On Sun, 27 Dec 2009 09:14:53 -0500, "Ed Pawlowski"
wrote:

Sasha wrote:
I am looking to buy new Air compressor. What type and size would you
recommend for a woodworking shop + home improvement and construction
project (involving framing and roofing nailers)?

I am considering HarbourFreight. I have several air tools from it and
they are OK. Any experience with their air compressors?

Nailers require pressure, but very little volume. The biggest portable you
can handle would be my recommendation. In the shop, some guys use air tools
and sprayers that require a lot more air and have the 5 HP compressors, but
they are of little value for a construction project and kind of awkward
getting up on the roof.

I have no experience with Harbor Freight and I'd be rather skeptical of the
quality of their compressors. But they could be the same made in China stuff
the other guys are selling at higher prices.


My advice is to buy one that is bigger than what you think you need.
Once you eneter the world of compressor ownership, you will find other
things you want to do with it.

For just framing and roofing nailers, you could easily get by with one
of those $150 units with a claimed 3 hp and a 10 gallon tank. You will
find that if you are doing a fast line of nails, such as for sheathing
or decking, you may have to stop every so often and let the compressor
catch up. It won't be a killer though. When you later decide you might
like to be able to run a die grinder, however, it won't be enough
capacity. Take a long hard look at the air requirements for various
tools to figure out what you want for now AND for the future.