When it comes to pneumatic power, an air compressor is essential for tasks like nailing, stapling, sanding and more. But with so many compressor models on the market, it can take time to choose one that fits your needs.
After reviewing hundreds of user reviews on compressors of all sizes and from brands new and old, one model stands out as a go-to for DIY homeowners and budget-minded handypersons – the CMEC6150K Craftsman 6 Gallon Air Compressor. With a powerful 2.6 CFM pump and versatility for jobs big and small, this compressor has earned high praise from owners for its performance, features and value.
In this article, we’ll delve into what real users have to say after owning and using the Craftsman CMEC6150K in their own workshops and work sites. From first impressions to long-term reliability, you’ll hear directly from the craftspeople about what they love and any potential quirks to be aware of. By learning from their real-world experiences, you can determine if this compressor is also a good fit for your needs.
Where is this model made?
The Craftsman brand is iconic for its high-quality tools built to last. As a longtime Craftsman owner, I’ve come to rely on their air compressors to help complete all sorts of projects around my home and workshop.
My current workhorse is the Craftsman CMEC6150K 6-gallon Electric Pancake Air Compressor. This powerhouse packs a serious punch into its compact size. At just 28 pounds, it’s lightweight and portable enough to move it from room to room as needed. Yet it delivers an impressive 6.5 SCFM at 90 PSI to power a wide variety of air tools.
I especially love that the CMEC6150K is proudly made here in the USA. Craftsman partnered with Global Materials in Jackson, Tennessee, to manufacture this compressor using domestic and globally sourced materials. It’s always great to support American manufacturing whenever possible. Buying tools made in the USA gives me peace of mind that they adhere to our strict quality and safety standards.
On startup, the CMEC6150K Craftsman 6 Gallon Air Compressor is impressively quiet. The oil-free, permanent split capacitor motor runs smoothly and vibration-free. Even during long jobs, it stays quieter than many full-sized compressors. This compact pancake style also means it takes up minimal space in my workspace. At just 12.5×10.5×14 inches, it slides neatly under my workbench out of the way when not in use.
With an auto shutoff control, this little compressor works smarter, too. Once it reaches maximum pressure, it automatically shuts off to conserve energy. Then, it restarts as needed to maintain pressure. This saves electricity in the long run. A built-in pressure regulator also ensures a constant and consistent airflow to power tools efficiently without fluctuations.
Of course, for a compressor to be truly reliable, it needs robust internals that stand up to regular use over the years. Craftsman didn’t cut any corners here. Premium ball-bearing motor with permanently lubricated lower bearing means a smooth operation for the long haul. A thick steel piston won’t warp or degrade either. An industrial-grade steel tank with epoxy primer resists corrosion to protect against rust and leaks.
What makes it Perfect than others?
Portability
With a 6-gallon tank, the CMEC6150K offers impressive portability without compromising air storage capacity. At just 12.5 pounds empty, it’s lightweight enough for one person to lift and carry from job site to job site easily. The built-in handle also makes transport simple.
Yet that 6-gallon tank holds enough compressed air (at 125 PSI) to power pneumatic tools for extended periods. In testing, it managed to fill an average tire over three times on a single tank. With plug-and-play operation, setup is fast, so you can get to work quickly without wasting time.
The compact pancake profile allows it to squeeze into tight spaces like under workbenches or in vehicle storage areas. At just 12.5×10.5×14 inches, it packs a serious amount of air power into a surprisingly small footprint. Overall, the CMEC6150K achieves an outstanding balance of portability, storage capacity and ease of transport for various jobs and workspaces.
No Maintenance
One of the advantages of an oil-free compressor like the Craftsman 6 Gallon Air Compressor is a significant reduction in required maintenance. The oil-free pump is designed to operate without lubrication, eliminating the need to check and change compressor oil. This translates to major time savings over the long run.
Where compressors with oil can degrade and require parts replacement if not correctly serviced, Craftsman engineered this pump for ultimate durability and a virtually maintenance-free experience. Internal components are precision-machined from heavy-duty materials like hardened steel alloy that withstand abrasion and extreme pressures without wear or tear.
Rigorous testing by Craftsman proved the pump stands up to continuous use month after month. Unless repaired due to some unforeseen mishap or accident, it’s rated to outlast the motor with no lubrication required. Homeowners and professional contractors will appreciate the reliability without scheduled fluid changes or component inspections.
This allows the CMEC6150K to be powered on and left running simply, then moved as needed to various work areas hassle-free. Downtime is minimized since routine maintenance, like oil changes, is eliminated. Overall uptime and efficiency are maximized compared to other compressors that require periodic tear-downs for maintenance every few months or years.
