Some time ago, I picked up a Kobalt 8 gallon compressor.
I used it for tires and to blow off my tractor and motorcycle. I was happy.
I picked up a brad nail gun - and I was still happy. Compressed air is great for cleanup and for drying off work.
Now, I need to do some wrenching on my car ----- so I picked up an impact wrench ----- and I'm NOT happy.
Turns out - most inexpensive compressors aren't really designed to handle impact wrench work.
a) There's not a lot of air in the tank
b) When you run the wrench a lot - it keeps the motor running
c) When the motor runs a lot ----- it gets hot ------- VERY hot.
d) The compressor is god-awful loud.
e) The compressor draws a lot of current. It does not play nicely with my halogen work lamp (which should be replaced ----- don't lecture me)
Seems the best strategy for an air compressor is to think long-term, and to plan for the highest likely use --- and to buy something for that.
I'll eventually re-wire my garage to handle 20 amps, and will put in a larger unit, along with piping into my workshop for the cleanup and brad nail work.
At the moment - I'm doing research ---- but I love the specs on the quite California Air Tool 10 gallon 2 HP unit.
I used it for tires and to blow off my tractor and motorcycle. I was happy.
I picked up a brad nail gun - and I was still happy. Compressed air is great for cleanup and for drying off work.
Now, I need to do some wrenching on my car ----- so I picked up an impact wrench ----- and I'm NOT happy.
Turns out - most inexpensive compressors aren't really designed to handle impact wrench work.
a) There's not a lot of air in the tank
b) When you run the wrench a lot - it keeps the motor running
c) When the motor runs a lot ----- it gets hot ------- VERY hot.
d) The compressor is god-awful loud.
e) The compressor draws a lot of current. It does not play nicely with my halogen work lamp (which should be replaced ----- don't lecture me)
Seems the best strategy for an air compressor is to think long-term, and to plan for the highest likely use --- and to buy something for that.
I'll eventually re-wire my garage to handle 20 amps, and will put in a larger unit, along with piping into my workshop for the cleanup and brad nail work.
At the moment - I'm doing research ---- but I love the specs on the quite California Air Tool 10 gallon 2 HP unit.
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