How big a compressor do I REALLY need?
Here’s the deal. I had a Porter Cable 2-tank side-stack portable air compressor that was recently stolen. The thing worked great for my needs, but was AWFULLY heavy.
I do some very occasional framing, and slowly at that
I do mostly trim nailing, 15 and 16ga trim nails
The PC compressor was heavy enough that if I just had a couple of peices of casing to put up, I’d just get out the hammer.
My buddy’s got a little Makita hotdog compressor that weighs probably 25-30lbs and it’s great for my trim nailers, and if I had something like that, then I’d probably use it more. The other problem with the 60lb or so portables is that I’d often just leave it at a jobsite overnight rather than haul the beast back to the truck, which is why it got stole in the first place. I know I know, I’ve learned my lesson.
What I’d like some advice on is this:
The best, lightest air compressor that will be used primarily for trim nailing but that COULD be used for some infrequent framing. Keep in mind that any framing I do is by myself, slow, and not in a production type environment… The quieter the better, but noise isn’t a total deal breaker.
I’m looking at those little Rol-Air hotdogs here:
http://www.mytoolstore.com/rolair/ds3.html
But I’m wondering if 2.6cfm is enough air…
What do you all think?
Replies
Consider the Thomas T-635HD. I have used mine for "light framing".
http://www.amazon.com
- Rich
I use a Devilbliss single hot dog tank for both finish work and framing. Normally I use a Senco twin tank , four gallons.When I had a problem with the Senco I went home and grabbed the small Devilbliss to finish the day.Been using it ever since.
I framed and sheathed a 1400 sq.ft. addition with this light compressor last year.Probably weighs about 25 lbs or so.Cost $175.00 6 years ago.
mike
I have a mid size compressor like the Makita hotdog and it's been a lifesaver. Perfect for any type of trim.
Yesterday I saw an aluminum tanked Rigid compressor. It would be nice to see more of those.
Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.
Hadn't seen that yet, but I looked it up on their website. They don't have a weight listed, but it looks pretty cool.
Did you see a price?
http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/Aluminum-5-Gallon-Twin-Stack-Compressor
View ImageI wish I had a reason; my flaws are open season
The price for the aluminum compressor was only about $40 more than the steel counterpart with same size motor.
It was interesting that the weight wasn't shown anywhere on the box or shelf literature. Lifting it was impossible since the display was bolted down.
I think you should buy it and let us know what you think! :-)
Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.
I have picked up the aluminum tank compressor and it is light around 45lbs.
I have 4 compressors now 3 of which I rarely run so I cant see dropping 250$ off but I want it.
ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
if you want to get something a bit bigger, try something with wheels. I have a " big " compressor and a smaller 11 gallon Husky that I figured I'd try out. love the wheels. and not to heavy to lift up and down into the truck.
I have the senco its a ood little compressor. quiet light but a tad slow on the recovery. If your not inna hurry it will work for ya
View Image "We fight not to enslave ,but to set free"
Thomas Paine
I have that very compressor and do the same kind of work you do. It has always kept up.
I also had the same PC twin tank, stolen, too heavy! I now use the PC pancake 6 gal. Keeps up no problem. At a push I have used my husky 1.5 gal for framing "slowly".
The Thomas that Catspaw recommends is rated for continuous duty, meaning that it is designed to not shut off.
I purchased one because I was tired of lugging around the heavy dual tank for a couple of pieces of trim just like you.
You won't be dissappointed.
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don't even hesitate---get the little Rol air.
I have a similar rolair / single sausage tank that i use almost all the time for about 10-12 years now i think.
MINE is only 3/4 horse-- I run a single roofing gun off it all the time----and 2 guns often.
when re-sheeting i use 8d's out of a bostich stick nailer---and I can usually nail off 2 sheets before it has to catch back up-----working alone I will usually just nail off each sheet as I install it.
nice thing about the single sausage--- I can store the compressor at night up in the cab of my truck on the passenger floor---warm,dry,safe
my larger rolair pancake compressor--much heavier and more awkward.
one caution----neither is the most quiet comp. around---not a problem for me,outside---but for running trim inside?????????
BTW---15 amp----NEVER blows house breakers.
stephen
stick with the 3/4 hp. We've had TONS of problems with bigger compressors blowing fuses when it kicks in while someone is running a saw in an awkward spot! Smaller is definately better! (me thinks)
d
Its a horse thing!
I have tried many compressors that have failed(2-DW, RIGID, and Husky). By far, the most reliable in cold,wet,bad circuits is the Porter Cable(pancake). I run a Framing nailer all day in extreme temps along with a worm drive saw, and a radio on the same circuit without any problems. I won't be going back anytime soon!