Wow, I tried to search the group archives for compressor, and there
were no results.
Anyway, I've always wanted to get a compressor, but have yet to have a
good enough reason to get one. I'll be replacing the roof on the house
next weekend, so this is the perfect time. The way I see it, there are
two main categories of compressors: large tank/high air volume and
portable tank/low volume. A large tank will be expensive and allow the
use of tools such as paint sprayers, sanders and sand blasting
equipment (just a few, but things I can see myself using). A small
tank will be less costly and easy to move around. Ideally, I'd like to
have one of each: a big stationary monster for the shop, and a small
unit to use outside the shop.
My roof project sort of dictates portability, so I'm looking at a
small tank. So, any recommendations on small compressors primarily for
running nail guns? Aside from the doing the roof, I'd say the majority
of the usage will be with brad/finish nailers, and filling the
occasional tire or toy. One that I've looked at recently was a Bostich
kit at Lowe's for $199 - includes a pancake style tank and a brad
nailer.
"Leon" revealed this about himself...
> I personally have probably gone over board on machine
> purchases but that was my choice.
>
Say it ain't so Leon. Doncha know that saying things like this in a
woodworking group is blasphemy?
Repeat after me. I make wise tool buying decisions. I am at peace with my
tool buying decisions. I love my tools. My tools love me. I talk to my
tools. My tools talk to me. I am wise in the way of tools.
No go fondle some of your tools. And realize that everything is right with
the world.
<VBG>
On May 3, 11:20=A0am, Mike <[email protected]> wrote:
> Wow, I tried to search the group archives for compressor, and there
> were no results.
>
> Anyway, I've always wanted to get a compressor, but have yet to have a
> good enough reason to get one. I'll be replacing the roof on the house
> next weekend, so this is the perfect time. The way I see it, there are
> two main categories of compressors: large tank/high air volume and
> portable tank/low volume. A large tank will be expensive and allow the
> use of tools such as paint sprayers, sanders and sand blasting
> equipment (just a few, but things I can see myself using). A small
> tank will be less costly and easy to move around. Ideally, I'd like to
> have one of each: a big stationary monster for the shop, and a small
> unit to use outside the shop.
>
> My roof project sort of dictates portability, so I'm looking at a
> small tank. So, any recommendations on small compressors primarily for
> running nail guns? Aside from the doing the roof, I'd say the majority
> of the usage will be with brad/finish nailers, and filling the
> occasional tire or toy. One that I've looked at recently was a Bostich
> kit at Lowe's for $199 - includes a pancake style tank and a brad
> nailer.
Rent a pancake compressor for the roof and shop the honest-to-gosh
compressor stores for a decent large compressor. Many 'small' trade-
ins from body shops can be had, some needing a conversion from three
phase to single phase power. Say $200 for a nice big older compressor
and a new 5 HP motor at $150 and you've got something unmatchable in
today's box stores. Those old cast iron two cylinder brutes have
different size cylinders, a low pressure side feeding the higher
pressure output. That's exactly what you need to run a HVLP spray gun
off your own air system. Unlike the Chinese box store offerings, these
old timers are readily rebuildable. In my experience, the time between
rebuilds is about 35 years. While you're at it, lay in a supply of
high flow V type air fitting from Milton or the similar knock-offs
from Harbor freight. Never use a 1/4" air hose, and always use 3/4"
black iron for your shop plumbing. IMO, Senco has the best nailing
guns and fasteners, but all are pretty decent these days.
Enough for now. Have fun shopping.
Joe
RE: Subject
If there ever was a tool you only want to buy ONCE, it is an air
compressor.
The biggest package a home shop can support based on having only
single phase power available is as follows:
5 HP, cap start, cap run, 240VAC/1PH/60HZ, motor.
2 stage compressor with intercooler.
80 gallon receiver, vertical mount.
Current price is about $1100-$1200 plus installation which will add
about $300.
IOW, $1500 buys a lifetime compressor.
Compared to the cost of a cabinet saw, it is a bargain.
YMMV
Lew
On May 4, 8:46=A0am, dpb <[email protected]> wrote:
> Mike wrote:
>
> ...
>
> > Well, I went around and looked at various compressors today. I've come
> > to the same conclusion - better to go with a bigger one and plan to
> > keep it stationary in the shop. I've got three models in mind:
> > 1. Craftsman Pro 25 gal. horizontal
> > 2. Dewalt D55168 15 gal vertical (200PSI)
> > 3. Campbell Hausfeld 60 gal (Lowes)
>
> > All three are similar in price, although the Lowes model will require
> > a regulator and doesn't come with any hoses or extras. Anyone have
> > experience with any of these?
>
> That's like comparing a local juco to the state uni to (say) Stanford --
> they're completely different styles/types of beasts.
>
> --
www.eatoncompressor.com . No affiliation, just a very happy customer.
