Hi all,
I’m considering getting a new compressor and I do most aspects of building, mostly framing, but increasing amounts of finishing as renovating appears to be grabbing more and more of my time. I’d like to get a compressor that can handle running at least a single framing tool well, and can also run a light finishing nailer.
Thank you for any input you might have.
Goodwood
(this name is a reference to what occupies the space between my ears)
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Replies
I bought an emglo contractor model to do the same kind of work , it works fine however it weighs 60 + lbs so i made up a cart for it incl 50' hose & reel which took care of the problem .
i have the small pc pancake unit(4 years) for job site work both trimming and finishing, and its more than adequete for a job site
only time it bogs down is stapling underlay for vinyl floor and even then has enough oomph
shop work however like spraying need bigger unit but NOT portable
I finally bought a new compressor to replace my old sears monster and my smaller campbell hausfeld non oil compressor. I bought the Dewalt D55155 2 hp, the yellow one, and it is great. I used the old portable tank for an extra portable holding tank and connected them together with a hose. This allows me to use a small hvlp sprayer for paint touch ups. The compressor alone has been great as you can carry it upstairs when you need to. It isn't so big that you can put it where you want it and it has some great design features. It also doesn't pull such a large electrical load that you have to worry about tripping a residential 15 standard wall circuit. I would recommend it to anyone. I don't do production framing but don't see why it wouldn't do most anything you need it for. Make sure you hose doesn't have too small of an id for heavy framing if that it what you are into.
I just went through the same thing. I do small remodel/repairs with some frame and finish. I have a DeVilbiss hotdog (like the Makita Mac500) that has served well for several years. Noisy but never any trouble. It can finish and brad all day but kind of wheezes trying to keep up with the old framer. The factors are weight, tank size, cost, cfm output, cut-in/cutout pressures,oil vs oil-less, noise, duty cycle, reliability, power consumption, and gloat appeal. When you weigh all those out you can make your decision.
I have heard nothing but good about the Emglo (DeWalt), Rol-Air, Thomas, Senco (2000 series),and Hitachi. I just bought a Hitachi and I hope I did right. If you are going to use it all day long and have to listen to it the oil-lubed ones get the marks. Oil said to be more reliable but some say oil-free cheaper to rebuild. Many have cut-in pressures around 85 which may cause a more than a few non-set nails especially if you are working with engineered lumber other than osb. How much you have to lug it around makes the weight an issue. Some will invariably pop a 15 amp breaker and most are not extension cord friendly (use more hose not cord). Most manufacturers list the duty cycle, ones designed to run a high percentage of the time cost more. If you think you might run two framers probably need over 4 cfm @ 90psi rating. Should check guns for cfm requirements. Bigger tank should cut down cycle cut-in but run longer when it comes on.
I spent more time than I would like to admit looking up specs and did my due agonizing. Also went to Amazon and checked the reviews on each. I started looking at Porter Cable but backed off after comments there and other places. Wanted Dewalt to match all the yellow I haul around, found a new Senco at a pawn shop but it was the 1000 series. If you are an occasional user that would be ok but the factory guy I called said that series was more suited to homeowner than making you a living.
Hope this was helpful and hope you guys with the history will chime in.
Bob
Edited 3/17/2003 9:46:04 AM ET by RASCONC
RAS,
I bought a PC 6 HP, 20 gal hotdog about a year ago, and it has served me (and the crew I work for) very well. It'll run 3 framers or two framing staplers and a Plasti-tacker no prob. Throw in a 1/2" impact too. I got the bigger model because I also do some auto work and I may one day want to run a spray gun. The cost was very reasonable, about 260 at BLowes.
about a year ago I bought the poter cable 2 hp 4 gal pancake compressor with the 3/4- 2-1/2 inch finish gun it was around 250 - 300 dollars and has served me well, never pops a breaker pressures up quick( I cant stand listining to a compressor ALL day long) it runs my porter-cable frming gun and the roofer and the bostich ( not all at once of course) I also use my camble -hausfield 3/8 air wrench for smaller mechanical jobs the thing is light and compact but Im going to invest in the porter cable 6gal.3 hp duel tank with 2 out lets( you can put a seperate regulater off one line so you can run two tools at different pressures at the same time ) a must on a diverse remodeling job all in all the small one has never given me one reason to complain
Sorry, I meant to edit my first post to say that one PC I was considering had bad reviews. Overall things were positive. Right now PC makes about 8 different small ones with various features. Lowes had the small roll-around on closeout for $149 which looked like a good deal.
I like the idea of adding the second regulator. Has anyone had any luck with the small one-gauge regulator, it does not look like a diaphram type? I plan to put my twinstack on a convertible hand truck with a drop-on box for hose and small nailers. Kind of a portable trim station.
Didn't mean to dis Porter Cable.
Edited 3/17/2003 9:58:50 AM ET by RASCONC
no offence taken sometimes ther are good ones sometimes bad , I just happen to get lucky with what I buy but at the risk of repeating my self , my next compressor this spring will be the p-c duel tank 3 hp two port , Ive used it and It out worked all the rest for remodeling applications that I ask of it and being the cheap sob that I am I ask a lot of my tools for a long time some of my tools where being used before I got into the business 25 years ago ( altho they do look about as beaten up as I do) so good luck and I hope you find the right tools for you
I have worn out several compressors over the years and I like best the one that I'm using now which is a Senco (oil lubed). It is quieter than most and has better drain valves and better tank galvanizing. It is compact and packs into the truck well. It's a two tank 1 1/2 HP model and I find that the regulator is fine for airbrushing too. It is a bit slow on a cold morning but that is the only time that I have to worry about it kicking any breakers.
Well, I finally made up my mind and money was the deciding factor. Porter-Cable came out with a compressor, hose, and framing nailer deal for $500 (canuckistanian) after rebate. Too good to pass up. I also got one of their finish nailers.
The compressor is not too noisy, happily, but it has an aluminum head so it may not last a long time. The finish nailer is a beaut, I've yet to use the framer.
Thanks for your input!