Air tool use as a weekend woodworker

[Raymond Fries]

I am evaluating whether to buy a nice compressor and nail gun or rent one or buy junk to re-apply my baseboards after the tile floor is laid.

I do not want to invest in a nice compressor and nail gun for one project. I would rather rent one or buy an el-cheepo if it were only used for the one project. If there is a real advantage to having air tools and a compressor in the shop, I would like to look at what would work well for me. I have never thought about buying air tools for my shop.

What do you guys use for air tools in your shop as a hobbist?

[Jim Terrill]

I have the Bostitch 3 gun and compressor package deal that you can get at Lowes for $250-300. I use it all the time in the shop and around the house, being able to pop a brad or two into a piece to hold it is pretty convenient. The kit is nice since you get a finish nailer, a brad nailer and a narrow crown stapler as well as all the fittings, the compressor and a hose for what I think is a very reasonable price. I'm looking to get a pin nailer, but brads work just fine in the meantime. I have shot ~20,000 fasteners total through the guns between shop use and construction and they have worked very well for me. You can get by without using brads on a lot of things, but it really shortens your assembly time if you can just shoot a few brads in something to hold it until the glue dries and keep assembling instead of clamping and having to let it sit.

[Scott Pearson]

Do you know anyone you could borrow from? That would be the cheapest easiest solution.

Other wise you just have to do the math, how much to rent vs how much to buy and if you would ever use it again. You can get a usable compressor and nailer from Harbor Freight for about $100.

Scott

[fRED mCnEILL]

I have had a regular shop compressor for 40 years. Use it all the time. But a few years ago I bough a small portable pancake compressor on sale for 50 bucks. Works like a charm. Its great for brad nailers because they don't use a lot of air. I also use it for my big 3 1/2 nailer when I only need to shoot a few nails. Prior to that I used to fill an air tank for remote use of the brad nailer.
To me brad nailers are almost indispensable for small trim work.

Fred Mc.

[Neil Brooks]

Big fan of brad nailers and pin nailers.

They WILL get by with a rather inexpensive compressor, too.

[Rob Hough]

I bought one of the PC pancake combo's and love it. Actually wish it had a bit more capacity but with my limited space... don't have anywhere to put a larger unit. I think it was like $99.00 on sale or something like that.

I use mine all the time. In fact I just cleaned out my planer with it.

[Jim Terrill]

One thing I will add, if you decide to buy your own, when buying hoses get polyurethane hoses, they coil more easily, have less memory and are easier to work with than rubber or PVC hoses.

[John Coloccia]

I have the "big" Dewalt compressor (the one on wheels) and find myself using that more and more for wood work. This one runs my die grinders and air drills just fine as far as I can tell. I downgraded from a large, 60gal 13cfm@90psi compressor that I just didn't need anymore. The larger compressor was nice when I was doing almost everything with air tools (back when I was building an aluminum airplane), but for the relatively light use it sees in my shop, the Dewalt seems to serve my needs just fine. I think I picked it up for about $400. I also like that it's oiless BUT is actually pretty quite and not all that annoying like other oiless compressors. The air coming out is much cleaner than a oil lubed compressor. With the oiled one, I had to run two seperate regulator/filter systems. The air tool one, with some filtering, and the "clean" supply with mega filtering for spraying and blowing off, or I'd get a fine mist of oil on everything. This one still needs a filter to make it very clean, but a cheapy filter from the BORG seems to do the job.

[Robert Reece]

One of things I use my compressor for is blowing stuff off. In fact, since I got a big compressor, I open the shop a couple of times a year and just blow everything to death. You can't do that with a smaller compressor, at least not all at once.
I also second all the motions for using a brad nailer or stapler. Use them a lot. Finish nailer too.

[Jason White]

You're a woodworker and think you'll only use your nailer and compressor once for installing trim??

Buy a decent one that you'll have forever. The "oil-less" ones are noisy, but can be had for $200-300. You'll find numerous uses for it in the shop.

Jason


I am evaluating whether to buy a nice compressor and nail gun or rent one or buy junk to re-apply my baseboards after the tile floor is laid.

I do not want to invest in a nice compressor and nail gun for one project. I would rather rent one or buy an el-cheepo if it were only used for the one project. If there is a real advantage to having air tools and a compressor in the shop, I would like to look at what would work well for me. I have never thought about buying air tools for my shop.

What do you guys use for air tools in your shop as a hobbist?

[Jason White]

I think I have to disagree with that one, as least as far as a small woodworking shop is concerned.