Very high quality components, comparatively itty bitty price. I
recommend a small very portable one (the lighter the better) and a
monster for the shop. I bought the 60 gallon 5 horse two stage for
less than $1500.00 (delivered) and I couldn't be happier. It's a
true five horse motor (huge) not five peak horsepower it's a 1725rpm
so it runs less which means it will last longer and the pump is a cast
iron monster. I think the price has gone up 200 bucks since I bought
mine (5 yrs ago) but it's still a deal when you compare apples to
apples. Eaton makes a very nice portable also. Give them a look. bc
There are several good deals out there for small, portable compressors
with accessories. I have seen Campbell Hausfeld, Husky and other
portables for around $200-250 with nail guns. Any recognized brands
in that price range might be a good deal.
With that said, your comments indicate a down-stream desire for a
larger machine for your shop. Unless your house is huge, why not drop
the portable and go with a good, capable and higher capacity machine
with more hose. We are in the process of finishing a new home. We
served as general contractor for the framers, roofers, rockers, etc.
We are doing most of the finish ourselves. We have seen lots of
compressors come and go but none of them moved around very much. Our
framer, who also did the siding and other work had an old, horizontal
20 gallon 2-stager that sat on our garage floor for a month or more.
He had lots of hose and a couple of "T" fittings made from cast-iron
plumbing "T"'s and quick-release air chucks. He moved hoses around
our 60'x60' footprint but the compressor stayed put. Even the roofer
dropped their pancake on the driveway and reached all points on the
house with similar equipment. We can reach all points inside the
first floor with our compressor in the garage and with two hoses.
During an earlier house finish I plumbed black gas pipe through the
basement wall into the garage and had an easy source to finish the
basement using the garage compressor.
Our compressor is an older Campbell Hausfeld hybrid. It is portable
(on wheels) but not light. The tank is similar to the big CH 60-80
gallon uprights but shortened to about 35 gallon capacity. It is a 5
HP, two stage machine and It provides flow rate for nearly all common
shop tools but does require occasional pause for spraying or
continuous sanding. My personal preference is the oiled, 2 stage
because I think they are more reliable in the long run (They do cost
more). Besides the noise of the oil-less machines make my hair hurt.
More hose and a few fittings might be your answer. Hope this helps.
RonB
"Leon" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> The 3 gal direct drive model is considerably more noisy but recharges
pretty
> quickly, in the 10 second range IIRC.
http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Images/All-Power-APC4406/i2846.html
I'm considering something along the lines of the one above. It's listed at
55 decibels or about the level of an average conversation and weighs in
close to 50 lbs. That's a little heavier than what I had in mind, but I'm
not ready to exclude it yet.
"Mike" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:9d2eab67-a878-4b6f-adc8-45b3f8c15213@j12g2000vbl.googlegroups.com...
> Wow, I tried to search the group archives for compressor, and there
> were no results.
Really? I looked and there are a ton of compressor topics in the archives.
>
> Anyway, I've always wanted to get a compressor, but have yet to have a
> good enough reason to get one. I'll be replacing the roof on the house
> next weekend, so this is the perfect time. The way I see it, there are
> two main categories of compressors: large tank/high air volume and
> portable tank/low volume. A large tank will be expensive and allow the
> use of tools such as paint sprayers, sanders and sand blasting
> equipment (just a few, but things I can see myself using). A small
> tank will be less costly and easy to move around. Ideally, I'd like to
> have one of each: a big stationary monster for the shop, and a small
> unit to use outside the shop.
>
> My roof project sort of dictates portability, so I'm looking at a
> small tank. So, any recommendations on small compressors primarily for
> running nail guns? Aside from the doing the roof, I'd say the majority
> of the usage will be with brad/finish nailers, and filling the
> occasional tire or toy. One that I've looked at recently was a Bostich
> kit at Lowe's for $199 - includes a pancake style tank and a brad
> nailer.
If you're looking for one of each, then any pancake compressor will serve
your needs for a nail gun. You might also want to consider either a simple
tank that you fill and take up on the roof and use until it needs a
re-charge, or simply a few more lengths of air hose that you connect to one
big compressor. If you anticipate a lot of need for portability, then
obviously the pancake is a good idea, but if you really don't see yourself
having to load up the car/truck and head out to a site to do work, then it's
really not all that necessary. Another consideration is the small
horizontal tank type compressor that HF sells.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40400
My son bought one very similar to this for $99 at HF, and has used it for a
few years now. Works just fine and is easy to load and move around.
--
-Mike-
[email protected]
On May 6, 8:55=A0am, "Lee Michaels" <leemichaels*[email protected]>
wrote:
> "Leon" revealed this about himself...
>
> > I personally have probably gone over board on machine
> > purchases but that was my choice.
>
> Say it ain't so Leon. =A0Doncha know that saying things like this in a
> woodworking group is blasphemy?
>
> Repeat after me. =A0I make wise tool buying decisions. I am at peace with=
my
> tool buying decisions. I love my tools. My tools love me. I talk to my
> tools. =A0My tools talk to me. I am wise in the way of tools.
>
> No go fondle some of your tools. And realize that everything is right wit=
h
> the world.
>
> <VBG>
Right on! Couldn't have said it better.
