Here’s a question we have been kicking around: Are there any significant advantages for gasoline over electric motor compressors? for Habitat volunteer crews.
In the past we have used medium-size, more portable, electric compressors. They have a hard time keeping up with two nailers. On several jobs, the electric temperory electric service was not installed yet, so out came the generator. Another issue was texturing walls… couldn’t keep up!
We’ll look forward to learning any ideas here. If there are any suggestions as to equipment model specifications, that would be great too.
Thanks… Bob P
Replies
Bob,
If what you use won't keep up, you need to go bigger. Most of the gas compressors I have seen/used are wheelbarrow type- twin tanks, compressor and engine. They definitely keep up with a 3-4 man framing crew.
With gas, you don't have to rely on power being at the site (but don't forget to bring plenty of fuel), you can put the compressor wherever you want (or at least wherever your hose will reach), and they are usually quieter than a generator.
I did some interior framing on a remote site last year. We used a generator to support our compressor, since I don't frame everyday. By the end of the second day, I was tired of hearing the constant drone of the generator. I would have preferred to use something else.
I've only used either small 4 gal electric compressors or a 5HP gas compressor. When nailing off sheathing, the gas was better for me, but it still wasn't quite fast enough. The electric really slowed me down. Look at the CFM/SCFM on both the compressor and whatever tools you use with it to guage what you might need. I don't know what kind of service you use to run your electric compressors, maybe one of the monster electric compressors would work for you.
Anytime we're framing or roofing the gas compressor comes out. Like someone already said they are quieter than a generator. We use a 5hp one. For everything else like trim, remodeling, or small decks/porches we use electric.
Greg
http://www.wernerbuilding.net
If you always have access to power than go for an electric. Its a lot nice to not here the engine running all day if you don't have to. Just watch out for your cfm. I have a devair and a rolair electric bot pumping out 6.5 cfm. Good for a 4 man framing crew. For 2 guys doing back framing with minimal sheathing there use my hitachi side stack or my porter cable both pumping out 3 to 4 cfm. I also have a small gas rolair that pumps out 4 cfm for backing as well. For sites with no power I have a 5 horse rolair, pumps out around 8 to 10 cfm I think. If your running a big crew than you need a bigger compressor. On big jobs well get 6 to 8 guys working. In that case I have a 8 horse gas rolair that pumps out 15 cfm that never lags.
Be careful running compressors of a Generator. My devair and my rolair take 7200 watts to start. So you need a generator with at least 7200 watt surge rating. Not easy to find and expensive. Any way good luck and if you didn't notice I recommend a Rolair.