Replies

1. 
   pauld | Aug 22, 2003 04:09am | #1

   SeanAlex,

   Sound pressure levels are measurable - a spec that should be relatively easy to ascertain. In general, an oil-lubricated compressor will be quieter and more durable than a so-called oil-less compressor. I'm very happy with the performance of my little  2-HP Hitachi HC-12.

   Good luck,
   Paul

    

2. 
   bill_1010 | Aug 22, 2003 05:08am | #2

   look at a thomas or rolaire compressor.  Single tank hotdog style will work.  get an oil lubed compressor.  

3. 
   Manchild | Aug 22, 2003 05:33am | #3

   FWW did a comparison a while back and the Thomas was by far the quietest and one of the lightest if not the lightest.

   So I bought it and haven't been disapointed.

   Runs a finish gun fine.

   Made in Wisconsin.

   Model # T-617HD-1

   Forgot the price

4. 
   Jeff | Aug 22, 2003 02:04pm | #4

   Sean

   I have a Makita Makair hotdog for on site work.

   Works great, but is very noisy.

   Jeff

5. 
   tdelorme | Aug 22, 2003 04:25pm | #5

   As Paul stated the oil-filled compressor will be much quiter than an "oil-less."  They usually cost more but will last longer.  Also think of capacity.  The smaller the tank, the more often the compressor is going to kick on making noise.  If you are going to leave the compressor in place, go for a large tank.

6. 
   user-135888 | Aug 27, 2003 11:50am | #6

   Hi

   I may have seen that compressor when I bought my senco 2000

   it's probably reliable as any senco. mine is working out well.

   If you can afford bigger, try 1hp might handle two 18's(I wonder), but I don't know about two busy 15's and a busy framer? I wonder... 

   One thing I have noticed 6 or so nails on a 18 and the compressor kicks on, so thats the way the 2hp 2000 works(4.3 cfm@ 90psi), get enough air.

   john 

7. 
   jc21 | Aug 27, 2003 05:43pm | #7

   Thomas compressors are oil-less but they are quiet; Thomas claims the Renegade is the quiestest 2hp compressor on the market. Worth a look imho. http://www.thomaspumps.com/ultra/renegade.html

8. 
   arrowshooter | Aug 28, 2003 05:20am | #8

   I bought a portable compressor for $99.00 from Lowes last year that works great.

   I talked about it at Breaktime. The unit is made by Delta. I'm not sure they still sell it but if you can get one you will like it. The unit is super quiet and weighs less than twenty five pounds. It will run my Pasload framing nailer about as fast as I want to use it.

   If you look in Breaktime you will find several replies from others who are using this compressor.

   (Tools for homebuilding ,air compressors msg 32396)

1. 
   SeanAlex | Sep 02, 2003 07:19pm | #9

   Hey Guys, Sean Alexander here.  Just wanted to extend a big thanks to all of you who responded to my first message here on Knots.  I received tons of great info!  I first checked out Thomas...great quality but 4 times the price (especially here in Canada), I ended up with the Delta (Arrowshooter's recommendation).  Super quiet, and it meets my air needs for a couple of finish guns.  After trying the Bostich oil-less model, I returned it.  It misfired regularly!  I have since purchased a Pasloade lite-line F16-250 and it's working fine.  Since this is my first nail gun, I have nothing to compare it to.  Has anyone every used this one?  And also, the manual absolutely sucks!  For a first time user, I don't even know how many drops of oil to use!

   Thanks, Sean

1. 
   milanuk | Sep 02, 2003 10:28pm | #10

   Sorry to hear your Bostich finish nailer didn't work well. I recently got their 5/8-2" brad nailer and it's worked like a dream!

   Good luck,

   Monte

9. 
   user-135888 | Sep 06, 2003 12:35pm | #11

   I have senco

   Reliable 4.3 cfm @100psi, made to last. It's a 2000 series. good oil splash compressor, and it's made for contarctors, so it lasts. It's working for me.

1. 
   Miles717 | Sep 07, 2003 05:05am | #12

   Hi John.  I've been looking at that one as a possible portable compressor.  From what I can see, it seems to be pretty well made.  Any comments about it?  A big issue for me is how quiet is it? 

   Thanks!

1. 
   corners | Sep 07, 2003 07:35am | #13

   There are 2 makes of "silent" compressors - they are high quality and cost a bit more but they can hardly be heard when standing beside them. I have used them at trade shows where the sound of a loud compressor is bad for business.   

   Jun-air

   http://www.jun-air.com/

   and

   Bambi

   http://www.conservation-by-design.co.uk/equipment/bambi.html

2. 
   user-135888 | Sep 07, 2003 09:23am | #14

   Hi

   It's about average noise wise. that euro compressosor is about 2500 dollars for 4.3 cfm. and I've seen, other systems that are much more reliable. for the money. NOT WORTH IT. FOR the small guy anyway. get realistic buy a reliable unit. goodluck

   john g

1. 
   corners | Sep 08, 2003 10:39pm | #15

   These "silent" compressors are very low in noise - about 35 db - less than average conversation - 2 people can stand right beside them and carry on a normal conversation.  Have you ever heard a compressor at the dentist's office - these are the type they use and they use a lot of air in their tools. The small units are about 700 dollars and the 4.3 size about 1100 dollars. Very high quality and worth every penny - if you want a quiet compressor in your comfy shop!

   I once bought one of those screaming, direct drive, oil less compressors - used it one day and gave it away. Buying cheap is OK if you get something worthwhile for your money.

   There's a third brand - Silentair