Planning to buy an air compressor tomorrow morning, on sale
(6-gallon, 1.5HP, Fini brand unit at Menards for $79).
Also planning to buy a 25' or 50' of 3/8" hose since I've read here
that those are superior to the 1/4" variety.


Question: Besides tools, will I need to buy "adaptors"? I saw a bunch
of them in "beginner's kits". I also want to buy a decent tool for the
car tires (that will show SWMBO what a practical purchase this is)!
It appears that the ones that come in the beginner's kits are only so-so.

50' sounds pretty long until you start thinking about running around to
2 cars..hmmm.

Please advise. Thanks!
Bill

On Thu, 27 Nov 2014 21:45:02 -0500, Bill
wrote:

Planning to buy an air compressor tomorrow morning, on sale
(6-gallon, 1.5HP, Fini brand unit at Menards for $79).
Also planning to buy a 25' or 50' of 3/8" hose since I've read here
that those are superior to the 1/4" variety.


Question: Besides tools, will I need to buy "adaptors"? I saw a bunch
of them in "beginner's kits". I also want to buy a decent tool for the
car tires (that will show SWMBO what a practical purchase this is)!
It appears that the ones that come in the beginner's kits are only so-so.

50' sounds pretty long until you start thinking about running around to
2 cars..hmmm.

Please advise. Thanks!
Bill

If the lenght is in question go with two 25' hoses and quick
disconnect couplings for joining the two sections when needed.

--
Jack Novak - Buffalo, NY

"Bill" wrote:


Planning to buy an air compressor tomorrow morning, on sale
(6-gallon, 1.5HP, Fini brand unit at Menards for $79).
Also planning to buy a 25' or 50' of 3/8" hose since I've read here
that those are superior to the 1/4" variety.


Question: Besides tools, will I need to buy "adaptors"? I saw a
bunch
of them in "beginner's kits". I also want to buy a decent tool for
the
car tires (that will show SWMBO what a practical purchase this is)!
It appears that the ones that come in the beginner's kits are only
so-so.

50' sounds pretty long until you start thinking about running around
to 2 cars..hmmm.
----------------------------------------------------
Time for a trip to HF.

3/8 x 50 ft is where it's at.

HF has the low cost hose that you throw away and replace
every 2-3 years.

Buy sets of quick connect couplings that have lots of 3/8 male
but also some 3/8 female plugs.

You will also need some 3/8 male and female sockets.

Get a blow gun kit. They are cheap and have lots of usable goodies
including a tire nozzle.

For about $30 or less, you will be a happy camper.

Lew

Lew Hodgett wrote:
"Bill" wrote:


Planning to buy an air compressor tomorrow morning, on sale
(6-gallon, 1.5HP, Fini brand unit at Menards for $79).
Also planning to buy a 25' or 50' of 3/8" hose since I've read here
that those are superior to the 1/4" variety.


Question: Besides tools, will I need to buy "adaptors"? I saw a
bunch
of them in "beginner's kits". I also want to buy a decent tool for
the
car tires (that will show SWMBO what a practical purchase this is)!
It appears that the ones that come in the beginner's kits are only
so-so.

50' sounds pretty long until you start thinking about running around
to 2 cars..hmmm.
----------------------------------------------------
Time for a trip to HF.

3/8 x 50 ft is where it's at.

HF has the low cost hose that you throw away and replace
every 2-3 years.

Buy sets of quick connect couplings that have lots of 3/8 male
but also some 3/8 female plugs.

You will also need some 3/8 male and female sockets.

Get a blow gun kit. They are cheap and have lots of usable goodies
including a tire nozzle.

For about $30 or less, you will be a happy camper.

Lew


Thank you and Nova for your answers. Happy TG.

I also found this video which answered all of my questions I had about
adaptors and some questions I hadn't even thought about yet!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpe4prO1B7U

Bill

Nova wrote:
On Thu, 27 Nov 2014 21:45:02 -0500, Bill
wrote:

Planning to buy an air compressor tomorrow morning, on sale
(6-gallon, 1.5HP, Fini brand unit at Menards for $79).
Also planning to buy a 25' or 50' of 3/8" hose since I've read here
that those are superior to the 1/4" variety.


Question: Besides tools, will I need to buy "adaptors"? I saw a bunch
of them in "beginner's kits". I also want to buy a decent tool for the
car tires (that will show SWMBO what a practical purchase this is)!
It appears that the ones that come in the beginner's kits are only so-so.

50' sounds pretty long until you start thinking about running around to
2 cars..hmmm.

Please advise. Thanks!
Bill
If the lenght is in question go with two 25' hoses and quick
disconnect couplings for joining the two sections when needed.

Thank you. I like that!

Bill wrote:
Planning to buy an air compressor tomorrow morning, on sale
(6-gallon, 1.5HP, Fini brand unit at Menards for $79).
Also planning to buy a 25' or 50' of 3/8" hose since I've read here
that those are superior to the 1/4" variety.

That is your first mistake Bill. You don't buy a compressor based on an add
in a flyer. You really need to understand how you intend to use a
compressor. Comressors have different rating that you can only decipher
once you understand how you plan to use them. You just want to blow up car
tires? fine - get a bicycle tire pump. You want to power other air tools -
than you have no choice but to understand the air demands of those tools.
My personal advice - do not go out and buy a compressor tomorrow. You just
don't know enough at this point, of what you'll need.



Question: Besides tools, will I need to buy "adaptors"? I saw a bunch
of them in "beginner's kits". I also want to buy a decent tool for
the car tires (that will show SWMBO what a practical purchase this
is)! It appears that the ones that come in the beginner's kits are only
so-so.

Bull Bill. You don't even know what you will need yet, so how can you
possibly assess the quality of tools that you don't even understand? Don't
let your cart before your horse here Bill.



50' sounds pretty long until you start thinking about running around
to 2 cars..hmmm.

