I think I know what Dewalt’s goal is these days – to compel everyone to buy into their FlexVolt cordless power tool platform – and it might be working.
Behold, the new Dewalt 60V Max FlexVolt cordless air compressor, model DCC2560T1.
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It’s a 2.5 gallon unit with a compact design, 135 PSI max pressure, brushless motor, it’s made in the USA (with global materials), and it’s less expensive than I would have guessed.
Dewalt says it’ll deliver cordless convenience with the power of a corded tool.
- 2.5 gallon tank
- 135 PSI max
- 1.2 SCFM at 90 PSI
- One-Turn regulator for “fast and accurate pressure adjustment”
- Can drive over 1220 nails per charge (brad? finish? we’ll find out)
- Brushless motor
- Oil-free pump
- Weighs 22 lbs
- Heavy duty roll cage
- 15.5″ H x 14″ L x 12.5″ W
It looks to me like the Dewalt FlexVolt air compressor can do anything that a typical ~2.5 gallon air compressor could do, which would typically mean lighter nailing and air fill-up tasks.
With an SCFM rating of 1.2 at 90 PSI, this wouldn’t be the choice for all-day framing. But it should be able to handle finish nailers, staplers, brad nailers, pin nailers, and other similarly sized tools with ease.
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Here’s a closer look at the control panel. Ah, so that is what a “One-Turn” air regulator looks like. I like it!
Price: $299 for the (1) battery and fast charger kit, DCC2560T1
Buy Now via Acme Tools
Buy Now via Amazon
First Thoughts
This is not the first cordless air compressor to market – Ridgid has Dewalt beat by a couple of months, with their 18V 1 gallon air compressor.
The Ridgid is a capable and highly portable model, but I can’t find myself thinking that this Dewalt model is far more appealing. It has a larger air tank, it’s more powerful, and it looks to have a fantastic design that takes up as little space as possible.
I like the look of the roll cage, especially since it hugs the space-filling air tank and compressor. There are good things about boxier designs with extended roll cages and handles, but a big negative is that they take up more space.
Hmm. That One-Touch regulator – can it ever lose its accuracy? I suppose one could fix up an inline air pressure gauge to check every now and then. And it’s not like traditional regulators and pressure gauge combos are infallible either.
The “tried and true” method is to slap in a bi-directional regulator knob and a second pressure gauge – one for tank pressure and another for output. But that takes up more space.
With this Dewalt model, you get a tank pressure gauge, and the regulator that’s adjusted to a rough pressure setting. You turn the dial to the desired pressure, instead of watching a second pressure gauge as you turn an ordinary air regulator.
I’m trying to find a “catch” here – anything to quell my excitement and optimism even just a little bit. But so far I can’t find any reason not to be happy. This seems to be the cordless air compressor that users have been asking for!
The new One-Turn regulator? I am VERY interested to learn more about it, and to see how well it works. Is this something we’ll see on Dewalt’s corded air compressors?
One thing I’m happy to see is that the new Dewalt cordless compressor looks to have been designed from the ground up. I guess it’d have to be, since it’s engineered with a brushless motor and space-conserving design.
Are any parts of it user-serviceable? That’s something some users look at when shopping for portable and stationary air compressors. I’m going to take a guess and say “no.” But if true, that’s a tradeoff of having a more compact and portable air compressor without sacrificing on tank capacity or power. Then again, a lot of smaller air compressors aren’t really user serviceable either.
I think the price is fair – $299 for the kit. Maybe more than fair. A fast charger is $70 on Amazon, and a 6.0Ah FlexVolt battery pack comes down to around $90 each if you buy a 2 pack for $179 on Amazon. Based on that, I’d guess a bare tool price of $199, at least at launch. As of the time of this post, several Dewalt FlexVolt 1-battery kits are $100 more than their bare tool prices. Ridgid’s is also $199 for the bare tool.
What’s your take? “I want one NOW!” or “Eh, who cares”?
If you’re not a Dewalt user, what would your take be if your cordless power tool brand of choice came out with the same exact tool but in their trade color?
Do you know what would make this even better? If it had an AC port for cordless or corded operation. Maybe that’ll be available on a following 120V Max model.
Chris
Awesome!!
JMG
Looks great. Is there any information about loud it might be?
Can’t help but think that they would make a corded adapter for this at some point.
Stuart
Not yet, but it’s on my list of things to ask.
Chance
79 dB.
rmkilc
I don’t get it. Isn’t this counterintuitive? Why combine the disadvantages of air tools and cordless battery powered tools into one package? Some people like air tools because they don’t have to deal with batteries and they have no need to be mobile. Some people like battery powered tools because they don’t have to deal with air hoses and air compressors. As technology progresses, battery powered tools are slowly overtaking air powered tools. I would rather see Dewalt launching a full line of cordless air tool replacements like Milwaukee.
