Brad Nailer
What size Air Compressor do I need?
I’ll be doing some home improvement projects, and home woodshop work and need to power an 18ga. brad nailer.
How big should the tank be? Is 2 gal enough? ridiculously small?
Just what do the Cubic Foot per Minute ratings really tell me? I’ve seen ratings from 0.4cfm to 7.8cfm (at xx psi)
And finally, I’ll probably be adding a framing nailer to the mix later. Should I bump up my initial buy in?
The cfm stands for cubic foot [of air] per minute,
so the more Cfm the compressor puts out the more air flow,
check the cfm requirment of the tool, look at a framing nailer and go with one that will handle it, then it will take care of other tools,
a 7.8 cfm might work
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Senco F-18 5/8 – 2 1/8in 18ga Finish Brad Nailer $399.99 |
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Senco 18-Gauge 18V Cordless Lithium-Ion Straight Strip Fusion Brad Nailer $389.99 |
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Senco FN55AX Cordless Fusion 18-Gauge Brad Nailer NEW $389.00 |
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Dewalt DC616K 18V Xrp Cordless Straight Finish Brad Nailer Kit (With One Battery $379.81 |
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NEW 18g Cordless Gas Brad Nailer Each Cordless Nailers NT50GSP9 717709014428 $365.47 |
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Paslode 901000 IM200-F18 Cordless 18 Gauge Brad Nailer $349.92 |
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DeWALT D55141FNBN 16-Gauge Finish Nailer/18-Gauge Brad $317.99 |
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Fasco F45c FN-DF/70 14 gauge brad nailer $299.00 |
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Senco 980001N AF41 Air Free 1-1/4-Inch to 2-1/2-Inch 15-Gauge Brad Nailer $298.88 |
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Paslode 901000 18-Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer $279.99 |
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NEW 18ga Brad Nailer Kit Senco Ea. Pneumatic Finish & Brad Drive PC0947 $279.94 |
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NEW Finish Pro 35 15ga Nailer Senco Ea. Pneumatic Finish & Brad Drive 1Y0001N $279.04 |
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DeWALT DC608K 18V 2″ 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer Nail Gun Tool Kit $279.00 |
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Bostitch 18-Guage Cordless Gas Brad Nailer – GBT1850K $279.00 |
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DeWALT 18V XRP 5/8″ – 2″ Brad Nailer Kit DC608K NEW $276.98 |
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NEW Hitachi NT50GS 18 Gauge Gas Brad Nailer $276.41 |
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NEW Bostitch CPack1850BN 2 Inch Brad Nailer and Compressor Combo Kit $269.14 |
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PASLODE 901000 18 GAUGE STRAIGHT IMPULSE BRAD NAILER $264.95 |
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Porter Cable Brad Nailer & Compressor Kit 6 Gallon NEW $259.99 |
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Senco 1C0001N AF25 Air Free 18-Ga.cordless Brad Nailer/Case + extras *W@W L@@K* $250.00 |
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Stanley Bostitch 18-Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer Kit $249.99 |
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Bostitch CPack1850BN 2-Inch Brad Nailer and Compressor $241.08 |
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NEW Pneumatic Matic Atic Angle Finish Nailer Ea. Pneumatic Finish & Brad Drive $239.89 |
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NEW Finishpro25xp 18ga Nailer Senco Ea. Pneumatic Finish & Brad Drive 760102N $239.63 |
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DeWALT 18V XRP 5/8″ – 2″ Brad Nailer (Tool Only) DC608B $236.98 |
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Ridgid 18V Cordless 18-Gauge Brad Nailer R213BN18 $234.59 |
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DeWalt DC608K 18V cordless 18 gauge brad nailer display NEW $229.99 |
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CADEX V1/23.35 1-3/8″ 23 GAUGE PINNER PIN NAILER KIT w/7,000 pins & brads $229.95 |
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Stanley Bostitch GBT1850K – 18 Gauge Straight Brad Finish Nailer $229.00 |
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Senco 2″ Brad Nailer & 1hp Compressor KIT PC0947 – NIB $229.00 |