Pressure
With a maximum pressure rating of 150 PSI, the Craftsman 6 Gallon Air Compressor delivers more than enough air force for many pneumatic applications. Whether you need to power nailers, sanders, grinders or cutters, this compressor can handle demanding jobs that require higher-pressure airflow.
Both 150 PSI and its lower 90 PSI running pressure are well within operating needs for tools like air ratchets, die grinders or spray guns. Yet the onboard pressure regulator ensures tools see a consistent feed without fluctuating, which can negatively impact performance and efficiency.
Craftsman chose the 150 PSI maximum after thorough testing showed it reliably powers a wide selection of equipment. And because many tools only require 90 PSI or less, running the CMEC6150K at its lower working pressure saves energy while supplying all necessary volume and power to complete jobs quickly. It offers an excellent pressure range for everything from pneumatic staples to serious cutting and grinding applications. If you need high pressure machine then you must check top best Dewalt air compressors.
QUICK RECOVERY Time
With a 2.6 SCFM airflow rating at 90 PSI working pressure, the Craftsman 6 Gallon Air Compressor boasts impressively quick recovery between uses of power tools. With some compressors, waiting for the pressure to build back up between tasks can slow productivity—but not so with this model.
It routinely replenished its air reservoir during laboratory tests from a fully depleted state to 90 PSI operating pressure in just 4 minutes. That’s fast enough to make short work of multi-tool jobs without wasting idle waiting time. Home mechanics and DIYers alike will appreciate how this allows flitting between nailers, cutters and other air gear without frustrating delays.
Quick refills keep the air flowing continuously for efficient completion of projects. Downtime is minimized compared to lower-CFM compressors that need more extended rest periods between activations of air tools. The CMEC6150K helps you work faster by ensuring compressed air is always on tap.
What users thought about Craftsman 6 Gallon air compressor
Quality
The quality of the Craftsman CMEC6150K air compressor has received mixed feedback from customers. While many cite its solid steel construction and rugged components as positives, suggesting durability, some users have experienced early failures with the accessory hoses.
In researching owner reviews more deeply, the pump assembly is robustly engineered to withstand heavy usage over years of service. The motor, pistons, tank and internal plumbing receive consistent praise for appearing adept at outlasting lower-priced competitors. Customers operating air tools daily note impressive longevity from core compressor mechanics.
At the same time, a minority takes issue with the flexible quality of the included air hoses. Several suggest kinking or cracking develops after just months of typical DIY applications like nail guns. This could be improved by choosing higher gauge, braided stainless hoses to better withstand repeated coiling/uncoiling.
The mixed hose feedback may be an acceptable tradeoff for budget-minded buyers focused more on an affordable package than high-end frills. However, hardier replacement lines could yield better long-term reliability for professional contractors subjecting accessories to heavier workloads. Craftsman may also consider offering an upgraded hose kit as an extra-cost option.
Taken together, owner perspectives point to a generally sturdy compressor hindered only by potential issues in specific circumstantial hoses. With light use cases, the Craftsman 6 Gallon Air Compressor seems quite suitable – while heavier commercial installers may prefer beefier included fittings. As always, YMMV depends heavily on application needs and personal use factors.
Performance
The Craftsman 6 Gallon Air Compressor has received positive reviews regarding its on-the-job performance. In independent evaluations and verified owner comments, many users note this compressor reliably delivers when completing everyday tasks.
Whether the job involves nailing, stapling, spraying primer or running smaller pneumatic tools, the CMEC6150K easily tackles average DIY projects. Customers remark how its 2.6 CFM airflow at 90 PSI working pressure maintains steady power even during longer stints. Both contractors and hobbyists alike depend on its consistent, durable outputs.
The compressor has proven to be multipurpose as well. Reviews mention tackling a wide range of necessary pneumatic chores like sanding, grinding, cutting and running nailers/impactors with good results. It’s 150 PSI maximum rating and efficient pump guarantee adequate pressure reaches tools effectively. Whether fine woodworking or automotive jobs are on the docket, this unit delivers satisfactory outcomes.
Portability also enhances on-site functionality. Weighing under 30 pounds and sized to squeeze into tight work areas, the Craftsman 6 Gallon Air Compressor goes wherever improvements are needed. Customers add they appreciate its lighter weight versus bulkier options when lugging between job sites and indoor-outdoor applications. Its oil-free, energy-efficient pump runs well on generator power in remote conditions.
Verified reviews point to a compressor addressing everyday tasks with hard-working dependability. Occasionally, DIYers and busy maintenance crews can find a versatile workhorse in the Craftsman.
Portability
Portability and ease of movement were common praises among owners of the Craftsman CMEC6150K 6-gallon air compressor in online reviews. At just 28 pounds without air, multiple customers highlighted how lightweight and compact the design made transport simple.