The yeti
I’m also befuddled by this . It has one use I guess . Camping for bike tires floated and air mattresses . Other than that …. I dunno
. I have a small Campbell hausfeld I just five seconds ago mounted to the shop wall .
rmkilc
I did think of that use. But I would rather see a much smaller compressor just for inflating air mattresses, car tires, and the like. And it doesn’t need a tank.
Nathan
Like the Ryobi P731?
fred
or the Ryobi P737 or P738 ?
Maybe Dewalt sees this as a transition tool. Many folks already have a stable of pneumatic tools. In lots of cases these are still more capable, for some work, than their cordless counterparts. So between capabilities and budgets – pneumatics are likely to hang around for a long time. Using them where AC power is inconvenient or not available – means you need to bring out an engine-driven compressor or a generator capable of powering your corded compressor. So a cordless compressor might fill a niche market.
Stuart
Cordless versions of air tools are still big, bulky, and often pricey. Lots of users have money invested in air tools that they really enjoy using.
This is one option.
The Portable Power Station is another, although it’s not very portable to have to move it, a compressor, and your nailers.
I can see a lot of benefits in this compressor for my own needs, and that’s partially fueling my excitement. But if I didn’t, it’s still good to have multiple options available, whether it be a corded compressor, a cordless one, cordless nailers, or gas cartridge-powered ones.
Cordless nailers have come a long way, but there are still very many users who prefer their compressors and air nailers.
This cordless compressor might benefit those users who aren’t ready or willing to move to cordless nailers, and as well as users whose needs are not yet satisfactorily met by cordless nailers.
fred
This is another case of wanting to use the right tool for the job. That is usually more productive and safer . What gets in the way is that we are often constrained by budget.Buying just the right tool may not be cost effective. That’s especially the case if we don’t foresee using that tool often enough to justify the cost or the space needed to store it. A cordless compressor may fit into that “right tool for the job” category.
As an example, I was called recently for some advice about a large fencing job that my ex-compatriots had been asked to bid. We did lots of railings – even fabricated pipe and metal ones in our sister business. But a large fence job – with combinations of wood, metal, masonry, plastic and fence wire elements – over a 50 acre site was way beyond our capabilities. I looked at what we’d need , what we might make do with, what we might rent and what we’d need to buy. The need to buy some tools and machinery – then sell them off at the end of the job was figured into the job estimate. My take was that we should be honest and recommend a big fencing company we had used in the past. As it turned out – the scope of work was expanded to include some big decks, hardscaping and outbuilding construction more in-line with my old business. My ex-compatriots got the job as the GC – and are subbing out most of the fencing work and landscaping. When looking at the livestock enclosure part of the job, I did come across an interesting Paslode (New Zealand) fence stapler – which might have been the right tool for the job:
http://schwarzequipment.com/ST400i-StockAde-Impulse-Stapler_p_38.html
John
I imagine this would be a God sent for contractors where, much like the battery powered table saw, the portability is needed when the building site doesn’t have electricity run yet. Rather than relying on a single generator running everything or supplying your crew with single purpose battery operated nailers. I would also think the amount of power needed by a gas generator to run a conventional air compressor would be a huge waste and draw.
fred
For air tools – most folks would likely bring an engine-driven compressor, They are much more capable and convenient than most small electrics running off a separate generator. We had “wheelbarrow-style hotdog compressors” for this application or yard work. The only downside – is that the engine-compressor can not be run indoors. This may result in longer runs of air hose.
As you say the alternative is bringing some sort of generator to the job site. On big jobsites that have yet to be hooked-up to temporary power, I’ve seen rented diesel generators running. On smaller jobs – it might be one or more Generacs or similar generators. On other jobs, I’ve seen a batch of small Honda generators. distributed around. We had a few options at our disposal – and sometimes even used our truck-mounted Miller diesel welder/generator. All this said – a cordless compressor offers yet another option for those who want it. Of course the batteries need to get charged-up somewhere.
Adam
I agree, this doesn’t make sense, you still need the hose for the nail gun, so you may as well plug the compressor in as well, and how much does it cost, redicules, what we need is cordles nail guns, with the same power as air nail guns .
Adam
this doesn’t make sense, you still need the hose for the nail gun, so you may as well plug the compressor in as well, and how much does it cost, redicules, what we need is cordles nail guns, with the same power as air nail guns .
Ryan
This whole argument about “why make it cordless if you have to use a hose” is pretty stupid, in my opinion. It’s not like they have anything to do with each other. It’s like saying we shouldn’t have battery powered vacuums because they have a hose and that means you could plug it in.
