Features:

  • Ultra Quiet only 60 Decibels
  • Oil-Free Pump for Less Maintenance & Costs
  • 2.0 Gallon (Rust Free) Aluminum Tank
  • Powerful 1.0 HP (Rated / Running) 2.0 HP (Peak) Motor
  • 3.10 CFM at 40 PSI 2.20 CFM at 90 PSI
  • Ultra Quiet only 60 Decibels
  • Oil-Free Pump for Less Maintenance & Costs
  • 2.0 Gallon (Rust Free) Aluminum Tank
  • Powerful 1.0 HP (Rated/Running) 2.0 HP (Peak) Motor
  • 3.10 CFM at 40 PSI 2.20 CFM at 90 PSI
What Noise?

Have been using this compressor for just a couple of months....it is as touted by mfg...quite! Have been using compressors from Home Depot for 20 plus years, Husky etc,..compared to this Calif Air Tool compressor, well, there is no comparison. Compressors such as Husky is like standing next to a Mac Truck. With this Calif air tool, if you step away a few feet, you will wonder if its on. I work right next to it and am able to carry on a regular conversation with no problem. Its the air intake muffler that really cuts out the compressor noise. Bottom line, it is very, very quite. Hopefully it will last for a few years.

I love this thing

I love this thing! I used to have a DeWalt 15 gal compressor before this and it was great compressor. However, it was loud and took a while to charge up. I ended up only using the DeWalt for projects requiring lots of air. With this new compressor, I am finding myself using air tools much more often. The initial charge time and recovery time is sort and it is so quiet! Small projects like tire fill-ups or dusting things down are not an issue where I wouldn't have even tried with the old DeWalt. For projects requiring more air, I have a 5 gal portable air tank I connect inline for more capacity. I found this compressor much more suited to my needs (hobby woodworking and automotive work).

Why would you own any other small compressor?

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this air compressor. SUPER QUIET. I have many air compressors. Most of them the neighbors way down the street can hear them running. This is lightweight and so quiet its hard to believe that its running. Cant hear it from the opposite side of the car outside. Will it run brad nailers and finish nailers - YES. Will it pump up car tires - YES. There is a really easy tank valve to empty out the tank once you're done using it. Its right on the front and easy to access. Do yourself a favor and quit buying noisy small compressors and buy this one.

One Simple Adjustment Made It Perfect!

Just received the #2010A. My ears are already thanking me! This replaced my old Porter Cable C2002 "pancake compressor. While it gave me many years service it was deafeningly loud. I sold it for almost half the cost of this new ultra quiet compressor. Besides the quiet operation it also is lighter and has a simple to use drain valve. I originally was a little dismayed that the pressure regulator on the 2010A was set too low for my use. (84/113 PSI) I could not set 1 1/2" 18 ga nails in oak. Not good. I called George at customer service and he sent me a photo of the inside of the regulator and instructions on how to change it. It is now set at 95/120 and works great! If you do not need the higher pressure I am sure it will result in a longer lasting pump due to reduced strain. Now I plan on using this compressor in the shop most of the time instead of the big, really noisy 30 gallon one, except when I need a large volume of air. This thing is a game changer!

Ideal for hobbyist woodworker -- very quiet, well made (detailed specs)

