Air Compressor's? Anyone Have an idea?

Question

Im going to buy a compressor soon and im just wondering if anyone round here has experience with these things. I will be using it for some building purposes such as Framing Gun Roofing and such. Any input on what to look for to properly run these tools consitently and proper would be great. The one compressor i had in mind is a cambell hausfeld 1.8hp 26 gallon running 150max psi 4.9/6.3 scgm @ 90/40 psi,,cost is 299.00. any input? Thank you!

Answer 1

Look at getting a 10-15 litre compressor direct drive as they are very easy to carry around. Perfect for nailing.

Answer 2

It's an excellent idea, most computer repair shops use air compressors rather than "canned air", it's more effective and more economical. A properly built and maintained air compressor system, (compressor,regulator, filter/water separator is capable of supplying clean, dry, regulated air. With a compressor you actually have more control than with "canned air" because you have no way of regulating the pressure coming out of the can. As long as the temps are not excessive, the big killer for electronics is temperature differential or change, steady warm temps are fine and steady cool temps are fine but the constant changing, (causing expansion and contraction and eventually work hardening, or cracking failure) is what breaks down electronic components. This is why big industrial computer rooms are environmentally controlled. If the over heating problem is not solved by a thorough "blowing out", consider installing a higher capacity cooling fan.

Answer 3

Check the air input specs on several framing guns, and some other air tools that you might buy, to see how many SCFM of air volume you need. Air pressure is secondary - if you don't have enough air capacity, your compressor will be running all day long to keep up with the demands of your tools.

Make sure you have filters on your compressor output - one filter which provides dry air (removes the moisture) and another filter which provides a supply of oil to those tools which need it. The dry air side can be used for painting and inflating tires, while the oil side can be used for nailers and the like.

The previous comment about draining the tank at the end of every day is a good one. Compressors wring a lot of moisture out of the air and it collects at the bottom of your tank, where it will eventually rust through unless you drain it out.

Answer 4

That may get you started.

If you are framing you will want one that is portable and has wheels on it. They can be a pain to move around.

Depending on the kind of nail gun you can expect to run anywhere from 60 to 110 PSI. So you will want to get a fairly accurate regulator so you can make adjustments to the pressure.

Also, each morning you will want to drain the compressor from the bottom valve in order to remove any moisture from within the tank. This moisture can cause severe problems over time for the nail guns.

Keep the oil levels checked often and keep the guns oiled as well. This will keep them in top shape for use and prolong their life.

Answer 5

You don't need air volume to nail-you need portability-I am familiar with the Camble-Hausfeld line and they are a great investment but @26 gallons and close to 2 horsepower---not for framing or roofing--You need cfm for painting with a cup gun or doing texture,or are a car mechanic running air tools-the unit you are talking about weighs a ton--look at the compresses specs-max psi can be achieved with small side tanks and a smaller motor-smaller tanks=les cfm but are far lighter and all you need for nailing is preasure-not air volume

Answer 6

Just a general suggestion...

Whatever kind of compressor you get, make sure you can attach and detach a smaller gas canister (the size used for gas grills) so you have a portable source of compressed gas that can be hoisted up a ladder or used by a 2nd person on the other side of the house.

Invaluable once you start using it.

Answer 7

Really over kill and will be hard to transport, but a good compressor.