What if I want to work on a site without power or limited power availability? What if I want to fill up a tire any distance from my house? What if I want to build a tree house for my kid in the woods? Hell, I bet with the right nozzle attachment you could throw this in a canoe/kayak and use it as an air source to go diving, keeping the nozzle clipped to your side to take hits off of every minute or so. (Wait, could that actually work?)
Anyway, “if hose, then cord” just doesn’t make any sense.
Soicyboy
Couldn’t agree with you anymore.
Tiberious Johanson
I am a Chainsaw Carver. We use air to blast the gas and oil caps off before filling. Stump jobs far from power, contests in parks with no power, or even at the shop far from the outlet. This would be a great tool along with the power station to run the corded grinders. I see new markets for people that might not have power and are sick of hauling a generator. Now I just need Dewalt to build a Flexfolt Dir Grinder like Metabo, Makita, and everyone else. Come on Dewalt. I am waiting??
Koko the Talking Ape
In the woodworking world, air tools are understood to be lighter and longer-lasting than their electrical equivalents. They also have the advantage of running cool. The disadvantages are that some woodworking tools (like a router) are hard to find in pneumatic form, and that variable speed is not commonly found in air tools. But my information might be out of date.
But compared to running tools directly off electricity, using electricity to compress air and then running tools off the compressed air has some efficiency advantages. Compressing the air (as we have all noticed) makes it hot; some of the work done in compressing the air goes into making it hot. In the tank, that heat gradually bleeds away, reducing the pressure in the tank, i.e., the process is not adiabatic. (And then, when the pressure is released in order to do work, the air becomes cold.) That lost heat constitutes a substantial amount of wasted energy, something like 30% of the total energy consumed. Normally it wouldn’t matter, but in a battery-powered situation, it might.
It would be interesting to use the same battery to power an electric screwdriver, say, and compare it to the same battery driving a compressor which then drives a pneumatic driver.
fred
You point to an interesting bit of engineering. So if I’ve got it right, looking at the round-tip efficiency we can:
1) charge one or more batteries
a) probably run a fan in the charger to keep the battery cool
2)discharge the battery to run a compressor
3) use the compressor to compress some air – heating it in the process
4) store the compressed air in a tank which will be heated by the air inside
5) Allow the tank to give up some of that heat to its surroundings
6) condense some water vapor in the process giving up some heat
7) adjust the air pressure downward – cooling it (JT expansion)
8) run the compressed air through a hose
9) expand the compressed air trough a tool to finally do some useful work.
As you say, all these steps have energy losses associated with them. Nothing is perfect. If you want this option – you will pay in terms of lost efficiency
Koko the Talking Ape
Your description is more complete than mine. I forgot about the water. (and I meant to say “disadvantages,” not “advantages.”)
But electric tools have efficiency losses too. They have internal friction, they get warm, etc. (And a compressor runs at one speed, while a drill motor, for example, has to run at many speeds. I wonder if that wastes some energy. )
I just wonder how those losses compare to those in air tools.
David
For the smaller stuff, I’m likely to use a cordless nailer, rather than use an air powered device with a cordless compressor.
I think the $40 Ryobi One+ inflator meets the portable inflator need nicely for me for tires and other smaller inflatables like air beds. (and it was really handy recently when a friend pulled up to a vacation cabin with two flat tires, miles away from the nearest gas station)
So, is this one I’d add? Probably not. I’m more likely to invest in a quiet, moderately sized plug-in compressor when my current pancake compressor dies.
john
Exactly this! Just make me an M18 inflator and ill be happy.
I already switched to cordless nailers, never going back to corded again!
jtr165
I’m happy Dewalt is making this, but overall I agree with you guys. I’m on board with cordless nailers despite only having a 16g trim nailer currently. Been thrilled with it so far.
The fact that this likely isn’t powerful enough for a framing or roofing nailer, it puts it right in line with the cordless nail options i’m already considering (namely an 18g brad’er). With that said, I don’t own any air nailers, so I understand the appeal to someone that does but needs an ‘off grid’ option from time to time.
What excites me, though, is that this likely points to higher possibilities of a ‘real’ cordless shop vac from the FV line coming at some point.
JC
The framing nailer becomes the issue in my case. I have a ryobi airstrike brad nailer and plan on adding the crown stapler before too long. Im on the fence about the finish nailer just simple due to the size of the compression chamber area.
I dont frame for a living so my HF framing nailer does everything I need it to and I dont want to pay outrageous prices for a DeWalt framing nailer (they seem to be the only company making battery powered framing nailers and I’m not sure why nobody else has followed suit). A cordless compressor would be awesome for me if it could run a framing nailer and I wish dewalt had had made this a 4 gallon with dual batteries to achieve some more impressive specs. I’ll be watching closely for the video reviews to come out to see its limimtation and make my decision at that point.
