Compressor Advice

[UROK]

What should I look for in a compressor to operate a nailer/stapler, grinder set, blower, and texture hopper gun for Duratex?

[Bill Fitzmaurice]

What should I look for in a compressor to operate a nailer/stapler, grinder set, blower, and texture hopper gun for Duratex?

For a stapler and hopper gun the minimal size compressor is OK, all you need is 75-80lb capacity and a gallon or two tank. Heavy capacity tools don't necessarily need a lot of pressure, 125lbs is fine, but they need a lot of CFM capacity. Most say how much they need.

[UROK]

Excellent! Thanks Bill!

[DaveK]

For brad nailing, just about any compressor will do. For spraying, the continuous CFM is what matters and that's determined by the HP rating of the motor.

For building BFM cabs and spraying with Duratex, a pancake compressor with a 1HP motor will work. The Porter-Cable model sold at US big box stores fits the bill and usually comes with a brad nailer for under US$200. Don't know how that translates to PRC.

[UROK]

Thanks Dave!

There is a Home Depot and a few B&Q (UK equivalent big box) stores in Beijing. I'll check 'em out.

The hopper gun I want to use needs 6-25cfm - http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/produ ... ir-brushes

The nailer/stapler needs 0.52L (0.137 US Gallon) of air per impact.

My grinder set requires a 6.2 bar working pressure and 340L (around 90 US Gallon) per minute.

[Harley]

For spraying and nailing don't piss about with the small stuff.

You need 15cfm minimum - at 120 psi that's a 3HP motor and a 60l tank.

[UROK]

Thanks Harley!

I don't like pissing about. I'll pay the premium for specs & quality which work and last. So I am grateful for your no-nonsense advice!

Thanks guys!



Time for a visit to DIY and tool supply stores!

Will report findings!

(Last time I went to the Home Depot it had just opened so was pretty understocked.)

[UROK]

Just in case anyone was planning to make the trip to the Home Depot in Beijing, let me save you a journey. It is no longer there!



Gonna try B&Q today...

[bzb]

So uh, since Harbor Freight only seems to carry Chinese goods... shouldn't there be one there?

[UROK]

So uh, since Harbor Freight only seems to carry Chinese goods... shouldn't there be one there?

That would make sense and me happy!

But seems that Chinese manufacture tools etc but don't yet do DIY or home improvement in a big way. Guess the HD store wasn't justifiable after the banking failures?

B&Q certainly changed their business model for China because the just-in-time supply chain logistics couldn't be supported by the transport infrastructure.

Hand tools and power tools are waaay cheaper than in UK here though. Dunno how that compares with US because Britain is famous for rip off prices.

(Probably because every fine chap is just too jolly polite to make a fuss, what, what???)

[Chris_Allen]

How much air pressure do you need when spraying?

[LelandCrooks]

30-40lbs. Pancake comps will do it, but you have to wait on them to catch up. They'll only supply 3-5 cfm's. To really go to town with a sprayer you need 8-10cfm's. I use one of these.


But it's a little pricey for the avg user.

[bzb]

^^ that would be great, look at that frickin hopper!

I run off a Porter Cable pancake. It pretty much runs constantly when I'm using the sprayer or any car air tools. Brad nailers it's good for about 30 nails before it has to run.

[bzb]

So uh, since Harbor Freight only seems to carry Chinese goods... shouldn't there be one there?

That would make sense and me happy!

But seems that Chinese manufacture tools etc but don't yet do DIY or home improvement in a big way. Guess the HD store wasn't justifiable after the banking failures?

B&Q certainly changed their business model for China because the just-in-time supply chain logistics couldn't be supported by the transport infrastructure.

Hand tools and power tools are waaay cheaper than in UK here though. Dunno how that compares with US because Britain is famous for rip off prices.

(Probably because every fine chap is just too jolly polite to make a fuss, what, what???)

I think that has more to do with VAT than Brits wanting to rip each other off. Well, other than government, of course.

The last time I was in Taiwan, it was cheap for food, household goods, clothing, and such. Electronics were insanely priced, though... and it made no sense to me considering how much was made right there on the tiny island!

But then again, Coke doesn't cost any less here in Atlanta. Sweet, sweet nectar.

[WB]

But then again, Coke doesn't cost any less here in Atlanta. Sweet, sweet nectar.

Is that what you call it ???