is there a minimum size compressor required for running one framing nailer?
also, what are some of the quietest compressors you’ve used?
thanks a lot. many more questions to follow, i’m sure.
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what is the CFM rating on yur framer or what does the mfgr recommend...
I think I'd try for > 4 cfm at 90 psi. But then again, I've never owned a framing nailer. If you have a Harbour Freight nailer vs a Bostwitch that will make a big dif too. As your comp and tools get older they loose efficiency. So you need more air.
These boys nail and they nail fast. You probably could get by with 2 cfm @ 90 if you plod along like a DIY.
FarmerDave,
I think I saw the smalest aircompressor and nailer combination. It was one of those portable tire fillers that ran off the cigarette lighter hammering away into a air tank about the size of a big freon bottle and the air hose leading off to the nailer..
Now granted the nailer wasn't used very fast and the tiny little aircompressor hammered away full time but it worked!
As others have said, what you want to know is the CFM of the compressor (how quickly the compressor will recover the tank of air as you are using the air supply), don't bother with horse power.
The minimum you'll need is dependant on how quickly you will be using the framer and thus the air supply. If you are shooting a nail here and there and not bump firing sheathing or decking, etc then you will not use as much air and you could get by with a pancake style compressor. If you know how to use a gun and are bump firing quickly and consuming a lot of air then you'll need at least a twin stack style compressor.
The quietest of the portable compressors will be the oil lube compressors, the quietest in a stationary will be an oil lube belt driven compressor.
Hope this helps.
Bart,
I would pretty much ditto DDay's post.
I occasionally run a Hitachi framer with a 6 gallon pancake compressor, but like he said -- it's a nail here and there, not bump firing sheathing or decking. My pancake puts out 3.4 cfm @ 90 psi -- by test, not by manufacturer's claim. I can shoot about 6 before the compressor kicks in. 16 ga. finish nailer will shoot about 15 before kick in, 18 ga. finish will shoot 20+ before kick-in.
Jim
Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.