Correct. But - to that very valid question... I have 50' in an overhead
reel and I can do everything I need to do to cover 2 and 1/2 standard car
bays. Mind you - I do a lot more with an air hose than you will likely ever
do, so I think you'd be fine at 50' as long as you put the hose reel in a
center point. Don't mount it or coil it on some end wall or in some
corner - you know - the logical stuff.


--

-Mike-

Bill wrote:
Nova wrote:
On Thu, 27 Nov 2014 21:45:02 -0500, Bill
wrote:

Planning to buy an air compressor tomorrow morning, on sale
(6-gallon, 1.5HP, Fini brand unit at Menards for $79).
Also planning to buy a 25' or 50' of 3/8" hose since I've read here
that those are superior to the 1/4" variety.


Question: Besides tools, will I need to buy "adaptors"? I saw a
bunch of them in "beginner's kits". I also want to buy a decent tool
for
the car tires (that will show SWMBO what a practical purchase this
is)! It appears that the ones that come in the beginner's kits are only
so-so. 50' sounds pretty long until you start thinking about running
around to 2 cars..hmmm.

Please advise. Thanks!
Bill
If the lenght is in question go with two 25' hoses and quick
disconnect couplings for joining the two sections when needed.

Thank you. I like that!

Just think about how you install this. Two 25's don't give you any more
than one 50. You want to think about where you center the source of the air
pressure.

--

-Mike-

"Nova" wrote:

If the lenght is in question go with two 25' hoses and quick
disconnect couplings for joining the two sections when needed.
------------------------------------------------------
If you go that route, make one of those a higher
quality "whip" type hose typically used with a paint gun or nailer.

BTW, you will need a regulator if one isn't included.

Make it a 1/2 inch unit along with a filter trap to keep air dry.

Add another $30-$40.

Lew

Mike Marlow wrote:
Just think about how you install this. Two 25's don't give you any
more than one 50. You want to think about where you center the source
of the air pressure.

The air compressors we are talking about now are quite portable. I think
I know more than you give me credit for (my post didn't reveal that). I
know for instance that one of these will run a "gravity"-type paint
sprayer. No intent to attach a 1/2" impact wrench at the point.. (I
know it's a poor match).

Bill

Lew Hodgett wrote:
"Nova" wrote:

If the lenght is in question go with two 25' hoses and quick
disconnect couplings for joining the two sections when needed.
------------------------------------------------------
If you go that route, make one of those a higher
quality "whip" type hose typically used with a paint gun or nailer.

BTW, you will need a regulator if one isn't included.
All of the units I've been looking at seem to have a pressure
gauge for the tank, and a pressure gauge and regulator for the tool.
The video I provided a link to also mentioned a filter (and adding
adding a few drops of oil to the tools before usage).

Bill


Make it a 1/2 inch unit along with a filter trap to keep air dry.

Add another $30-$40.

Lew

Mike Marlow wrote:
Bill wrote:
Mike Marlow wrote:
Just think about how you install this. Two 25's don't give you any
more than one 50. You want to think about where you center the source
of the air pressure.
The air compressors we are talking about now are quite portable. I
think I know more than you give me credit for
Actually Bill - I consider you to be quite intelligent - though not always
all that experienced.


(my post didn't reveal
that). I know for instance that one of these will run a
"gravity"-type paint sprayer. No intent to attach a 1/2" impact
wrench at the point.. (I know it's a poor match).
It's a really poor match Bill and it shows one simple fact - that you have
not come to understand the SCFM demands of those two tools.

Well, I went and checked, and you were right Mike that the demand for
the HVLP sprayer were higher than I recollected (stated
at 6 CFM @ 40 PSI, and the compressor is only rated at 3.7 CFM (and I
know that one would even want 20 CFM maybe for continuous use).

So I may need to "step it up a notch". What would be your
recommendation, Mike (besides waiting - I've already done that)?

Bill wrote:
Mike Marlow wrote:
Just think about how you install this. Two 25's don't give you any
more than one 50. You want to think about where you center the source
of the air pressure.

The air compressors we are talking about now are quite portable. I
think I know more than you give me credit for

Actually Bill - I consider you to be quite intelligent - though not always
all that experienced.


(my post didn't reveal
that). I know for instance that one of these will run a
"gravity"-type paint sprayer. No intent to attach a 1/2" impact
wrench at the point.. (I know it's a poor match).

It's a really poor match Bill and it shows one simple fact - that you have
not come to understand the SCFM demands of those two tools. That's the
whole point. It does not matter how far they are (25 or 50 feet), it
matters what those tools and any other anticipated tools will demand of air
delivery.

Bill - I and others have posted diatribes on this to both you and other
posters. There is a ton of reference information in the archives on this
very topic. You would do yourself well to research what has been posted.

Ignore me if you choose but my advise to you is that you don't even know at
this point what compressor you really need - but go buy what you want
anyway. Hopefully it will work out for you.

--

-Mike-


Bill

Bill wrote:
Lew Hodgett wrote:
"Nova" wrote:

If the lenght is in question go with two 25' hoses and quick
disconnect couplings for joining the two sections when needed.
------------------------------------------------------
If you go that route, make one of those a higher
quality "whip" type hose typically used with a paint gun or nailer.

BTW, you will need a regulator if one isn't included.
All of the units I've been looking at seem to have a pressure
gauge for the tank, and a pressure gauge and regulator for the tool.
The video I provided a link to also mentioned a filter (and adding
adding a few drops of oil to the tools before usage).


I completely disagree with what I see Lew saying here. A whip is only
needed at connection points between such things as the compressor and hard
line plumbing - not at all - read this... not at all between connecting two
hoses together. Perhaps Lew was trying to make a different point, but if
you're not using hard line, you don't need any whips. Your air hose is the
whip.

As for a regulator - I believe in a regulator on each device. I have one on
almost everything that I attach to an air hose. Saves me from going back to
the compressor to regulate air pressure. For sure - on every single paint
gun in my arsenal. But - that's a convenience thing. I can throttle back
the air pressre right at the device in my hand. Not necessary for any other
reason.

