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If you're using pneumatic tools, there's no avoiding the need for an air compressor. But when it comes to compressors, you'll find they come in a variety of shapes and sizes - so how much compressor do you really need? Use these simple guidelines to determine which air compressor suits your needs best.
In most scenarios, a portable hand-carry compressor will provide more than enough power to keep your pneumatic fastening tool up and running. Take this for instance - a small 1HP portable unit (delivering 2.0 CFM – cubic feet of air per minute) allows a large nail gun to operate at about 15 nail drives per minute. That same compressor will run a medium-size finishing nailer at about 30 nail drives per minute, and will run a small brad nailer at over 70 drives per minute. So as you can see, the specs of the tool will ultimately dictate the air compressor's performance.
Each tool takes a “breath” of compressed air, which then provides the driving force necessary to sink each fastener. The larger the pneumatic tool, the more air it requires to operate, which is also known as “air consumption per cycle”.
PRO TIP: If you divide the air consumption per cycle into the CFM of any given air compressor, you will determine the possible drives per minute. This simple calculation should tell you if the compressor is able to properly power the tool you are intending to use.
All that's left to do is determine how quickly you're planning to run the tool. A professional construction contractor may need the extra juice to operate one - or more - large tools at a high rate of speed. In this instance, a wheelbarrow compressor (either gasoline wheeled or electric wheeled compressor depending on preferred power source) will provide the necessary power required. If similar output is required, but the application is in a fixed location (think assembly line), a large stationary compressor may also work.
For those running one or two smaller air tools, a portable electric compressor should provide more than enough energy - especially if used with an additional expansion (holding) tank of air. If you are running several small to medium-size air tools, you'll want a compressor rated for 4.0+ CFM. If you're looking to run a finish and trim tool (or similar) individually, a 2.0+ CFM compressor should provide ample power.
For easy reference, we've included this handy chart below, provided by Senco.
Which compressor will best suit your project?
~The Nail Gun Depot Team
This video demonstrates the proper techniques for maintaining and using an air compressor in cold temperatures. (We feature a Senco PC1131 portable electric air compressor.) To see more videos, subscribe to the NGD YouTube Channel.
All things considered, how much air compressor DO YOU really need? The solution ultimately lies in the type of projects you work on, the pneumatic tools you are using, and the flexibility of your typical job site. Despite the size or design of the compressor you choose, keep long-term reliability in mind. Choosing a slightly more expensive, contractor-grade compressor, might pay for itself in the long run.
~ The Nail Gun Depot Team
The Ultimate Construction Kit is here, find out why it could be the best thing to happen to your workshop - right here.
So you've seen the banners and read the news, but what exactly makes the Ultimate Construction Kit... ultimate? A comprehensive collection of tools, this kit includes some of the best-selling, hottest new items Nail Gun Depot has to offer. Whether you are a contractor or a DIYer, this kit includes the tools you need to get your woodworking project done right. From framing to finishing, the Ultimate Construction Kit has you covered.
Let's take a look at the tools that make this kit a hit:
We start with the MAX Finish & Trim Combo Kit. A pair of MAX nailers and a stapler, the MAX NF255F/18 18 gauge brad nailer drives brad nails from 5/8" to 2-1/8" in length and features a compact and well balanced design, durable thread style driver unit, high composite bumper and slim body. This brad nailer is excellent for door and window casings, plywood, decorative boards, interior finish work, panel assembly, moldings, subflooring, furniture assembly including drawer, case back nailing, blind pinning, cabinet assembly and other finishing works. (Update: The NF255F/18 has since been replaced by the Max NF255FA/18).
Next in the lineup, the MAX TA238A/18-6 narrow crown finish stapler (replaced by the Max TA238B/18-6) drives 1/4" crown 18 gauge staples from 3/4" to 1-1/2". Like most MAX tools, this finish stapler offers a powerful, lightweight and durable design. A one-inch slim nose allows for precise fastener placement. Additional features include a rapid fire trigger valve, lock out mechanism, fastener window, rear exhaust, trigger lock and comfortable rubber grip. The MAX TA238A/18-6 is excellent for door and window casings, molding, underlayment, cabinet assembly, soffits and many other finish applications. .