Cheers,
Joe
> A couple of years ago I had a bunch of woodwork to repair and was
> getting nowhere with a hammer (smiles galore) so bought a PC pancake
> with three finishing nailers. =A0It worked great but I quickly outgrew
> it so recently (after retiring, move, and a new job ;-) =A0bought a
> DeWalt upright portable (D55168). =A0Bottom line, I'm not sure a pancake
> will be enough for a roofing nailer and I think you'll be buying
> another one (not necessarily a bad thing ;-) if you go with the
> pancake. =A0
Well, I went around and looked at various compressors today. I've come
to the same conclusion - better to go with a bigger one and plan to
keep it stationary in the shop. I've got three models in mind:
1. Craftsman Pro 25 gal. horizontal
2. Dewalt D55168 15 gal vertical (200PSI)
3. Campbell Hausfeld 60 gal (Lowes)
All three are similar in price, although the Lowes model will require
a regulator and doesn't come with any hoses or extras. Anyone have
experience with any of these?
On Sun, 3 May 2009 09:20:26 -0700 (PDT), Mike <[email protected]> wrote:
>Wow, I tried to search the group archives for compressor, and there
>were no results.
>
>Anyway, I've always wanted to get a compressor, but have yet to have a
>good enough reason to get one. I'll be replacing the roof on the house
>next weekend, so this is the perfect time. The way I see it, there are
>two main categories of compressors: large tank/high air volume and
>portable tank/low volume. A large tank will be expensive and allow the
>use of tools such as paint sprayers, sanders and sand blasting
>equipment (just a few, but things I can see myself using). A small
>tank will be less costly and easy to move around. Ideally, I'd like to
>have one of each: a big stationary monster for the shop, and a small
>unit to use outside the shop.
>
>My roof project sort of dictates portability, so I'm looking at a
>small tank. So, any recommendations on small compressors primarily for
>running nail guns? Aside from the doing the roof, I'd say the majority
>of the usage will be with brad/finish nailers, and filling the
>occasional tire or toy. One that I've looked at recently was a Bostich
>kit at Lowe's for $199 - includes a pancake style tank and a brad
>nailer.
A couple of years ago I had a bunch of woodwork to repair and was
getting nowhere with a hammer (smiles galore) so bought a PC pancake
with three finishing nailers. It worked great but I quickly outgrew
it so recently (after retiring, move, and a new job ;-) bought a
DeWalt upright portable (D55168). Bottom line, I'm not sure a pancake
will be enough for a roofing nailer and I think you'll be buying
another one (not necessarily a bad thing ;-) if you go with the
pancake.
"Leon" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> I am not sure what your CFM requirements are but DeWalt has a couple of
> small belt drive units that weigh 24 lb and 30 lb. D55140 and D55141
> respectively.
Thanks, they're more along the lines of what I'm looking for. I let you know
what I get.
"Upscale" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Leon" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> also and prefer the smaller quieter units for woodworking.
>
> In regards to those quieter compressors, have you (or anybody else) come
> across any listings of the decibel levels of compressors?
>
> I know I can go and find out compressor decibel ratings for them singly,
> but
> that takes time. It would be easier if someone has already compiled a
> list.
>
>
I do not recall seeing a decibel rating on compressors although my current
20 gallon compressor with belt drive twin piston and cast iron block and
cylinder is quiet enough to have a conversation 3-4 feet away. The head is
aluminum.
The 3 gal direct drive model is considerably more noisy but recharges pretty
quickly, in the 10 second range IIRC.
And then there is the motor speed that can make more noise. It seems that a
slower running but louder compressor is less irritating than a quieter and
higher pitched fast running compressor.
A nice big one for the shop is the way to go. And go by a pawn shop
for a smaller portable. The small one for nail guns just needs pressure
and a small volume. A small tank can be made from a propane tank and with
a few dollars of adapters you have a portable tank. Charge it up with
the big one and off you go for hours on the house. For 40 years I've used
a converted Freon tank for just that. At first I had a small pump to
charge it.
I have a large tank that can handle everything and a small tank I can charge
and a CO2 tank that I use when using my fence gun away from power or
when it is handy.
Martin
Mike wrote:
> Wow, I tried to search the group archives for compressor, and there
> were no results.
>
> Anyway, I've always wanted to get a compressor, but have yet to have a
> good enough reason to get one. I'll be replacing the roof on the house
> next weekend, so this is the perfect time. The way I see it, there are
> two main categories of compressors: large tank/high air volume and
> portable tank/low volume. A large tank will be expensive and allow the
> use of tools such as paint sprayers, sanders and sand blasting
> equipment (just a few, but things I can see myself using). A small
> tank will be less costly and easy to move around. Ideally, I'd like to
> have one of each: a big stationary monster for the shop, and a small
> unit to use outside the shop.
>
> My roof project sort of dictates portability, so I'm looking at a
> small tank. So, any recommendations on small compressors primarily for
> running nail guns? Aside from the doing the roof, I'd say the majority
> of the usage will be with brad/finish nailers, and filling the
> occasional tire or toy. One that I've looked at recently was a Bostich
> kit at Lowe's for $199 - includes a pancake style tank and a brad
> nailer.
