Compressor

[Jack1064]

So I have been looking to get a compressor to use for minor nailing, but for mostly having air to blow of the wood chips of projects and my lathe and work space, instead of using air cans, which are not cheap, but I have never had a compressor before so I do not now exactly what to look for. I also do not want to spend a lot of money, what do you guys recommend?

[LCHIEN]

for that purpose you can get many inexpensive air compressors, usually something in the 1.5 HP range will do with 100 PSI output and 3-5 CFM. You'll want it with a tank, a tank in the 6-30 gallon capacity, a bigger tank makes the unit bigger but it allows you to supply more cfms of air for a brief time, Tanks come in dual hot dog, pancake, upright, vertical it really doesn't make a difference other than foot print.
Oh yes, you also want it to have a regulator and 2 gauges. One tells you how much pressure you have in the tank an the other tells you what the regulator will supply.

The compressor runs to keep the internal tank as high as it can up to 135-150 psi, and then stops until you run it down. The regulator keeps the pressure at the output constant until the tank runs too low. The desired operatioin is to have the motor run intermittently to replace air as its used. Running continuously shows you are trying to use more air than it can pump which allows the pressure to fall.

With an air nailer (start with a 2" 18 ga. brad nailer, they're the most versatile), they will be easily run because they only use air in small bursts.
You can buy kits for $10-20 with air accessories which usually include a chuck for airing tires and a blower and some fittings. The blower can be used but you need to learn to use it in bursts or you will drain the tank and the compressor will run continuously. Or use a blower with a smaller nozzle to blow less air.

two more hints: Oiled vs oilless - the oilless compressors use a teflon piston an require no maintenance. The oiled compressors have an oil reservoir and must be filled and checked periodically, but they are quieter and will probably last longer if service regularly. For weekend warriors, get an oilless.

If you get a hose, get a rubber, not PVC hose, when the weather goes below 50° you'll be wrestling with that PVC. Rubber is just a little more than PVC.Better yet, if you can swing it get a Polyurethane hose.

I have a Craftsman 8 gal oilless pancake nailer, There are lots of deals on compressors these days, look at Harbor freight (good value) and even lowes and HD have compressors cheap nowadays.

[cabinetman]

It doesn't take but a puff of air to shoot a nail. Most of those small compressors will handle nail guns just fine. But, if you plan on ever using it for tools that need continuous air, there is a simple way of figuring. Determine what will be the most demanding tool you might use, like an air sander or an air drill. Check the CFM requirement of the tool. Then, a compressor with that CFM amount or more of continuous duty will support the tool.

The tank size (in gallons) is really not a factor in making a decision. Once the tank's air has depleted to the "kick on" pressure, the compressor will have to run to fill the tank and support the tool. If the CFM output is less than the tools' demand, it will not have the output to keep the tool efficient.
.

[Daryl]

I have a little 3/4 horse CH that I use with out the tank, shoots nails just fine and I have used it with touch-up type paint guns with out the tank too, works fine.

[Tom Slick]

I've used this tiny senco compressor
http://www.senco.com/con_rem/ViewTool.aspx?toolid=175
It fires my 15ga nailer just fine, it's quiet, and it doesn't weigh much.

[herb fellows]

Where are you located? I have a 6 gal 150 psi Porter cable, new, never used, That I could let go cheaply, but not the kind of thing I want to ship anywhere.

[scmhogg]

Jack,

I have the HF 21 gallon upright in my shop, that fills the bill for me. The upright saves critical space for me.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=93271

However, I find that I am using the portable/rechargeable, Palmgren unit for my nailing needs. http://www.bt3central.com/showthread...light=palmgren

Steve

[mpauly]

two more hints: Oiled vs oilless - the oilless compressors use a teflon piston an require no maintenance. The oiled compressors have an oil reservoir and must be filled and checked periodically, but they are quieter and will probably last longer if service regularly. For weekend warriors, get an oilless.

If you get a hose, get a rubber, not PVC hose, when the weather goes below 50° you'll be wrestling with that PVC. Rubber is just a little more than PVC.Better yet, if you can swing it get a Polyurethane hose.

I agree completely with the advice to get a rubber hose. Far more flexible, especially if the temp is below 50 degrees. The 50' goodyear hose often goes on sale at HF for under $20.

But I'll partially disagree on the oil-less recommendation depending on your intended use. From your description, sounds like you intend to use it in your shop and used for blowing chips can mean lots of on/off cycles (depending on size of the tank). A lower priced oil-less compressor is often very loud (I know my PC pancake compressor is) and can be almost painful in closed quarters. If intended use is indoors, with a potential for frequent on/off cycles and you value your hearing, I'd personally recommend a quieter oiled unit or plan on building some sort of sound deadening enclosure for it.

Michael

[pecker]

I have a substantial compressor in my basement shop, but dragging a 100ft hose all over the house for doing trim work was a nuisance.

I recently got one of these little battery powered compressors for $40, and it works fine for "minor nailing".
I haven't tried blowing dust with it, though I will soon, since you've brought up the subject. I imagine it won't blow continuously for very long...maybe a few seconds.

http://www.amazon.com/Palmgren-92101...1858198&sr=8-1