Why an air compressor?

[hardway]

Another use for a compressor is for sand blasting. I have used it to clean paint off of metal and concrete and also to clean the face of bricks. I have a cheap ($15)sand blasting hose that can do some quick work and a lot of damage if you are not careful. I also have a cheap air hammer I have used for removing ceramic tile and busting up small pieces of concrete.

Blowing off dust and cleaning equipment in the shop is a breeze. Besides a framing nailer, I also have a crown stapler and a finishing nailer and a brad nailer that also get used. If I did not have a compressor, I would have it at the top of the list to purchase.

Tom

[judaspre1982]

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[wgander]

Well, my question was answered by the first couple of posters and I've been reading the rest of them. More info than I wanted. But, I've decided I need one. I'm leaning towards the ones I've seen at Lowe's for about $300, that come with a nailer/stapler. I do a lot of work with 3/4" wood, so I want to be able to drive up to 2" (I saw one that only drove 3/4"). I like the idea of staples and nails as well as brads. I don't care about oil/oilless. Using the air to clean appeals to me. I don't know if I'd ever use it for painting. I don't think I'd use it to power a sander or auto mecahnic tools.
It will probably have to wait until next year, along with rewiring the shop.

[grayhane]

One of the most important uses for a compressor can be when using it along with a shop vac. Using both at the same time will remove 99% of the wood dust and such inside the headstock.

With a trash bag over an old green unit that was loaded, I was able to hold the shop vac hose in one hand while sticking the air hose in the headstock and remove the majority of dust before I began to rebuild the unit. The result was no dust in my garage er, shop.....

[rdewinter]

Use a brad nailer for installing molding or trim and you will wonder what you did without one!

[wgander]

Just in case any of you are reading this thread to try to decide about an air compressor: I was in Sears today and they had an Air Compressor Selection Chart posted by the tools. It listed many of their compressors, specs, and and a matrix to identify the tools each could drive, and the performance level; occasional, ok, heavy duty. I forget the terminology but thought it was very helpful. Better than trying to compare just the specs.
I'm still waiting until I head back to Pennsylvania in the Spring, and I still like the kits that come with stapler, finish nailer, brad driver.
I have a separate shop building back there and left my SS and some SPTs there this summer. I'll take the rest of my SPTs and accessories this spring. I don't do much woodworking here, have several other hobbies to keep me busy.

[davevz]

I will weigh in on this conversation only to add a link to a web site that I have used. I purchased a pancake Porter Cable compressor with three guns, brad, stapler, and finish from these folks at a considerable discount. They also have other tools, routers, saws etc. at similar discounted rates. All carry the full new garantee as factory refurbs. Something to consider! The link is attached. I find the unit very useful for the variety of reasons mentioned by our other forum members.
davevz
CPO Porter-Cable [offers@cpoworkshop.com]

[a1gutterman]

I will weigh in on this conversation only to add a link to a web site that I have used. I purchased a pancake Porter Cable compressor with three guns, brad, stapler, and finish from these folks at a considerable discount. They also have other tools, routers, saws etc. at similar discounted rates. All carry the full new garantee as factory refurbs. Something to consider! The link is attached. I find the unit very useful for the variety of reasons mentioned by our other forum members.
davevz
CPO Porter-Cable [offers@cpoworkshop.com]

Hi Dave,
Your link did knot work for me (it looks more like an e-mail address). Is this the web site that you meant? http://www.cpoworkshop.com/

[davevz]

Hi Tim, yes I think that is the correct site. They were reasonable, quick service and the product is excellent. Got it for about half price with a new unit gaurantee.

Dave

[davevz]

Tim, I just checked that web site and it is the right one. If you pan down to the reconditioned section they have a compressor package with a brad nailer for a little over a 100 bucks. my unit looked like it just left the showroom floor when received.
dave