This California Air Tools 2010A Ultra Quiet and Oil-Free 1.0 HP 2.0-Gallon Aluminum Tank Air Compressor is AMAZING! I contemplated buying a new compressor for years, but kept putting it off because I hated the noise of my old Campbell Hausfield compressor. Well, now that I own this one, all I can say is THIS IS THE GREATEST COMPRESSOR EVER for a hobbyist or woodworker with a small shop. Seriously, I love it! [UPDATE 10-11-17: More than a year later and this compressor is still working perfectly and has been just about perfect for all of my pneumatic needs. I've been using it a lot lately because the weather has been cooling down and I'm back to building in my shop. It still surprises and delights me with its quiet operation and serviceable capacity. I would buy this again in a heartbeat if I needed a second compressor.] [UPDATE 6-5-2017: The compressor is still going strong. I haven't been cranking out as many projects lately, but I still find a use for this compressor and my brad nailer at least once or twice a month. It starts up quietly, fills quickly, delivers plenty of air for my needs, and empties again quickly at the end of each use due to the small capacity tank and handy tank valve. I love it!] [UPDATE 9-29-2016: After two months of use, I continue to LOVE this compressor. I can't get over how pleasantly quiet it is, and the performance is outstanding. Typically, I find that mine cycles (re-fills the tank) about two or three times per project, so the overall strain/runtime on the motor is very low and yet is able to deliver all the brad nails I have needed for a wide range of projects: small cabinets, boxes, and drawers; picture frames; custom wooden signs; medium sized end tables; and tacking other small parts in place while glue sets. It is perfect in that role. To amplify its convenience, I mounted it in a rolling shop cart/worktable along with a retractable 20' air hose. That means my brad nailer is at the ready whenever I need it, with plenty of additional hose slack for other tasks like inflating toys or car tires. And when I'm finished, I attach an air nozzle and use the remaining air in the tank to blow sawdust off my tools and shop cart. Awesome, awesome, awesome. Original review follows.] The 2010A's low noise level, solid performance, and decent air tank capacity are ideal for someone who does NOT run high-consumption air tools (air wrenches, HVLP sprayers, etc.), but uses a brad and finish nailer in the shop to tack parts together and install trim. In that role, you'll be hard pressed to find a more ideally sized (or quieter) compressor! In a pinch, this compressor may be able to handle some very light framing as well, but it is definitely not intended for that purpose. Over the past three years of reading reviews, I repeatedly came across the California Air Tools as a brand know for its quiet operation. Never having owned any of their products, I was a little reluctant about making the purchase, and I was frustrated by the lack of many real world performance reports about this particular model. Before I spend almost $200 on a compressor, Iike to know it's going to do everything I need it to. Now that I have taken the risk and tried it myself, I thought I would share my (positive) findings for the rest of you: - The noise level is truly, impressively low. It is quieter than many household vacuum cleaners. In fact, it's only about twice as loud as the compressor on a mini refrigerator! The tone is closer to a low throaty hum, rather than the high loud scream of the average oil-less compressor. You can stand next to the unit while it is running and hold a normal conversation without raising your voice. Awesome. - Equipped with the 1hp motor, the 2-gallon tank fills from empty to 120psi in exactly 47 seconds. - Fully pressurized, the tank will consistently drive 19 to 20 brad nails (18 gauge, 1-1/4" long, at 80psi) before the tank pressure drops to approximately 80psi and the motor kicks in to refill the tank. - Recovery time from 80psi back to 120psi is exactly 13 seconds! (I am sure you can continue driving additional nails/brads while the motor is recovering, but I did not test that, as I have never needed to drive nails/brads that fast in my shop.) Thus, not only is it quiet in operation, but it also doesn't need to run for very long before the tank refills. That's exactly why a small compressor like this one is so ideal for driving a brad nailer, finish nailer, and/or pneumatic stapler. - Equipped with an aluminum tank, there is no risk of rust if you forget to drain the tank regularly after use. That said, the release valve at the bottom of the tank allows it to empty so quickly and easily (and the motor can re-fill it so quickly) that there really isn't a good reason not to drain it after every use. - The unit comes with a 1/4" quick-attach/quick-release collar installed. You'll need to purchase a "male" 1/4" quick-attach fitting for the end of the air hose you wish to attach to the compressor. This unit does not come with an air hose or any additional fittings. That's pretty typical, but I wanted to make sure other buyers realize they will need to purchase those additional accessories (plus any desired air tools, of course). - The power cord is approximately 4' long, which is adequate if you are able to locate the compressor next to a wall outlet. If an extension cord is needed, the instructions specify that it should be at least 14 gauge and no more than 25' long. That's pretty typical as well, but again, I wanted to make sure buyers realize they may need to purchase a heavy duty extension cord as well. - The entire unit weighs approximately 35lbs. I did not weigh it, but I am sure it is in that ballpark. No, you wouldn't want to lug it around a jobsite all day (a compressor on wheels would be better in that case); however, it is sufficiently portable that you should be able to store it on a shelf or in a large drawer without feeling as though it is prohibitively heavy to move and set up for use. The carry handle is also reasonably well balanced. - The metal frame rides on four substantial rubber feet that seem to do a great job of dampening vibration transfer to any surface it sits upon. Because the frame is fairly wide and the entire unit is under 15" tall, the compressor is very stable and should never tip over unless you do something very stupid with it. - The actual external dimensions (i.e. the max span in each direction) are 14-3/8" tall (floor to top of handle) x 18-1/2" wide (width of tank) x 15" deep (front of air tank to back of motor housing). - Fit and finish are very good. When my unit arrived, the only assembly required was to install an air filter by threading it into the side of the motor housing as directed. Although the components are not as neatly shrouded as some of the beefier units on the market (like the Dewalt Heavy Duty Quiet Compressor), they appear well made and in operation, I have encountered absolutely no leaks. The tank welds are quite nicely done. In fact, the only issue I encountered was that, right out of the box, a small screw had fallen out from a threaded opening near the center of the base. When I tried to reinstall the screw, I found it would not thread in, so either a previous buyer stripped the screw and then returned this unit to Amazon or, more likely, someone over-torqued the screw on the factory assembly line and didn't notice the problem. Either way, it does not appear to affect the function of the unit, so I decided to let it be and keep the compressor rather than hassle with a return. If this is indicative of the quality control, there may be minor fit and finish issues with other units as well. However, mine is in great working order and I am pleased in spite of this one quirk. As you face the compressor (so that you can read the California Tools logo printed across the air tank), the main tank pressure gauge faces to the left, so you have to bend your head around to that side to read it. In contrast, the regulator (which controls the pressure through the hose to the tool) faces upward. I think it's a little strange that both gauges don't face the same direction, but it's not really a big deal. As long as the compressor is operating properly, the regulator is really the more important gauge, and it's easily visible by looking down on the compressor from almost any angle (though it's oriented so that, ideally, you read it while standing in front of the unit). A red adjustment knob mounted just below the regulator allows for easy adjustments to the line pressure. Most brad and finish nailers I've used need somewhere between 70 to 120psi to operate properly, which is comfortably within the 120psi limit of this unit. I hope that information is helpful. All in all, I'm very impressed by this compressor due to its superbly low operating noise, excellent tank capacity for hobbyist/small-shop woodworking, and good fit and finish. If you're wanting something that's small, quiet, decently powerful, and low maintenance that can run a brad and finish nailer for assembling drawers, trays, boxes, cabinets, and small parts, you're going to have a very hard time finding a unit nicer than this. Highly recommended!

