Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 18, 1999 07:03am | #1

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   Tomothy,I like the Emglo 1 1/2 hp double tank electric.It recovers fast, can run a couple of guns and has been dependable.Plus,you can use the electric ones inside or outside a customers house.Vince

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 18, 1999 07:37am | #2

   *Tomothy,Electric....no doubt.Are you doing framing, trim or cabinets?Emglo makes great compressors. So does Thomas. My advice is that for right now, let your bugdet be your guide.Ed. Williams

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 18, 1999 09:21am | #3

   *Go electric unless you absolutely must have lots of air and you only have an under 6KW generator for power. Gas is inferior in every way unless you just HAVE to use it.

2. 
   max | Jul 19, 1999 08:28am | #4

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   Go for an electric emglo horse and a half compressor model #Am78-HC4V. I have had one for about 14 years and it has served me flawlessly. I use it for framing and finish carpentry. I agree with the other guys, don't get a gas job unless you have too, they are noisy, stinky and a general pain in the ass. If you must get a gas comp., get one with a Honda engine, it will be quieter. Believe me, by the end of a long hot day spent listening to the incessent drone of a gas compressor (or generator) you will be crazy enough to be a honorary interior decorator.

3. 
   Guest_ | Jul 20, 1999 12:58am | #5

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   I have never worked anywhere where I would NEED to use a gas comp. so I agree electric is the way to go.I am not sure,however ,that a comp.would even need to be on your list as a first year apprentice.Surely your employer provides a big wheelbarro style emglo to use on his jobs,right?

   Good Luck,Stephen

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   Guest_ | Jul 20, 1999 01:39am | #6

   *I have the compressor that Vince has mentioned and so far, (it's 6 months old) I like it a lot.http://www.emglo.com/products.html

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   Guest_ | Jul 20, 1999 11:03am | #7

   *If you try to run anything on gas at a site where electricity is available, you'll probably be lynched in no time at all. Or, you'll find yourself sent to all those jobs out in the boondocks where no one else wants to go.Get the electric compressor for now. Down the road if you find yourself remote, you should be able to use your bosses gas elec generator to power your elec compressor. If not, and if your work load justifies it, buy one.

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 22, 1999 08:56pm | #8

   *I know how important it is to build up ones arsenal of tools, but I did want to point out one thing.Since you are an apprentice, other than your own hand tools, you should be using your bosses equipment on the job. If you are using your own compressor and guns on the job, your boss should be reimbursing you for the use of your equipment. Preventive maintenance, and replacement parts can get very expensive, especially if others (that are not as careful) are using your tools.I don't know what everyone else thinks about this, but that is common practice in my area.By the way.....never had a problem with my electric Emglo. Only use a gas compressor for large roof jobs - 4 to 5 guns at once.Good luck!Greg

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   Guest_ | Jul 23, 1999 12:36am | #9

   *Exactly my point Greg.I was starting to think I was crazy or something cause I thought an air comp.purchase should be years down the road for this guy.Good Luck,Stephen

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   Guest_ | Jul 23, 1999 07:35pm | #10

   *I didn't buy my first compressor until 7 or 8 years after I started working in construction, but I wouldn't put it past some contractors... but then again, they are usually called scam artists, not contractors.I do think it is a good idea to slowly accumulate tools over the years. Once he is ready to go out and make a name on his own, he will not have to make a major investment all in one shot. If he does small jobs on his own, he can take the tools as a tax writeoff.

3. 
   Guest_ | Jul 31, 1999 02:50am | #11

   *Well it seems as if Emglo is considered the "Cadillac" ; judging from the above responses. Our shop also uses an Emglo. It definately is a good one, but "it aint cheap!"If you want to buy a "Chevy Workhorse" for less money, check out the Campbell Hausfeld WL5058. Its electric and oiless and is a 2 HP 4 gallon stack type tank compressor. It has served me well for the past 4 years now.Get a copy of Fine Homebuilding's January 98 issue # 113. There's a fine article in this magazine depicting many air compressors.The guys are right. Other than your own personal hand tools, the boss should be furnishing you with the power tools needed to complete a job. Davo.

4. 
   Guest_ | Aug 01, 1999 01:52am | #12

   *I'm using a Campbell Hausfield 1 1/2 HP 4 gal twin stacked tank jobby. Got it to replace my stolen Emglo around 4 years ago. Cons: Oiless, and heavy. Pros: Quiet, and at 13 amps does't blow breakers nearly as much as the emglo did. Runs three trim guns at a time with no sweat.Beats blowin' in the end of a hose, BB

4. 
   Ben_Shank | Aug 06, 1999 01:10am | #13

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   Altho, Im not a professional tradesman, I would buy an electric compressor for normal use, I own both. After listening to a gas powered generator for the last nine months and fooling with gas cans, oil etc. I will be glad when I can listen to a radio instead of a gas engine!!!!

5. 
   Tomothy | Aug 06, 1999 01:10am | #14

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   I'm a first year carpenter aprentice and am in the process of buying tools. I would like some advice on weather I should buy a gas or electric compressor.
   At the moment I have an 1 1/2 hp electric Coleman pancake comperssor that is noisy, heavy, and has a bad recovery time. Does anybody have any advice?
   Thanks,Tom