Replies

1. 
   gordsco | Nov 04, 2002 03:48am | #1

   Oil-less compressors usualy don't cost as much and are noisy. They are considered no-maintenance (except for draining condensate from the tank) and I guess it could be said they begin to wear out the minute you start to use them. If you are not going to be using one that often, and don't mind the noise an oil-less compressor will do the job.

   A standard compressor (one that you maintain the oil level) will give you years of quiet efficient service. I've see a few guys running around with old Emglo's that look older than they are.

   I picked up the Porter Cable combo kit that came with a pancake compressor, 25' of hose and an excellent 2" brad (finish) nailer. I use it for service work because of its light weight. It works great except for the several minutes it takes to recover to full pressure. My jobsite compressor (also a Porter Cable) recovers in several seconds. The combo package was a great deal for the money and I'd buy it again.

   sometimes board sometimes knot

2. 
   Mongo | Nov 04, 2002 05:40am | #2

   Most any compressor will handle the nail guns.

   Spraying paint? Choose a gun, and see how much air needs to be moved to work the gun. That'll be your limiting factor and will remove quite a few compressor off your potential wish list.

   For oil-less, you can't go wrong with Thomas. Yeah, I know, you've never heard of them, that's because they're not sold mainstream to the generic DIY crowd in the big box stores. It's top-notch equipment and it will not let you down.

   Here's a link to an on-line source to part of the Thomas product line for sizing (air output) information. If you're serious, call Thomas for a local supplier and check out their wares first-hand.

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

   Edit: I forgot to add the link.<g>

   
   

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   Edited 11/3/2002 9:44:07 PM ET by Mongo

1. 
   JeffBuck | Nov 04, 2002 07:22am | #3

   the paint spraying is gonna be the tough bill to fill.

   Not likely to happen with good results with a portable comp.......if you'll be working out of a shop....and it can just set in a corner and you'll run more hose instead......lotsa choices.

   If portable is needed.....I'd look for a decent comp..and a decent HVLP set up.

   Jeff..............Al-ways look on......the bright......side of life...........

                      .......whistle.....whistle.......whistle........

3. 
   Frankie | Nov 04, 2002 08:17pm | #4

   Depending on where - site or shop - you use the compressor will be a big factor. Pancakes are great for portability, especially trimming out from room to room. Wheeled, dual tanks are great for multiple users, framing. They are all very noisey. Mine are all electric.

   As for the HVLP guns - you need LOTS of air. I'm talking a 50 gal. tank min. Tried doing this with my dual tank Emglo 8.4gal and it works great but for only short runs and with breaks in between. And those breaks come at the most inoppertune moments. When we got the 80 gal tank in the shop WOW! What a differance. For spraying you may want to concider an airless HVLP system.

   Either way, whatever compressor size you use be sure to get an oil and water extractor installed 20' down the line for spraying.

   By the way, has anyone used the compact single tank unit from Dewalt #55155? How does it compare to the stacked 2 mini tanks unit? #55153. It is a bit more expensive and a bit heavier. Do single tank units offer something dual tank units - with equal volume total and motors - don't?