Can you recommend a framing nailer?

I have a pancake compressor and it gets the job done nicely. Sucker's loud though, I agree with that. Porter Cable is likely close to commercial grade already, I wouldn't switch if I were you. I have a cheap no-name from Big Lots and it's 10 years old, you can expect a good long life from your PC.

Easiest solution for the noise: move the compressor to a different room entirely and add a length or two of hose, big hose so you don't lose pressure from static resistance. Every hose I have, first thing I did was add quick connectors, female and male ends so they all work together. Female connector on the compressor, male end on all tools. No problem and most things still fit in their cases with the connector attached.

I like PC and Bosch for compressed air tools, but Campbell Hausfield is a great choice too, usually a little cheaper. I associate Ridgid with heavy duty plumbing tools first and foremost and can't make a recommendation there.

Good luck with it.

I've had a Porter Cable pancake compressor for nearly 15 years and it's more than adequate for any nailer. It isn't quiet though. There are some out there now that allow normal conversations while running which the Porter Cable does not. As to the nailers, mine is an older one that requires lubricating before each day's use. Some of the newer ones are stainless and require NO lubrication which is what I'd look for. My Porter Cable finish mailer and my Porter Cable stapler are that way and it's really nice to not have to mess with the oil.

I'd recommend either a Bostich or Senco framing nailer ...the newer models with magnesium or titanium bodies weigh less than 8 pounds and are very easy to handle versus older models although you may still have problems with kickback or recoil with a weak wrist...holding the gun in both hands would help. Another option is to use cordless impact or palm nailers which have come out recently...Craftsman Nextec Hammerhead autohammer models run around 100.00 but prices have dropped on those and other copycat models ...I've seen some on sale for 40.00 or less and they work very well for small nailing jobs versus pneumatic models...get into tight areas better, etc... You may also want to check out some local construction sites and ask the workers to test fire/handle some of their nailgun models and what they recommend...a 6 pack of beer and/or some cookies/doughnuts around quitting time will help in getting advice. Bear in mind that framing nailguns use a couple different style collated nails which can affect long term ownership/nail costs....price out nail packs as well.

Cordless palm nailer/impact nailer....

http://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/...

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-nextec-12.0-volt-ha...

Nailgun comparisons...

http://www.toolsofthetrade.net/nail-guns/lightweig...

As for quiet compressors, I've had good luck with Rolair products which are commercial grade and super quiet....around 70db or less for smaller models although tank sizes can be a little small which makes them take longer to recover air pressure for larger jobs or multiple gun use but work OK for small jobs. Another brand called California Air are super quiet ...as low as 60 db...although I've not used them personally...expect to pay around 200.00 or so for a good quiet model and most jobs only need around 90-125 psi of pressure at most. What do you mean by more "oomph"?

Most major brand compressor models sold in box stores are far too noisy for me. If you have inventive skills or friends with them, you can also build your own quiet compressor from an old refrigerator compressor and a spare or used compressor air tank...I built one for spare jobs in the garage and offroad adventures and can hardly hear it running...the drawback is you have to oil it periodically although the oil also helps lube my airguns/nailers...not good for painting though without a filter setup..

Rolair and California Air models comparison...noise levels...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTZ5dPsJCYg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-XhHs3wejY

http://www.rolair.net/

http://www.californiaairtools.com/quiet-air-compre...

DIY air compressor....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jOcLdZXRRs