I have a polyurethane hose and it gets tangled up constantly in my workshop. I think I actually spend more time untangling the knots than using the thing.

I do, however, like the lighter weight of the polyurethane hose when installing siding or exterior trim when I need a really long hose and I'm up high on a ladder or scaffolding.

For the workshop, I'd go with a slightly heavier hose (vinyl or rubber) that won't get as tangled. Maybe even one on a reel that mounts on a wall or ceiling.

Jason



One thing I will add, if you decide to buy your own, when buying hoses get polyurethane hoses, they coil more easily, have less memory and are easier to work with than rubber or PVC hoses.

[Kurt Cady]

Awesome little set.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00915206000P?keyword=evolv

[Jeremy Thompson]

I got the Porter Cable pancake set a couple of years ago and LOVE it. It's easy to lug around and we've found a lot of uses for it around the house and in the shop. I haven't found a reason to go bigger, it does everything I need.

Wife got it for me for my birthday. It was on sale at Lowes I think for $199 w/ the 3 guns.

[Bob Riefer]

I bought a pancake style porter cable with 3 guns, and then bought a framing nailer as well. It will pump kids' bike tires, car tires, blow things off, work with a paint sprayer, frame rooms, tack things together, etc. etc. etc. It's definitely on my "best things I ever bought" list.

I will say though... Finish nails fired through a gun can be mischievous buggers. I've seen them take u-turns that you wouldn't think possible. Just keep your fingers far enough away to account for this.

edit: my little compresor IS noisy though, I will say that. I wear ear muff style ear protection a lot anyways, so it doesn't bother me. And it's easy enough to build a little sound box for it too (be sure to ventilate the box though)

edit 2: a small compressor won't be real useful for high powered air tools though... for example, my neighbor has air tools for working on his truck, my compressor runs out of capacity too quickly to use with his tools (i.e. it refills constantly which is annoying and also not real great for the compressor)

[Ray Newman]

Re-read what Scott Pearson posted, esp. if you are only going to use it for this one job.
　
But don't buy junk as you might replace it sooner than expected or it will not perform well and you've wasted your money.
　
Now, you could just grow into your woodworking and find more uses for an compressor. Only you can figure that out. For a good many years, my shop air compressor mainly filled tires and blew out dust and debris from tools such as sanders, routers, etc. Never sprayed with it as I opted for HVLP and water based coatings.
　
MO: is it is probably better to buy a quality compressor slightly bigger than you might need and carefully look at the duty cycle. Since only used for nails, pins and blowing out tools, my Grainger 25 or 20 gal Dayton suffices. Never felt the need for a bigger unit -- the 40, 60 gal + tanks. But then again, I don't run air tools or spray with it either.

[Cary Falk]

A compressor is so handy to have around by itself. Now that I got some nailers I can't remember the last time I used a hammer to do anything other than persuade something.

[Rod Sheridan]

I know that they are handy to have, however I don't have a nailer.

(I do have a compressor due to my vintage motorcycle addiction.....Er I mean hobby).

I make furniture, and the only item I'd use a nailer for is when putting a back onto a cabinet, I could use a nailer rather than driving the nails with a hammer.

That said, it's maybe once or twice a year I'd use one to save a few minutes with a hammer.

Not worth it in my view, however if you do a lot of carpentry it would make sense to me.

Regards, Rod.

[Rob Fisher]

Perhaps this isn't allowed but if you are only reinstalling some baseboard you could just hand nail it? I have done this in the past to reattach loose trim.

That said I have recently purchased a small compressor and intend to get a finish nailer. I have this compressor

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00915310000P?vName=Tools&cName=Air+Compressors+%26+Air+Tools&sName=Air+Compressors (http://www.amazon.com/Medela-67050-Swing-Breast-Pump/dp/B000I0TF9E/ref=sr_1_9/190-5923175-8835528?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1268829676&sr=8-9)

It goes on sale at Sears pretty often for around $100. I got it for like $70, I think, on black Friday. It does contain oil so it should be a bit quieter but will require some maintenance.

Rob

[Rob Holcomb]

I didn't think I'd use my compressor and finish nailer much when I bought them to install trim in my house but it turned out that I use them all the time. I now have a framing nailer, finish nailer, brad nailer and roofing nailer. I've even rented them out on occasion. I started with a 20 gallon compressor and and then bought a pancake compressor and then sold the 20 gallon and went witha 33 gallon. Now I'm thinking I want a 60 pr 80 gallon one for the shop. My wife thinks I'm nuts lol

[Chip Lindley]

Brad nailers, narrow crown staplers and pinners are the best thing since sliced bread! They hold well, automatically set the nail head, and save tons of time, as opposed to trying to hammer finishing nails in hardwood! Soft wood is easy to nail, BUT hammer dents are anathema!