> > Well, I went around and looked at various compressors today. I've come
> > to the same conclusion - better to go with a bigger one and plan to
> > keep it stationary in the shop. I've got three models in mind:
> > 1. Craftsman Pro 25 gal. horizontal
> > 2. Dewalt D55168 15 gal vertical (200PSI)
> > 3. Campbell Hausfeld 60 gal (Lowes)
I don't know what prices are for the three, but Campbell Hausfeld is a
good brand and I don't think you can go wrong. They have been
building industrial, farm and home air compression equipment for
years. Dewalt builds good equipment too but I suspect someone else
builds their compressor. Choice #1 started burning me, and a lot of
others in my age range, 20-30 years ago and I wouldn't recommend them.
BTW, the big tank verticals, like #3 might actually take up less floor
space than some of the smaller horizontals.
RonB
"Lee Michaels" <leemichaels*nadaspam*@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Leon" revealed this about himself...
>
>> I personally have probably gone over board on machine
>> purchases but that was my choice.
>>
> Say it ain't so Leon. Doncha know that saying things like this in a
> woodworking group is blasphemy?
>
> Repeat after me. I make wise tool buying decisions. I am at peace with my
> tool buying decisions. I love my tools. My tools love me. I talk to my
> tools. My tools talk to me. I am wise in the way of tools.
>
> No go fondle some of your tools. And realize that everything is right with
> the world.
>
> <VBG>
The Laguna and the Festool equipment have certainly been purchases where I
went speeding past the adequate requirements however the BS requires no,
"fiddl'n" with, for it to turn out great results and to eat what ever I
throw at it. The Festool, well I certainly do not have much fine dust
floating around in the air any more when sanding and the Domino is like a
biscuit cutter on MEGA Steroids. I did not need any of those tools but they
certainly make life easier in the shop.
"Leon" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> also and prefer the smaller quieter units for woodworking.
In regards to those quieter compressors, have you (or anybody else) come
across any listings of the decibel levels of compressors?
I know I can go and find out compressor decibel ratings for them singly, but
that takes time. It would be easier if someone has already compiled a list.
"Robatoy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
I was at a jobsite recently where a trim carpenter had a small Senco
piston compressor. It sounded like a sweet small sewing machine. I
want one, so I can get rid of my PC pancake. My PCpancake has been
flawless in service, but man is it L O U D.
Any chance you got a model number of found out what its maximum compression
was?
"Leon" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> You bring up good points but when buying I think you will waste a lot of
> money if you buy the biggest you can afford. Personally I can easily
> afford
> a $10,000 compressor. I personally have probably gone over board on
> machine
> purchases but that was my choice. I have gone over board on compressors
> also and prefer the smaller quieter units for woodworking.
>
Leon - did your wife put you up to saying this?
--
-Mike-
[email protected]
I got a finish nailer some years ago and tried it on a bird house. WOW!
The house was to 'light' to hammer on and I needed more hands...
I could hold it with one hand, shoot with the other and it was not blasting
across a table with each blow. A simple nail gun can really make a difference
considering the elbow and wrist issues by hammers.
Martin
HeyBub wrote:
> Mike wrote:
>> Wow, I tried to search the group archives for compressor, and there
>> were no results.
>>
>> Anyway, I've always wanted to get a compressor, but have yet to have a
>> good enough reason to get one. I'll be replacing the roof on the house
>> next weekend, so this is the perfect time. The way I see it, there are
>> two main categories of compressors: large tank/high air volume and
>> portable tank/low volume. A large tank will be expensive and allow the
>> use of tools such as paint sprayers, sanders and sand blasting
>> equipment (just a few, but things I can see myself using). A small
>> tank will be less costly and easy to move around. Ideally, I'd like to
>> have one of each: a big stationary monster for the shop, and a small
>> unit to use outside the shop.
>>
>> My roof project sort of dictates portability, so I'm looking at a
>> small tank. So, any recommendations on small compressors primarily for
>> running nail guns? Aside from the doing the roof, I'd say the majority
>> of the usage will be with brad/finish nailers, and filling the
>> occasional tire or toy. One that I've looked at recently was a Bostich
>> kit at Lowe's for $199 - includes a pancake style tank and a brad
>> nailer.
>
> You're on the right track. I watched my neighbor's roof being re-done. They
> had four guys, three with hammers and one with an air-nailer. The guy with
> the air-nailer was putting down shingles as fast as the other three guys
> combined.
>
> Frankly, for puttering around the shop, just about any compressor will do
> the job. I got one and use it for just about everything, including replacing
> about 400' of baseboards. It's gotten so I hate hammers!
>
>
On May 3, 12:20=A0pm, Mike <[email protected]> wrote:
> Wow, I tried to search the group archives for compressor, and there
> were no results.
