BOSTITCH BTFP02012 Review – Best Pancake Air Compressor?
The Bostitch BTFP02012 is one of the best portable pancake-style air compressors in the industry today. Despite having a 6-gallon storage tank and a powerful motor and compressor pump, the unit weighs only 29 pounds.
The Oil-Free design of the compressor ensures that you get clean compressed air and reduces the need for maintenance. It is powered by a BOSTITCH high electric motor that is highly efficient and comparatively silent in action, rated 78.5 DBA.
The unit starts up with ease, even in cold weather, and can deliver up to 150 PSI of compressed air pressure. It delivers a flow rate of 2.6 CFM at 90 PSI. Throughout this BOSTITCH BTFP02012 air compressor review, you will learn what makes the model exceptional.
Comparing It To Other Compressors In The Same Class
| Product name | Price | Flow Rate | Max PSI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bostitch BTFP02012 | Starting from $96.71 | 2.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI | 150 PSI |
| DEWALT DWFP55126 | Starting from $168.60 | 3.7 SCFM @ 40 PSI, and 2.6 SCFM @ 90PSI | 165 PSI |
| CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150K | Starting from $149 | 2. 6 SCFM @ 90 PSI | 150 PSI |
Bostitch BTFP02012 Benefits
- The Oil-Free design of the pump makes it maintenance-free and allows it to last longer
- Features an efficient easy-start mother that starts with ease, even in cold weather
- Lightweight and easy to carry around, weighs about 29 lb.
- Has a flow rate of 2.6 SCFM @ 90PSI and can produce up to 150 PSI
- Equipped with a 6-gallon reservoir tank for continued air supply even when the motor is off
- Features two universal couplers, and a high-flow regulator
Possible Drawbacks
At 5 feet, the supplied power cord is rather short. Although the unit can support up to two pneumatic tools at a time, it is not suited for Heavy-Duty applications.
Top Features and Capabilities
Bostitch is renowned across the globe for manufacturing reliable, durable, and efficient air compressors, and pneumatic tools. As a matter of fact, their BTFP02012 air compressor model is one of the best pancake-style portable air compressors you can buy today.
Powered by an efficient, easy-start electric motor, the Oil-Free compressor pump runs silently to deliver about 2.6SCFM at 90PSI. The model s fitted with a high-flow regulator and two couplers to help optimize the performance of your air tools.
The popularity of this air compressor may be attributed to the beneficial features and capabilities it has to offer, including:
Compact, and Lightweight Design
Do you need to move your compressor from time to time while working on different pneumatic projects? Well, the compact and lightweight design of the BTFP02012 compressor makes it suited for such an application.
It is fitted with a 6-gallon pancake tan, with a diameter of about 14 inches in the middle for improved stability in operation.
The pancake and Cortical tank design make it compact, hence requires minimal storage space. The model also has a large ergonomic handle at the top, making it relatively easy to move from one point to another.
This Bostitch stands on three sturdy feet with rubber tips to prevent the compressor from moving in operation.
The sleek design if the air compressor ensures that gauges and connectors are not bumped or knocked off while transporting the unit.
BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor, Oil-Free, 6 Gallon, 150 PSI (BTFP02012)
$158.04 in stock
Features
- The portable air compressor has a long-life oil-free, maintenance-free pump for convenient use
- 150 max PSI 6.0 gallon tank (22.7 L) and 2.6 SCFM* delivered @ 90 PSI pump enable long tool run time with quick recovery of the electric air compressor
- BOSTITCH high efficiency motor of the 6 gallon air compressor is made for easy start up in cold weather or extension cord application [14 GA or larger, 50 ft. (15.2 m) or less]
- 78.5 dBA** operational noise level for a quiet work environment
- 29 lb. weight makes unit easy to carry and store
Oil-Free Pump
The Bostitch BTFP02012 air compressor is equipped with an Oil-Free piston pump that is highly efficient and runs silently. The oil-free design allows the unit to run efficiently for years with a minimal maintainable requirement.
On average, the pump is designed to run for up to 450 hours maintenance-free. For an average DIY user, that means up to five years usage without any maintenance worries.
Again, it is designed to allow for quick recoveries in between operations. This ensures that you have a continuous supply of compressed air for your tools.
Duty Cycle
This model has a duty cycle of 50%-75%. This means that you cannot run the compressor continuously for any one-hour period.
In this regard, you can only run the unit for 30 to 45 minutes in any one-hour period, before you are required to shut it down for cooling.
However, this should not be a problem as you will have 6 gallons of compressed air in the tank to use as the pump cools down. Again, the unit requires only a few minutes to recover and you can continue generating compressed air.
Great Performance
Equipped with a 110V Bostitch electric motor that is efficient on electricity, requiring 15 amps to start. The motor and pump combination is known to deliver outstanding performance.
With an average flow rate of 2.6 CFM at 90 PSI, the compressor fills the 6-gallon fast.
Once started, the compressor takes only 2 ½ minutes to attain the peak pressure of 150 PSI. At 40PSI, this model will deliver a flow rate of about 3.7 SCFM.
Such specifications make the unit ideal for medium-duty pneumatic applications that require a continuous supply of compressed air.
Intuitive Controls
One of the great aspects of this air compressor is the variety and location of its different controls. The nifty control panel on the BTFP02012 features a variety of controls and gauges that offer you optimal control of the compressor.
