FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Oil-free Compressors

Woody78 | Posted in Tools for Home Building on June 19, 2006 01:04am

Not that anyone here is predisposed to strong personal opinions but…………….?

What do you all think about oil free compressors such as Thomas for use at home rehabbing, DIY work etc. This is not for heavy commercial work.

i like the fact that they have a low amp draw, dont need to be level, and wont ever blow any oil on your work. Thomas seems to have the best rep for these and if i can find one for about $200 i would be happy. only need to run 1 tool at a time, only have 2 hands.

Reply

Replies

  1. BenA | Jun 19, 2006 02:41pm | #1

    Woody: Look at the Bostitch CAP1516 compressor, its a small unit very quite and fast recovery. It has a 1.6 gallon tank, may be too small , but worth looking at . Retails around $169. Good luck.

    http://www.bostitch.com/default.asp?CATEGORY=BOS%5FCOMPRESSORS&TYPE=PRODUCT&PARTNUMBER=CAP1516&SDesc=Trim+Air+1%2E5+Peak+HP+Oil%2DFree+Contractor+Compressor

    1. JulianTracy | Jun 19, 2006 03:49pm | #3

      I have the Bostich, but would not reccomend it to someone without finding out what they need to do with it. It is a great compressor for brad and finish guns, but would be useless for someone looking for a general purpose compressor - as the original poster seemed to be doing.Just a few days ago, Amazon had a few Thomas compressors in their clearance section, one for right around $220 or so - normally $340 I think.I have an oil lube PC twin tank design that has served me well. It has an oil-scoop design that allows it to work even if it is not level and the fact that it is quieter than oilless models is a benefit. It hasn't often caused a breaker to pop either - I think it's rated for 12amps.JT

  2. jc21 | Jun 19, 2006 03:30pm | #2

    imho Thomas makes some of the best portable compressors on the market and was and would still be my first choice (I have the T-200ST) for the reasons you've mentioned plus others. If you're buying new I think you'll need to add some $ to your budget. The T-635HD might be what be what you're looking for; it will run a framer, it's light and portable, and less expensive than some of their other models. Rol-Air is the other brand I'd consider.  

    1. User avater
      Woody78 | Jun 19, 2006 05:47pm | #4

      Amazon actually had the Thomas T100-st on sale yesterday for $224, with free shipping. I thought it was just a Fathers day sale or something cause they list for $400. Went back on early today and saw that it was still on sale, plus there is a 10% off deal savtenptjune  so it is $202 delivered! Think i will buy it, though it will probably be gone by the time i get back.

      hopefully it will arrive in one piece.

      How come only the cheap compressors come with the combo kits? It almost seems worthwhile to buy a porter cable combo kit with the brad nailer and finish nailer for $239, then sell the compressor or keep as a backup. Have heard good things about the nailers but not the compressor, didnt want to rely on it to run a framing gun.

       

      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001VO1ZS/qid=1150727153/sr=1-6/ref=sr_1_6/104-0802374-9700708?%5Fencoding=UTF8&s=hi&v=glance&n=228013

  3. BryanSayer | Jun 19, 2006 06:10pm | #5

    Oil free are LOUD, if this matters to you.

    1. User avater
      JeffBuck | Jun 19, 2006 07:53pm | #6

      not always true.

      my Thomas st2820 has to lowest Db rating of any compressors anywhere near it's size ... bigger and smaller.

      lowest noise on paper ... and definitely lowest noise in person on every site I've been on.

      the low noise and high performance is exactly why I bought it.

       

      certainly wasn't due to the light weight and low price!

      Jeff    Buck Construction

       Artistry In Carpentry

           Pittsburgh Pa

  4. JJV | Jun 19, 2006 09:42pm | #7

    I can second the Thomas T-635.  I just got one and it's really nice, and it is surprisingly quiet esp for an oil-free (not that any of them are "quiet"-I had an oil-lube DeWalt/Emglo that was pretty loud).  Good luck finding one for around $200 though. 

    Maybe someday I'll know a little something.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Fine Homebuilding – April/May 2023, Issue #314

Find online articles on options for countertops, wood-boring bits, ductless heat pumps, tighter miters, fences, and much more.

Featured Video

Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by Brick

Get an overview of the process of creating a traditional-style fireplace that burns well and meets current building codes from experienced mason Mike Mehaffey.

Related Stories

  • Podcast 548: PRO TALK With Design/Build Operations Manager Jessica Bishop-Smyser
  • Strategies for Venting a Roof Valley
  • Podcast 547: Basement Insulation, Historic Preservation Resources, and Shipping Container ADUs
  • Podcast 547: Members-only Aftershow—Fine Homebuilding House memories

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

BOOKS, DVDs, & MERCH

Shop the Store
  • Code Check Building 4th Edition
    Buy Now
  • 2022 Fine Homebuilding Archive
    Buy Now
  • Pretty Good House
    Buy Now
  • 2023 Tool Guide
    Buy Now
  • Shop the Store

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 314 - April/May 2023
    • 7 Options for Countertops
    • Tool Test: Wood-Boring Bits
    • Critical Details for Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 313 - Feb/March 2023
    • Practical System for a Seismic Retrofit
    • Fine Homebuilding Issue #313 Online Highlights
    • Practical System for a Seismic Retrofit
  • Issue 312 - Dec 2022/Jan 2023
    • Tool Test: Cordless Tablesaws
    • Gray-Water System for a Sustainable Home
    • Insulate a Cape Roof to Avoid Ice Dams
  • Issue 311 - November 2022
    • 7 Steps to a Perfect Exterior Paint Job
    • Options for Smarter Home-Energy Tracking
    • The Fine Homebuilding Interview: James Metoyer
  • Issue 310 - October 2022
    • Choosing a Tile-Leveling System
    • Choosing Between HRVs and ERVs
    • Custom Built-in Cabinets Made Easy

Fine Homebuilding

Follow

  • twitter
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences

Taunton Network

  • Green Building Advisor
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Fine Gardening
  • Threads
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Copyright
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2023 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Shop the Store

  • Books
  • DVDs
  • Taunton Workshops

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • twitter
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in