@mhorwedel
This is awesome. I’m a framer and when I have to go back and frame basement walls, 9 times out of 10 the power is not hooked up yet and I don’t want to be using my battery powered guns to frame all the walls. I would much rather use my pneumatic guns. So this pancake compressor that’s compatible with the rest of my 60v cordless tools is great news for me. Otherwise I need to bring a mini generator and a pancake compressor… this takes the generator out of the equation for me. @mhorwedel
Tom
I agree with some of the past comments that it does seem a little odd combining cordless + air hose. But I’m also the guy that sees little value in cordless mitre saws and such…
Imagine noise would be a key factor for some of the use cases where this would make sense – any specs yet on that?
Like the look of the regulator knob and roll cage, and if Dewalt has also figured out a way to make it quieter hopefully these innovations also translate to new corded tools eventually as was mentioned in the post.
Mr weedley
It’s a air tank that can refill its self….. genius!
JoeM
…I feel weird… It’s like DeWALT was reading my mind… I’m going to have to do a diagnostic check for running processes on my computer, see if there’s some sort of snooping cookie installed from them… ‘Cause I live in an Apartment… and I NEED this… This is THE VERSION of an air compressor I want.
Y’see… I’m not planning on jobsite uses… I can do the inflation thing, sure… my Mother uses a Scooter, and I’m her caregiver… so… This thing makes sense to me… Plus, I’ve been meaning to get into Airbrushing for years now… I have many projects where I don’t need a 10 gallon tank, I just need a tiny compressor like this, to spray Testors Enamel paint on some projects. And… Turn it WAY down… say… 10 PSI, and it’s a shop air system… From my computer tech days, I still have a habit of buying Canned Air… Tiny air compressor trumps canned air ANY day…
The rest of you who don’t understand why this might be needed: Don’t worry. You’re right. YOU don’t need it. The Air Tube Vs Battery debate is totally valid for you, and I totally agree that THAT application makes ZERO sense. Air Tool users don’t like the weight of the batteries (and the FlexVolt battery IS Heavy.), and Cordless users don’t like cords OR hoses, so this little guy as a hybrid makes very little sense.
But… Look at it! LITTLE! 2 Gallon? You can’t do bigger applications like Framing with this model. This is the baby of the family here… This is the odd Airbrush, Air Duster, Inflation/Compressor application model… and the SIZE! Hello Home Workshop!
The rest of you guys… Guys… really… Don’t discuss this one… It’s too small for you. You don’t want it. I do, because my operation is VERY small. But you guys? You need to wait for this Baby to introduce Bigger Brother, Momma and Poppa to you. 120 Volt Corded/Cordless edition like the Miter Saw will probably be in the 10-15 Gallon size range. THAT is going to be the one you all want. Cordless for when you’re starting a job, and haven’t got the Electrical set up yet, you can get some basic Air going to get stuff started. As soon as you’ve got Electrical on-site… Yank the batteries, lock in the Corded adapter, and BAM, fully functional air compressor for the big stuff you do all day. And you wouldn’t even need to pick it up, or move it. Just switch the batteries for the adapter.
But, seriously, I’m checking to see if DeWALT has installed any kind of tracking or spy software on all my devices… this thing is STRAIGHT out of the dark recesses of my dreams for tools. ESPECIALLY at that price point! That’s… like… PERFECT butter zone for ME to afford a compressor! Now when does it get released in CANADA?
Ryan
But excited about this eh?
JoeM
Well, I’ve been considering a Campbell Housfield or a Mastercraft one for years, but they’re all AC powered, and I just don’t know if the quality/price range ratio on them is worth it for me. VERY limited budget, so I have to be sure, or I’m out a LOT of money in my case.
I probably AM a little TOO excited about it. I started looking at the DeWALT compressors recently, saw the prices, and realized the name was slapped on another brand, which I didn’t quite know what to think of. I’ve been weighing my actual “Need” of a compressor for a good… 5 years now, due to price and space, and most certainly noise level.
But this, right here, answers all of my concerns. 2.5 gallon (so it’s quite small, handy when you live in an apartment building), DeWALT made directly, using the FlexVOLT tech which the rest of my DeWALT tools can make use of, justifying the cost of batteries for this thing. And the price point… It’s hovering right around the price point of the Campbell Hausfield and Mastercraft models I was looking at, but is a good… 40% lower than the DeWALT models I was unsure of.
