Hello all,
I’m new to this forum and the whole forum thing in general. I do enjoy lurking and reading so thought I should introduce myself and join in.
I’m planning on buying a compressor and nailers in the coming months. These will be my first. I’m interested in models from Thomas, specifically that 27 pounder that they claim can still run a framing nailer. The fact that it is so portable and quiet is a real draw for me. Is anyone out there using this compressor in a professional setting that can comment on its day to day performance on site. I know it won’t keep a crew busy sheathing but would this model be suitable for one carpenter doing framing and light sheathing as well as finish work?
I’m also interested in some of the Makita models. There twin tank seems to get rave reviews but they all do say it’s heavy. I guess my broad question for you all would be this: If you were to buy a compressor for jobsite use by mainly one carpenter, would you go for a light and portable model that might slow you down a bit or a heavier bigger unit that your sure could handle one or two guns?
Thanks in advance for your good advice.
– Rob
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Replies
I would say the biggest one you can move every day without hurting yourself or hating it but I wouldnt settle for one that cant keep up first.
Many of the dual tank compressors made by pc, ridgid, senco, dewalt, ect arent too heavy and can keep up with one guy, but everybody has thier own opinion.
Presonally the worst compressor Ive ever been around was those 6? gal bostich pancake compressors.
maybe look at your guns needs and compare it to the compressors output. I would consider weight towards the end. at most move it 2-3 times a day anyway
Sorry if this dosent help much my compressor is a frankenstine of avalible parts made to work together so I would have something to use. 16gal tank with wheels and combination ch and crapsman compressor parts.
Hi Rob, welcome to BT. Click on your name and fill in your profile, particularly location which helps everybody understand where you're coming from both with questions and answers.
This is a "bump" as I have no need of portability, therefore no advice. My primary compressor has 140 gal tank(s). No nail guns live here.
PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!
Check out this thread:
http://forums.taunton.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=tp-breaktime&msg=96397.1
and this post in particular:
http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=96397.14
roberttp
Welcome to BT.
Couple things to know. If you click on your name a dialog box will appear. Fill out as much information as you are comfortable with. Your general location is most helpful in answering questions. Click on someone elses name and hopefully they will let you know who you are talking to.
Click on search and you will find plenty of discussion on almost any topic. We don't mind discussing it again but you may get your answer by doing search.
If you are going to post advice to others, just be sure of your answer, there are some pretty smart guys here. Smarter and more informed than me.
I'm interested in models from Thomas, specifically that 27 pounder that they claim can still run a framing nailer.
I use the Thomas 2 HP (68 lbs) I love it, but hate to carry it. I also have the little 1/2 HP Senco. It's great if you want to carry your compressor, trim and gun in one trip. You cannot trim a whole doorway on a tank of air. It takes forever to cycle.
I use all Bostich nailers because that's what the local lumber yard carries in guns and nails. Get the guns that you can get nails and parts for easily. Sometimes generic nails work fine and at other times they don't.
If you post you can copy stuff from the post you are replying to by scrolling down, you will see the other post, use Ctrl C and Ctrl V. Once you have it copied then highlight with another color from the choices above.
Write a sentence or two then hit enter. It makes it easier for the old guys to read it.
If you see a post you want to keep go to the upper right corner and right click next to the post number and you can save a link to that post. I keep a Word document with links to good information. It saves a bunch of time. Took me a long time to learn that one.
Rich
Rob,
I have the little Thomas and can highly recommend it. I am a one man operation and it does every thing I need. "Light framing" is not a problem. I would suggest getting the newer model (HT?). It is more stable during transport and includes a regulator.
- Rich
roberttp,
Hello,
My "portable" compressor is made in China about 20 years ago or so..1/2 hp, small air tank (cost all of $50.00). maybe a little over 30 pounds, 35? it's run two roofing nailers or my big Bostich framing nailer and when my big compressor quit it ran the whole shop for a while.. never missed a lick.
(somebody remind me to change the oil in that some time will you? It's been close to a decade now)<grin>
My recommendation for nailers depends on your anticipated use.. I'm a big fan of Hitachi as have been the majoity of the customers I've sold to. the sole except is in framing hammers while Hitachi and other make nice framing nailers they all have 880 pounds of force when nailing..
that's fine for spruce, pine, fir that most houses are framed with however hardwoods and gluelams will quickly show you the limits of 880 pounds of force..
They all become nail starters.. Forcing you to pull your hammer and wail away getting those nails sunk.. You'll be surprised at how many nails bend over attempting that!
The only thing better is Bostich sells a N88ww that hits with 1000 pounds of force and that's just about enough to flush those big nails in a gluelam or thick TGI. MY 8 year old Bostich N88ww is still fine and hasn't needed rebuilding yet.. while one of my hitachi has had a rebuild
I have the small hotdog Thomas compressor and love it. I roof with it and have no problem. When you get into heavy framing (bump nailing sheathing) it will run out of air and not drive the nailes all the way in. If you want to fly in this situation, go for the 2hp Thomas.
You get out of life what you put into it......minus taxes.
Marv
My Thomas was the best small compressor I ever owned. I've tried every other brand since that one and none have matched it in any way when measured apples to apples in hp. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07
rolaire will be a heavy contender for that Thomas...
excellent CS too...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
I've owed several rollaires I think. I can't remember if I've owned the pancake size though. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07
I have the thomas and I think it is a great little compressor. I would never have a problem with it keeping up. I don't get in a big hurry nailing stuff though. Most of your time is spent measuring and cutting things so they fit and getting them in place to nail. So you're not going to save a lot of time nailing thing real fast. Take your time and get it right the first time. I've seen a lot of people with nailguns shoot to many nails into the wrong places just because they are trigger happy. And taking something off after you have shot a bunch of nails in it defeats the whole purpose of saving time and enrgy.
