Tool Box Buzz

Porter-Cable C1010 Compact, Low-Noise, Trim Compressor

Recently Porter-Cable introduced a new compact, low-noise, trim compressor to it’s line of pneumatic tools. The Model C1010 was introduced back in June and we’ve been testing it for a couple months now. Quiet, portable trim compressors are perfect for doing small jobs like cabinet trim, punch list work and even small DIY projects. This year we also tested the Bostitch trim compressor which we think is certainly a comparable product.

Porter-Cable C1010 Features

• 75 SCFM delivered at 90 PSI, 1 gallon tank and 135 PSI max enables surge perfomance with quick recovery
• Durable, long life maintenance free pump for ease of use
• Low 71 dBA for quiet operation, 2.6 amp draw for easy start up and reduced breaker tripping
• High-flow regulator for maximum performance
• Light weight (23 lbs) compact design (9″ tall) is easy to carry and store
• Ball drain valve allows for quick and thorough tank draining
• Convenient cord wrap for easy storage
• Roll cage and control panel provide protection to key compresor components
• Cut-Out Max: 135 PSI
• Cut-In Restart: 105 PSI
• Air Delivery @ 40 PSI ISO1217: SCFM
• Air Delivery @ 90 PSI ISO1217: .75 SCFM
• Tank Size: 1 gal
• Running Horsepower: .3 HP
• Voltage: 120 V
• Amps: 3.5 Amps
• Pump Lubrication: Oil-free
• Decibel ISO3744: 71.5 dBA
• Product Weight: 24 lbs

Performance and Evaluation

I’ve been using the Porter-Cable C1010 for a couple months around the shop and I’m impressed. For me there are two main issues to look for in a small compressor and they are noise level and portability. Compressors like this are often times used for doing cabinet trim installation and really small warranty type jobs. So it’s essential that the compressor not be too loud (don’t want to annoy a customer!) and easy to transport in and out of the truck.

The Porter-Cable C1010 is really quiet! You can actually carry on a conversation while it’s running without raising your voice. For folks that work around compressors all day this is a welcome feature! I have no way of measuring the decibel level but it might even be slightly more quiet than the Bostitch model we mentioned earlier.

Portability of this compressor is quite impressive. Weighing in at 24 lbs this little guy is super easy to carry and very well balanced. What I like most is the slim compact design. If you look at the photo at right you’ll see what I mean. When carrying this compressor it’s narrow and hugs tight to your body. This makes the compressor feel lighter and much easier to navigate inside a finished home!

The compressor easily kept up with all the tasks that I performed. I used it for installing window and door casement trim, inflating a tractor tire and installing a few joist hangers with my joist hanger nailer (you wouldn’t normally use this small of a compressor but I wanted to see how it managed with a higher duty task).

Overall Impression

I really like the Porter-Cable C1010 Compact Trim Compressor. In fact based on it’s narrow vertical “profile” I like this one best of all the trim compressors I use. Frankly it’s the most comfortable to carry and feels the lightest based on this simple design feature. If you’re in the market for a compact trim compressor than I’d highly recommend this one.

You can buy this compressor for just over $100. If you’d like to buy it online then check out the following link on Amazon (If you do purchase it from that link I will get a very small commission).

• Porter-Cable C1010 Heavy-Duty 1-Gallon 135 PSI Max Quiet Trim Compressor for $109.99 on Amazon.

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