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NEW 16ga Strt Finish Nailer1-2 1/2 Ea. Pneumatic Finish & Brad Drive FN250C $227.07 |
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DeWALT Brad Nailer & Compressor Combo Kit D55140BN NEW $226.98 |
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Senco PC0947/FP18KIT 18-Gauge Brad Nailer Compressor Co $226.65 |
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New DeWalt DC608B 18-Volt Cordless XRP 18-Gauge Brad Nailer – Bare Tool $225.55 |
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DeWalt D55140BN Brad Nailer And 1 Gallon Trim Boss Combo Kit $223.92 |
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NEW 2-1/2 Finish Nailer Ea. Pneumatic Finish & Brad Drive NT65M2(S) $222.77 |
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Bostitch GBT1850K 18-Guage Cordless Gas Brad Nailer $221.64 |
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NEW Bostitch GBT1850K 18 Guage Cordless Gas Brad Nailer $220.88 |
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DeWalt DC608 18-volt Cordless Brad Nailer 2″ 18 guage with hardcase FREE SHIP $220.00 |
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Stanley Bostitch CPACK1850BN Compressor Brad Nailer Kit $219.99 |
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GREX 1850GB 3/8″- 2″ BRAD NAILER SENCO,BOSTITCH,PASLODE $215.00 |
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DEWALT D55140BN 2″ Brad Nailer 1-Gallon Air Compressor Combo Tool Kit $209.99 |
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Bostitch GBT1850K cordless 18 Gauge Straight Brad Finish Nailer Bostich warranty $209.99 |
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RIDGID R213BN18 18-Volt Cordless 18-Gauge Brad Nailer $206.99 |
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Senco Brad Nailer Air Compressor Combo Kit PC0947 $206.98 |
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Brad Nailer Kit by Senco Prod. PC0947 $204.99 |
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Oil-Free Brad Nailer & Compressor Kit CF6111 Porter Cable $204.99 |
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BRAD NAILER KIT PC0947 $203.35 |
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Porter Cable Brad nailer Combo kit 135psi compressor $200.00 |
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Campbell Hausfeld 5 Air Nailer Nail Gun Kit Framing Finish Brad/Stapler + 2 More $199.99 |
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NEW HUSKY 4 PCS PNEUMATIC FINISH BRAD PINNER NAILER KIT $198.96 |
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Senco PC0947/FP18KIT 18-Gauge Brad Nailer Compressor $199.00 |
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Porter-Cable 1-1/4″ Brad Nailer & Compressor Kit NEW $196.98 |
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NEW Finish Pro32 16ga Nailer Senco Ea. Pneumatic Finish & Brad Drive 1X0201N $194.99 |
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SENCO FINISHPRO25XP 18 Gauge 5/8″- 2″ Brad Nailer $186.83 |
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3 PIECE Porter Cable Finish Brad Nailer Narrow Crown Stapler FN250C BN138 NS100B $182.99 |
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BOSTITCH AIR COMPRESSOR/ BRAD NAILER COMBO KIT/ EXTRAS/ WARRANTY $179.99 |
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CADEX CPB23.35 1-3/8″ 23 GAUGE PINNER PIN NAILER KIT w/7,000 pins & brads $179.95 |
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CADEX CB18.50 18 GAUGE 2″ BRAD NAILER – A BETTER TOOL! $179.95 |
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Ryobi 2-1/2 in. Finish Nailer and 2 in. Brad Nailer Kit YN801K $175.00 |
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NEW Professional Elec Brad Nailer Arrow Fastener Ea. Staple Guns-Electric $174.01 |
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King Canada Tools 8293 DELUXE NAILER KIT WITH BONUS STAPLER clipped head brad $169.96 |
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NEW GREX 1850 18 Gauge 2-Inch Length Brad Nailer Kit $169.95 |
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BOSTITCH Finish&Brad nailer stapler kit & toolbag NEW fn1664 sb100sx sb125bn $168.99 |
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BOSTITCH Finish&Brad nailer stapler kit & toolbag NEW fn1664 sb100sx sb125bn $168.99 |