Last of the MAX tools, the NF565/16 straight finish nailer (replaced by the Max NF565A/16) drives 16 gauge finish nails from 1-1/4" to 2-1/2" in length. At only 3.5 pounds, this compact finishing nailer is among the lightest in its class. A powerful motor and patented drive system ensures consistent driving - despite the application. The NF565/16 features a selectable trigger for sequential or bump fire operation, on board depth control, easy jam clearing system, belt hook and 360 degree adjustable exhaust to direct air away from user or application.
If you've come to the Nail Gun Depot, chances are you know what a nail gun is, what it does, and how it is used. Nailers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, designed to fulfill tasks that range from framing to finishing to flooring - depending on the user's needs. With a variety of options available, which tool is right for you? Find out the features you need, to take on the projects you want to build, right here.
Types of Nail Guns
From top-to-bottom, the largest of the nail gun family is the framing nailer. Framing nailers are built to tackle large jobs that require heavy duty fasteners (nails) - such as framing, fencing and pallet building. The industries that benefit most from this type of tool include home-building, construction and manufacturing. Similar to the framing nailer, roofing nailers are almost identical in appearance, however these nail guns are designed specifically to fastening roofing shingles.
For projects that are a bit less intense, finish nailers are recommended for jobs such as door and window trim, paneling, baseboard, casing, crown molding, furniture, shelving and cabinetry. A close relative to finish nail guns, brad nailers drive an even smaller - brad - nail, and are designed for small trim work and furniture repair. Typically, using a brad nail gun will prevent the need for wood putty to cover up a hole where the fastener has been driven - but these nailers can only be used on lighter-duty projects, since the fastener is not as large as a finish nail. Last but not least, a pin nailer might be your best option for crafting or small trim projects, such as cabinet doors and bird house building. For anyone in renovation or remodeling, having a good finish and brad nailer is key to success.
Designed specifically for hardwood and laminate floor installation, floor nailers are the last of the commonplace nail guns that most contractors or DIYer's will require. These nailers are built to install a variety of hardwood floor sizes and thicknesses. Typically activated with a mallet, floor nailers are only built for flooring applications.
Pneumatic or Cordless Nailer?
The age old debate between contractors, do I want a cordless nailer or a pneumatic, air-powered nail gun? Most heavy-duty nail gun users swear by pneumatic tools, as they are generally a bit more reliable and do not require re-charging on the job site. The downside to a pneumatic tool, it requires the use of an air compressor. For workshop woodworkers, using nailers such as finish, brad and pin models, a small compressor will be more than capable. For heavy-duty, high-intensity use on a construction site, look to a larger compressor, as it has a larger tank and is capable of providing enough air-pressure for larger tools - including framing nailers.
If you choose a cordless nail gun, you will need to keep a battery charger handy to keep your tool running - once the battery wears down. Cordless framing nailers also require a fuel cell to provide the necessary pressure to drive a fastener. The benefit to a cordless tool, you can reach beyond the length of an air hose and can get into tighter, hard to reach areas. You also eliminate the need for an air compressor with a battery-powered nailing tool. This is generally the appeal that makes these types of tools desirable to DIY builders.
Nail Gun Features
You'll more than likely encounter some - or all - of the following terms, when comparing nailers. One of the most important features you will want to look for, an adjustable depth of drive lets you select how far you want your nail (or other fastener) driven into the object you are fastening. Another option to look for, directional exhaust plates allow you to select the direct your tool shoots it's exhaust - this feature is particularly beneficial in dusty areas. Last, but not least, you will also want to be sure your nailer has a jam clearing feature - to avoid lost time and/or costly repairs if/when your tool jams.
Depending on the job your are working on, pay attention to features such as trigger size (if you wear gloves while working), easy adjustment for different nail or fastener sizes, and a rugged exterior design to handle the projects you throw at your nailer.
Keep an eye out for the length of warranty offered by a manufacturer. Most brands will come with a one-year limited warranty, but certain tools go above and beyond - such as Senco's XP (XtremePro) line of nailers that include a five-year limited warranty, or Bostitch's seven-year limited warranty that is offered on select tools.
~ The Nail Gun Depot Team