--

-Mike-

Bill wrote:
Mike Marlow wrote:
Bill wrote:
Mike Marlow wrote:
Just think about how you install this. Two 25's don't give you any
more than one 50. You want to think about where you center the
source of the air pressure.
The air compressors we are talking about now are quite portable. I
think I know more than you give me credit for
Actually Bill - I consider you to be quite intelligent - though not
always all that experienced.


(my post didn't reveal
that). I know for instance that one of these will run a
"gravity"-type paint sprayer. No intent to attach a 1/2" impact
wrench at the point.. (I know it's a poor match).
It's a really poor match Bill and it shows one simple fact - that
you have not come to understand the SCFM demands of those two tools.

Well, I went and checked, and you were right Mike that the demand for
the HVLP sprayer were higher than I recollected (stated
at 6 CFM @ 40 PSI, and the compressor is only rated at 3.7 CFM (and
I know that one would even want 20 CFM maybe for continuous use).

So I may need to "step it up a notch". What would be your
recommendation, Mike (besides waiting - I've already done that)?

Oh man brother - do I understand the pain of waiting! So - we have a fair
amount to discover. You will have to figure out just how much of each kind
of work you will really do. Impact guns can actually run on a lot less
compressor than what would be required to paint. HVLP will often require 12
SCFM at 40psi, or if you're lucky at 90psi, or better. I have an 18 SCFM
compressor at 120psi. You of course, would not need that, but I used to
paint (a long time ago) with a simple Sears 33 gallon 12 SCFM comressor. It
cycled a ton - a freakin' ton! It got hot and there were a couple of
problems associated with that, but I painted with it all the same. You of
course, would likely not paint like I do. If you want to shoot a door here
and there like Robert does, or blow on some stain, then your demands would
be less than mine. You'd still want to deliver the SCFM requirements of the
gun you are using. It gets sort of convoluted here - first you have to
understand what the gun you want requires, then you try to match a
compressor capability to that, then you go back and find a gun that is not
quite so hungry so that you can step back on your compressor... See what I
mean?

The best first pass advise I can offer you Bill is to first consider what
you want to use the compressor for. Then research the demands of those
tools on a compressor. Then see if you can find a compressor in your price
range to support those tools. If not - re-calibrate your needs and go
through the whole process again. I hope I am not sounding obtuse here
Bill - it's really a chicken and egg thing that you have to go back through
from each perspective - does that make sense?

--

-Mike-

I wrote:

If you go that route, make one of those a higher
quality "whip" type hose typically used with a paint gun or nailer.
------------------------------------------------
"Mike Marlow" wrote:

I completely disagree with what I see Lew saying here. A whip is
only needed at connection points between such things as the
compressor and hard line plumbing - not at all - read this... not at
all between connecting two hoses together. Perhaps Lew was trying
to make a different point, but if you're not using hard line, you
don't need any whips.
-------------------------------------------------------
The low cost 3/8 hose can't tolerate the UV exposure from the sun
in outdoor usage and thus get stiff over time and will need to be
replaced
more frequently than higher quality hose.

"Whip" was intended to define the final length of hose connecting the
device, (paint gun, nailer,etc) to the air source that was of higher
quality
and remained flexible over time.

Lew

Mike Marlow wrote:
Bill wrote:
Mike Marlow wrote:
Bill wrote:
Mike Marlow wrote:
Just think about how you install this. Two 25's don't give you any
more than one 50. You want to think about where you center the
source of the air pressure.
The air compressors we are talking about now are quite portable. I
think I know more than you give me credit for
Actually Bill - I consider you to be quite intelligent - though not
always all that experienced.


(my post didn't reveal
that). I know for instance that one of these will run a
"gravity"-type paint sprayer. No intent to attach a 1/2" impact
wrench at the point.. (I know it's a poor match).
It's a really poor match Bill and it shows one simple fact - that
you have not come to understand the SCFM demands of those two tools.
Well, I went and checked, and you were right Mike that the demand for
the HVLP sprayer were higher than I recollected (stated
at 6 CFM @ 40 PSI, and the compressor is only rated at 3.7 CFM (and
I know that one would even want 20 CFM maybe for continuous use).

So I may need to "step it up a notch". What would be your
recommendation, Mike (besides waiting - I've already done that)?
Oh man brother - do I understand the pain of waiting! So - we have a fair
amount to discover. You will have to figure out just how much of each kind
of work you will really do. Impact guns can actually run on a lot less
compressor than what would be required to paint. HVLP will often require 12
SCFM at 40psi, or if you're lucky at 90psi, or better. I have an 18 SCFM
compressor at 120psi. You of course, would not need that, but I used to
paint (a long time ago) with a simple Sears 33 gallon 12 SCFM comressor. It
cycled a ton - a freakin' ton! It got hot and there were a couple of
problems associated with that, but I painted with it all the same. You of
course, would likely not paint like I do. If you want to shoot a door here
and there like Robert does, or blow on some stain, then your demands would
be less than mine. You'd still want to deliver the SCFM requirements of the
gun you are using. It gets sort of convoluted here - first you have to
understand what the gun you want requires, then you try to match a
compressor capability to that, then you go back and find a gun that is not
quite so hungry so that you can step back on your compressor... See what I
mean?

The best first pass advise I can offer you Bill is to first consider what
you want to use the compressor for. Then research the demands of those
tools on a compressor. Then see if you can find a compressor in your price
range to support those tools. If not - re-calibrate your needs and go
through the whole process again. I hope I am not sounding obtuse here
Bill - it's really a chicken and egg thing that you have to go back through
from each perspective - does that make sense?



Yes, the last time I spent a while reseaching all of this, and I really
did do that, it was my conclusion that people needs 3 air compressors,
at least,
to have most of their bases covered. What do you think of this one
(linked to below)? Maybe a lot more compressor for not so much more money?
I guess the question I would ask, is whether I can get a decent HVLP
paint sprayer that would be suitable with that.
According to the specs, I can. But it would be interesting to know what
people are using. As you know, I'm just a "hobbyest", I'm
not running cabinetry through my shop everyday...