If you only contemplate this one baseboard job, borrow or rent what you need to git er dun! But if you do woodworking as a hobby, the uses for a compressor and brad nailer will multiply exponentially! A compressor per se' is handy for just blowing out dust with compressed air, airing up a tire, or basketball! Mighty Handy!

[Frank Warta]

Awesome little set.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00915206000P?keyword=evolv
Just picked this set up a week ago, only run a hundred or so brads through it so far but I've been happy.

One thing I found was don't be stingy with the oil when you first get it going had my mine jam briefly the second time I tried to use it. A little more oil and it was good to go.

[Brett Nelson]

I think I have to disagree with that one, as least as far as a small woodworking shop is concerned.

I have a polyurethane hose and it gets tangled up constantly in my workshop. I think I actually spend more time untangling the knots than using the thing.

I do, however, like the lighter weight of the polyurethane hose when installing siding or exterior trim when I need a really long hose and I'm up high on a ladder or scaffolding.

For the workshop, I'd go with a slightly heavier hose (vinyl or rubber) that won't get as tangled. Maybe even one on a reel that mounts on a wall or ceiling.

Jason

Something is getting skipped over here. Polyurethane hoses are hands down the better choice in almost every situation. I was of the same opinion as Jason when I first switched to Polyurethane. The thing tangled like crazy compared to my rubber hoses. Then I got a tip. Switch to the 3/8" hose instead of the 1/4" hose. Sure enough, makes a world of difference. My 3/8" polyurethane hoses don't tangle.

[Lex Boegen]

I bought a 20 gallon oil-less compressor 15 years or so ago, and hardly ever used it until recently. I bought a factory reconditioned framing nailer for a couple of major carpentry projects around the house. I love it. In fact, I recently added two more nailers to my collection: a combination brad nailer and crown stapler (factory reconditioned), and a finish nailer. I've added a few other accessories too: I got a short hose and attached an inline oiler to one end of it. Two of my nailers need oil, so I snap that hose on when I'm using them. If I'm doing something that should not have oil (inflating tires, blowing off wood, painting) I just remove that short "leader" hose. My compressor has gotten more use the past few months than it did in the past 15 years.

[Ramsey Ramco]

Granted I build and remodel houses for a living as well as custom cabinets, but Even if I didnt do this I couldnt imagine liging without one. Currently I have a 60 gal in the shop, a 20 gal mounted in the trailer a 5 gal in each of the 3 trucks and a couple 1 gals as well for the small punch out items.

[Myk Rian]

I got rid of my small 2gal compressor and bought the HF 21gal 3hp. I'm glad I did. My Wifes' tap dance instructor asked me to make 14, 16"x16"x16" boxes for the senior center Christmas show coming up in Dec.

After I got the compressor, I started buying some nail, brad, pin guns. I can now use my dotco mini grinders, air the car tires, use an air chisel, etc. The list goes on.

You will find many more uses than just wood working.

[Mark Beall]

An air compressor and various tools are certainly useful. For doing trim around the house I have a Paslode cordless finish nailer which is a lot handier since you don't have to drag around a compressor. Admittedly, it's a little pricier than the alternative, but it's also something that I can easily pick up and use anytime, lend to a friend, etc. without having to deal with a compressor and hose. Nice to have around...

mark

[Terry Welty]

blowing up tires, paint gun, air chisel, blow gun, air ratchet, metal cutters, cut off wheel, air grinder, blowing up balls air mattresses, air nailers, air drill, air buffer... don't know how anyone could live without one. I always had portable 3 to 5 horse power compressors... never, ever needed to move it... bought a stand up 60 gallon compressor and find it to be much more quiter, runs less. The airless and especially oilless compressors have a shorter life span by design... IMHO, but they do have a use and are frequently extremely cheap.

[Paul Murphy]

One more use for an air compressor is spraying finish. I was faced with the choice of buying a dedicated turbine for spraying, or a compressor large enough to run a HVLP conversion spray gun. The turbine has only one use, while the compressor has so many uses...I now own an 80 gal compressor. I can spray finish, run an air powered orbital sander(some of the best sanders are air powered, and lighter than electric), and power all the other air-tools that have been mentioned.