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BOSTITCH Finish&Brad nailer stapler kit & toolbag NEW fn1664 sb100sx sb125bn $168.99 |
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BOSTITCH Finish&Brad nailer stapler kit & toolbag NEW fn1664 sb100sx sb125bn $168.99 |
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BOSTITCH Finish&Brad nailer stapler kit & toolbag NEW fn1664 sb100sx sb125bn $168.99 |
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BOSTITCH Finish&Brad nailer stapler kit & toolbag NEW fn1664 sb100sx sb125bn $168.99 |
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STANLEY BOSTITCH CPACK1 2IN1 Brad Nailer/Stapler Combo Tool Kit $165.99 |
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SLP20 18GA Brad Nailer by Senco Prod. 430101N $164.99 |
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BOSTITCH Finish&Brad nailer stapler kit & toolbag FN1664 SB1850 SB150SX $164.99 |
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BOSTITCH Finish&Brad nailer stapler kit & toolbag FN1664 SB1850 SB150SX $164.99 |
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BOSTITCH Finish&Brad nailer stapler kit & toolbag FN1664 SB1850 SB150SX $164.99 |
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Campbell Air Compressor & Nail Gun Kit (Finish+Brad/Stapler+Palm Hmr+Pin Nailer) $164.69 |
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Paslode cordless 18 gauge brad finish nailer $162.50 |
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NEW Pin Nailer Kit Each Pneumatic Finish & Brad Drive PIN138 885911223522 $162.35 |
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NEW Senco SLP20XP 1 58 Inch 18 Gauge Brad Nailer Case $160.68 |
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NIKLE 1/2″ – 1-9/16 ” PRO 23 GAUGE PINNER HEADLESS PIN & BRAD NAILER $159.95 |
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Stanley Bostitch 1-.63in. Brad Nailer & 1-.50in. Finish Stapler Combo Kit $159.64 |
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SENCO SLP20XP Senco SLP20XP 18 Gauge Brad Nailer w/Case, 5/8″ to 1-5/8″ 430101n $157.98 |
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Senco FinishPro 25XP 2-1/8″ 18G Brad Nailer 760102N $156.98 |
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Bostitch UCPACK1850BNR 2-Inch Brad Nailer and Compressor Combo Kit $156.79 |
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Craftsman Crown Stapler Finish Nailer & Brad Nailer- EXCELLENT CONDITION w/Bag $155.99 |
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16 gauge finish nailer +18 gauge brad nailer +18 gauge 1-1/4 in. crown stapler $149.99 |
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STANLEY BOSTITCH 3 PC SET BRAD NAILER,FINISH NAILER,CROWN STAPLER w/SOFT CASE $149.95 |
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PORTER CABLE BN 125A BRAD NAILER USED BUY IT NOW OR BEST OFFER!!!!! $149.95 |
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Considering All Offers: New Max Air Pneumatic Brad Nailer NF255F/18 18 Gauge $149.00 |
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New in Case a Stanley 18 ga. Bostitich Brad Nailer $149.00 |
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Campbell Hausfeld Air Compressor & Nail Gun Kit(Finish, Brad/Stapler,Pin Nailer) $148.49 |
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Supplierpipeline Brad Nailer/stapler Kit J-6901-90 $146.74 |
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Apach LT-1664A Brad & Finish Nailer NEW IN CASE! $145.96 |
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Duradrive 1664 Brad Nailer 16G 3/4″ – 2-1/2″ $144.96 |
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BOSTITCH BRAD NAILER & COMPRESSOR COMBO KIT – CPACK1850BN $144.99 |
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Senco 430101N Slp20 18ga Brad Nailer $142.89 |
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Air Tool Combo Kit Bostitch SB-1664FN, Bostitch SB-125BN FINISH AND BRAD NAILER $139.99 |
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Porter Cable DA250B 15 ga. Finish Nailer plus BN125A 18 ga. Brad Nailer Gauge $139.00 |
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Brand New Senco SLP20XP – 18 Gauge Brad nailer $139.00 |
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Paslode Cordless Finish Brad Trim Nailer $138.50 |
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Senco SLP20XP, 18-Gauge Brad Nailer with Case 430101N $136.98 |
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NAILER,BRAD: NOTORIOUS B.R.A.D. $12.41 NAILER,BRAD: NOTORIOUS B.R.A.D. |
