Replies

1. 
   PlaneWood | Sep 06, 2005 04:39am | #1

   Check out the Porter Cable CPL6025 compressor.  I've been using mine every day for 5 years.  6 peak HP, 25 gallon tank.  Actual running HP is probably more like 2.  I just ordered a new pressure cutoff switch for it.  I got mine at Lowe's.

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)
   PlaneWood

2. 
   JMartinsky | Sep 06, 2005 02:43pm | #2

   I'll second the P-C

   John

3. 
   nikkiwood | Sep 06, 2005 04:01pm | #3

   Here are a few thoughts for you:

   1) You need only a small, portable compressor to run nail guns, but even "occasional" painting/sandblasting would require a much larger compressor.

   2) There have been many discussions of compressors here and at Breaktime. If you do a search you will find a plethora of info; from my reading of all these comments, PC would not be your best choice -- Rolair and Thomas would be better brands to consider.

   3) some compressors are substantially noisier than others; again, from my reading, PC is among the loudest.

   4) Before you simply make a compressor selection from the shelves of a big box store, it would not be a bad idea to find an industrial tool outlet in your area (where you'll find Rolair and Thomas) and see what they have to say.

   Good luck.

   ********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

4. 
   Elcoholic | Sep 06, 2005 04:08pm | #4

   Hopefully your idea of a small sandblasting job isn't much bigger than a toaster!  Sandblasting takes a lot of air.  I have decided to sand blast my brick fireplace mantle (4' x 13') and remove it's 35 year old accumulation of paint.  I bought a small sandblaster from Harbor Freight and went after it with my 4hp 30 gal compressor.  It took almost 2 full days!  I swore if there was a next time I'd rent a seroius sandblaster.

   One word of advice - if you get a compressor larger than a pancake or a hot dog for basically just nail guns, DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT GET AN OILLESS!  They are just too damn noisey.

   John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   The more things change ...

   We trained hard, but it seemed that every time we were beginning to form up into teams, we would be reorganized.  I was to learn later in life that we tend to meet any new situation by reorganizing; and a wonderful method it can be for creating the illusion of progress while producing confusion, inefficiency, and demoralization.

   Petronious Arbiter, 210 BC

   
   

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   Edited 9/6/2005 9:12 am ET by Elcoholic

1. 
   Norm | Sep 07, 2005 12:38am | #5

   To all who have responded to my inquiry, thanks. I think I will take your advice and get a portable compressor. If I need one for painting or other big job sounds like I would be better off renting a bigger one. Regarding the Porter-Cable, I have heard or read other negative comments about them. The local HD has a Rigid double tank portable on sale for $259. Does anyone have any experience with them?Norm (never been on TV)

5. 
   BruinBill | Sep 07, 2005 01:06am | #6

   KMS Tools has some useful information on air compressors in order for you to make an informed decision.  Go to http://www.kmstools.com and click air compressors under quick index.  Then click on compressor buying guide.

   Bill