Hi All,

I'm looking to get myself a 2" brad nailer + compressor for a project
I'm doing, and I figure I might as well get a compressor which can also
handle the occasional bit of shop work I do. Online catalogs are a bit
confusing since it looks like many switch between CFM and SCFM terms...
making it difficult to know what compressor will be suitable with what
tool, etc.

Bostitch has a combo kit for under $200 (CPACK1850) which gets me a
brad nailer, a 2HP oil-free compressor with 4 gallon tank + hoses, etc.
It is spec'ed at 2.1 CFM at 90 PSI.

Will this compressor work for occasional light work (think rotating
tires) with a 1/2" impact wrench? I understand that a decent impact
wrench would use 4SCFM. According to some website, I can convert
Bostitch's 2.1CFM at 90 to about 5.5 SCFM, in which case, all is well.
But if Bostitch MEANT to say SCFM, then I'm screwed. Or maybe I don't
know what I'm talking about.

So... will this work for me? Is there a better nailer+compressor pair
I could get for under, say, $250?

Appreciate any ideas.

Thanks much,
JM

Frotunately a nailer will work with most any capacity compressor but if you
wanted to use it with a sprayer, grinder, saw or anything that spins you'll
need a bigger compressor. You could still use it for blowoff and tire
filling needs.

If all you want is to use a nailer, get a smaller compressor and it will be
easier to move around. Since they sell the one you noted as a set, I think
it is safe to assume it will work to spec.

As long as the compressor has the same or higher pressure and CFM as the
tool it will work.





wrote in message
oups.com...
Is there a better nailer+compressor pair I could get for under, say,
$250?


Don't have a clue about SCFM vs CFM etc., but I've been sort of
considering a small compressor for the same things you are. So in
response to your last question, I don't know if this is better, but I
saw a Porter Cable at Amazon for $230 - search there for CFBN200A. I
think it might have recently been on sale for $200.
I'd appreciate other's experience/opinions/comments also,
Thanks,
Andy

wrote in message
oups.com...
Hi All,

I'm looking to get myself a 2" brad nailer + compressor for a project
I'm doing, and I figure I might as well get a compressor which can also
handle the occasional bit of shop work I do. Online catalogs are a bit
confusing since it looks like many switch between CFM and SCFM terms...
making it difficult to know what compressor will be suitable with what
tool, etc.

Bostitch has a combo kit for under $200 (CPACK1850) which gets me a
brad nailer, a 2HP oil-free compressor with 4 gallon tank + hoses, etc.
It is spec'ed at 2.1 CFM at 90 PSI.

Will this compressor work for occasional light work (think rotating
tires) with a 1/2" impact wrench? I understand that a decent impact
wrench would use 4SCFM. According to some website, I can convert
Bostitch's 2.1CFM at 90 to about 5.5 SCFM, in which case, all is well.
But if Bostitch MEANT to say SCFM, then I'm screwed. Or maybe I don't
know what I'm talking about.


I bought a 2HP unit a couple of years back. Without going to the basement
to check I would guess the specs to be about the same as the ones you posted
above. It is overkill for running a single finish nailer. At 52 pounds
empty I find it awkward to carry around. I drive quite a few 2" brads before
it cycles on. With the smaller nailer it is even longer. I see guys doing
finish work with the $89 wonders from Wally World with about half the
weight. I am sure mine will be working long after theirs are dead but every
time I carry it up the steps I think about it.

I can't say for sure whether or not you can get away with the occasional air
wrench or not. I can tell you that I have used an air chisel which has a
stated consumption very much above my ratings. I can't use it constantly.
When I use up the stored air in the tank I have to give the compressor a
chance to catch up. Usually this is about a minute. I think the same would
work for you. Two nuts off and drink a beer. I should reword that but I am
not gonna do it.

If you want to compare the stats. The air chisel I use is the el-cheapo one
from Harbor Freight. About $20 if not on sale. 7-10 on sale.

--
Colbyt
One picture can be worth a 1000 words.
Post yours at www.ImageGenie.net for FREE.

wrote in message
oups.com...
Is there a better nailer+compressor pair I could get for under, say,
$250?


Don't have a clue about SCFM vs CFM etc., but I've been sort of
considering a small compressor for the same things you are. So in
response to your last question, I don't know if this is better, but I
saw a Porter Cable at Amazon for $230 - search there for CFBN200A. I
think it might have recently been on sale for $200.
I'd appreciate other's experience/opinions/comments also,
Thanks,
Andy

I got the PC w/brad nailer a couple months ago at Amazon for $115. Didn't
particularly need it, but at that price...

If all you want to do is drive a nailer think about the little Senco. It is
reasonably priced, extremely quiet and will do a nailer just fine. It is
hopelessly small for anything that takes a lot of air.