You guys can think I’m crazy if you’d like. I wouldn’t blame you one bit. I can definitely get a little on the crazy side when we’re talking things that solve the weird problems I have tool-wise. I’m sure there are at least a dozen of the regular posters on ToolGuyd who think I’m nuts, and they’re perfectly justified in doing so. I can be very passionate and over-excited at times. Small-scale/Small-application DIY range tools are exactly what I need. I’m an individual worker, not part of a big team, or company. So there’s a lot that I do that would make the more experienced folk around here cringe, or think I have low standards.
This compressor… if we take my spying/mind reading joke out of it… really does fit exactly what I need, and answers my concerns over the cheaper brands I was thinking of getting before. When your budget is as low as mine is, and your sources of income limited… Finding “THE ONE” of anything is like winning the lottery.
Blythe M
Glad you’re excited but if you’re working in an apartment and want small then you need to look at the California air tools 1 gallon. Way cheaper at around $100 and quiet enough to have a normal conversation around (56 dB). They make larger tanks too, not sure what kind of air consumption air brushing has. I love mine for trim carpentry
John Blair
It looks like a good product. It just doesn’t look like the product for me. If I had to run a compressor somewhere that didn’t have power, I would use my portable power station. But I mainly use cordless tools because I hate the drag of the cable. So when doing crown or trim, I use a nice cordless nailer. Now if I were designing it for something I might use, I would put it in the shape of a DS450 Toughsystem cart. Then it would be easy to move from room to room and you could stack more tools on top of it.
JoeM
I love that idea! But, not for THIS model… If they offer a 5+ gallon edition, then TOTALLY! I would love to see this design of tool for a 5 Gallon (60 Volt like this one, Cordless), a 10 Gallon (120 Volt/2 Battery, Corded/Cordless Adapter included), and maybe 15 and 20 Gallon editions, all with your Tough System cart idea. With the wheels off the back, and the rail system up the sides of the “Cart”, or even just the compressor having rail slots to fit straight into the Tough System Cart. The smaller versions having the cart run above the compressor, with rails so you can stack on top, the BIGGER versions (10/20 Gallon, 120 Volt Editions) with the Tough System rails down the FRONT of the compressor, so the compressor just becomes one big Tough System Cart.
You, Sir, are BRILLIANT. I hope DeWALT is watching!
Altan
Shape of DS300/DS400/DS450 is a good idea, They should make 60V-120V Vacuum cleaner which can work with one or two batteries, not just two batteries, and at the same time should be corded and compatible with these boxes, similar to Festool one. Same with DC022 light and extention wire.
Nathan
I like the idea wished it existed a year ago.
2 things I would change I guess.
1) I want a 2 battery device that is near comparable to a 6 gallon job preferably with a 6 gallon tank
2) AC adapter on said device.
I’d buy one tomorrow for the 240 dollar mark – bare tool.
I do like the idea and I might still buy one one day – however I don’t like the regulator but I know it would work for me. Let’s face it with a nailer or inflating you don’t really need dead accurate line pressure. Close enough it good enough or it has been for me
Josh K
I think this is neat. I don’t have an air compressor currently, and a concern for me is finding a good place to plug one in. I don’t have a lot of outlets in my old house in the garage, and I’ve never thought it a good idea to run an extension cord for this sort of thing. I think adding a power adapter would be cool so you could run it off of the cord when needed, and it also think it would be neat if when you plugged it in, it could charge the battery in the compressor.
ca
Well, this was unexpected. They really, really, really should’ve made this 120 V so you can use it corded as well like their mitre saw. Their table saw has the same problem unfortunately.
JoeM
I think this little one is fine as a battery-only edition. I agree that the 120 volt adapter should be available on this new line of compressors, but I think we should wait for the bigger versions of this one, 5/6 Gallon up to 10/20 Gallon versions should be 120 Volt.
If they ever make a bigger version of the FlexVOLT Table Saw, I agree it should be 120 like the Miter Saw, so it can go Corded/Cordless.
I just think the Table Saw, and this little 2.5 Gallon compressor are too compact to handle the added size of the FlexVolt AC Adapter. Once they make them bigger, there’s plenty of room for FlexVOLT DC/AC switching.
Nathan
Now that you mention it that does make alot of sense.
Sam
I think I’ll keep my Rolair.
katie
135 PSI the power of a corder tool? LOL
Not even close. This thing can barely fill a tyre.
Nathan
semi- rig or large format tractor?
because any full size truck, car, van, or even commercial van would be easily filled with a 135 psi range.
in the realm of pancake compressors my corded PC model is 150 psi and 6 gallon – other than the gallons it’s not much higher pressure.
Joe
Completely wrong
Joe
This compressor fills the gap…it can be used with a framing gun ,say building a shed..it is perfect for trim guys….cordless finish nailers are double the size and weight of air nailers ..there is no power on 95% of all our custom home jobs….it will run a hanger gun no problem……no cords….set this in the room your trimming ,grab your favorite lightweight trim gun and done….I have the cordless nailers, they are heavy,awkward,and don’t always set the nails after a couple years……pneumatic guns work for years and years……punch list,change orders…it is perfect….any larger like the comments above and it’s now a full size heavy compressor, that defeats the point of it
Anton
If they made this as a hybrid, maybe.