Small and quiet is good for me. And it's made in Wisconsin.
If I had it to do all over again and have just one compressor I'd go for one of the T-635 Thomas's ............probrably the HT. Saw it at the JLC show last year and was impressed. Way lighter and quieter than my current T-200ST Renegade and the Thomas folks claimed the T-635HT would run a single framer just fine. The Renegade will run two framers no sweat but I have no need of that these days hacking up trim and cabinets for a paycheck. Saving my pennies for the T-617HDN ......... less output but even quieter (60 dB) than the 635. Will relegate the big Thomas to the shop. The big Thomas has been great, starts at below zero, good output, and it will run fine on a 15 amp circuit but at 60 lbs plus it's getting to be a bit much for these old bones to lug around.
Edited 3/18/2008 3:40 am ET by jc21
I have the Thomas 2 gallon hot dog, and it is one of the best performing tools I own. It's only 26 lbs. It can handle light framing just fine. It was made for constant running so it can handle the big guns. The recovery time is very short. It stores away neatly up on a shelf in my work van.
If you're doing any kind of sheathing or roofing where you're bouncing along spitting out 100 nails a minute, I would recommend a larger unit, one with more capacity. That doesn't mean you can't roof or sheath with this, it just won't give you the speed.
Presently I am doing some interior framing, sub flooring etc, and for that I have a Hitachi double tank contractor type compressor. I'm going to be on this job for a while so others can tap off it at the same time if needs be.
The Thomas is the compressor I use 90% of the time in my work. For the size and weight, it really is worth the investment. Expect to shell out well over 3 bills, but it's money well spent.
Expect to shell out well over 3 bills
Watch Ebay for the small Thomas hot dog. It can be had for $125. You get out of life what you put into it......minus taxes.
Marv
"If you're doing any kind of sheathing or roofing where you're bouncing along spitting out 100 nails a minute, I would recommend a larger unit, one with more capacity. That doesn't mean you can't roof or sheath with this, it just won't give you the speed.'I framed for years using the Thomas pancake. In those days, I was working with a single partner. He had his own pancake, I had my own. The key to working with a pancake is to shoot each sheet off as you lay it. As I was walking to get the next sheet, the compressor would cycle and refill and I never lost any speed after I changed my nailing techniques. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07
Actually I think the pancake may be a little bigger than the one I'm talking about. I have this little 2 gallon hot dog. Thomas is a good comp though.
My Thomas was a T-150. I think that meant it was 1 1/2 hp. It was a great small compressor. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07
Mine is at the bottom of the page, the T-635. They're worth the bucks.http://cfpwarehouse.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/air_pac_compressors.html
I'd be a sucker and go for the one at the top, the 2 hp. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07
I have a Hitachi twin, it is heavy but will do about all I need. I put it on one of the convertable handtrucks but still heavy to lift although manageable. Noise is a serious thought to consider. Many also need a very good 20 amp ckt., and do not like ext cords. Oil types need to be warm ( or air pressure drained) at least for first/infrequent starts.
One thing to consider is the max pressure, I vote for 135. Another is cut-in pressure. Many of the ones out there may have pretty good cfm delivery ( another major factor) but do not crank back up till they get down to 85. You will find unset nails especially using hard or engineered lumber. If handy that can sometimes being adjusted.
Also have a little loud hotdog, deVilbis product I think that I got at Sams years ago. Has performed very well. Even sheathed some floor with an air hungry Bostictch coil framer. It ran constant, I ran slower, but got the job done.
I've had my twin tank dewalt / emglow compressor in for repair too many times to recomend it to anyone. I have a three to 4 man crew trimming houses so I work the compressors. I usually put one on each floor of a house. I have a small dewalt single tank very light but only good for one trim gun. cycles a lot. I like it for quick things where setup would be a pain with hoses and a large compressor. this one I can drop on the floor right next to where I'm working, do the work and pick up and move on.
Makita is another I had . it was well built, lasted for years but it was so loud I kept wishing it would die so I could get a new one.
I think Next one I get will be a Thomas, Some buddies of mine have them and like them a lot.
"it aint the work I mind,
It's the feeling of falling further behind."
Bozini Latini
http://www.ingrainedwoodworking.com
Rob,
As for the guns, I have:
1)Bostitch framer, finish nailer, and pin nailer.
2) Porter Cable brad nailer
3) Craftsman staple gun
4) Accuset brad nailer
5) and some other cheap nock offs
The biggest thing to think about is what are you planning on doing with it? If you are just getting started and don't know how much you will be using it (them) then I would suggest staying away from the Paslode guns. They are expensive if you don't intent to use them on a consistent basis. If you are, then it might be worth the long term investment. Then campatiblity. By this I mean the nails, brads and staples. Some of the guns have the ability to use other companies nails and such. This helps when it comes to buying the because of the obvious ability to find a supply.
I particularly like the Bostitch guns. I've been real happy with them. Try to stay away from the cheap nock offs. These are ok, if your buddies are going to be borrowing them and you don't care if they break them.
As for the compressor, I have 2 right now. Both I have gotten second hand. If you are planning on doing framing work, try to stay away from the hot dog type. I have found that the hot dog one that I have does not have the ability to nail a series of framing nails without needing to stop and recharge the air. This is extremely annoying when trying to work on anything. Its great for finish work thought. And it is easy to carry throughout the house.
Thanks,
Barney