Small Air Compressor

[rpearlberg]

Wasn't really in the market for one, but I bought the DeWalt DWFP55130 the other day. I do want to have one to keep in the basement, would use it for trim work, molding, etc.

Is this a good one to have? I paid about $115 total.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HQYFZGM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.dewalt.com/tools/compressors-hand-carry---electric-dwfp55130.aspx

If not this one, which would you recommend. I want something easily portable to use in the bedrooms, etc.

 

[firworks]

Are you looking for suggestions to replace your compressor you already bought?

 

[rpearlberg]

Are you looking for suggestions to replace your compressor you already bought?

well I bought it on a whim, and it's still in my car...
Just want to know if it's a good compressor for the price, or if I should look for something else. I don't have an immediate need for it, but would like to have one for future use.

 

[firworks]

It looks like it's probably a fine compressor. 115$ also seems like a pretty good price for it. If I were you I'd start using it and not worry about second guessing. I'm sure it'll provide you with plenty of service running nailers for trim and moulding.

 

[rpearlberg]

Great thanks! Next question is what is a good/cheap nailer to start off with? My first project would be replacing some molding/trim and eventually doing crown in some of the rooms.

 

[morgaj1]

Great thanks! Next question is what is a good/cheap nailer to start off with? My first project would be replacing some molding/trim and eventually doing crown in some of the rooms.

I have the same compressor that is made by Bostitch. It is a good little compressor. I changed the coupler right off the bat, as the factory push-to-connect coupler would not hold.

As for a nailer for trim, I would look at a 16ga finish nailer. Porter Cable and Bostitch make some nice nailers that don't break the bank.

 

[wttwoa]

http://www.lowes.com/pd_241151-67702-NT50AE2_1z0ufn2Z1z0tnl7__?productId=1068639&pl=1#img

ive used that nailer to do trim around the house for my dad for a couple of years now and it works just fine and i haven't had any major problems with it, and the only time ive had a problem is if the nail is bent on the strip, and its on sale for $50

 

[Roberts210]

I've had excellent luck buying used compressors on CL. Picked this little cutie up for $75. It's a 2 h.p., 220 VAC motor. I put new bearings in the motor, cleaned the valves and changed the oil and fired it up. I've used it for 4-5 years now. It's an early Campbell Hausfeld and has a 20 gallon tank.

 

[firworks]

Great thanks! Next question is what is a good/cheap nailer to start off with? My first project would be replacing some molding/trim and eventually doing crown in some of the rooms.

I've actually had really good luck with my 18 gauge nailer I got from HF. I got it for 7$ at one of their parking lot sales where they sell AS-IS returned stuff. It has three big "X"s scratched into the side of it so they know not to warranty it. When I brought it home, I opened the top and there was a huge roofing nail jammed into it so naturally, it didn't work. Removed that, loaded some 18 gauge brads in it and *PSCHOO* it shoots perfect. I've used it a lot on woodworking projects. If you have a local HF you might pop in and look at their 16 gauge nailer for what you're trying to do. They're all really similar to each other so I think the 16 gauge would be as good as my 18 gauge. Like others in here said though, whatever one you buy make sure to get a bit of air tool oil and oil it when you use it. I think that's one of the more important parts to making air tools last and the reason for such disparity in reviews. 10: 5-star reviews. 10: 1-star reviews. "Works great been using it for 10 years, bought 3 more!" "Used for a month and it crapped out. Huge ************* DO NOT BUY."

Also if someone comes along this thread in the future one more consideration for a small air compressor for trim work in a house are the California Air Tools small compressors. They're pretty light, with good handles for bringing in and out of areas, and have wheels unlike a lot of pancakes so you can roll them along. They're also crazy quiet so if you are working in the house it won't be disturbing your family or neighbors if it's an apartment / condo.

I did a video showing the difference in noise level on these things:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1zkkLSiBv4E" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Skip to 5:56 to see the CAT vs a regular little air compressor.