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-ha...73-c-12910.htm

Obviously, this is not a rush purchase (even though I have 2 cars that
"need air"). But the 5 gallon, Shop Vac on sale for $10 tomorrow morning
will be hard to pass up!
Happy TG to ya!

Bill

Lew Hodgett wrote:

The low cost 3/8 hose can't tolerate the UV exposure from the sun
in outdoor usage and thus get stiff over time and will need to be
replaced
more frequently than higher quality hose.

I might have missed something in the discourse, but I didn't see any UV
exposure mentioned.


"Whip" was intended to define the final length of hose connecting the
device, (paint gun, nailer,etc) to the air source that was of higher
quality
and remained flexible over time.


I still have to disagree. I have never installed a whip to any of my
devices - just the air hose. Never had a problem. The whip is used to
absorb the shock from the compressor to the hard line. It serves no purpose
at the connection to the device.

--

-Mike-

Beginner kits may just mean all of a quantity of male and female fittings in
one package.

I would say get the two 5' hoses, but get either a 100' hose or a roll in
bulk. I think what you want to do is have a location for the compressor,
and run the 100' around the shop, putting some t's with female quick
connects here and there. Also, get a 6 hour wind up timer and female and
male cord caps and a handy box, and make it so you can turn on the timer
when you want air. That way you will not have to come back and turn off the
air compressor when the damn thing starts up during the middle of the night
cause you forgot to turn it off....... DAMHIKT!


-- Jim in NC

"Nova" wrote in message ...

On Thu, 27 Nov 2014 21:45:02 -0500, Bill
wrote:

Planning to buy an air compressor tomorrow morning, on sale
(6-gallon, 1.5HP, Fini brand unit at Menards for $79).
Also planning to buy a 25' or 50' of 3/8" hose since I've read here
that those are superior to the 1/4" variety.


Question: Besides tools, will I need to buy "adaptors"? I saw a bunch
of them in "beginner's kits". I also want to buy a decent tool for the
car tires (that will show SWMBO what a practical purchase this is)!
It appears that the ones that come in the beginner's kits are only so-so.

50' sounds pretty long until you start thinking about running around to
2 cars..hmmm.

Please advise. Thanks!
Bill

If the lenght is in question go with two 25' hoses and quick
disconnect couplings for joining the two sections when needed.

--
Jack Novak - Buffalo, NY


---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
http://www.avast.com

"Morgans" wrote in
:

Beginner kits may just mean all of a quantity of male and female
fittings in one package.

I would say get the two 5' hoses, but get either a 100' hose or a roll
in bulk. I think what you want to do is have a location for the
compressor, and run the 100' around the shop, putting some t's with
female quick connects here and there. Also, get a 6 hour wind up
timer and female and male cord caps and a handy box, and make it so
you can turn on the timer when you want air. That way you will not
have to come back and turn off the air compressor when the damn thing
starts up during the middle of the night cause you forgot to turn it
off....... DAMHIKT!


-- Jim in NC


I really enjoy my automatic retractable hose reel. It keeps the hose out
of my way when I'm not using it, and makes it easy to pull out when I
need it. It might be worth looking in to later.

Unfortunately, the reel I have is too small for the amount of hose that
was included. If not wound perfectly, it tends to stop with quite a bit
of hose left. It's something to watch for when evaluating reels.

Puckdropper
--
Make it to fit, don't make it fit.

On 11/27/2014 11:14 PM, Mike Marlow wrote:
Bill wrote:
Planning to buy an air compressor tomorrow morning, on sale
(6-gallon, 1.5HP, Fini brand unit at Menards for $79).
Also planning to buy a 25' or 50' of 3/8" hose since I've read here
that those are superior to the 1/4" variety.

That is your first mistake Bill. You don't buy a compressor based on an add
in a flyer. You really need to understand how you intend to use a
compressor. Comressors have different rating that you can only decipher
once you understand how you plan to use them. You just want to blow up car
tires? fine - get a bicycle tire pump. You want to power other air tools -
than you have no choice but to understand the air demands of those tools.
My personal advice - do not go out and buy a compressor tomorrow. You just
don't know enough at this point, of what you'll need.

I sort of disagree about buying tomorrow. If he has and can afford $79,
it is a good lesson into the world of compressed air. It is a modest
investment and a help to find out what he will really need in the future.

For modest cost, he will be able to fill tires, power air nailers and
blow dust off the bench. He will collect a few tire gauges and fittings.

Next year he will buy the 25 HP screw compressor.

Bill wrote:


Yes, the last time I spent a while reseaching all of this, and I
really did do that, it was my conclusion that people needs 3 air
compressors,
at least,

That's how to think! I actually do have 3 compressors, but not for the
reasons you might think. It just kinda worked out that way.


to have most of their bases covered. What do you think of this one
(linked to below)? Maybe a lot more compressor for not so much more
money? I guess the question I would ask, is whether I can get a
decent HVLP paint sprayer that would be suitable with that.
According to the specs, I can. But it would be interesting to know
what people are using. As you know, I'm just a "hobbyest", I'm
not running cabinetry through my shop everyday...

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-ha...73-c-12910.htm


That compressor is going to struggle to supply an HVLP gun. Most guns
require around 10 SCFM delivery rate, and commonly more than that. That
said - the old siphon style guns will work just fine on a compressor like
that with the caveat that a 20 gallon tank will cause it to cycle more than
a larger tank. I used to paint an entire car with a 33 gallon compressor.
I had to drain it frequently because they can build up a lot of water inside
from cycling.

