Generator running compressor

[Geobound]

Hi folks,

I'm in need of some expert opinion, so who better than you lot?

I have inherited a 30g, 5HP air compressor (Craftsman, but haven't found the model number yet), and think I'm out of luck with my wimpy 1500watt compressor?

The shed I'm building out back is way too far to run an extension cord (though I don't think you could use one more than 30' anyway), and the only generator I have is the one I use for my RV. It's a small 1500 watt generator, and I'm quite sure that I am WAAAAAAY under the recommended watt capacity to run that air compressor.

There is part of the name plate on the generator that says 15/7.5amp, and I'm guessing that is 120/240v stats (though I'm not positive).

So if I take the 15amp that I think it is x 120v = 1800 watts. I'm also guessing that the generator has a bigger inrush current, so does that mean I should double the capacity of the generator to a minimum of 5000watts??

Would that even be enough to run that compressor?

I will have to look at the cost of a 5k generator and see what they are worth.

Or should I just buy one of those Dewalt cordless framing nailers for about $500.00 and be done with it?

I will likely only use the nailer for this project (maybe another small shed later on), and unsure of how often I will need that big of a generator?

Any suggestions / comments would be great.

Thanks.

 

[gdocktor3]

Buy this and return when job is done. Or slap a coupon on top and keep it. http://www.harborfreight.com/3-gal-13-hp-100-psi-oilless-pancake-air-compressor-61615.html

 

[md21722]

If all you are doing is running a nailer you don't need a ton of air. The linked pancake may be fine.

What does the air compressor say the Amps are?

30 gallon is a small tank for a 5 HP electric air compressor though common on service trucks with a gas engine running the compressor. I suspect its closer to 2 HP and from the era of massive lies in motor capacity of consumer air compressor.

In any case, a motor generally takes 4-6X more energy to start (inrush) than run and the generator will need to supply the startup as well as the running current.

 

[jhelrey]

Gas powered air compressor

 

[Geobound]

Funny, I never thought about getting a cheapo compressor. LOL.....

The one I have is definitely a 5HP compressor.

 

[Geobound]

If all you are doing is running a nailer you don't need a ton of air. The linked pancake may be fine.

What does the air compressor say the Amps are?

30 gallon is a small tank for a 5 HP electric air compressor though common on service trucks with a gas engine running the compressor. I suspect its closer to 2 HP and from the era of massive lies in motor capacity of consumer air compressor.

In any case, a motor generally takes 4-6X more energy to start (inrush) than run and the generator will need to supply the startup as well as the running current.

The nameplate is missing on the compressor, so I don't know the model number.......yet.....lol, but it does have a portion of the sticker that says 15/7.5amp.

I'm guessing that is 15amp at 120v, and 7.5amps at 240v.

 

[Geobound]

Okay I just did some checking and it actually looks like it's a Craftsman 919.727250.

According to the specs that I've found online it's a single phase 120v unit (so I'm unsure of the 7.5amp sticker), with a minimum branch circuit requirement of 15amps.

It also says that Amperage at Maximum Pressure is 15amps, but it still think that doesn't account for the inrush current.

If you people think that the link posted from Harbor Freight is enough of a compressor to work with the nailer, and my 1500watt generator, then I think that's the route I will go.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[anndel]

1. You could run your compressor and fill up the tank then take it to your work area.
2. Buy a cordless nailer and be done with it.

 

[Geobound]

1. You could run your compressor and fill up the tank then take it to your work area.
2. Buy a cordless nailer and be done with it.

I like both those options.

The cordless nailer runs about $500.00+, and I don't know how much use I will get out of it.

I could always buy it, use it, and then sell it at a reduced cost I suppose.

Anyway, I'm thinking that the small 3 gallon compressor may just do the trick, and I can pick one of them up for about $75.00 here in Ontario.

 

[beamrider]

Just how far away is the nearest 120v outlet?

 

[md21722]

Sounds like a 1.5 HP compressor. If you try some of the generator calculators, Honda is suggesting 1600W to start a 0.5 HP air compressor. So the 1/3 HP pancake should be fine.

 

[MEngineer]

Maybe I missed something, but what about buying some extra air hose and hooking up a small tank inline at the location for instantaneous reserve. I have done that and ran over 200ft of hose...

 

[Alchymist]

I run my brad nailer off a medium size argon tank. Just add a regulator and a length of hose. Tank started out at 2000 PSI, used it several times for trim work, gauge barely moved. Tank's on a cart and easy to wheel around.