I don't use a nailer a lot, but when building cabinets for myself it was great. I glued and nailed my boxes together, and never ran out of clamps!

[Glen Butler]

If it is only for a few baseboards just use some hand drive finish nails and a nail set. Maybe overall it will save you time because you won't have labor over which nail gun is best and search for the best price and look over the ones in the store wondering which will will deliver the way you want it to.

I use air all the time in my shop. Nothing beats an air powered ROS, but you will need a bigger compressor to run it. HVLP spray equipment is also nice to have.

[Lee Schierer]

Here's a brad nailer (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000642GFM/ref=asc_df_B000642GFM1052446?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=nextag-tools-tier3-delta-20&linkCode=asn&creative=380341&creativeASIN=B000642GFM) that should fit your needs for a one time or multi use project.

[Lori Kleinberg]

I was also not sure I needed a compressor and nailers. I had done some research and decided that if I did buy, I would get the Bostitch with 3 nailer set because of the 7 yr warranty on the nailers (only 1 yr on compressor). Eventually came across a great deal and purchased. Have used the nailers a bit here and there, but don't know how I survived without the compressor. The air is great for cleaning the tools and helps after sanding but before finishing a project.

[Raymond Fries]

I certainly have a lot of options to look at here and will get something for the job and beyond. I have a 1,400 SQ FT house and will be removing and re-applying the base boards in all the rooms and closets. Looks like about a million nails to me. LOL :)

[Philip Johnson]

Once you start with using nailers you won't want to be without them...I must have 8 or 9 and that new pin nailer is so handy. A few weeks ago I was building a lumber rack in the shop and ran out of nails for the framing nailer. So I got cleaned up and drove 10 miles each way to get some nails. About half way home I had a thought why didn't I get out the hammer and finish the job...nerver even thought about I could use a hammer and nails.

Phil

[Lex Boegen]

I certainly have a lot of options to look at here and will get something for the job and beyond. I have a 1,400 SQ FT house and will be removing and re-applying the base boards in all the rooms and closets. Looks like about a million nails to me. LOL :)

Same here. My house is a little smaller, but was built in 1960. It has clamshell casing for the doors, and similar clamshell base molding. Very boring. I want to replace that in every room, and add crown molding in the living room. That, plus building a large tool shed out back, drove me to buy several nail guns. I love using them. There is something very satisfying about pulling a trigger, hearing a "whap!", and bingo--there's a nail in your wood. It's so much fun, I wind up walking around the house looking for more things to nail.

[Jay Jeffery]

be forewarned, nail guns can be addictive.

A year and a half ago a friend gave me her old, large air compressor. For Christmas that year my wife and inlaws got me air tools, among them was an 18 gauge brad nailer/stapler. My response was something like, "Gee, um, that's, umm, nice." When I got the pneumatic grease gun, I was walking on air. I thought that was going to make my life much easier to keep the ball joints maintained.

The grease gun has been used only a few times, and I often forget I even have it.

The nail gun has been so handy and fun to use, I've since bought a framing nailer, 15 ga angled finish nailer, 16 ga finish nailer, an 18 ga bard nailer (that doesn't leave a divot the size of a staple), and a roofing nailer. Keeping these things fed can be pricey, but if you are patient deals can be found on the tools and the fasteners.

I suppose I don't really NEED the nail guns, but they make life so much easier and enjoyable, I would hate to be without them.

[Nick Mastropietro]

I purchased a PC Pancake and 3 gun combo and have since added a pin nailer and a framing gun and now I can't imagine ever driving a nail - brad or for that matter a staple by any other means. If you have a woodworking shop, these tools are almost a must (for convenience sake).

[David Hostetler]

For the use I put it through, I have a Central Pnuematic 2HP 8 Gallon compressor that drives...

Framing Nailer
Finish Nailer
Brad Nailer
Stapler
Pin Nailer
Gravity Feed spray gun
Die Grinder (short bursts, Die grinders eat up a LOT of air).
Air Hammer
Impact Wrench
Air Ratchet (see Die Grinder comment)
Inflators
Blow Guns
Siphon sprayers
Bleeder Pot

I do auto work as well, and honestly, while its not the biggest compressor, and isn't ideal for many applications, my little cheapo HF compressor has done all I have asked of it... Including airing up the 35x12.50 mud tires on my truck...(Okay THAT works out my little compressor!)

