At the risk of boring everyone, I have yet another compressor inquiry.
I just cant make sense of all the options out there.
I would LIKE something that can run 2 framers at once, but if that means spending over 4-5 hundred dollars, forget it, something that can run one framer will be fine.
I’m leaning towards oiless, but am open to anything.
Please explain cfm and gallon capacity.
I assume that the higher the cfm, the faster the compressor fills up, the less you have to listen to the noise.
I also assume that the larger the gallon capacity, the longer you can frame before the machine turns on again, again delaying the time untill you have to listen to that annoying noise? or is there another reason for a large gallon capacity?
And whats the deal with horsepower? The highly regarded Thomas machines that I have seen seem to have pretty low horsepower compared to the similarly priced pc compressors.
Thanks for your info and patience
Snap
Replies
You're assumpotions on cfm and gallons is correct. Cfm becomes really important if you are using air-powered tools (like for automitive work) or a paint sprayer.
Ignore hp ratings, they are meaningless.
"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
Eddie's got it down with his CFM and gallon capacity explaination. He's also right about the HP ratings.... they're pretty decieving and all the manufacturers come up with their ratings differently. Their really should be an industry standard for stuff like that. Same goes for amps with stereo equipment.
With your defined intended use and price range you should probably be looking at twin stack compressors with something around a 4 gallon capacity. Two framers will make that thing work though.
$500 will buy you a pretty decent chunk of compressor. Look at Rol-air and Thomas compressors for value. (Little more money upfront, but great service records and longevity)
Stereo equipment isn't usually rated in amps. The power unit is Watts and even that is a relatively useless spec because it doesn't tell the whole story, never has. Used to be constant power, then I.P.P. (instantaneous peak-to-peak), then R.M.S., then...Music is dynamic and there are various frequencies going on at one time, so it's difficult to rate it in a meaningful way. Best bet is to buy equipment that has far more power than will ever be used. Just like cars. lolIn the late 1980's, there was an amplifier company called Perreau, based in New Zealand. Their big amp output rating was "200V @ 60A. Power output- adequate".
"I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
You're right. Watts not amps. I mis-spoke (mistyped?)View Image
Thats what I figured diesel, I,ve been looking at the pc c3151, but if people have slightlly different ideas abnout what is best I' m willing to listen. I dont mind paying more for a thomas or a rol-air
Another thing you get with the Thomas is they are generally quieter than the comparably powered Porter-Cable unit. Quiet tools are worth a lot in decreased aggravation, even in the short haul.Bill
Other have covered the cfms and gallons pretty well. Nailers will use some air but what really drives the need for cfms are air sanders, impact wrenches, etc. Basically the tools where you pull the trigger and keep it down, like the sanders, impact wrenches. Those tools need 10+ cfm's.
I have a twin stack porter cable, decent hours on it and no problems yet. But if I had to replace it then I would go with either a thomas or Rol Air. Price wise, the thomas is a bit more than a pc but you get what you pay for, the Rol Air is about the same money as the Rol Air but it's a better machine.
Here's a few with some spec's. http://www.abccatalog.com/store/listcategoriesandproducts.asp?idCategory=108
Any compressor that puts out 5.8 cfm @ 90 will work. All framing nailers that I recall using used 2.7 cfpm or less.You will only need that when both guns are sheathing at the same time. When framing, two guns running are rarely used like when sheathing.
I don't do much framing anymore but the twin tank units with 4 gallons of air will do the job. I use a Senco which is made by Devillbliss I think.I prefer oil filled for framing, use a small 2gal hot dog for trim that is oiless.
mike