The syphon style guns spray just fine but they put out more overspray than
an HVLP gun does. If you're not doing a lot of spraying it's not such a big
problem. I still use mine for primers, and some other stuff. Perhaps a
good compromise in your situation would be a compressor similar to what you
are looking at in that link, and a syphon gun instead of an HVLP gun. You
can shoot a finish every bit as fine with either gun. I shoot with HVLP
because automotive finishes are expensive. It's common to pay $60-$70 for a
pint of base coat at wholesale prices, and $120 per gallon of clear coat (on
the low end). At those prices, overspray translates into significant waste.
That's a lot of money laying on the floor when you're done. When a car
requires several quarts of paint, that's a lot of pints of paint. But - I
only shoot HVLP on my finishes - base and clear. I prime, etc. with 40 year
old siphon guns that I keep in like new condition. (That's a whole 'nother
discussion for after you buy a gun).

With the understanding that you don't want a full on shop compressor, just
go for the most tank and the highest SCFM rating that's in your budget. If
you can land at around 12SCFM, you should be able to support just about any
tool that you'd ever want in your shop (except full run tools like a DA).
Remember - it's a little bit about capacity (tank size), but it's a lot
about delivery rate. If all you can find or afford is around 10SCFM, then
it's ify whether you can expect to shoot with an HVLP gun.

The one in the link is oilless and it used to be that those things were so
noisy that you wouldn't want one on the same block you lived on.
Manufacturers have gotten those things much quieter today and it would pay
to have them fire it up in the store so you can hear how loud it is. I have
a tiny 3 gallon compressor that was a Christmas present that I used to drive
my nail guns inside a house/building. It is oilless and it barely more than
hums. Very quiet. It only pumps up 100psi but that's plenty for that task.
It's light, small, and quiet. Perfect for the task. I would pump up a tire
with it, knowing though that it would take a while and that it would be
running most of the time it was pumping up the tire. Not my go-to choice,
but it would do it.

Sorry Bill - I got rambling a bit here. Must have just felt like typing
this morning.

--

-Mike-

Ed Pawlowski wrote:
On 11/27/2014 11:14 PM, Mike Marlow wrote:
Bill wrote:
Planning to buy an air compressor tomorrow morning, on sale
(6-gallon, 1.5HP, Fini brand unit at Menards for $79).
Also planning to buy a 25' or 50' of 3/8" hose since I've read here
that those are superior to the 1/4" variety.

That is your first mistake Bill. You don't buy a compressor based
on an add in a flyer. You really need to understand how you intend
to use a compressor. Comressors have different rating that you can
only decipher once you understand how you plan to use them. You
just want to blow up car tires? fine - get a bicycle tire pump. You want
to power other air tools - than you have no choice but to
understand the air demands of those tools. My personal advice - do
not go out and buy a compressor tomorrow. You just don't know
enough at this point, of what you'll need.

I sort of disagree about buying tomorrow. If he has and can afford
$79, it is a good lesson into the world of compressed air. It is a
modest investment and a help to find out what he will really need in
the future.
For modest cost, he will be able to fill tires, power air nailers and
blow dust off the bench. He will collect a few tire gauges and
fittings.

I'll conceed that point.


Next year he will buy the 25 HP screw compressor.

And then I'll be jealous...

--

-Mike-

On 11/27/2014 11:16 PM, Bill wrote:

But it would be interesting to know what
people are using. As you know, I'm just a "hobbyest", I'm
not running cabinetry through my shop everyday...

ASCII and you shall receive...

Not a hobbyist, space challenged, portability is a factor in all tool
decisions, and I insist on an oil lubed air compressor for longevity for
shop use, therefo

~For the shop:

12 gal Craftsman, oil lubed, similar to this:

http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-1...crumbW rapper

(Don't think the 12 gal oil lubed is available any longer, but look
around for one similar)

~For onsite installation:

Any compact, pancake type, that will reasonably run a single framing
nailer (although that is not its intended use, the capability is welcome
and sometimes necessary), and will not stand proud of the truck sides
when loaded, similar to this:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Porter-Ca...2002/203162815

Cheesy, but gets the job done. I treat smaller air compressors like
this, for onsite use, much like paper clips and staples.

IOW _expendable_ office supplies. They are Section 179 expendable and if
they only last a couple of years they will still have more than paid for
themselves.

~Spraying:

My spraying needs are limited to mostly spraying primer and top coats
like urethane and shellac.

Even if I had the space I would still not want a larger compressor for
spraying (size of unit and cost of necessary accessories) and consider a
dedicated HVLP unit more than sufficient, similar to this:

http://www.amazon.com/Earlex-HV5500-.../dp/B004RGOKR2

Neither own, nor need, an air compressor hose over 25'.

What works for the way I work. YMMV...

--
eWoodShop: www.eWoodShop.com
Wood Shop: www.e-WoodShop.net
https://www.google.com/+eWoodShop
https://plus.google.com/+KarlCaillouet/posts
http://www.custommade.com/by/ewoodshop/
KarlCaillouet@ (the obvious)

Swingman wrote:
On 11/27/2014 11:16 PM, Bill wrote:

But it would be interesting to know what
people are using. As you know, I'm just a "hobbyest", I'm
not running cabinetry through my shop everyday...

ASCII and you shall receive...

Not a hobbyist, space challenged, portability is a factor in all tool
decisions, and I insist on an oil lubed air compressor for longevity
for shop use, therefo

~For the shop:

12 gal Craftsman, oil lubed, similar to this:

http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-1...crumbW rapper


(Don't think the 12 gal oil lubed is available any longer, but look
around for one similar)

~For onsite installation:

Any compact, pancake type, that will reasonably run a single framing
nailer (although that is not its intended use, the capability is
welcome and sometimes necessary), and will not stand proud of the
truck sides when loaded, similar to this:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Porter-Ca...2002/203162815


Cheesy, but gets the job done. I treat smaller air compressors like
this, for onsite use, much like paper clips and staples.

IOW _expendable_ office supplies. They are Section 179 expendable and
if they only last a couple of years they will still have more than
paid for themselves.

~Spraying:

My spraying needs are limited to mostly spraying primer and top coats
like urethane and shellac.