I quit looking at the table saw they have because it was battery only.
Cole Kemp
Exactly what I was thinking. I would highly consider this if it could run off a cord and a battery. Actually it would be very appealing. But with battery only It limits it from an everyday to a every once in a while and I have to carry a corded compressor too.
Joe
Why ? Is that …
noswad
I really like the fact that dewalt’s new tools are designed to clip on to their tough box system.
JoeM
This one does not. A few posts ago, we were dreaming/wishing it did, and hoping for larger versions in the future to have that feature. But this does not clip into the Tough System or TSTAK systems.
noswad
sarcasm.
JoeM
Sorry. Hard to tell online. My bad.
noswad
I get that same reaction in person.
glenn
Although I rarely need the extra capacity that this offers, this is something I would most likely buy down the track if one of the brand of cordless tools I used released one.
I have been using the Ryobi inflator for years and it has done the job well for my needs, and for me personally I would be happy if Milwaukee or (newly bought into) Makita released one. As I am sure owners of other brands would like as well.
That aside, no doubt it is well built, will suit a lot of people and all at a very fair price.
Raoul
My first thought is I would get one asap. Roll cage is a plus as I have broken too many falling over in my trailer. The lever is neat, we’ll see how it works. Flexvolt batteries I have so hopefullt they will have a bare tool, but my #1 feature that I look for in a compressor is 150psi rating and this fails. Oh well. I might have to look past that for now, there are too many other upsides here and maybe they will upgrade at some time or it’s strong enough for a hogher psi switch.
firefly
Look good. The pricing is very competitive. Made in USA is a real plus. I want to know about the noise level as well.
If the sound decibel fall below 60 I definitely will pick one up. I don’t really care nor I think that this need to be on the flexvolt line but that is neither a plus or minus IMO.
Chance
It’s rated at 79 dB. The same as a small Rol-Air which I feel is pretty quiet.
Matt
I have yet to invest in Flexvolt but ny understanding is that some, like the miter and table saw, are hybrid and and will also take ac power via a cord or converter?
If so, i think this compressor could benefit from a similar get up if lacking.
If youre invested in flexvolt this would be a no brainer. I see more of a market for cordless nailers that run the XR batteries
Chance
Only the FlexVolt miter saws are hybrid, the table saw is not.
JoeM
I think the next version of the Table Saw and FUTURE Compressors that are, specifically, larger, should go Hybrid. I feel this 2.5 Gallon one is too physically small to fit the 120 Volt adapter they have for the FlexVOLT system. I Tried to fit that same sentiment in to the Table Saw as well. The Small Table Saw they have right now, I genuinely feel is too small to fit the 120 Volt FlexVOLT AC Adapter. But, if they made a larger Table Saw, and 5+ Gallon models of this Compressor, then I can see them making them all big enough in dimension to fit the AC Adapter. Would also make buying one cheaper, since you could already have one from the Miter Saw, and just re-use it on the Compressor or Table Saw, as needed. If you can genuinely justify buying another Adapter, it can be bought later, still keeping the price point in the happy zone.
As it stands, this is a tiny shop class compressor, and the FlexVOLT Table Saw they have now is a Light-Duty Table Saw. They’re both just slightly too small to be used on an industrial level. So, they’re probably better suited to Hobbyists. THAT said, there’s nothing anywhere that says these Baby sized tools aren’t just the start of the line, where larger ones are coming, designed for Industry instead of Hobbies.
Joe
That is incorrect…the flex tablesaw is used everyday framing houses,cutting 3/4″ cdx plywood,pt wood,decking,trim,etc….it can handle any job a corded tablesaw can do…absolutely no need for a cord with a 3/9ah battery
Ryan
The flexvolt saw is a serious, heavy duty saw, and can accomplish 90% of the corded version as the only limitation is blade diameter which is only a concern for the thickest of materials. This thing will shock you with how much you can rip on a single battery.
Nathan
and table size – it gives up a good bit of table size to its corded brethren. I do agree that blade size it a minimal issue
Brian A
Like others said while it seems like a good idea its counterintuitive. With so many cheap inflators on the market and every tool manufacturer has a shop blower with adapters to inflate blow ups. Those shop blowers will inflate any blowup faster than this thing. Plus as far as recreational use, probably most of those people carry a jump box which has an inflator built in.
Unless its a 6cfm 150psi compressor, its useless, but even then who would really need that.