One satisfied user remarked, “This Craftsman model has everything I need, and it’s not too heavy to carry, although I don’t plan on carrying it anywhere.” They found its dimensions balanced performance versus burden, satisfying occasional transport needs.
Another person referred to the pancake-style with a carry handle as a practical bonus. They explained, “The design is compact and easy to move around my workshop or haul with power tools to job sites.” Compact dimensions of 12.5×10.5×14 inches allowed squeezing into any service vehicle or fitting under storage surfaces as needed.
For those on uneven terrain, the portable 6-gallon size received nods despite a shorter runtime compared to bulkier tanks.
The solitary complaint of odd smells seemed an outlier, with most reviews praising the compressor’s lightweight yet rugged aluminium construction. Portability was judged a clear competitive advantage for DIY garage shops and professional worksites versus bulkier stationery options when mobility benefits mattered most.
Value of Money
Based on verified customer reviews, many owners feel the Craftsman 6 Gallon Air Compressor offers excellent value for the cost.
Comments suggest its pricing is reasonable, given the included features. One user pointed out that the compressor kit represents decent savings compared to buying components separately – like its 25′ air hose valued at around $30 alone. Extra fittings add functionality without extra expenditure.
Testimonials also note the CMEC6150K fulfils requirements for most light-duty users at an affordable initial outlay. Sufficient capability for basic tasks means it satisfies needs without superfluous, expensive additions for occasional chore use cases.
Even known issues like reported hose leaks haven’t detracted from perceptions of favourable value positioning. On the contrary – some view minor quirks as acceptable, given fair pricing. Comparisons to pricier Name brands still view it positively, such as one user deeming it a better homeowner-grade option than comparable pro-level units.
Taken together, verified owner comments emphasize getting solid features and power that meet or exceed the level of spend. For infrequent DIYers or buyers on a budget, the Craftsman 6 Gallon Air Compressor delivers acknowledged quality at a reasonable cost to satisfy the requirements of many use cases.
Easy to Use
Based on verified user reviews, assembling and starting the Craftsman CMEC6150K air compressor appears straightforward for most customers.
Several comments note that the included printed manual provides clear, easy-to-follow instructions for attaching accessory hoses and operationalizing the compressor. The uncomplicated build process allows owners to set it up rapidly for initial use, according to multiple testimonials.
Feedback also highlights the compressor’s plug-and-play simplicity once connected. A few reviews use the term “ease of use” directly when assessing user-friendliness. The clean design translates to fuss-free operation, whether navigating controls or connecting pneumatic tools.
Judging by these verified comments, the Craftsman 6 Gallon Air Compressor offers appliance-like ease right out of the box. Its unrestrained functionality renders weekend projects or minor tasks no sweat—delivering promised usefulness at an accessible price point. Overall, user reviews portray a compressor that packs impressive power with minimum fuss.
What things did users not like in this model?
Based on customer feedback, noise levels vary somewhat between individual compressor units.
For homeowners using the compressor occasionally for DIY tasks outdoors, a number felt its noise was adequately reasonable. However, one can understand neighbors or regular users potentially finding the decibels disruptive over prolonged/frequent exposures.
Pitch and tone also factor into perceived loudness beyond just raw dBs. Some noted a less bothersome lower frequency in this unit versus screaming high-pitched machines. However, tolerances for noise qualities are subjective.
I remember context matters, too. Inside an insulated garage, noise may translate differently versus bare outdoor use. Intermittent cycling allows breaks versus continuous operation.
A compressor – like any tool – integrating sound dampening could help broad appeal. But for light, handy users, this one effectively suits many needs despite some variance in sound signatures. Communication and consideration for others go a long way wherever one’s tasks may take them.
My verdict
After reviewing the wealth of user feedback available, the Craftsman 6 Gallon Air Compressor has proven a valuable tool for homeowners and DIYers. While not perfect, it consistently delivers reliable performance for average tasks at an affordable price. Both new and experienced craftspeople appreciate its durability, portability and user-friendly design.
When considering a purchase, it’s always wise to weigh your individual needs and tolerance for minor quirks honestly reported by some. However, for casual weekend projects or basic pneumatic applications, many reviews suggest this compressor appropriately fits the bill. With a bit of care also shown hoses over time, reliability seems achievable.
Overall, direct owner perspectives portray this Craftsman air compressor as a go-to option deserving of consideration in your tool arsenal. With enough power for most jobs, convenience of mobility and accessible cost, reviewers find plenty of value here despite individual variations. By making informed choices, every Craftsman can find a suitable compressor to keep their work and creativity flowing smoothly.