Even if I had the space I would still not want a larger compressor for
spraying (size of unit and cost of necessary accessories) and consider
a dedicated HVLP unit more than sufficient, similar to this:

http://www.amazon.com/Earlex-HV5500-.../dp/B004RGOKR2

Neither own, nor need, an air compressor hose over 25'.

What works for the way I work. YMMV...


Your system makes alot of sense! Sort of like I said earlier, by the
time one starts understanding, they think they need at least 3 compressors.
What do you mainly use your 12 gallon shop compressor for?



UNBELIEVABLE number of people at Menards at 6:00 AM this morning.
Besides filling their gigantic parking lot, cars over-flowed into the
parking lots of every neighboring business. I got one of the last five
5-gallon, Shop-Vacs for $10 (after rebate). I came home and studied
air compressors some more. I think I got HPLV and "gravity fed" mixed
up (thinking they were the same), so I will need to "restudy".
Mike, and others, provided alot of good info.

I'm still looking at 8-inch jointers, but Grizzly hasn't had their G0490
in stock for at least 5 months. They told me a month ago that they
were expecting them in about a week from now. That would keep me out of
trouble for the time being... : )

Bill

Bill wrote:

I came home and
studied air compressors some more. I think I got HPLV and "gravity fed"
mixed
up (thinking they were the same), so I will need to "restudy".
Mike, and others, provided alot of good info.

Easy mistake to make Bill - a lot of people do that. I like gravity feed.
I have both gravity feed and siphon, and I'm used to both, but if I had to
make a choice, I think I'd go with gravity feed. Harbor Freight is a great
place to look for guns.


--

-Mike-

"Lew Hodgett" wrote:

If you go that route, make one of those a higher
quality "whip" type hose typically used with a paint gun or nailer.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Knock yourself out but at $12.99/50 ft, the 3/8" PVC hose is tough
to beat.

http://tinyurl.com/kntdslw

On Fri, 28 Nov 2014 02:38:59 -0500
"Morgans" wrote:

Beginner kits may just mean all of a quantity of male and female
fittings in one package.

I would say get the two 5' hoses, but get either a 100' hose or a
roll in bulk. I think what you want to do is have a location for the
compressor, and run the 100' around the shop, putting some t's with
female quick connects here and there. Also, get a 6 hour wind up
timer and female and male cord caps and a handy box, and make it so
you can turn on the timer when you want air. That way you will not
have to come back and turn off the air compressor when the damn thing
starts up during the middle of the night cause you forgot to turn it
off....... DAMHIKT!


The timer is good advice. I use a 24-hour timer.

On 11/28/2014 8:36 AM, Bill wrote:

What do you mainly use your 12 gallon shop compressor for?

Compressed air for shop duty, in a closet where it stays and never leaves.

Pancake goes in the truck for use onsite.

--
eWoodShop: www.eWoodShop.com
Wood Shop: www.e-WoodShop.net
https://www.google.com/+eWoodShop
https://plus.google.com/+KarlCaillouet/posts
http://www.custommade.com/by/ewoodshop/
KarlCaillouet@ (the obvious)

Swingman wrote:
On 11/28/2014 8:36 AM, Bill wrote:

What do you mainly use your 12 gallon shop compressor for?

Compressed air for shop duty, in a closet where it stays and never
leaves.

Yes, I CAN HEEARRR YOUUUUU!!!! Got it! Thank you! --
Bill


Pancake goes in the truck for use onsite.

Bill wrote in :

(and adding
adding a few drops of oil to the tools before usage).

Beware - some tools require a couple of drops of oil before
each use. Others never require oiling and can be gummed up
(and warranty voided) if you oil them. Read the manuals.

John

John McCoy wrote in
:

Bill wrote in
:

(and adding
adding a few drops of oil to the tools before usage).

Beware - some tools require a couple of drops of oil before
each use. Others never require oiling and can be gummed up
(and warranty voided) if you oil them. Read the manuals.

Oh, and while I think of it - replace the crappy drain plug
on the bottom of the tank with a short pipe nipple and a
valve out where you can get at it easily, and make sure to
drain the water out after every time you use it.

John

Also make a post compressor air cool down water trap. Never try to spray
anything without it. Good for all around use.

Put a male quick connect into a 1 1/4" (or you can go larger if it suits
you; can't be too large) black iron T into the side with whatever bushings
you want, or you can put a barb fitting with a foot piece of air line on it
with a male quick connect on the end. This is what plugs into the air
compressor. Out the bottom of the T, put a reducing bushing and a ball
valve on an elbow, perhaps a 1/2". Out of the top of the T put a 5' piece
of black steel pipe. On top of that, a reducing coupling and perhaps a
street L, into which you put a female quick connect. This is where you
connect your air line to use doing whatever.

How it works, is by putting the hot moisture saturated air from the
compressor into the bottom of the assembly, it has to send the air upwards
to get out, and the large diameter insures that the air is moving slowly
enough and stays there long enough against the large mass of the cool steel
pipe, that it cools, condensing some of the moisture out to fall to the
bottom ball valve to be drained later.

It really works. Especially useful when you are running a small compressor
too hard for the job, especially for spraying. If any of that moisture
laden air condenses as it is being sprayed (as it will if you don't use an
air dryer) you get fish eye bubbles in your finish.

This works so well, I don't use a disposable desiccant filter when I spray
and have not for years.

-- Jim in NC


---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
http://www.avast.com

On 11/27/2014 11:45 PM, Bill wrote:
Mike Marlow wrote:
Bill wrote:
Mike Marlow wrote:
Just think about how you install this. Two 25's don't give you any
more than one 50. You want to think about where you center the source
of the air pressure.
The air compressors we are talking about now are quite portable. I
think I know more than you give me credit for
Actually Bill - I consider you to be quite intelligent - though not
always
all that experienced.


(my post didn't reveal
that). I know for instance that one of these will run a
"gravity"-type paint sprayer. No intent to attach a 1/2" impact
wrench at the point.. (I know it's a poor match).
It's a really poor match Bill and it shows one simple fact - that you
have
not come to understand the SCFM demands of those two tools.

