Bought a little Thomas 635-hd compressor, single tank, 3/4 hp, 2gallon tank, 1.7 cfm @ 100 psi.
I like it a lot but it has a couple design flaws IMO: it’s a little top heavy so if I don’t have it braced in the back of the truck it falls over when I turn (and I’m a pretty moderate driver), and the handle is right above the motor which gets pretty damn hot.
I’m wondering if anyone has used the 635-ht, which is almost the same compressor , but has the tank to the side of the motor as opposed to under it, and is a 1.5 gallon tank as opposed to a 2 gallon tank. But it maxes out at 135psi as opposed to 125. It also has a 13 sec. recovery vs. the 18 sec. recovery of the 635-hd
I’d like this to be my main compressor unless I’m doing a larger framing project or deck or something like that. I’ve got a hitachi twin tank that works fine for framing, I’m just tired of listening to it and lugging it around when I’m doing finish work or light framing.
The 635-hd that I’ve got lets me shoot 5 nails from my senco finish gun before it cycles, and a lot more from my brad nailer. I haven’t used it with a framing gun yet.
I’m wondering if anyone has used either one of these compressors, or if anyone knows about the 635-ht (renegade). I’ve got a week or so left to return the 635-hd if I want to and pick up the other one. I’m just not sure if the smaller tank will make a difference or not.
Any good experience out there? Overall I’m pretty happy with the thomas compressor, it sure is nice and quiet, and light.
Paul
Replies
look at the Rol-Aire counter part....
I would think that fall over feature will damage the compressor at the most inappropiate time...
though Thomas builds some good stuff their customer service seems to slipping... this would be something to consider...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
I've had this Thomas compressor for maybe 6 years or so, and I couldn't be more pleased with it:
http://www.thomasairpac.com/products/airpac/airpac_electric/T-35HD/t-35hd.jsp
Oil-less, relatively light (43 lbs), and very quiet. I use it mainly for trim work, but it does just fine with a framing nailer.
Yes it is top heavy, but it is designed so that if it does fall over, everything is tucked in so no damage is done to any of the controls. Nonetheless, I keep a 18-20 inch piece of 12 Ga wire tied to the handle, and lash it to the shelf in my van to keep it from tipping.
I have not had a single problem with it.
********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
Just love my twin tank, well that was after I took all the stickers off other than the one that says RENEGADE, and the warning label.
Very quiet. Big air.
-zen
I now lay mine over on its side in my van.
Solved the falling over problem.
So far I'm pretty happy with the compressor. Other than it tipping over, it's quiet, light, and seems to just go go go. It's been handling a basement full of trim and built-ins with no problem, and I tried some framing tests to see how it would hold up: because it kicks on at such a high psi it would still countersink 16d framers while it was cycling. Can't complain much about that.
So I think I'll keep it, and once I get used to it probably won't ever look back.
Paul
like Dad would say ...
"can't fall from the floor" ...
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Simple solutions are best.
Jeff, what are you working on nowadays? Haven't seen any pics out of you in quite a while.
jt8
"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for dinner, liberty is a well armed lamb protesting the vote." -- Benjamin Franklin
just wrapped up a summer's worth of stuff with Hubcap.
and he's sworn me to secrecy ....
have some tile shots I gotta organize ... tried for nice trim pics ... but the painters scaffold and ladders are in all the shots. Thinking the place will be cleaned out when I go back in a couypla weeks to punchlist the trim and add some tile.
Beautiful house ... deserves uncluttered pics.
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
I have the thomas and I screwed on a unistrut strut to the bottom so it is alot more stable.
I also changed the way the hose comes off of it. I can post pics if you like.
I love my hot dog. from trim to roofing, it never stops. I either wedge something beside it in my van or lay it on its side.You get out of life what you put into it......minus taxes.
Marv
I like to use old couch cushions to keep my top heavy tools from tipping over and there handy to have around for roofs or working on your knees.
ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
Sure, post some pics. I'd like to see what you screwed on for stabilization.
I might also switch how the hose comes off, I'm used to it coming off of the front of the compressor rather than the side. It certainly would make me feel like I wouldn't tip it over if I tugged on the hose.
It always takes me a long time with a tool before I realize that I can modify it and make it work for me. After a few years of using something I'll finally take something off or put something on out of exasperation and realize that I could've done that in the beginning and saved a lot of frustration.
Here are the oics of the modifications I did to make it work the way I wanted. These pics are big nd I don't know how to resize them.
I have the same compressor and have no problems with a hot handle. The unit is designed for continuous run so run cycles should not be a problem.
I also bunge mine to the shelving in my van to prevent tipover.
Mine is lighter then yours at 26 lbs.
I use it almost exclusively anymore, as it will support my framing nailer.
The older I get, the less I want to carry the 70 lb twin tank around.
Saw the replacement unit is different, like mine better I think because it's footprint in the van is less.
For good new rock music, click on: http://www.wolfmother.com