Portable air compressors
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
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Portable air compressors
Anyone using a portable compressor that you would normally run a nail framing gun for other tools like air ratches or spray gun? I want to supplement my garage compressor with a portable. I'll have no problem running brad guns but Im wondering about tools that draw more CFM.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: chicopee us
Portable air compressors
Should have no problems with ratchets, impacts and hammers. Drills, D/A's, cutoff tools will be a problem. I have a setup for my roofing, framing and finish nailers with a small 4 gallon portable compressor. I also have a 20 gallon/2hp which in the past I have used to spray textured ceilings but now I use the small 4 gallon to spray. The only difference is that the 20 gallon will cycle on and off as I'm spraying but the 4 gallon will run constantly.
So I think the moral here is: The small compressor will work but will probably be running at 95%- 100% of it's ability. So the wear and tear will probably be more extreme so the life span may be decreased.
So I think the moral here is: The small compressor will work but will probably be running at 95%- 100% of it's ability. So the wear and tear will probably be more extreme so the life span may be decreased.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: WEEDSPORT NY
Portable air compressors
Before you buy 1 check out it's "duty cycle". Most of the smaller comps. have a 50% duty cycle, meaning if they run for more than 30 minutes out of every hour you are over working them. All warranty coverage is nullified if you excede the duty cycle.
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Joined: Mar 2003
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I have a Craftsman 150psi 2hp 6gal portable compressor that is rated to run 2 framing nailers, so it should run one just fine. According to the manual and other documents I've read, the 150psi makes a huge difference. I can't remember exactly, but since the air is more "compressed" in the tank, it is supposed to be the equivalent of 20 gallons at 100psi or something like that. It will cycle if I try to use it as a blow gun to clean the floor, but the PSI never drops below 90 on the tank gauge. The SCFM at 40psi is 3.9 and the SCFM at 90 PSI is 2.7. I've never seen the air requirements on a nail gun though.