[Glen J. Peterson]

I use the air all the time, both to pin trim, and blow things clean, even my glasses. I'm planning on installing copper pipe for the air in the shop so I can avoid the tangled hose issue. I've also have a number of other air tools: air hammer, die grinder, etc. I don't use these much, but they are actually rather inexpensive.

[Bernie May]

Reading through the previous posts is liking being inside my own head. I sold a rusted old car and bought a compressor to change lug nuts. several years later I was on a roof laying the first sheets of plywood for a whole roof redo (a job I had done millions of times) and realized my wrists weren't what they used to be. Bought that first gun and kept on buying. compressors are probably more valuable in the shop than a table saw (did he say that?). Renting gets a job done - buying opens up new possibilities never dreamed of.
-bernie

[Heath Fitts]

Awesome little set.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00915206000P?keyword=evolv


Just picked this set up a week ago, only run a hundred or so brads through it so far but I've been happy.

One thing I found was don't be stingy with the oil when you first get it going had my mine jam briefly the second time I tried to use it. A little more oil and it was good to go.

Can I use a HVLP spray gun with this compressor? I don't have an air compressor and I've been telling my wife that I need one and now that she's wanting to repaint the kitchen cabinets and a couple rooms in the house, she's starting to listen! She's wanting to get an HVLP spray gun, but I don't want to get a system that is dedicated to that purpose. We also need a compressor for airing up tires, blowing off dust in the workshop, and maybe a brad nailer (which this one comes with). I won't be using any major air tools. Will this compressor fit those needs?

[Myk Rian]

I won't be using any major air tools.
Yeah, right. :)
Once you start using a compressor and air tools, there's no stopping you.
I'm on my 3rd now. The first 2 were too small. Bought a 3hp 21gal this time.

[Heath Fitts]

Yeah, right. :)
Once you start using a compressor and air tools, there's no stopping you.
I'm on my 3rd now. The first 2 were too small. Bought a 3hp 21gal this time.

LOL Point taken!
So maybe I should rephrase the question. Will that compressor do...for now... :D

Budget is a big issue here, so I'm trying to meet the needs that I have right now, but not spend a lot of money.

[Myk Rian]

The compressor I bought is the HF 230volt model. For the price, it's a great deal. I got it for $129. Find a coupon for it. Also available in 120volt.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=93271

[mark kosse]

Ray, Once you have a nailer/stapler it's all over for you. They are handy. Same for an air compressor. I have 5 compressors... yes, five, and 2 air tanks. Do yourself a favor and don't buy a small oiless pancake compressor. Many only give 1.5-2cfm at 90psi and that won't get much done for you.

I'm going to recomend the HF 2hp 8gal oiled air comp to you. I've used a couple for 4+ years now with no problems. The have a decent recovery at 5cfm@90psi and can be had right now for 80.00 with a 20% off coupon. They are also a little easier to move around than than there oiled 2hp pancake compressor because of the wheels.

[Raymond Fries]

I have been researching noise levels of different compressors and there is not alot of information out there. I am guessing that if a manufacture cannot tout about how quiet it is that it is pretty noisy. I guess a good rule of thumb is if you cannot hear someone talking in a normal tone of voice around a machine running, you need hearing protection.

I hate extremely loud noise and hearing protection starts at 84 db. I know that for every 3 db the sound pressure doubles. It does not take very many db to get really loud. I have read that the PC pancake is around 90 db. No thanks even if it is a good name.

Thomas makes one that is 69 db. but is a little pricey.
I recall that a Makita I was looking at was 76 db.

Any db specs anyone care to share. Can you hear over the noise of yours?

[Jay Jeffery]

I have been researching noise levels of different compressors and there is not alot of information out there. I am guessing that if a manufacture cannot tout about how quiet it is that it is pretty noisy. I guess a good rule of thumb is if you cannot hear someone talking in a normal tone of voice around a machine running, you need hearing protection.

I hate extremely loud noise and hearing protection starts at 84 db. I know that for every 3 db the sound pressure doubles. It does not take very many db to get really loud. I have read that the PC pancake is around 90 db. No thanks even if it is a good name.

Thomas makes one that is 69 db. but is a little pricey.
I recall that a Makita I was looking at was 76 db.

Any db specs anyone care to share. Can you hear over the noise of yours?

I don't have any specs, but I can tell you most air compressors are pretty loud, regardless of size. Most air tools are pretty noisy,too. If noise is a major concern, there are quiet compressors, but they are not cheap.

