The Bostitch BTFP02012 is a compact 6-gallon pancake air compressor with a 150 PSI max pressure and 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI. Lightweight (30 lbs) and oil-free, it’s ideal for nailers, staplers, inflating, and light DIY tasks. While not built for heavy-duty or continuous-use tools, it offers excellent portability, low maintenance, and strong value for homeowners and DIY Enthusiasts.
Overview
Looking for a small air compressor that isn’t heavy, loud, or high maintenance? That’s where the Bostitch BTFP02012 comes in. With its compact 6-gallon pancake tank, oil-free pump, and 150 PSI max pressure, it’s built to handle everyday jobs without the usual hassle.
Let’s dive into the review.
Key Specifications
- Model N°: BTFP02012
- Type: Pancake, Portable Electric Air Compressor
- Motor: 0.8 HP
- Tank Size: 6 Gallons (22.7 liters)
- Max Pressure: 150 PSI
- Approximate Cut-in Pressure 120 PSI
- Approximate Cut-out Pressure 150 PSI
- CFM Delivery: 2.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI / 3.7 SCFM @ 40 PSI
- Noise Level: 78.5 dBA
- Weight: 30 lbs
- Pump Type: Oil-free (no maintenance required)
- Quick Connect Type: 1/4″ (6.4 mm) Industrial
Cut-In Pressure:
While the motor is off, air tank pressure drops as you continue to use your accessory. When the tank pressure drops to a certain lower level the motor will restart automatically. The low pressure at which the motor automatically restarts is called “cut-in” pressure.
Cut-Out Pressure:
When an air compressor is turned on and begins to run, air pressure in the air tank begins to build. It builds to a certain high pressure before the motor automatically shuts off, protecting your air tank from pressure higher than its capacity. The high pressure at which the motor shuts off is called “cut-out” pressure.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent for all types of nail guns and staplers. | loud – hearing protection is recommended. |
| Oil-free pump means zero maintenance – just plug and play. | Not for continuous-use tools like sanders or spray guns. |
| Highly portable, stable, and compact design. | |
| Proven reliability and widely available at home improvement stores. | |
| Simple and intuitive controls with dual quick-connects. | |
Critical Analysis: Manufacturer Claims vs. Reality
| Feature / Claim | The Reality (What You Actually Get) |
|---|---|
| Claim: “150 PSI Max Pressure” | Reality: True, but Misleading. The pump can technically generate 150 PSI in the tank. However, most common air tools (brad nailers, finish nailers, staplers) operate best between 70-120 PSI. You will almost never need the full 150 PSI. The higher max pressure is more about marketing and ensuring there’s enough reserve for consistent tool operation. |
| Claim: “2.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI” | Reality: The Most Critical “Reality Check”. This is the delivered airflow, and it’s the compressor’s most important spec. While it may achieve this when the tank is full, as the tank pressure drops and the pump kicks on, the average CFM is lower. This compressor can handle: • Yes: A single brad nailer, finish nailer, or stapler effortlessly. • Maybe, with patience: An impact wrench for lug nuts, but you’ll have to wait for the tank to refill often. • No: A die grinder, sander, or paint sprayer that requires 4+ CFM. It will run continuously and never keep up. |
| Claim: “Quiet Operation” | Reality: “Quieter” is relative. These are oil-free compressors with pistons that run directly against the cylinder wall. They are notoriously loud (~75-90 dBA). This is like standing next to a busy street or a loud vacuum cleaner. It is not “quiet” enough for a conversation next to it, and you absolutely need hearing protection for extended use. |
| Claim: “Portable & Lightweight” | Reality: Mostly True. Weighing around 30 lbs, it’s genuinely portable. You can carry it with one hand to a job site, up stairs, or in a truck bed. This is one of its biggest advantages over larger, heavier models. |
| Claim: “Oil-Free Pump” | Reality: True Pro: Maintenance-free. No need to check or change oil. Con: Less durable and has a shorter lifespan than an oil-lubricated pump. Oil-free pumps run hotter and have more friction, making them less suitable for heavy, continuous professional use. They are designed for the DIYer, not the production carpenter. |
Duty cycle
This air compressor pump is capable of running continuously.
However, to prolong the life of your air compressor, it is recommended that a 50%–75% average duty cycle be maintained; that is, the air compressor pump should not run more than 30–45 minutes in any given hour.
How to set up your unit
Locate the air compressor in a clean, dry, and well-ventilated area.
• Keep the unit at least 12″ (30.5 cm) away from walls or other obstructions that could block airflow.
• The pump and shroud are designed for proper cooling, so ventilation openings on the compressor are necessary to maintain proper operating temperature. Do not place rags or containers on or near these openings.
Perfect for:
- Homeowners tackling weekend projects like building a deck, installing trim, or finishing a basement.
- DIY Enthusiasts into woodworking, pallet projects, or furniture building.
- Handymen who need a reliable, portable compressor for installing flooring, fencing, or general repair work.
- Crafters using pneumatic staplers or nailers for upholstery or other crafts.
Value of money
For around $180, you are buying a tool that perfectly solves these specific problems. It’s portable, powerful enough for the job, and from a reputable brand that will last for years with occasional use. It saves you time and effort on your projects, making the cost well worth it.
Who Should not Buy this compressor?
You should consider a different compressor if:
- You are a Professional Contractor needing all-day, heavy-duty use. Look for an oil-lubricated, belt-driven model with a larger tank (e.g., 20+ gallons).
- You need to run air-hungry tools like sanders, grinders, or paint sprayers for more than a few seconds at a time. You’ll need a compressor with a higher CFM rating (e.g., 5+ CFM at 90 PSI).
- Noise is a primary concern. Consider investing in a “quiet series” compressor from brands like California Air Tools or Makita, which can be 20-30 dBA quieter (but are more expensive).
Final Verdict
The Bostitch BTFP02012 is a 6-gallon pancake compressor delivering 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI with a 150 PSI max pressure.
The main critical point that defines its value is its operational limitation:
This compressor is designed for intermittent, high-pressure tasks, not continuous airflow. It possesses enough air storage (tank) and pressure to drive finish nailers, brad nailers, and staplers effectively, and is highly portable. However, its pump cannot generate the high, sustained airflow (CFM) required by tools like sanders, grinders, or larger spray guns.
Your Decision:
- Choose the BTFP02012 if your primary tasks involve using nail guns for trim, framing, or upholstery, and you value portability.
- Look for a different compressor if you need to run tools that require continuous, high air volume for more than a few seconds at a time.
The BTFP02012’s value is entirely dependent on this specific capability. It is a specialist, not a generalist.
