OT: need a compressor

[vqdriver]

i'm starting to shop for some home improvement projects and one of the things i'll need is an air compressor. nothing big or too heavy cuz i'll likely be moving it around a bit, wheels is a necessity. also, when not using it (95% of the time) it's just going to sit in a corner, so a vertical one would save some space, but that's not essential, just desired. mostly, i'll be using it to power a nailgun and inflate stuff, bike and otherwise, and just general purpose blowing stuff around the garage type stuff. maybe clean gutters with an extension???

edit: so what i'm saying is that i need some recommendations.

[BengeBoy]

Porter-Cable $179

http://www.amazon.com/Porter-Cable-C2002-WK-Oil-Free-Compressor-Accessory/dp/B000N5UHK0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1255910748&sr=1-1

DeWalt $233

http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-D55151-4-Gallon-Oiled-Compressor/dp/B000063JSY/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1255910933&sr=1-3

[xjoex]

For cleaning the garage, filling up car/bike tires and using a brad nailer (thats all I can speak to) I have the $99 Husky Air Scout from Home Depot.

After washing my bike, I use the compressor to blow all the water out of nooks and crannies of the bike.

-Joe

[kestrel]

I got a Sears closeout model 1.5 hp, 150 PSI, 15 gal.

Be sure it has sufficient PSI for bike tires. Some of the 100 psi really don't push enough to fill them adequately.

[Dekonick]

I got a Sears closeout model 1.5 hp, 150 PSI, 15 gal.

Be sure it has sufficient PSI for bike tires. Some of the 100 psi really don't push enough to fill them adequately.

+1

believe it or not, but for filling bike tires, you are better off with a compressor without a tank. If you don't keep the tank filled, every time you want to fill your bike you have to wait for the reservoir to fill. Also - even at 150psi - some won't accomplish filling big tires (such as those on a fire engine... I know this first hand. CFM matters as much as PSI) my experience has been that if you plan on small jobs (it sounds that way) you can probably get by with a small home depot special. I wouldn't spend more than a Benjamin.

[vqdriver]

Thanks for the advice. Didn't even consider cfm.
So how many cfm is considered good/usable?

[Hardlyrob]

I have the Rigid 4.5 gal 150Psi that has a 9scfm capacity at 90psi. Didn't do any research, but bought it in frustration at Home Depot when the pressure switch on my other one died one afternoon in the middle of a project.

It works great for nail guns - no problem with 3 1/8 nails into framing lumber. It will also keep up with a LVLP spray gun pretty much. I have to wait for it to catch up from time to time. The only downside is it is LOUD, and kind of heavy at 70 lbs. But strapped to a hand truck with two bungies, it goes just about anywhere.

I would strongly recommend the Porter Cable nail guns. I've prolly shot close to 100,000 nails, between the framing, finish, brad and pinner and had something like 2 jams.

Good luck!

Rob

[rePhil]

If you are going to use it a lot indoors the oil free ones are noisy.

[SEABREEZE]

[QUOTE=BengeBoy]Porter-Cable $179

http://www.amazon.com/Porter-Cable-C2002-WK-Oil-Free-Compressor-Accessory/dp/B000N5UHK0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1255910748&sr=1-1

+1 ON THE PORTER CABLE.

Had one on wheels, but this porter cable can even be man handled by a young boy. Light and easy to move., or should I say carry. No need for wheels.