Well, I went and checked, and you were right Mike that the demand for
the HVLP sprayer were higher than I recollected (stated
at 6 CFM @ 40 PSI, and the compressor is only rated at 3.7 CFM (and I
know that one would even want 20 CFM maybe for continuous use).

So I may need to "step it up a notch". What would be your
recommendation, Mike (besides waiting - I've already done that)?




You would be able to spray with that small compressor. Just not
continuous. You would need to rest it quite often.

I picked up a used compressor, old style, oil based at a garage sale.
and am much happier. Less noise, and plenty of air compared to my old 7
gallon.

I was able to spray with my 7 gallon. I didn't spray water based though.



--
Jeff

On 11/28/2014 11:06 PM, John McCoy wrote:
John McCoy wrote in
:

Bill wrote in
:

(and adding
adding a few drops of oil to the tools before usage).

Beware - some tools require a couple of drops of oil before
each use. Others never require oiling and can be gummed up
(and warranty voided) if you oil them. Read the manuals.

Oh, and while I think of it - replace the crappy drain plug
on the bottom of the tank with a short pipe nipple and a
valve out where you can get at it easily, and make sure to
drain the water out after every time you use it.

John

That's good advice, I did that and use ball valves to avoid the pain in
the ass petcocks.



--
Jeff

On 11/27/2014 8:45 PM, Bill wrote:
Planning to buy an air compressor tomorrow morning, on sale
(6-gallon, 1.5HP, Fini brand unit at Menards for $79).
Also planning to buy a 25' or 50' of 3/8" hose since I've read here
that those are superior to the 1/4" variety.


Question: Besides tools, will I need to buy "adaptors"? I saw a bunch
of them in "beginner's kits". I also want to buy a decent tool for the
car tires (that will show SWMBO what a practical purchase this is)!
It appears that the ones that come in the beginner's kits are only so-so.

50' sounds pretty long until you start thinking about running around to
2 cars..hmmm.

Please advise. Thanks!
Bill



So what exactly do you plan to do with your compressor? Probably not
going to be adequate for air ratchets, impacts, etc.

Good for inflating tires, blowing dust and most any nail gun.

Adapters? Male and female couplings maybe. Buy the guarded type female
ends to guard against dragging and uncoupling when the coupling hits and
obstacle. Brass works more smoothly and will not rust. Milton is a
very good brand. I would suggest at least 50' in a good quality hose
and an extra inexpensive 100' one day for most any where
outside.

Keep in mind too that a compressor generally is less likely to blow a
breaker if you plug it directly into the wall outlet. So instead of
long expensive extension cords you want long inexpensive hoses.

On 11/28/2014 8:36 AM, Bill wrote:
Swingman wrote:
On 11/27/2014 11:16 PM, Bill wrote:

But it would be interesting to know what
people are using. As you know, I'm just a "hobbyest", I'm
not running cabinetry through my shop everyday...

ASCII and you shall receive...

Not a hobbyist, space challenged, portability is a factor in all tool
decisions, and I insist on an oil lubed air compressor for longevity
for shop use, therefo

~For the shop:

12 gal Craftsman, oil lubed, similar to this:

http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-1...crumbW rapper


(Don't think the 12 gal oil lubed is available any longer, but look
around for one similar)

~For onsite installation:

Any compact, pancake type, that will reasonably run a single framing
nailer (although that is not its intended use, the capability is
welcome and sometimes necessary), and will not stand proud of the
truck sides when loaded, similar to this:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Porter-Ca...2002/203162815


Cheesy, but gets the job done. I treat smaller air compressors like
this, for onsite use, much like paper clips and staples.

IOW _expendable_ office supplies. They are Section 179 expendable and
if they only last a couple of years they will still have more than
paid for themselves.

~Spraying:

My spraying needs are limited to mostly spraying primer and top coats
like urethane and shellac.

Even if I had the space I would still not want a larger compressor for
spraying (size of unit and cost of necessary accessories) and consider
a dedicated HVLP unit more than sufficient, similar to this:

http://www.amazon.com/Earlex-HV5500-.../dp/B004RGOKR2

Neither own, nor need, an air compressor hose over 25'.

What works for the way I work. YMMV...


Your system makes alot of sense! Sort of like I said earlier, by the
time one starts understanding, they think they need at least 3 compressors.
What do you mainly use your 12 gallon shop compressor for?

I have a 20 gallon compressor in my shop and a smaller one for on the
site jobs.

There is something to be said about an oil type larger compressor, if
you have room. Larger compressors cycle less and thus produce less
noise. Oiled cast iron compressors tend to run much quieter too.

Leon wrote:


So what exactly do you plan to do with your compressor? Probably not
going to be adequate for air ratchets, impacts, etc.

Actually - for the casual user like Bill, ratchets and impacts will work
fine off of the one he's looking at. The most he's ever likely to do is
pull of a car wheel once every few years. Not much demand in that kind of
use.



--

-Mike-

Leon wrote:
On 11/27/2014 8:45 PM, Bill wrote:
Planning to buy an air compressor tomorrow morning, on sale
(6-gallon, 1.5HP, Fini brand unit at Menards for $79).
Also planning to buy a 25' or 50' of 3/8" hose since I've read here
that those are superior to the 1/4" variety.


Question: Besides tools, will I need to buy "adaptors"? I saw a bunch
of them in "beginner's kits". I also want to buy a decent tool for the
car tires (that will show SWMBO what a practical purchase this is)!
It appears that the ones that come in the beginner's kits are only
so-so.

50' sounds pretty long until you start thinking about running around to
2 cars..hmmm.

Please advise. Thanks!
Bill



So what exactly do you plan to do with your compressor? Probably not
going to be adequate for air ratchets, impacts, etc.