 

[Geobound]

Just how far away is the nearest 120v outlet?

About 300 - 400ft away.

 

[Geobound]

Maybe I missed something, but what about buying some extra air hose and hooking up a small tank inline at the location for instantaneous reserve. I have done that and ran over 200ft of hose...

How far can you run an air hose, without running into too much pressure drop?

 

[Geobound]

Sounds like a 1.5 HP compressor. If you try some of the generator calculators, Honda is suggesting 1600W to start a 0.5 HP air compressor. So the 1/3 HP pancake should be fine.

Awesome, thanks for looking that up.

 

[Fixin'Stuff]

A buddy of mine was building a pole barn quite a distance from his garage and air compressor and was worried about nail gun performance at the end of 150+ feet of air hose. At my suggestion, he ran an air line out to the pole barn and made up a T-adapter to let him connect the inlet from the compressor AND the outlet to the nailgun to a 7-gallon portable tank. This lets the tank act as a local accumulator for instant demands and the remote compressor maintains overall pressure as required.

 

[Geobound]

I think I'm just going to go with this, and save all the screwing around......no pun intended.

https://www.jccayer.com/Dewalt-DCN6...p/10286/gmc/?gclid=CLap4cWSws4CFQELaQod8yMBEQ

Having said that, couldn't I just screw everything together rather than nail?

I know that nails are suppose to be stronger, but how bad could it be?

Hmmmmmm, I'm going to have to look that one up.

 

[jakemac]

I think I'm just going to go with this, and save all the screwing around......no pun intended.

https://www.jccayer.com/Dewalt-DCN6...p/10286/gmc/?gclid=CLap4cWSws4CFQELaQod8yMBEQ

Buyer beware.
Cayer doesn't have the best reputation for customer service or timely service.
There have been more than a few horror stories posted about them. Here and elsewhere.

"'Ya spins the wheel, 'ya takes 'ya chances"

 

[Geobound]

Buyer beware.
Cayer doesn't have the best reputation for customer service or timely service.
There have been more than a few horror stories posted about them. Here and elsewhere.

"'Ya spins the wheel, 'ya takes 'ya chances"

Thanks for the warning.

Too be honest I'd never heard of them until the other day when.

I was reading a thread about tools and somebody mentioned the deals, it seemed like a good price.........maybe that's what the problem is?? LOL...

 

[gdocktor3]

Why would you ever buy a $500 nailer for one, possibly two jobs? Utilize what you already have. I'm pretty sure I have that same compressor as you. Also, are you planning on putting power to this shed? It would be cheaper to run wire underground to the location, use it to power compressor, and then run a few outlets into the shed. Who's to say you won't need power out there in the future? If you have any other questions about compressor let me know.

 

[sberry]

You can buy a good cordless nailer for about 20$.

 

[Fixin'Stuff]

You can buy a good cordless nailer for about 20$.

But it will be very slow and make your arm tired.

 

[Geobound]

Why would you ever buy a $500 nailer for one, possibly two jobs? Utilize what you already have. I'm pretty sure I have that same compressor as you. Also, are you planning on putting power to this shed? It would be cheaper to run wire underground to the location, use it to power compressor, and then run a few outlets into the shed. Who's to say you won't need power out there in the future? If you have any other questions about compressor let me know.

The honest answer would be because I like to have new toys, and see them just as that......a toy.

However on occasion my brain kicks in and says "what are you stupid"......fortunately that was today. LOL......

At some point I will likely get power out there, but I live in the lower Canadian Shield area (which is short for a zillion fricken rocks an 1" or so below the soil), and would rather build a shed before winter, and work on power in the spring.

I was having a conversation with a friend of mine today who tells me that he has a 7500 watt genny, and that I can use it anytime I'd like.

That to me sounds like problem solved!

I know that most American's won't know who this is, but here is the deal of the week for me.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/mastercraft-framing-nailer-3-1-2-in-0588434p.html#srp

I'm going to head there tomorrow to pick one up!

 

[gdocktor3]

The honest answer would be because I like to have new toys, and see them just as that......a toy.

