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I’m looking for a compressor that will be used for applications such as: frame nailing, house trim both external and internal, roofing and woodworking applications such as: finish nailing and/or brads and general woodworking nailing for cabinetry, furniture etc. In addition I want to be able to use it for internal and external painting the house and for spray finishing my woodwork projects.
Is there such a beast? What conflicts, if any, are there in the above range of needs? Does this mean I end up with a collection of nailing guns? Would I simplify my life if I bought a chargeable framing nailer and then a compressor for the rest? Pro’s and con’s of oilless versus the other kind(s)? All inputs gratefully received.
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While most guns can handle the output of most compressors, you may want a cpompressor where you can control the output pressure, especially if you think you may use it for more than just nailing. Some applications require a specific output from the compressor. If you can;t adjust the output, your compressor shouldn't be used to run that tool.
If planning to run trim, you may want an oiless compressor as well.
If you haven't read < Obsolete Link > this thread over in the tools section, you may want to take a gander.
If planning on using the comprssor indoors, noise (or lack thereof) may be a consideration, too.
All-around, I like the Thomas 2820st. Quick recycle, oiless, adjustable output, well-constructed, fairly quiet, and easy to lug around.
For guns, you can get away with a framing nailer and one versatile finish gun. I like Senco framers...though much depends on how well the gun balances in your hand.
One of the more versatile finish guns is Porter Cable's 250...it shoots from 2.5" nails all the way down to 3/4" (maybe 5/8ths?). That finish gun should get you through most every job unless you are doing something out of the ordinary. It's a comfortable, fairly inexpensive gun. I think it a good purchase. Downside? If it matters, it is a 16 ga gun. There are certainly better guns, but none that I know of that are as versatile in terms of length of nails. I've one and I have no complaints.
*My 2 1/2 H.P. Ingersoll-Rand is portable enough for me to get in the pickup using a ramp (otherwise two-person job), but it's big enough to spray lacquer or run a couple nailers without stopping. I use it to spray piant on sash or trim, but i wouldn't consider painting a room, let alone a house with it; rent an airless for that. Oil bath is a bit messier, but replacing worn pistons is rather expensive.
*Ditto what Mongo said about the PC finish nailer.I use a Bostich 1hp oilless compressor for all my work, although I don't do any spray painting and do not try to run multiple guns with it. It does not get the work out of the equiptment many of the guys here demand of thier tools, so I won't brag on its' longivety(10 yrs.) I did add a filter/drier and regulator manifold to it. I have never heard of these smaller compressors sending enough water through the line to damage an air tool, but I have seen it happen on larger stationary compressors. Look at your high end application, probably spray painting, and buy a unit that exceeds the cfm reguirements of that application.Hopefully, after my shop is finished I'll get a stationary compressor for use in the shop. I have seen some of the better ones last 25+ years if properly maintained. I'll keep the little Bostich to drag out to jobs and give it a break on the shop work. Maybe I'll get another ten years out of it. I did make a roll around caddy for the portable, and that has been a big back and time saver.Dave
*I use an Airstream by Emglo. Mine will do light framing and I use it for all my interior finishing. The reason I like it, it is light, portable and not very noisy. When choosing a compressor make sure it has a low amp motor, this is a must. Mine won't run a paint sprayer though or so they tell me.
*I've been running a Campbell Hausfeld 25 gallon 4.5 hp for about a 1.5 years. It's belt driven oil machine.We'run two nailers all day and it has never broken into a sweat. We've used it for painting with one gun and it does works harder. I wouldn't recommend two sprayers.Tried to do some sandblasting with it and it was a joke. Ended up contracting out the job.All in all, they are cheap, and as long as you check and keep our oil clean, they run just fine.Paul
*Most compressors that will handle spraying paint will run any nailer you get but, will be pretty heavy to lug around. If your thinking about buying nailers you should start out right by purchasing Hitachis. They are hands down the best the best I've ever used.
*Don't buy a compressor to paint with. Airmotors like grinders, drills, and impacts need lots of continuous air along with paint sprayers.Get a pancake oiless compressor from Sears or the big boxes...They are inexpensive, low amp and quiet. They will run all your guns. For full time framing... yaa would know to get a gas powered portable...they will run 2 guns easily. But not needed if you are not framing 10-50 homes a year...of roofing 50-100 homes a year.near the stream,ajSplints... we shoot trim with Benny Moore oil...using the airless set up that we shoot the drywall with. Just adjust tips...technique...and pressure.