>
> Anyway, I've always wanted to get a compressor, but have yet to have a
> good enough reason to get one. I'll be replacing the roof on the house
> next weekend, so this is the perfect time. The way I see it, there are
> two main categories of compressors: large tank/high air volume and
> portable tank/low volume. A large tank will be expensive and allow the
> use of tools such as paint sprayers, sanders and sand blasting
> equipment (just a few, but things I can see myself using). A small
> tank will be less costly and easy to move around. Ideally, I'd like to
> have one of each: a big stationary monster for the shop, and a small
> unit to use outside the shop.
>
> My roof project sort of dictates portability, so I'm looking at a
> small tank. So, any recommendations on small compressors primarily for
> running nail guns? Aside from the doing the roof, I'd say the majority
> of the usage will be with brad/finish nailers, and filling the
> occasional tire or toy. One that I've looked at recently was a Bostich
> kit at Lowe's for $199 - includes a pancake style tank and a brad
> nailer.
I was at a jobsite recently where a trim carpenter had a small Senco
piston compressor. It sounded like a sweet small sewing machine. I
want one, so I can get rid of my PC pancake. My PCpancake has been
flawless in service, but man is it L O U D.
He said he paid around 200 dollars for it at Lowe's. It was not oil-
less, btw.
#3 is cast iron double head ? - long lasting design.
The small volume ones are likely plenty for guns but if
you run sanders or other air tools their volume at pressure
may not be enough. Remember horizontal ones take horizontal space
and in most shops verticle space is cheap - horizontal space is expensive.
I got the all green on the front model... But I use a lot of air at 75 psi.
It can generate more than I need but it turns on once or twice a job.
I drive a Plasma CNC table with mine and through a refrigeration dryer as well.
You need to determine the use and flow at what pressure.
If only nail guns - then most any. A twin pump with a motor drive
makes MUCH less noise than the small noisy single piston ones. Noise
might be an issue.
Martin
Mike wrote:
>> A couple of years ago I had a bunch of woodwork to repair and was
>> getting nowhere with a hammer (smiles galore) so bought a PC pancake
>> with three finishing nailers. It worked great but I quickly outgrew
>> it so recently (after retiring, move, and a new job ;-) bought a
>> DeWalt upright portable (D55168). Bottom line, I'm not sure a pancake
>> will be enough for a roofing nailer and I think you'll be buying
>> another one (not necessarily a bad thing ;-) if you go with the
>> pancake.
>
>
> Well, I went around and looked at various compressors today. I've come
> to the same conclusion - better to go with a bigger one and plan to
> keep it stationary in the shop. I've got three models in mind:
> 1. Craftsman Pro 25 gal. horizontal
> 2. Dewalt D55168 15 gal vertical (200PSI)
> 3. Campbell Hausfeld 60 gal (Lowes)
>
> All three are similar in price, although the Lowes model will require
> a regulator and doesn't come with any hoses or extras. Anyone have
> experience with any of these?
On May 4, 8:46=A0am, dpb <[email protected]> wrote:
> Mike wrote:
>
> ...
>
> > Well, I went around and looked at various compressors today. I've come
> > to the same conclusion - better to go with a bigger one and plan to
> > keep it stationary in the shop. I've got three models in mind:
> > 1. Craftsman Pro 25 gal. horizontal
> > 2. Dewalt D55168 15 gal vertical (200PSI)
> > 3. Campbell Hausfeld 60 gal (Lowes)
>
> > All three are similar in price, although the Lowes model will require
> > a regulator and doesn't come with any hoses or extras. Anyone have
> > experience with any of these?
>
> That's like comparing a local juco to the state uni to (say) Stanford --
> they're completely different styles/types of beasts.
>
> --
ps when u choose the small one just make sure the average air
consumption for your nailer is at or preferably below the displacement
rating for the compressor wich is 5.5 cfm @90 psi for the small eaton
unit
Mike wrote:
> Wow, I tried to search the group archives for compressor, and there
> were no results.
>
> Anyway, I've always wanted to get a compressor, but have yet to have a
> good enough reason to get one. I'll be replacing the roof on the house
> next weekend, so this is the perfect time. The way I see it, there are
> two main categories of compressors: large tank/high air volume and
> portable tank/low volume. A large tank will be expensive and allow the
> use of tools such as paint sprayers, sanders and sand blasting
> equipment (just a few, but things I can see myself using). A small
> tank will be less costly and easy to move around. Ideally, I'd like to
> have one of each: a big stationary monster for the shop, and a small
> unit to use outside the shop.
>
> My roof project sort of dictates portability, so I'm looking at a
> small tank. So, any recommendations on small compressors primarily for
> running nail guns? Aside from the doing the roof, I'd say the majority
> of the usage will be with brad/finish nailers, and filling the
> occasional tire or toy. One that I've looked at recently was a Bostich
> kit at Lowe's for $199 - includes a pancake style tank and a brad
> nailer.
You're on the right track. I watched my neighbor's roof being re-done. They
had four guys, three with hammers and one with an air-nailer. The guy with
the air-nailer was putting down shingles as fast as the other three guys
combined.
