Porter Cable celebrated 100 years in business in 2006. The company began operations in Syracuse, New York as a machine and tool shop operating out of a garage. They manufactured a wide variety of items, from machine tools to automobile tire pumps to pencil sharpeners. During the 1920s and 1930s, the company began to specialize in portable electric power tools. Today, Porter Cable manufactures a wide variety of air compressors designed for home and light industrial uses.
Porter Cable’s smallest model, designed for home use, is its 4.3 gallon, oil-free side stack compressor. This model runs at 1.6 hp and has a max psi of 150. It pumps 5.3 SCFM. Similar small, portable models include the Job Boss 4.5 gallon, 1.6 hp oil-free model and the Job Boss 4.5 gallon 1.3 hp oil-lube model. Two oil-free 6 gallon pancake models are available in 0.8 and 1.5 hp versions.
Porter Cable manufactures several horizontal models for home, construction and shop applications. These models include the 20 gallon Site Boss model, featuring oil-free design, 1.6 hp and 175 psi. A 20 gallon oil-lube model is available at 1.9 hp and 150 max psi. This model has an air flow rate of 5.4 SCFM.
Porter Cable makes two vertical portable compressors, both 25 gallons and both oil-free units. A 1.9 hp model pumps a maximum of 150 psi with 5.4 SCFM. The Shop Boss model is a two stage compressor with 1.6 hp and max psi of 175. This model’s air flow rate is 5.1 SCFM at 90 psi. This model offers the highest level of moderate-to-heavy duty tool operation in its class.
Stationary, stand-alone air compressors are made in both 60 and 80 gallon capacities. These models are all oil-lube compressors. The 60 gallon tank models are both 3.0 hp, 135 max psi compressors. The 80 gallon tank design is available in 6.0 and 7.5 hp variations. Both have max psi ratings of 175.