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Brad Nailer Kits $133.78 Brad Nailer Kits |
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Pneumatic Brad Nailer Kit $88.69 Pricing subject to change. Pneumatic Brad Nailer Kit |
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Oil-Free Brad Nailer Kits $147.97 Oil-Free Brad Nailer Kits |
Purchasing An Air Compressor Falls Under Three General Areas
Compressors fall into three general areas; Small portable units like the Porter-Cable “Job Boss” often with one pancake or two small storage tanks, Mid-size units like Campbell-Hausfield, which normally have wheels, and large compressors have fixed bases for shops and industrial sites. In terms of capacities, smaller units start around 1.5 horse and larger unites can exceed 6 horse power motors. The pumps themselves are either oil-less or oil-lubricated and the pumps are one or two cylinder and singe of two-stage compressors …. and this last statement is the reason most wood workers don’t have an air compressor, because they sound complicated.
Some of the useful terms that you should know about when looking for a compressor include: PSI – Pounds per square inch, CFM – Cubic feet per minute, Duty Cycle – is the amount of time a compressor can run compared to the amount of rest time (storage tank) over a 30 minute period … such as it can operate for 10 minutes, then rest for 20 without creating significant head wear, Single Stage – is where the compression piston compresses all the air in one stroke, Two Stage – is where there are two pistons that work together to compress the air. (Generally a two stage requires less horse power, and produces less heat).
As a rule, the types of tools that are harder on air volumes are those which run continuously like sanders, and grinders and cutters. Tools that require less cycling are tools that run intermittently like nailers, staplers and in some cases drills or even sprayers.
If you are planning on running some continuous tools like sanders, buffers, grinders and so on you will want to consider something in the mid-size or even large shop size of compressors like. In a case like this you should probably have a 25 gallon storage tank and around a 4 horse rating like a Makita or Craftsman. You will probably be looking at a 220 Volt version as well.
If you are planning on using a number of tools, some of them continuous draw, like grinders, sanders and buffers, you will want to consider a large fixed base compressor like Campbell – Hausfeld or Ingersoll-Rand. These will have around 6 horsepower and a storage tank of 50 gallons or more.
If you are a hobbyist woodworker, who is looking for a nailer or stapler, one of the small portable compressors is probably ideal. Manufacturers like Porter-Cable or Delta will work fine.
The real trick to buying a compressor is to know ahead of time what you are going to use it for and what the air-tool rating is in PSI and CFM. This will give you a better indication the duty cycle you will need. But this isn’t end all either, because your need to look CLOSELY at the air tools you are considering because the same tool an vary widely in the amount of compressed air it will consume. For example a series of six inch random-orbital sanders have cfm differences of of 8 to 24. That’s huge, and it means the difference between buying a mid-size compressor or large fixed compressor. It pays to examine the tools you will be using and select the appropriate ones.
A compressor and associated air powered tools can be a real time saver, even for the hobbyist’s work shop. In many cases a simple brad nailer is almost like having a second set of hands around in assembling and gluing projects together. The other consideration in selecting a compressor is, what other uses will you find for it? For example if you do select one of the portable units, it is conceivable that you can carry this around to odd jobs, in the house, for friends or other areas. This is less of an option of the mid-size and out of the question for the large units … but then the portables will not likely be suitable for sander/buffers … SO … in the end you will have to make that tough decision, but what ever you do, make sure you make sure get a nice selection of tools designed for your compressor. It will make your woodworking more fun, quicker and even more enjoyable than it is now.
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