JoeM
Except for Airbrushing Models/Small Projects/Using Testors Paint and replacing Canned Air. Those applications require significantly less air pressure to do the job. Any higher than 135psi, and it can be dangerous to use the compressor for this application.
This thing is DEFINITELY not for Industrial use. It probably CAN drive light nails and staples, and plenty of them, but not day-in, and day-out.
I just look forward to what the rest of you say when this little guy’s bigger brothers/momma and poppa compressors come out. Maybe even the larger Table Saw going full 120 Volt like the Miter Saws. THOSE are going to be some fun reads!
BikerDad
A lot of folks commenting want this to be a hybrid. Here’s to hoping that DeWalt is paying attention. The thing is, making it a hybrid is far easier than building a new 120v 2 pack unit.
DeWalt could make a 60v transformer in battery pack, basically the same as they already do for the 120v. Not only would it allow this to run as a hybrid, but it would allow all their other Flexvolt single pack tools to run corded. I don’t see a big call for most of the handheld tools to do so, but as noted, it would be good for the tablesaw, and for this.
Alex
A 120v to 60v transformer needs an heavy metalic core to work. It wouldn’t be very portable. You are better off using the generator and a corded tool in this case
The 120 adapter is just an adapter transforming ac current to dc since 120 is the main voltage in North America. There is no step down involved so the thing is quite lightweight compare to an heavy transformer.
glenn
Where is this constant whining about tools not being hybrid come from?
I and all of my workmates (2 of which are electricians) are trying to get away from corded tools and we are down one last one. A vacuum pump and that is going to soon be replaced with a cordless one.
I certainly don’t want to have to pay extra for tools because a loud minority want hybrid tools.
If you want corded tools, go buy them, they are already available. If you want cordless, buy a few extra batteries.
Joe
Exactly Glenn……if you want a big ass 6gal ..150psi…6cfm compressor non electric…..it’s called GAS….go buy it…why would you want a large battery / hybrid compressor to haul around ? This compressor is for Trim guys,punch list,small jobs,change orders…that happen all the time………..review the tool for its intended purpose not a wish list ……commercial use ,? Are you serious ? Not what it was designed for……
Stephen
I can’t seem to see an on/off switch for this thing in the photos. Do you think it is built into the regulator knob? I hope not.
Stuart
I see what looks to be an on/off rocker switch on the front panel, covered with a shroud presumably to precent unintentional activation.
Mr. Gerbik
I have to agree with the nay sayers on this one. If you read the post, there’s no mention of cut in or cut out pressure or how much power it draws from a battery to fill up. How many times will it fill until the battery is dead? You failed to mention the important information. Thanks. Just because its 135 psi don’t mean its gonna fill up a near flat tire. In fact I know it won’t. Think about it, how many gallons of air do you think a tire holds? At 1.2 scfm, the battery will likely die before you fill up just one tire. Depending on how much power it draws from the battery to keep the air pressure high enough to fill a tire. It might be good to topping off but that’s about it.
Elmer
I seriously doubt that would be a problem. My Ryobi inflator will do that without draining a 4ah battery and it’s not even brushless. With a 6 or 9ah battery and a brushless motor this shouldn’t have any problem inflating a tire from flat.
glenn
Yep, I have one as well and it will top 4 tyres with 7-10 psi using a 2.3ah battery it and its nowhere near flat when done. And these inflators do not even have a tank.
My maths is so long forgotten I wouldn’t be able to calculate a tyre volume but if I had to guess, It would be 15-20 litres for a large passenger car.
Not allowing for temperatures etc, a switched off 10 litre tank compressor at 135psi will empty into another 20 litres to somewhere around 45psi. And all this without having it kick in. To say it wont fill a tyre is just plain wrong.
My maths is so long forgotten I wouldn’t be able to calculate a tyre volume but if I had to guess, It would be 15-20 litres for a large passenger car.
glenn
Sorry, doubled up on the maths sentence bit.
Chance
“You know it won’t” fill a single tire on a single charge? I hope your just pretending to be ignorant. I love how everybody has a tool figured out and knows what it will and won’t do because they’ve seen a picture of it. . . . .
Blythe M
Needs a hybrid option for peace of mind, and needs to be ultra quiet. After owning the 56 dB California air tools compressor I mentioned above, I don’t think I will ever buy a compressor that requires me to yell at a customer or co worker
Elmer
I’d rather see a cordless coil nailer. That’s the one air tool I haven’t yet been able to replace. The problem that I have with a lot of the flexvolt tools is that they’re mostly stationary. Air compressors, miter saws and table saws are the kind of tools you set up at the beginning of the job and then only move occasionally afterward. For that kind of tool a power cord isn’t particularly inconvenient. Make it a 10 gallon 120v hybrid though and I might be tempted.
