Replies

1. 
   Jeff_J._Buck | Jul 13, 1999 09:49am | #1

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   Can't find exact info at the moment, but Journal of Light Const. or Fine Homebuilding recently(sometime previous year) ran article comparing various models based on several factors;quality, power ,noise level ,weight, etc. I purchased the Thomas 2820st based on this and other info.Very happy with choice.In that article there way a tiny Thomas comp.(I want to say T-50...but don't quote me on that!)that rated very high in performance,noise and weight.A quote was that it was as quiet as an aquarium pump. From what I remember it should have plents of power for brads and small finish nailers.I bought mine for mostly finish work wiht occassional 1or2 framing and/or roofing guns and even the bigger model I bought is by far the most comp. I have run across.I think the little Thomas went for around $150.I had to search for a dealer in my area.(called the factory thru website.Thomas Industries,Sheboygan WI (920)457-4892 .Very few mailorder co.'s carried mine and no reconditioned but a builder supply was impressed I traveled 45min. to get to him and gave a nice discount on comp. and gun set-up after I said I'd purchase as package.Good Luck ,if I find article I will let you know.

1. 
   lonecat | Jul 13, 1999 11:48am | #2

   *My buddy bought one of those red Porter Cables, and I was surprised at how inoffensive it is. I can't remember if FHB rated these. He got the 2 HP. They have littler ones. By it at HD, and if it is too loud take it back and tell em you hate it. Then I can buy it later from some catalog as reconditioned.

1. 
   Bob_R. | Jul 16, 1999 07:14pm | #3

   *I am also in the market for a small quiet compressor and have seen the Porter Cable 1HP pancake and the Craftsman 2HP pancake.Each comesbundled with a 18gauge brad nailer.Has anyone had any experience with these compressors, is it better to get the 2HP over the 1HP? Will be used for trim & finish work.

1. 
   FredB | Jul 17, 1999 10:44am | #4

   *I've had good experience with the 1.5hp Sears Industrial pancake oilless to run a couple of nailers. I bought it solo and just because I needed a small compressor and it was cheap and convenient.But all these things are noisy. So, if noise is a problem maybe you could make an acoustic partition wall that would help absorb and deflect the sound without causing any cooling constrictions. Perhaps two sheets of OSB with fibreglass stapled to one side. Use with the "V", hard, side to the people and the glass to the compressor. I don't know exactly what will work, I use earplugs to preserve what hearing I have left.

1. 
   GACC_DAllas | Jul 18, 1999 07:56am | #5

   *JoeX,I have some the Thomas T617HD 2 gallon compressors. When I bought the first one, everybody laughed like it was some kind of toy. Then they were fighting over it. I now have two, and can't get them back.Light weight, quiet and good enough air to run one Paslode framing gun for remodeling. Couldn't use it to frame full time. But great for trim and cabinets. One gun only please, or two if your not shooting a lot.It's perfect for a one man show.Ed. Williams

2. 
   JoeX_ | Jul 19, 1999 09:15am | #6

   *Thanks all. Never heard of Thomas but it sounds like the one for me. Now just to find a retailer near me...JoeXCalgary, Alberta

3. 
   Chris_Johnson | Jul 20, 1999 06:58am | #7

   *I use the Hitachi 2HP and I think it's real quiet

4. 
   Jeff_J._Buck | Jul 28, 1999 06:14am | #8

   *I came across the info from Thomas. The T-617hd is 1.8cfm,.90cfm at 100psi. 1/2 HP motor. 2 gal. tank. Oil-less. Ship wt. is 32 lbs. 4.2 amps. 32 second recovery time. Thomas Compressors & Vacuum Pumps1419 Illnois Ave.P.O. Box 29Sheboygan,WI 53082-0029800- 558-7721920-457-4891FAX 920-451-4325I called them direct to find retailer near me.They even told me who to ask for and to request a discount!Had to drive almost an hour but glad I did everytime I fire her up-especially when there's another comp. around and the guys hear how quiet and see how strong! Tool Envy!

2. 
   JoeX_ | Jul 28, 1999 06:14am | #9

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   > I'm looking to buy a small air compressor to run a brad nailer in my shop. As it is a small shop attached to living space I would like it as quiet as possible. Anybody know which small compressor is the quietest?