

Larger air compressors make a lot of things go smoothly on the construction job site and in works shop applications.  They improve overall production performance and operation versatility.

High capacity compressors are useful for a multitude of applications including finish and trim carpentry, framing, roofing, flooring, siding, deck and all types of work shop projects.

New 2oo PSI Oil Free Compressor Line

The folks a  Senco recently introduced a series of 200 PSI oil-free portable air compressors to its product line.  We recently took a look at the Senco 15 gallon air compressor PC0970 which has a high capacity 15 gallon vertical tank and brought it into our workshop to use on some projects.

The PC0970 has 1.75 HP induction motor fills the air tank quickly, reduces recovery time.   The tank delivers up to 4.9 SCFM at 90 PSI.  According to Senco, the 200 PSI max operating system produces about 40 percent more usable air than a 150 PSI unit,  allowing for longer run time  and efficiency.

First Impression

My shop is in the basement and being able to easily wheel the PS0970 down my bulkhead steps was a plus.

The PC0970 is sharp looking with its inline narrow yet durable looking design.   It comes with dual couplers for multi-tool connections and a 95V start, a critical performance specification for use on job-sites that may only have a temporary electric pole or a generator.

The oil-free pump design eliminates the need for oil and regular maintenance, and allows fort the tool to be transported and stored horizontally or vertically without worrying about oil spills.

New to this design is a full roll cage that encapsulates the vital compressor components.

I immediately noticed the multiple grip points and easy to move  semi-pneumatic wheels  which allowed me to easy to transport and store the unit.  The unit weighs in at just under 100 pounds.

Using The PC0970

This compressor is large enough to use on larger framing projects and perfect for the work shop or garage shop.

While testing I used it i the shop on projects such as building cabinets and even ran an air hose to my shed and blew out my sprinkler pipes.

It took just over 5 minutes to fully charge the tank to 200 PSI  and approximately 85 seconds for the tank to recover.

My only criticism, like most compressors I use, is it’s noisy and seems a bit slow on fill up.   I’d like to see Senco reduce the decibels and reduce the time it takes for the tank to fill up.

All of the controls are large and in the front of the compressor making it easy to use and regulate.

Overall Impression

I’ve used all types of compressors over the years and in my opinion, the Senco 15 Gallon Air Compressor PC0970, is the perfect small shop compressor.

I really likes the compact footprint of this unit, the controls are simple and the air capacity plenty!

While I am a fan of oil compressors they do require maintenance. If you’re running a crew and even worry a little bit that they wound check the oil than maybe this is a good alternative. Plus there are no belts or pulleys to maintain.

Plan on spending $329 – $349 for this compressor.

3 Comments

1. Al Zicari'

   July 13, 2017 at 7:32 pm

   We put this compressor in our shop as a temporary replacement. It takes about twenty minutes to recover(literally). There are no leaks as far as we can telll. What would cause it to run like this?

   Reply
   1. Rob Robillard

      July 14, 2017 at 6:35 pm

      It’s not actually 20 minutes but it does take a long time

      Reply
      1. Rick Shep

         May 3, 2019 at 9:56 pm

         Mine takes every bit of 20mins. And barely reaches max psi to shut off. This is my 3rd unit. Junk compressor if you ask me.

         Reply

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