Frankly, for puttering around the shop, just about any compressor will do
the job. I got one and use it for just about everything, including replacing
about 400' of baseboards. It's gotten so I hate hammers!
"Joe Brophy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Sun, 3 May 2009 09:20:26 -0700 (PDT), Mike
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> Air Compressors, pressure washers, and most other continuous
> operation types of equipment should be selected using the
> following "rule of thumb": Buy the largest you can afford or
> else you will probably be disappointed. Like the other guy
> in this thread who had a medium size compressor and had to
> "wait" for the unit to catch up while spray painting, I too
> had a smaller unit to start with, although not by my choice.
> In stark contrast to the other posters comment implying that
> it was "ok" to wait (stopping using the compressor) until it
> caught up, for me, after a couple of times "waiting" I
> started using this down time to plot how I was to get rid of
> this compressor and get one that was adequate to perform the
> jobs I needed it to without having to make me wait. I
> quickly regretted rationalizing that my under sized
> compressor unit would "probably be ok" when called upon to
> deliver air pressure at a rate it simply was not capable of
> doing, at about this same time I recognized that "waiting"
> was about as fun as "waiting" for your wife to finish her
> shopping at the mall after you have: 1) finished your
> shopping, 2) Already became bored window shopping and other
> conjured up means to kill time, 3) Kicked yourself for not
> establishing a way of communicating with each other prior to
> the agreed to end time, should the need arise. Yep, just
> like having to wait on that compressor. Even worse if your
> neighbor comes over and sees you playing solitaire while
> your compressor is running to "catch up". Nope, not even
> close to being "ok" from my perspective.
I was at least one of the other persons that mentioned using a spray painter
with a "small" 11 gal. direct drive not medium sized compressor. The wait
was approximately 15-20 seconds. If you want the larger compressor and have
no wait time that is OK. I have personally had the larger 80 gallon
compressor and a 25 and currently have a 20 and also have a 3 gal. For most
doing recreational wood working this is more than enough especially for the
occasionally spray painting. I use the 3 gal compressor for on the job
fence
jobs and leave the portable 20 gal unit in place, it is still to big to be
hauling to another location IMHO. The 80 gallon unit was an Albatross in
the shop. For a wood working shop it was rarely used any where near
capacity. I was glad to get rid if it.
You bring up good points but when buying I think you will waste a lot of
money if you buy the biggest you can afford. Personally I can easily afford
a $10,000 compressor. I personally have probably gone over board on machine
purchases but that was my choice. I have gone over board on compressors
also and prefer the smaller quieter units for woodworking.
Mike wrote:
...
> Well, I went around and looked at various compressors today. I've come
> to the same conclusion - better to go with a bigger one and plan to
> keep it stationary in the shop. I've got three models in mind:
> 1. Craftsman Pro 25 gal. horizontal
> 2. Dewalt D55168 15 gal vertical (200PSI)
> 3. Campbell Hausfeld 60 gal (Lowes)
>
> All three are similar in price, although the Lowes model will require
> a regulator and doesn't come with any hoses or extras. Anyone have
> experience with any of these?
That's like comparing a local juco to the state uni to (say) Stanford --
they're completely different styles/types of beasts.
--
On Sun, 3 May 2009 09:20:26 -0700 (PDT), Mike
<[email protected]> wrote:
>Wow, I tried to search the group archives for compressor, and there
>were no results.
>
>Anyway, I've always wanted to get a compressor, but have yet to have a
>good enough reason to get one. I'll be replacing the roof on the house
>next weekend, so this is the perfect time. The way I see it, there are
>two main categories of compressors: large tank/high air volume and
>portable tank/low volume. A large tank will be expensive and allow the
>use of tools such as paint sprayers, sanders and sand blasting
>equipment (just a few, but things I can see myself using). A small
>tank will be less costly and easy to move around. Ideally, I'd like to
>have one of each: a big stationary monster for the shop, and a small
>unit to use outside the shop.
>
>My roof project sort of dictates portability, so I'm looking at a
>small tank. So, any recommendations on small compressors primarily for
>running nail guns? Aside from the doing the roof, I'd say the majority
>of the usage will be with brad/finish nailers, and filling the
>occasional tire or toy. One that I've looked at recently was a Bostich
>kit at Lowe's for $199 - includes a pancake style tank and a brad
>nailer.
Air Compressors, pressure washers, and most other continuous
operation types of equipment should be selected using the
following "rule of thumb": Buy the largest you can afford or
else you will probably be disappointed. Like the other guy
in this thread who had a medium size compressor and had to
"wait" for the unit to catch up while spray painting, I too
had a smaller unit to start with, although not by my choice.