I was swayed by Swingman's 3-tiered system. I quiet oil-lubed system for
the shop, a $99 "throwaway" if I had work away from home, and a
self-contained paint sprayer for painting. Craftsman 10-gallon (bigger
may be better, but I didn't see much) is less than $200, IIRC. Could
have bought the $79 compressor and just had a little fun with it. The
Porter Cable 2002 seems to be available for $99, or so on a regular
basis. But I value "lower-db" too (though I didn't see a spec for that
yet). I already sighted a collection of 4 Freeman tools for about
$183, including a framing nailer.

The Craftsman above would be adequate for air ratchets and impacts I
believe. How much so for painting cabinetry?

BTW, good tip below with regard to extension cords and inexpensive
hoses. I'll buy as needed.

Cheers,
Bill


Good for inflating tires, blowing dust and most any nail gun.

Adapters? Male and female couplings maybe. Buy the guarded type
female ends to guard against dragging and uncoupling when the coupling
hits and obstacle. Brass works more smoothly and will not rust.
Milton is a very good brand. I would suggest at least 50' in a good
quality hose and an extra inexpensive 100' one day for most any where
outside.

Keep in mind too that a compressor generally is less likely to blow a
breaker if you plug it directly into the wall outlet. So instead of
long expensive extension cords you want long inexpensive hoses.

On 11/29/2014 8:22 PM, Mike Marlow wrote:
Leon wrote:


So what exactly do you plan to do with your compressor? Probably not
going to be adequate for air ratchets, impacts, etc.

Actually - for the casual user like Bill, ratchets and impacts will work
fine off of the one he's looking at. The most he's ever likely to do is
pull of a car wheel once every few years. Not much demand in that kind of
use.




That may be true if he also uses a top quality air ratchet or impact. I
don't believe that something in the Harbor Freight, Craftsman class will
be any thing but a wasted effort. My 20 gal will Juuuuuust work with my
Craftsman air tools. Maybe my hose is too long and not big enough....I
am using the same diameter hose that we used in our mechanical shops
however.

On 11/29/2014 9:33 PM, Bill wrote:
Leon wrote:
On 11/27/2014 8:45 PM, Bill wrote:
Planning to buy an air compressor tomorrow morning, on sale
(6-gallon, 1.5HP, Fini brand unit at Menards for $79).
Also planning to buy a 25' or 50' of 3/8" hose since I've read here
that those are superior to the 1/4" variety.


Question: Besides tools, will I need to buy "adaptors"? I saw a bunch
of them in "beginner's kits". I also want to buy a decent tool for the
car tires (that will show SWMBO what a practical purchase this is)!
It appears that the ones that come in the beginner's kits are only
so-so.

50' sounds pretty long until you start thinking about running around to
2 cars..hmmm.

Please advise. Thanks!
Bill



So what exactly do you plan to do with your compressor? Probably not
going to be adequate for air ratchets, impacts, etc.

I was swayed by Swingman's 3-tiered system. I quiet oil-lubed system for
the shop, a $99 "throwaway" if I had work away from home, and a
self-contained paint sprayer for painting. Craftsman 10-gallon (bigger
may be better, but I didn't see much) is less than $200, IIRC. Could
have bought the $79 compressor and just had a little fun with it. The
Porter Cable 2002 seems to be available for $99, or so on a regular
basis. But I value "lower-db" too (though I didn't see a spec for that
yet). I already sighted a collection of 4 Freeman tools for about
$183, including a framing nailer.

I bought a 20 gal dual piston cast iron oiled compressor about 20 years
ago. It still runs with little attention. I have changed the oil one
time initially. IIRC I paid $450. Just before buying that one I bought
a 26 gal oilless Craftsman to replace a pieced together 80 gallon
compressor that had a pump and motor off of probably a 10 gallon tank..
It took 2 hours to fill initially and recharge was about 15~20 minutes.

The craftsman lasted almost a week before it self destructed and threw
its piston out side of the housing. I watched it happen and that was
scary. I decided to bite the bullet and buy quality, not one that has
to be replaced every several years. I am happy with my decision. It
runs quietly and not nearly as often as my smaller pancake compressor
that I have had.




The Craftsman above would be adequate for air ratchets and impacts I
believe. How much so for painting cabinetry?

Maybe. My 20 gallon is just adequate with my Craftsman air ratchets and
impacts. Removing a wheel requires the compressor to run before
removing all of the lug nuts. The air ratchet is not much better. I am
not too sure that using an air ratchet with my compressor is much of an
advantage over simply using a non air operated air ratchet. Having said
all of that perhaps much better quality air tools would make better use
of the available air supply. But do you want to buy top quality air
tools that you might not use very often to compensate for a small
compressor?

I have seen a cheap paint gun that we used to paint a 16' tall by 10'
wide steel garage door. The compressor was a small pancake compressor.
This was 25 years ago but I do remember that the painting was
interrupted countless times, it took hours. In a pinch the small
compressor works. I certainly would not want to do this often.

For woodworking, mostly nail guns and blowing dust or inflating, the
compressor you are looking at should be fine for several years.

The best thing to do is to look at the tools and the quality of tools
that you would actually consider buying and see what their air
requirements are. That is going to be closer to the truth about what
size compressor you will need than anything anyone has an opinion on.

I don't think you will be disappointed with buying a quality and correct
sized compressor. Mine sits in the corner with little attention and
does what I need it to do. It takes up about 6 sq. feet of space.










BTW, good tip below with regard to extension cords and inexpensive
hoses. I'll buy as needed.

Cheers,
Bill


Good for inflating tires, blowing dust and most any nail gun.

Adapters? Male and female couplings maybe. Buy the guarded type
female ends to guard against dragging and uncoupling when the coupling
hits and obstacle. Brass works more smoothly and will not rust.
Milton is a very good brand. I would suggest at least 50' in a good
quality hose and an extra inexpensive 100' one day for most any where
outside.

Keep in mind too that a compressor generally is less likely to blow a
breaker if you plug it directly into the wall outlet. So instead of
long expensive extension cords you want long inexpensive hoses.