Nail guns and compressors?

[shponglefan]

I'm thinking of taking the scary plunge into the world of pneumatics.

For compressors, I'm thinking something relatively light/portable would be ideal.  While it would likely reside in my basement shop most of the time, I would likely be using it upstairs, and outside from time to time.

I was thinking something like California Air Tools 4.6 gallon might do the trick?  They seem to have reasonably good reviews, at least for the various models I've been looking at online.

For nail guns, I don't really know where to begin.  I'm thinking brad and finish nailer (the latter of which I'll probably need for installing some baseboard moulding).  But I don't know too much about decent brands, features to look for, etc.  Maybe a basic Bostitch or Ridgid?

I'm also not looking to break the bank, especially since I have no idea how much use I'll get out of these.  But I also don't want a complete piece of crap which I'll be replacing in a year or two.

Any suggestions?

[JDFan]

IF you aren't going to be using it for heavy duty work then something like this kit from Home Depot should work and for the price you really can't go wrong - ( http://www.homedepot.com/p/Porter-Cable-6-Gal-Portable-Electric-Air-Compressor-and-Finish-Nailer-Combo-Pack-PC1PAK/100672205#.UckRKpwQPZh )

[michelevit]

i abuse a harbor freight air compressor and its held up nicely. It was under 150 bucks. it has two large wheels so you can easilly roll it in the shop or out to the driveway to top off your car tires.
i also use the 2 inch 18 gauge nail gun/staple gun. 
if there is a harbor freight near you, give it a shot.
A compressor is a great tool to add to your workshop.

[shponglefan]

@JDFan: I saw a similar kit at HD recently.  The only thing I wonder about is the relative quality of Porter Cable products, since I've been reading some things that suggests they've gone downhill over recent years...

@michelevit: No Harbor Freight I'm afraid.  I'm in Canada so my options are Home Depot, Lowe's, Rona, and some other local shops.

[spoot]

The only thing I wonder about is the relative quality of Porter Cable products, since I've been reading some things that suggests they've gone downhill over recent years...

TBH, one can't really buy by brand too much anymore.  Stanley Black n Decker owns almost everyone anyways.  One must buy by the reviews on an individual tool itself now.

[shponglefan]

^

That's one reason I'm thinking of mixing 'n matching.  The big thing I want to "get right" from the get-go is the compressor.  Since it's the more significant part of the investment, it would be nice not to have to replace it.

The nailguns themselves seem to be cheaper, so I'm a little less worried if one of them turns out to be mediocre and I buy another one down the road.

[shponglefan]

After spending more time researching compressors, I keep coming back to this one:

http://www.homedepot.ca/product/4610a-10-hp-46-gal-ultra-quiet-oil-free-aluminum-twin-tank-air-compressor/998793

Lightweight, adequate tank size for nail guns and the like.

But alternatively, I've been debating going to this 15 gallon DeWalt.  About $130 more (inc. tax), bigger & bulkier, but 3x the tank size.  In the long run, I'm wondering if it's worth "going bigger" now?

http://www.homedepot.ca/product/dewalt-18-hp-continuous-200-psi-15-gallon-workshop-compressor/907319

[RandyT]

If you are looking for one for a specific application, you only need to make sure that the unit can provide the proper CFM at the PSI your application calls for, or better.  Also, consider the duty cycle.  If you are knocking in roofing or construction nails one after another. all day long, then obviously you would need something up to that task.  For home projects, the requirements are much simpler.

Really, you should probably consider the requirements of the tools you plan to use.  Once you have a compressor, a whole new world of tools become available, so start with what you know you will need, and then look at the requirements of tools you might like to use with it down the road.  Size the unit based on this (or a little bigger, if you don't trust the ratings) and you will be covered.

I have several compressors, from a 6' tall floor standing unit, down to a tiny Wal-mart special, and all of them do what they are supposed to, and have held up well.  It's easy to spend more than what you need to, so it really pays to figure out the real requirements before deciding on the compressor.

[kahlid74]

Randy has given great advice.  Here's additional things I considered when getting my Compressor:

1). Noise.  Most compressors are above 80db which means the potential for hearing loss over prolonged exposure.  (Compressors are right at the same volume level as vacuums)
2). Oil vs Oil-free.  Oil-free are less maintenance but don't last as long as oil.  Oil when used infrequently require more maintenance (in my experience)
3). I was looking to use 15ga nails as a way to stabilize furniture.  I was also looking for a Brad nail system for when attaching furring strips to cabinets.  Remember anything that is load bearing has to be 15ga or lower.  16ga and above are NOT load bearing.

