DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, I receive a commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
There’s a certain level of frustration that sets in when a tool stalls mid-project. Whether you’re installing trim or framing a shed, you go to pull the trigger and the compressor run out of air before your finger moves an inch. It happen to a lot of folks.
For most, it’s because they purchased their machine solely by its tank size without any regard for its true airflow capacity. That’s not how Milwaukee do portable air compressors. What does that mean?
Well, it doesn’t look like typical compressor. There’s no big ol’ steel tank sitting there like your regular hot dog or pancake compressor. Compactness and battery power is what matter most here.
For some, maybe this is a move back. If you’re a DIYer who only has room for one unit in your garage or perhaps a pro who hops from job site to job site, however, this may well be what you’ve been looking for. But it all depends off knowing what you give up to get it.
Reviewing Milwaukee Portable Air Compressor Features
The Noise Advantage
First is the sound. A traditional heavy-duty electric or gas-powered compressor are LOUD. It is actualy loud enough that your neighbors will complain about it.
By designing an efficient pump paired with a brushless motor, Milwaukee has been able to reduce decibels so that one of these compressors won’t sound like you’re running construction equipment. You’ll be able to operate one in a closed area comfortabley. Why does this matter?
It affects usage. You don’t have to stuff the compressor into the farthest corner of your room to mask the sound. Now you can get it right up next to task at hand.
Power and Battery System
It delivers power different than too since there isn’t a giant reservoir to pull power from. That means the pump must be able to keep up with air demands. Because of this, Milwaukee has provided a higher CFM rating at lower PSI.
That should of been enough to run an impact wrench or inflate tires. The battery voltage match the load. Chances are you’ll be using an M12 or M18 battery here anyway.
And this fits right into the system if you’re in that eco-system already. Being able to plug in a battery you have on hand is really nice. It saves space and makes it easier to keep everything together.
Portability and Weight
When you’re moving your equipment across a job site or upstairs in your home, weight is something that should be taken serious. Without those tanks, these things weigh a lot less. They can be strapped to a ladder and lifted by one hand.
You won’t have to complain about lugging heavy equipment all over the house because this unit are easy to move. The compressor becomes an accessory on-the-go as opposed to a stationary obstacle. Put it where you need it: Where the work is, not where the outlet is.
Limitations and Battery Life
That being said, there is a limit to what can be done in terms of extended volume jobs when it comes to portability. A big sandblaster or HVLP spray gun would prove difficult on one of these portable units because they just won’t produce enough consistent airflow for such uses. You’ll burn through your battery trying and kill time.
It’s not because something went wrong, it’s because you matched the wrong tool to the task. These machines aren’t built to run non-stop like a staple gun or nailer. The new bottleneck in this workflow are battery life.
A standard compressor runs until the cord reaches its limit. It’s all about how big your battery is now. What you do get is a battery gauge from Milwaukee that lets you know how much air you have left.
That way you can switch out batteries when it looks like the tool might die instead of suddenly finding yourself out of air. It does take some getting used to. You have to pay attention.
It is like when you use a saw or a drill. But I think it’s worth it. Mobility is nice, but you have to pay attention to the tradeoff.
Durability and Build Quality
Although made of plastic, they feel solidy built. Even though this is a lightweight line, Milwaukee doesn’t skimp on durability. You can bump these around in a busy shop or drop one from the back of your truck and they will be fine.
They aren’t meant for a pristine workshop but a job site. That durability give some confidence that you can throw these into the back of the truck every day without having to baby the tools to make them last. So what is your conclusion?
Final Verdict and Conclusion
That depends on what you’re using it for. The compressors are revolutionary when working in cramped quarters, like with a framing nailer, or if you just need some air to inflate your truck tires. They take away the frustration of long cords and bulky equipment.
But if you require more than just a little compressed air for something industrial, then go ahead with a traditional compressor. Most people will find that having all this flexibility offsets the lack of raw power. It truly makes compressed air mobile and changes the game.