Austin
I was a long time DeWalt customer, but they messed up twice.
1) No reasonable upgrade for NiCad 18v users. My batteries were dead, there was no way I’d buy more NiCads, and they didn’t make an adapter to use the older tools with new batteries. So my brand loyalty went out the window (I had to start over, so I evaluated all the tools).
2) The 20v lie.
Everybody knows that the DeWalt 20v is the same voltage as everybody else’s 18v.
So, if you’re going to lie about that, what’s to stop you from lying about everything else? Please, don’t let the marketing folks run the company.
I love all my new Milwaukee gear.
Elmer
You can buy adaptors to run your 18v DeWalt tools on “20v” batteries. The better ones though are not made by DeWalt. You can also just buy new 18v batteries. They’re still available at most Lowes or Home Depot’s.
abdulrhman
Is it useful for domestic pigment projects?
Stuart
What kind of compressor is typically useful for such purposes?
Chance
Finally remembered to post this. My stopwatch time fore the compressor to recharge from completely empty to full is 2 minutes 15 seconds. Recharge time from whatever the compressor kicks on at, around 100psi, to full is 26 seconds. This was with a 2 ah battery with one bar left. Not sure if a fully charged battery would make much difference. I am pretty impressed with the recharge time from 100 to 135 psi myself.
Chance
And did no one else notice the cordless DeWalt fan in the pictures of the compressor on DeWalt’s website and Acme tools??
John
Count me out. I’ve got several “cordless” compressors already. One runs off diesel (kerosene or really anything like that), another runs of propane, and two others off gas (one very small and easily movable by one person). I think I’m covered. I love my other Dewalt Flexvolt tools but this one is just kind of an attention getter more than anything. How many times can the compressor kick on with a regular, 6ah, and 9ah flexvolt battery? My rough math estimate is is 4 full tank discharge / recharge cycles from 0-135psi on a standard battery. Terribly inefficient.
Chance
Another armchair engineer disqualifying a tool before they’ve even seen it. I have been using this compressor and I use no more than 2, 2 ah batteries in a 12-14 hr day shooting Brad and finish nails all day long. I don’t have a clue, but if I were to take a rough stab at how many times the compressor recharges from 110 to 135 psi in a day I would guess around 50?? BTW, this compressor isn’t aimed at you, nobody that requires a diesel compressor that weighs who knows how much that provides, what, 10-18 cfm is going to switch to a battery powered compressor that weighs 20 pounds providing 1.2 cfm.
Brien
Hey Stuart – it seems in some of the press release photos that I have seen for this compressor Dewalt hid a little surprise in the pictures for you. It looks like Dewalt has a battery powered fan hanging from the stafoldimg in the background of one of the pictures. Check it out for yourself!
Chance
I mentioned the fan one comment above yours. The fan looks pretty sweet, nice hooks, and a pivoting head. I wish I had more info but actually haven’t heard anything about it.
John Fal
Heck, how about a cordless fan and cordless compressor combo! I could use both.
I could see where these could be handy. I was even thinking of buying the ridgid compressor soon but now I’m for sure in for the dewalt one. Just found news of this cool item from dewalt in my in box, don’t know how I missed the Toolguyd email?
? GOOD JOB DEWALT! Love that it’s brushless! Loves that it’s made in the USA!
PS.
Hope S,B&D treats Craftsman with this much pride. Kmart should have never been allowed to carry craftsman and the hand tools should have stayed made in the USA!
inoqus
I still believe that every battery operated tool should come in a bare tool option, with no exception. People buy these tools for different reasons at different times. Once they have the batteries they need, they don’t need more.
Shane
Will this air cordless compressor work well for inflating truck and rv tires?
Stuart
I don’t see why it wouldn’t. You’ll need a tire chuck, as it’s a compressor and not an inflator.
Jim Le
It’s been a while since I bought any cordless tools. Do these companies still suddenly design upgraded tools that won’t use the previous batteries, then stop making the previous batteries? I love it when the sales force tries to gaslight me into believing that it’s for my own good! I have three battery drills that are in that category. I’ve built battery eliminators for them and use them in the shop.
Lew
I can see this being an awesome niche product for multiple uses.
1. Offroading
2. Home user
3. “Traveling” tool…long hauls with a trailer or RV
– I have one of the better 12v plug in compressors but it’s still painfully slow and its thermal protection hardly let’s me fill a tire.
4. Mobile but wayyy better than most mobile AC’s
Air tools are “corded” but light, cordless are heavy. I have used both of the 20v dewalt nailers (framing and 18ga) and “carrying the battery around all day” seems like a not-great idea. I’ve used them, no doubt, but mainly for smaller jobs.
This has a market….and I’m in it, lol.