What kind of compressor should I get?

[Jason Eure]

I am shopping for a compressor, I am going to use it around the house and for projects. What kind would you recommend or what kind should I not consider? Thank you for your thoughts

[johnfregeau]

I think that depends on what youre planning on using with it. Brad nailer? Impact?

[Jason Eure]

I believe I will primarily use it as a brad nailer.

[John Schaben]

stationary or portable compressor?

I use a Porter Cable CR2002 pancake for remote work...(not in shop). It will drive all my guns.. not so good with die grinders, impacts or ratchets. Guns are more sensitive to pressure than volume so, up to about 18 guage, the little Campbell Hausfelds that put out about 100 psi should be OK. much bigger, you need to go to 125-150 psi.

You really want to think about where you may want to go in the future with your pneumatic use. If, for example, you decide to acquire a little HVLP conversion gun, you may find the compressor you just got woefully inadequate.

Jason Eure said:

I believe I will primarily use it as a brad nailer.

[James P. Cottingham]

For brad nailers and one that is portable, there are several options. I like my Porter-Cable. It came with a stapler, brad nailer, and finish nailer. You can also get a pin nailer. Several companies make similar models.

If you are planning to use it for sprain on finish, go with a larger stationary one.

[johnfregeau]

I got mine on craigslist... a rigid twin tank portable.  There are many options though for portable compressors, just depends on the CFM and size you want.  

This one got great reviews on amazon, free shipping and no tax. 

http://www.amazon.com/Makita-MAC700-Big-Bore-Compressor/dp/B0001Q2V...

and I also just bought this brad nailer... the cheapest one I could find locally was about $80 and this one was the highest rated and only $40 shipped.

http://www.amazon.com/WEN-61720-4-Inch-2-Inch-18-Gauge/dp/B000EJW1Z...

[John Schaben]

Makita is a nice compressor. As an oil lubed it would be significantly quieter than an oil-less but substantially heavier, 50+lbs vs. 30 some. Also would require some routine maintenance but the yield is a higher CFM. Just depends on what you are looking for. 3.8 CFM would ALMOST drive a conversion HVLP.

johnfregeau said:

I got mine on craigslist... a rigid twin tank portable.  There are many options though for portable compressors, just depends on the CFM and size you want.  

This one got great reviews on amazon, free shipping and no tax. 

http://www.amazon.com/Makita-MAC700-Big-Bore-Compressor/dp/B0001Q2V...

and I also just bought this brad nailer... the cheapest one I could find locally was about $80 and this one was the highest rated and only $40 shipped.

http://www.amazon.com/WEN-61720-4-Inch-2-Inch-18-Gauge/dp/B000EJW1Z...

[Rick]

Jason, I bought a Makita MAC 2400.  The 700 might be better to carry around (lighter). I researched mine to death and it got great reviews and is quieter than others I have used. For a brad nailer check Bigskytools.com and look at the refurbished tools. I have bought a brad nailer and a framing nailer from them. You would swear the guns are new. They are Hitachi and they to get pretty darn good reviews.

[Richard Sands]

Jason, if you looking for a brad nailer for home use for trim, mouldings, etc., as I was, here is a great deal on a set of 3 air nailers and an air stapler at Home Depot:   

Husky Finishing Trim Nailer Combo Kit 4-Pieces  Model  #HDU4PTK   SKU # 462135 @ $99.00 with 90-day return and 2-year warranty!  I bought it.   It's a current special and some stores may be sold out or close to it.

http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hardware-Air-Nailers-Nails/Husky/h_d...  

 

 

 

[Jason Eure]

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts. Some great ideas.

[Joe Gibbons]

I have a PC portable that would handle brad, finish and framing nailers.  For impact, die grinders and cut-offs I use a larger Rigid unit.

I also use a CO2 tank when I don't want to deal with the noise of the compressor.

[Ken Darga]

http://askville.amazon.com/size-air-compressor-home-jobs/AnswerView...

[John Schaben]

I believe this to be a much more informative article.

http://askville.amazon.com/SimilarQuestions.do?req=size-air-compres...

It's a link off of Ken's, but has a much better description.

Ken Darga said:

http://askville.amazon.com/size-air-compressor-home-jobs/AnswerView...