Some of the controls and gauges you will find on the Bostitch BTFP02012 air compressor include:
Pressure Switch
This switch is meant to regulate tank air pressure automatically. If the pressure in the tank falls below the preset cut-in pressure level, this feature will automatically restart the compressor to raise it.
When the preset cut-out pressure point is reached, this switch will automatically turn the motor off.
The cut-in pressure is a low-pressure point at which the motor will be triggered to come back on, which is 120 PSIG for the Bostitch BTFP02012 air compressor. While the motor is off, air tank pressure drops as you continue to use your pneumatic tools.
Whenever the preset low-pressure threshold level is reached, the pressure switch will automatically turn the motor on.
The cut-out pressure, on the other hand, is the highest tank pressure point, at which the compressor will automatically shut down. The cut-out pressure for the BTFP02012 model is 150 PSIG.
On/Off Switch
When in the On position, the power switch provides automatic power to the pressure switch in order to start the compressor. In the Off position, it cuts power supply to the pressure switch, effectively shutting the compressor down.
Before you start your BTFP02012 compressor, you need to pick lug the power cord into a wall socket. You should then turn the regulator knob in the anti-clockwise direction to set the outlet pressure to zero.
The regulator knob should be turned counterclockwise until it is fully closed. Check to ensure that the regulated pressure gauge reads 0 PSI. Attach the hose and the tool(s) you will be using and then turn the power switch to the On position.
Outlet, and Tank Pressure Gauges
The tank pressure gauge shows the reserve air pressure in the air reservoir tank, while the outlet pressure gauge indicates the air pressure available at the outlet point of the regulator.
The pressure level at this point is regulated using the regulator and will always be less than or equal to the tank pressure.
Safety Valve
Overfilling the reservoir tank with more compressed air than its capacity can be very dangerous. This may happen if the pressure switch fails to shut the air compressor off at the cut-out pressure point.
To ensure that this does not happen, the BTFP02012 compressor is fitted with a safety Valve.
The safety valve is designed to prevent the tank from getting overfilled. The valve will just “pop out” when the preset pressure level is achieved. This pressure level is a little bit higher than the cut-out pressure level.
Regulator
This feature is meant to regulate the pressure level at the compressor outlet point. This pressure is read by the outlet pressure gauge. To increase the pressure level at the outlet, you should turn the regulator knob clockwise.
Turning the knob anti-clockwise reduces pressure at the outlet.
Check Valve
This valve stays open whenever the air compressor is running, allowing air compressed air to enter the storage tank. When the cut-out pressure is attained, the check valve will automatically close the air tank to prevent overfilling and maintain pressure inside the tank.
Drain Valve
This valve is situated at the base of the air tank. It should be used to manually drain the condensate from the air tank after each use.
Compressors tend to generate condensate that accumulates in the tank. In some cases, the condensate may contain regulated substances and need to be disposed of in accordance with local federal laws.
In order to drain your tank, you first need to set the power switch to the Off position.
You should also turn the regulator knob counterclockwise to the zero-pressure setting. Disconnect the pneumatic tool or accessory and place a container below the drain valve to catch discharge.
Now pull the safety Valve and allow air to bleed from the tank until the pressure in the tank is about 20 PSI. Release the safety Valve ring and open the drain valve to drain the condensate.
Once the condensate has been drained completely, close the drain valve in readiness for the next compressor usage.
Quick Connect Couplers
The Bostitch BTFP02012 air compressor is equipped with two quick-connect output couplers. These couplers are compatible with industry-standard plugs, allowing you to power two pneumatic tools simultaneously.
Motor Overload Protector
The motor in this air compressor comes equipped with a thermal overload protector for enhanced safety in operation. Should the motor overheat for any reason, the overload protector will shut it down automatically to prevent it from getting damaged.
If this happens, you should turn the power switch to the off position and allow the motor ample time to cool down before attempting to restart the compressor.
The Cooling System
The BTFP02012 features an efficient cooling system for enhanced performance. At the heart of this advanced cooling system is an engineered fan.
The fan is designed to blow air through the vent holes in large amounts, in an effort to cool the motor and pump during operation. Again, the air compressor pump and shroud are designed to allow for proper cooling.
In this regard, their design features ventilation openings, which allow hot air to be blown out by the fan with ease. These openings should be kept clear of any obstruction during operation.
Silent Operation
The noise output level of the Bostitch BTFP02012 air compressor is about 78.5 dB, which is comparatively silent. This prevents noise pollution and allows for use of the compressor at a close range or indoor environment.
However, it is advisable to wear mufflers while using the compressor to prevent damage to the ears.
Air Tank
As opposed to some of the leading air compressor models in its class, the BTFP02012 is fitted with a large capacity air storage tank.
The 6-gallon tank will come in handy since the motor on this unit only has a limited duty cycle. The tank ensures that you get a continuous supply of compressed air, even when the motor is off.
Final Verdict
Just as is the case with other Bostitch air compressors, the BTFP02012 model features superior quality of construction. It offers one of the largest air tank capacities in its class and is equipped with an array of safety features.
You will find this air compressor to be highly efficient and dependable, with a motor that starts with ease, even in the cold weather. The pancake design of the model makes it stable in operation and saves on storage space.
All in all, the Bostitch BTFP02012 is a reliable, efficient, and affordable air compressor option for medium-duty pneumatic applications.