In stark contrast to the other posters comment implying that
it was "ok" to wait (stopping using the compressor) until it
caught up, for me, after a couple of times "waiting" I
started using this down time to plot how I was to get rid of
this compressor and get one that was adequate to perform the
jobs I needed it to without having to make me wait. I
quickly regretted rationalizing that my under sized
compressor unit would "probably be ok" when called upon to
deliver air pressure at a rate it simply was not capable of
doing, at about this same time I recognized that "waiting"
was about as fun as "waiting" for your wife to finish her
shopping at the mall after you have: 1) finished your
shopping, 2) Already became bored window shopping and other
conjured up means to kill time, 3) Kicked yourself for not
establishing a way of communicating with each other prior to
the agreed to end time, should the need arise. Yep, just
like having to wait on that compressor. Even worse if your
neighbor comes over and sees you playing solitaire while
your compressor is running to "catch up". Nope, not even
close to being "ok" from my perspective. In addition to
simple CFM output, or lack of such, in the case of an
undersized compressor, it will likely be more unreliable due
to it having to run for longer periods instead of being able
to reach shut off pressure and cool down a bit while it
waits for YOU to catch up. Compressors are usually spec'd
assuming a 50% duty cycle, CFM (cubic feet of air per
minute) usually assumes air delivery at 90 psi, in the
ballpark for psi needed for most airtools, and to run the
airpump the motor is rated in HP (horsepower), unfortunately
the way the manufacturer calculates this can vary
significantly, especially with the units sold in big box
stores. Not to worry, there is a simple way to separate
those with real true HP from those wishful thinking "HP
wanna-be's". The electric motor will have a "specification
plate" riveted on it that shows the AMPS required to run it
under a full load ("FLA"), take this number and multiply it
by what voltage it will be running on from the power
company, usually it will be 220 volts for compressors in the
5+ HP range. The result of this multiplication will provide
you with the WATTS of power the motor will use under full
load. 748 WATTS = 1 HP, so divide by 748 and find out who
is being honest and who is embellishing a bit on the specs.
Oddly enough, the motors that calculate to higher HP ratings
are almost always larger and beefier looking than their
"wanna-be" competitors, imagine that! While your looking at
the motor plate another valuable spec to compare is the
"service factor" or "SF" as it usually abbreviated on the
plate. This number will usually be somewhere between 1.0
and 1.5. What this spec is very simply is how much you can
occasionally run the motor safely over 100% of it's rated
HP. 1.0 means that at this motor's rated HP it is maxed out
and running at a higher load is not recommended by the
manufacturer, usually voiding the motor warranty. In
contrast, a motor with a SF of 1.2 for example can be ran at
120% of it's rated HP with no ill effects periodically and
will not affect warranty or motor reliability/life. Another
motor spec is RPM, revolutions per minute. Usually will
either be about 1750 or around 3450. Now, if they are both
rated at a true 5 HP, guess which one has to work the
hardest? Slower is better in this case, most older
compressors of any size are 1750 rpm, running the compressor
pump at 1000 rpm or less. This is a major factor
contributing to these old workhorses seemingly lasting
forever, when sized correctly for their intended use of
course. Single stage or two stage compressor pump? A
single stage pump will at best keep your tank at 120 psi,
whereas a two stage pump will keep the same tank pumped up
to 175 psi, this allows more air to be stored in the same
tank which gives the pump more time to cool off while
"waiting" for you to draw down the tank pressure to cause
the motor to start up again. Also, if you have a
requirement to fill semi-truck tires a two stage is
mandatory to provide the higher pressures used by these
truck tires.
Bottom Line, What I would suggest as a minimum: For a
general purpose air compressor that will run any airtool you
are likely to own, do some serious (the only kind)
sandblasting, painting, etc, AND not toast itself while
trying to do so, You will never regret a compressor purchase
with these specs or better. (Unless of course, You actually
ENJOY going shopping at the mall with your wife....)
Motor: Minimum 5 "true" HP, with a SF of 1.1+, preferably
1750 rpm, 220 volt single phase (unless you have access to 3
phase power, 3 phase is preferred but not likely to be
available to you)
Compressor Pump: Spec's to deliver minimum 14+ (15+ if
single stage) CFM at 90 psi, ideally 2 stage, running RPM of
less than 1000 to deliver rated CFM, preferably constructed
of cast iron vs cast aluminum, motor/pump drive belt(s)
preferably "power twist" link type, pump lube preferably
100% synthetic compressor oil.
Tank: 60+ gallons, preferably 80-120, vertical tank
preferred to save space and facilitate condensation removal,
preferred automatic condensation drain valve, Tank should be
ASME certified for safety, most already are.
A well thought out air line piping layout can be viewed at:
http://www.tptools.com/StaticText/airline-piping-diagram.pdf
This diagram also supports using black pipe as suggested
elsewhere in this thread in a post by another user, I agree
as well.
GRAINGER's has (or used to have) a good list of CFM
requirements of various airtools.
A little more involved than tank size and if it has wheels
or is bolted down...eh? Well worth the effort I might add.
Besides, the wife or girlfriend would probably prefer to not
have to drag you to the mall with her when she went shopping
anyway...Good luck with your selection, hope this has
helped, best regards, Joe.
"Mike Marlow" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Leon" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>
>> You bring up good points but when buying I think you will waste a lot of
>> money if you buy the biggest you can afford. Personally I can easily
>> afford
>> a $10,000 compressor. I personally have probably gone over board on
>> machine
>> purchases but that was my choice. I have gone over board on compressors
>> also and prefer the smaller quieter units for woodworking.
