Replies

1. 
   storme | Oct 24, 2005 05:01am | #1

   Haven't used it but Thomas has a good rep and this unit might be what you're looking for:
   http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00009RAX6/103-6026628-3079000?v=glance

   Check out the Thomas compressor thread still going on as well.

2. 
   slykarma | Oct 24, 2005 06:10am | #2

   The size of compressor you need depends on how fast you plan to work. Theoretically you can run a framing nailer off a tiny 1hp/2 gal. compressor if you don't mind driving only 15 nails a minute. That's fine if you're doing backframing and only shooting the occasional nail.  On the other hand production framing requires lots of air because the guns are going constantly. A small compressor will run constantly trying to keep up, and may still end up running low on pressure.

   I know the above isn't a definitive answer, but I'm not sure what you plan to do with it.  Chances are, you'll  fall  somewhere in between the two extremes. For 'general'  use with only one nailer, a medium size compressor will  do. Look for one that will  deliver around 4 CFM @ 90psi. Occasionally you'll be nailing headers or sheathing and it will  run nonstop  for a few minutes, then there'll be  periods when it will sit idle for minutes at a time.

   It's your choice whether you go  for a compact design like the twin-tank or 'pancake' styles,  or a larger 'contractor' style unit on wheels.  Both types deliver similar air flow rates; the contractor ones are heavier becasuse they have much bigger tanks. If light and small is your thing, get the compact style.  The bigger ones will  handle heavier tasks better because of the increased tank capacity but they're tough to lift into  a truck by yourself.

   Lignum est bonum.
1. 
   storme | Oct 24, 2005 08:11am | #5

   what say you to getting something smaller for one-gun work? I was looking at a bigger units but then so many people complained about the weight of their compressors that I started looking at the small units, specifically the Thomas T-635HD 3/4 HP (26 lbs!) and the T-35HD 1 HP (43 lbs) I do landscaping, a lot of it solo, and this would be for deck and fence work. I'm thinking my biggest use will be to put up fence boards.The 3/4 HP Thomas is only 16" long and 16" high and weighs 26 lbs so it's my favorite just from looking at the specs but I've only used nail guns a few time so I don't have much practical experience here. Also, I've heard so many good things about the Thomas compressors that I stopped looking at other brands - any others anyone care to suggest? I buy top quality tools.links for the Thomas compressors:http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00009RAX6/ref=pd_ecc_rvi_1/103-6026628-3079000http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0001VO1X0/qid=1130119741/sr=1-5/ref=sr_1_5/103-6026628-3079000?v=glance&s=hi

1. 
   slykarma | Oct 24, 2005 03:23pm | #6

   Those are well made compressors from what I've heard, but I'd be tempted to go just a wee bit bigger to a twin tank or pancake for framing nailers. Those ones weigh around 50-60 lb and can still be moved with one hand.  There are links for the T30HP pancake style and the T200ST twin tank.

   http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00005JRKV/qid=1130156180/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/102-3280607-1050543?v=glance&s=hi

   http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00004TRCO/qid=1130156376/sr=1-2/ref=sr_1_2/102-3280607-1050543?v=glance&s=hi

   Portability is a good thing,  but typically once the compressor is on site, it doesn't need to be moved much, if at all.  Using a 100' hose gives you a fair amount of mobility. The guy who would really get the use out of the smaller hot dog compressors would be a trim  carpenter doing multi-unit projects.  Trim out one condo,  move to the next,  compressor and all. There would be multiple moves of the compressor plus the brad nailer  he uses doesn't need a lot of air.Lignum est bonum.

3. 
   FastEddie | Oct 24, 2005 07:11am | #3

   What sly said.  Depends too on how much work you will be doing.  Just one nailer, not doing production work, a pancake is a good compromise betwenn cost, weight, and performance.  But they are a little noisy.

    

    

   "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

4. 
   Mongo | Oct 24, 2005 07:46am | #4

   Look at the specs on these. CLick on "details" and it lists how many and what type of guns can be run off the compressor.

   http://www.bobstools.net/Store/Thomas.html

   I've had the st2820 for several years, it's top-notch.

   You can run a framing gun off most anything, but on the smallest compressors continuous bounce nailing may be a bit tough.