Though Porter-Cable's compressor/nailer combo includes everything you need to get started--finish nailer, compressor, 25-foot/300 psi air hose (with ferrules on both ends), fittings, Teflon joint tape, finish nails, oil, wrenches, safety glasses, and manual--it's by no means a starter kit. These are excellent, top-quality tools: first-time buyers can't go wrong, and longtime professionals will like the value. The 16-gauge finish nailer packs plenty of power (oak trim? no problem--better yet, no predrilling, hammering, and setting) and shoots a wide range of nails from 3/4 to 2-1/2 inches that handle everything from crown molding installation to building fine furniture. The nailer also has all the performance features we like: easy top loading, an onboard depth adjustment that lets you adjust the countersink without fiddling with the compressor, an easy-release side hatch on the nosepiece for clearing jams, and an adjustable exhaust port that lets you direct the backfire where you want it.The 2-horsepower compressor, with its 6-gallon tank, has plenty of reserve capacity so it doesn't cycle as often as other compressors. Plus, its oil-free design means less maintenance. The lightweight compressor, though a little noisy (but only a little), is easily transported (there's a nice hand slot on top). With a maximum draw of only 10 amps, this compressor is also much less likely to trip a breaker than other, higher-amp compressors, which saves you from having to tramp back and forth to the breaker box. What else? There's also a carrying case for the nailer: no-nonsense and plastic, but certainly protective. Hands down, though, the real kicker here is the savings--compared to what you'd spend buying everything in this package item by item, it's pretty hard to resist. --Jon Groebner