A shop I worked at had a couple that had what looked like refrigerator compressors modified to be air compressors. I think they ran about $500 and the brand was Panther. They did not put out many cfm, so any substantial air tools required the large, noisy compressor.

[Neil Brooks]

I got this guy (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00916763000P) -- a Sears Craftman 33gal 1.6HP 150PSI model.

Reviews touted it as being surprisingly quiet.

While I haven't YET bought a sound pressure level meter (!), it IS much quieter than I expected it to be.

I also parked it, and my DC, a few yards away from the "shop proper." Eventually, I'm likely to build an enclosure that holds both, but ... for now ... I don't find the compressor's noise to be particularly bothersome....

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_WVVYjLCNo2w/S5HiYv3DD8I/AAAAAAAAAvA/qP_jIQHXoGg/shop_tour_030510%20012_w300_h225.jpg

I'm running a 23ga pinner, an 18ga nailer, and a Paslode framing nailer ... all without a problem.

[Terry Hatfield]

Coming from a life of working in a body shop...I could not imagine any shop without a coompressor. Even sounds crazy to me to think about not having one in my shop. I built my shop 16 years ago. I bought a Snap-On 5hp 80 gal compressor way back then and it is still going strong today. Replaced a limit switch a few years back and that's it. I use it all the time.

It's kinda like when I got my iphone. I thought, "Why would I need to check my email all the time. Will I actually use all the things that it does?" and now I go into convulsions if I'm away from it for 2 minutes. Once you start seeing all the uses and advantages of compressed air you will never want to be without it.

Of course, I could be wrong. ;)

t

[rick carpenter]

Prior to that I used to fill an air tank for remote use of the brad nailer.

Fred Mc.

Fred, how did you do that? I'm new to the compressor world.

[Rich Engelhardt]

Funny - in an odd sort of way - there's a thread about hammer drills going on right now also.

Hammer drills and pneumatic nailers share the same type of "Do I really need ___"? kind of thing.

All I can say is after using both - a hammer drill - and varied pneumatic nailers is:

After using either for a year, you'll chime in on a thread and say you can't imagine not having one, they become so handy.


PS - go right for the 23 ga pin nailer...

I gave my PC 23 ga. a workout over the weekend.
Every time I use it, I'm more and more impressed with how "invisable" a 23 ga. pin can be if you place it right.

[Joe Chritz]

You will need a large compressor to effectively run a conversion gun HVLP. However the cost isn't much different than getting a decent turbine system and you then have compressed air for lots of other things.

I have both a large 2 HP 60 gallon compressor and a pancake.

I don't use a framing nailer much anymore (plus I love the paslode cordless) but a brad nailer and more often a stapler gets a lot of use building cab boxes. Align the parts, a couple staples then screws.

Joe

[Mike Harrison]

Air Tools? The framer and roofing nailers are out in the tool shed.

http://i670.photobucket.com/albums/vv62/mikeinkcmo/WW%20tools/Shop%20tools%20and%20Jigs/AirtoolInv1.jpg

[Lex Boegen]

Fred, how did you do that? I'm new to the compressor world.

I'm not Fred, but I'll give it a shot...you can fill an air tank with a compressor (or at a gas station that still has air hoses for use). The air tank has two fittings on it--one for refilling the tank with an air hose, and the other is a standard 1/4-inch NPT for attaching quick-release fittings, hoses, etc. Because there's no attached compressor, the PSI gradually goes down as you use air from the tank. For low-volume air tools, like brad nailers, this is a minor issue. When the pressure drops too much to be usable, refill the tank at a compressor again. You can find air tanks at places like Northern Tool and Hardware, and they are inexpensive.

[Callan Campbell]

Raymond, having air power at your disposal is another one of our "slippery slopes" for our shops and our work habits. Once you go there, you don't leave;). Buy a used small compressor off Craigslist, they're very common right now since people are dumping their tools due to lack of work. You can also get used nailers of all types off CL as well. Please remember that since you're just starting out with air powered nailers, they'll shoot a nail through YOU just as easily as into the wood you're trying to nail, so learn carefully, watch what you're doing. Wear safety glasses, and ear protection is a good idea too.
Have fun, and go get yourself some air power...;)

[Gregg Feldstone]

I had never used air tools until I recently borrowed a framing nailer to put up pickets on 150 ft. of fence in one day. I am now hooked. I got a portable Rolair with an Italian Fini pump and a Hitachi finish nailer so far. A framing nailer will be next. Eventually, I would like a 60 gal two stage unit to run a sprayer and sanders.