On 27 Dec 2009 12:21:15 -0500, DJ Delorie wrote:


I just upgraded from a "5HP"/20g (actually 1-2 HP) portable to a true
4HP/80g two-stage. My reasons were two-fold:

1. The single stage couldn't keep pressure *above* 120, which is where
some of my nailers like to be. 90 psi isn't always enough. The
new one bottoms out at 135 PSI :-)

2. Pneumatic sanders suck up a LOT of air - they're one of the more
air-hungry tools you can get. Went from 4 to 12 CFM :-)

I went with a cast iron oiled compressor this time, but I still need
to pick up an oil trap before I can retire the old one.

OTOH, I bought a Dewalt D55168 because its storage tank operates at
200PSI and it was less than 2HP so usable on 120V. You make a good
point about sanders (and paint sprayers) but I decided they weren't
something that I was likely to buy anyway (well, paint was a risk I
took). My nailers all spec 90-100PSI. My Senco siding nailer
(disclaimer: an eBay special) double-nails if it's too much above
90PSI.

It's a big step up from my PC pancake (which I still use).