I can't argue with that. I'm the same way, but that's a little too rich for my blood. On another note, have you considered Paslode? They run on a fuel canister bought from Home Depot or they sell battery powered versions. These are the original cordless nail guns and are the ultimate in contractor grade. You can order from Jet and use 15% off if it's your first time also. They have a few different models. Also, don't forget our old friend eBay. https://jet.com/product/detail/617a...tqvLXVXelKnSUjFzT-5OEaAlv08P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[Geobound]

I can't argue with that. I'm the same way, but that's a little too rich for my blood. On another note, have you considered Paslode? They run on a fuel canister bought from Home Depot or they sell battery powered versions. These are the original cordless nail guns and are the ultimate in contractor grade. You can order from Jet and use 15% off if it's your first time also. They have a few different models. Also, don't forget our old friend eBay. https://jet.com/product/detail/617a...tqvLXVXelKnSUjFzT-5OEaAlv08P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

I did look at the Paslode, in fact that was what got me turned onto a cordless nailer.

Unfortunately living in Canada we don't get the same super lowball deals that you get, plus we have to Canadianize the pricing, add in our ridiculously high taxes, and then shipping and handling.

In the end I could buy a child through adoption quicker and cheaper, than I can a tool from the US.

Funny story though, I was telling my wife about my "Tool Dilemma".....again, and she told me to stop whining about it and just buy the cordless one and be done with it.

I'm shocked that I'm saying this, but I think I will go the cheaper route this time, as I don't really see much use for this once I'm done........just don't tell the wife that I said that. LOL.........

 

[Heel2toe]

1. You could run your compressor and fill up the tank then take it to your work area.
2. Buy a cordless nailer and be done with it.

^These 2 or as you have also considered a small pancake compressor. My vote would be for the pancake compressor. Way cheaper than a cordless nailer and it'll also be useful for other projects down the road. You're not gunna run an impact off a pancake but for shooting nails they're perfect

 

[themiller]

Can you get a car back there? If so - run a 2000w/4000w surge inverter with short beefy cables to your car. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00H...SY340_QL65&keywords=2000w+inverter&th=1&psc=1

http://www.theinverterstore.com/cables-and-inline-fuses-4awt.html

I got an inverter a long time ago to use for "just one thing". Now I have 3 of them, smallest being 100w and largest being 2000w... They are handy. Do NOT cheap out on the cable or size. I linked to some good cables that I have personal experience with running motor loads on. YMMV. I run my 1.6HP compressor off of a 2000w Honda EU2000i and it stresses, but works. No problem running it off of the inverter. The auto store battery cables are junk. I have several in my garage for <1000w inverters - that is all they are good for.

http://frentzandsons.com/Hardware References/ampdrawofelectricmotors.htm

It isn't actually a 5 HP motor. My 1.6 draws ~15 amps continuous. Anything more than a light on the same circuit and if I'm using it heavy it will pop a 15a breaker.

 

[gdocktor3]

I'm shocked that I'm saying this, but I think I will go the cheaper route this time, as I don't really see much use for this once I'm done........just don't tell the wife that I said that. LOL.........

Which is? Hammer time?

 

[Kev442]

I was going to say that a used 5550 watt generator bought off Kijii and then resold was your best bet, but borrowing one is even better. I personally found that a 2 gallon compressor was useless for a 3 1/2 nail gun.
I found that I could power up the generator, fill my 20 gallon compressor tank, then shut it all back down. I was able to pop off 50 big nails or 75 sheathing nails without the noise.

 

[Geobound]

Which is? Hammer time?

No, LOL......

I don't know if you saw the link that I had posted earlier to the nailer that I'm going to pickup for $100.00, but for an occasional use type product Mastercraft is a good brand.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/mastercraft-framing-nailer-3-1-2-in-0588434p.html#srp

I'm sure that with the 7500watt generator that I am going to borrow I will be all set.

My wife was talking to a "builder friend" that she knows, and he highly recommends that I do pier mount bases for the 4x4 posts, rather than what I was going to do.......which was 4" of coarse gravel and horizontally lay the 4x4's on the coarse gravel and then build my 2x8 flooring from there.

All that means is a rented post hole digger, because I'm not digging that many holes by hand! LOL.......

 

[Geobound]

I was going to say that a used 5550 watt generator bought off Kijii and then resold was your best bet, but borrowing one is even better. I personally found that a 2 gallon compressor was useless for a 3 1/2 nail gun.
I found that I could power up the generator, fill my 20 gallon compressor tank, then shut it all back down. I was able to pop off 50 big nails or 75 sheathing nails without the noise.

I was thinking of doing that with the compressor that I have as well, but now that the loan of a 7500watt genny is in play, I just may be okay. LOL......