Light, small, quiet, and well packaged

After some years with a cheap, loud, low volume compressor decided to up-grade. Read many comments about poor packaging and arriving damaged or fear of it. I stood there as the delivery guy carried it down the drive. Box was slightly roughed, no dents or holes. Unpacked, a box within a box and good styro form fit packing. Looks perfect. Also bought a better pressure line but used the fittings from old compressor. Quiet! My old one concerned me if used early weekends not this one. At 77yrs my strength is less but easy to pick up when needed. Oh, the air filter is not plastic now either. On and filled tank. Few hours later down from 118 to 85 about. Guess they all loose pressure long term. I will not worry about it. If filled and carried unplugged it will fill a car tire. Up graded tire filler with a AstroAI Digital Tire Inflator with Pressure Gauge, 250 PSI Air Chuck and Compressor about $25.50, popular and I liked the clamp to tire valve attachment. Many go for $35 plus ones but this is 800+ happy buyers. Add more comments with use. BTW, I use my compressor more for cleaning HVAC filters and small spaces in care and other dusty things.

As Promised and More, Great Performance with a Very Low Noise Impact.

Excellent quality and performance while being used to power a mist system for cooling and lubricating metal parts while being machined on a CNC router. The system is in a small 8' x 12' work area where a cheaper compressor was too loud to be endured, even with hearing protection. This solid compressor absolutely lives up to the claims made for its low noise performance. You can be next to it while it is running and have a normal conversation.

One year in - still in love.

I realized I've now had this compressor for nearly a year, and I love it! My use cases are light-duty homeowner use - inflating tires, blowing compressed air, occasionally running a staple gun. This compressor replaced an off-brand conventional oil-less compressor, and the difference is night and day! The old compressor required hearing protection and would rattle fillings. This compressor IS QUIET. I went through a couple "quiet" compressors that would vibrate my entire 3 story house before I found this. It is 'ultra quiet' as advertised - just a quiet rumble as it goes through it's short recharge cycle. The short recharge cycle, aluminum tank and maintenance-free compressor make this ideal for homeowner use and I would recommend this to anyone looking for a compressor with my duty cycle and a desire for less noise and vibration.

Quiet please!

I needed a portable, quiet air pump and this is it. I have a comfortable work show in the lower level of my home. I make upscale toy boxes and I needed to get a pneumatic pin nailer. Since my shop is in my home the noise level of the pump had to be low. I shopped around for some time and could find absolutely nothing that I would use in my home shop! Then I met the California portable air pump. It is small and quiet compared to any other pump that I tried. I have several friends that are contractors. I would turn this on for them to hear and they could not believe the low sound level! I know it works well because when I am working downstairs my wife does not complain about the noise. I have used this wonderful pump for awhile now and it works great. I highly recommend you look at this brand before you buy anything else. The price that Amazon Prime gives you is probably the lowest you can find.

The Air between Us.

By the numbers: First - yes it is ultra quiet. The manufacturer totes this at 60db (which is pretty quiet) you can have a conversation standing right next to it. Number 2 - It presses up to tank pressure of 115psi in just a few minutes (if that - it seems really quick). III - It has a solid design that is compact and portable, light-weight in comparison to other steel tank units. 16/4 - The suction cup feet even if not on a super smooth surface keep the unit from moving around a lot when running. 5 - out of the box and up and running in about 2 minutes. 3x2 - The switch is solid and accurate starting and stopping in auto right on with the pressures. Tank pressure gauge is a bit difficult to read from a standing position (that is the one critical thing I would recommend changing - installing a 90degree adaptor soon so I can see the gauge better). The regulator is nicely positioned and easy to use. The drain valve is positioned low as it should be and super easy to operate (just a quarter-turn to open the valve). Seventh of the order - If you are tempted to ask other reviewers IF a specific tool will work with this unit, I would recommend reading the literature on both the unit and your tool FIRST. The tool will usually provide a recommended pressure and CFM, and the compressor will either meet that demand or it will not and you will need to size the compressor accordingly. I just got this compressor and it doesn't have a lot of run hours on it, but out of the box I'm giving it a solid 5 stars.

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