>>
>
> Leon - did your wife put you up to saying this?
LOL, No, actually she has almost as many $'s invested in fancy machines as
I do.
<[email protected]> wrote in message
news:a8fc4f5f-3ba6-45f5-b783-52ab9cab16a3@g20g2000vba.googlegroups.com...
>
> I don't know what prices are for the three, but is a
> good brand and I don't think you can go wrong. They have been
> building industrial, farm and home air compression equipment for
> years.
The last Campbell Hausfeld compressor that I looked at was made in Taiwan.
They probably still make the industrial sized ones though.
"Mike" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:9d2eab67-a878-4b6f-adc8-45b3f8c15213@j12g2000vbl.googlegroups.com...
> Wow, I tried to search the group archives for compressor, and there
> were no results.
>
> Anyway, I've always wanted to get a compressor, but have yet to have a
> good enough reason to get one. I'll be replacing the roof on the house
> next weekend, so this is the perfect time. The way I see it, there are
> two main categories of compressors: large tank/high air volume and
> portable tank/low volume. A large tank will be expensive and allow the
> use of tools such as paint sprayers, sanders and sand blasting
> equipment (just a few, but things I can see myself using). A small
> tank will be less costly and easy to move around. Ideally, I'd like to
> have one of each: a big stationary monster for the shop, and a small
> unit to use outside the shop.
>
> My roof project sort of dictates portability, so I'm looking at a
> small tank. So, any recommendations on small compressors primarily for
> running nail guns? Aside from the doing the roof, I'd say the majority
> of the usage will be with brad/finish nailers, and filling the
> occasional tire or toy. One that I've looked at recently was a Bostich
> kit at Lowe's for $199 - includes a pancake style tank and a brad
> nailer.
Something to consider, if you are strictly going to use it around "your"
house you can get away with a larger less portable compressor and do
anything. You do not need portability to do your roof. In fact the closer
to the electrical outlet that your compressor is the better it is going to
run. For about $10 you can buy a "cheap" 100' hose from HD. In most cases
two of those hoses will get you to just about any part of your home. So if
you are strictly going to be working around the house with the compressor
save your money on the small compressor and go towards the larger one.
Having said that, I have used a spray paint gun to paint a 12' x 16' tall
steel roll up garage door. using an 11 gal direct drive compressor. I did
in deed have to stop every few minutes to let the compressor cycle but as
often as we needed to paint that was fine. I personally use a 20 gal
compressor and it does every thing I want it to do and has for the last 15
years. The medium sized compressors will do the high volume work if you
allow time to let them cycle. If you see your self using the large volume
tool on a regular basis go with the large compressor. If not, the 20 gallon
size should suite your needs. The more Iron in the compressor, tank, and
pump, the quieter it will operate. Take a magnet with you shopping to check
the compressor pump block, cylinder, and head. The more of those components
that the magnet sticks to the quieter it will operate and quieter is oh so
much more of a pleasure to work around.
"Upscale" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Leon" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> The 3 gal direct drive model is considerably more noisy but recharges
> pretty
>> quickly, in the 10 second range IIRC.
>
> http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Images/All-Power-APC4406/i2846.html
>
> I'm considering something along the lines of the one above. It's listed at
> 55 decibels or about the level of an average conversation and weighs in
> close to 50 lbs. That's a little heavier than what I had in mind, but I'm
> not ready to exclude it yet.
>
>
I am not sure what your CFM requirements are but DeWalt has a couple of
small belt drive units that weigh 24 lb and 30 lb. D55140 and D55141
respectively.
http://www.dewalt.com/us/products/Tool_Detail_Compare.asp
Mike wrote:
> Wow, I tried to search the group archives for compressor, and there
> were no results.
>
> Anyway, I've always wanted to get a compressor, but have yet to have a
> good enough reason to get one. I'll be replacing the roof on the house
> next weekend, so this is the perfect time. The way I see it, there are
> two main categories of compressors: large tank/high air volume and
> portable tank/low volume. A large tank will be expensive and allow the
> use of tools such as paint sprayers, sanders and sand blasting
> equipment (just a few, but things I can see myself using). A small
> tank will be less costly and easy to move around. Ideally, I'd like to
> have one of each: a big stationary monster for the shop, and a small
> unit to use outside the shop.
>
> My roof project sort of dictates portability, so I'm looking at a
> small tank. So, any recommendations on small compressors primarily for
> running nail guns? Aside from the doing the roof, I'd say the majority
> of the usage will be with brad/finish nailers, and filling the
> occasional tire or toy. One that I've looked at recently was a Bostich
> kit at Lowe's for $199 - includes a pancake style tank and a brad
> nailer.
A few months ago I bought a Porter Cable pancake style compressor with 4 guns
for about $280. HD had them on sale, but only available at one store for some
reason. I have used it on my roof and for some craft projects. Seems to be just
what I need. Check it out.