So my final choice was between these two:
http://www.amazon.com/GMC-SYCLONE-Ultra-Oil-Free-Compressor/dp/B0038MWDXY/
and
http://www.amazon.com/Makita-MAC700-Big-Bore-Compressor/dp/B0001Q2VK0/

In the end, I chose the GMC because they were similar in stats but I wouldn't be using it often and it would be used indoors, which concerned me sound wise.  It's worked AWESOME since then and I'm super happy with the purchase.  Quiet as a son of a gun.  I got the freeman set of a stapler, brad nailer, regular nailer and framer nailer. (http://www.amazon.com/Freeman-P4FRFNCB-Framing-Finishing-4-Piece/dp/B005NUP8BS/)

[knave]

When I was shopping around for compressors I wanted to be able to use some of the higher CFM tools like ratchets, hammer-drills and grinders. So I picked up a 30 gallon from sears. It has been my best friend. rotating tires is now a quick job, it works great with a cheapo Harbor freight brad nailer. They run around $299 but you can find them for less.

[shponglefan]

@RandyT:  My initial use is going to be primarily nailguns (brad and finisher, maybe framing too).  And I could see myself using to fill car tires.  Not sure what else I could end up using it for, but I have a feeling it could open up more uses down the road.

@kahlid74: Hmmm, GMC looks awfully similar to the California Air Tools products I've been considering.   

@knave: The thought of using air tools for auto maintenance has crossed my mind, although TBH I dunno how much use I would get compared to carpentry use.  So there is the dilemma... bigger and more versatile vs compact and portable...

[shponglefan]

Well after some more deliberation, ended up pulling the trigger on the Calfornia Air Tools 6.3 gallon compressor.  kahlid74, I believe it's basically the same as the one you have, just different branding.  Admittedly, your positive review swayed me, plus I like it has wheels for easier transport.

Also ordered a Makita finishing nailer to go with it.  Can't wait to get 'em!

[nemesismachine]

Knave, I have that same piece of crap sitting in my shed.  Anyone that wants it can come pick it up for free.

Oiled vs oil free compressors and cheap shouldn't be in the same sentence.  There's a reason the oil-free compressors are cheaper, they're noisier and generally crappier.  I have the Porter Cable pancake compressor and it works wonders for just this purpose.  You can carry it everywhere, and it runs any pneumatic nailer or painter I own.  For anything you need more air for, I use the 80 gallon Quincy in my garage.

[knave]

It is noisy, I've been pretty pleased with the oil free performance though. Plus for me, My pneumatic tool use is so feast or famine it's nice that it will just work for me when I need it to. It's been about 8-9 years and still running strong. (and loud)

It's pretty much a no brainer to get a oiled compressor if you are going to use it for commercial or equal to commercial use. They are just better suited to frequent use and abuse.

My compressor still works like new...and it has worked out great for me to have air whenever I need it. I had a pancake compressor for a while too and it was fine, but it didn't do the bigger air tools well. (a lot of waiting to charge.)

nemesismachine, Sorry it didn't work out for you. Sounds like you have all the air you need. (LOL)

[kahlid74]

Well after some more deliberation, ended up pulling the trigger on the Calfornia Air Tools 6.3 gallon compressor.  kahlid74, I believe it's basically the same as the one you have, just different branding.  Admittedly, your positive review swayed me, plus I like it has wheels for easier transport.

Also ordered a Makita finishing nailer to go with it.  Can't wait to get 'em!

Awesome man, fun times for sure.  For building cabinets it's been a world of a difference for me.  I literally can now glue the furring strip, push it into place and snap two brad 1" nails to hold it, then drill proper screw holes, countersink and lock into place and not have to worry about the furring strip sliding around.

[michelevit]

You'll find that soon enough you'll stop after glueing and nailing the furing strips.
Today's modern wood glues (I use Titebond2) are strong enough to use without screws.
The brad nails function as a metal dowels.

The wood will fail before the glue does.
No need for additional screws.

[shponglefan]

Christmas in July 



Wasn't originally going to get a framing nailer, but as I'm currently rebuilding a wall, I figured it would make that easier.

[kahlid74]

Christmas in July 



Wasn't originally going to get a framing nailer, but as I'm currently rebuilding a wall, I figured it would make that easier.

Nice!  Just remember the framing nailers use a lot of CFM so don't be surprised if the compress is on more than when you're rocking the other ones.