Do You Still Use Your Shop Air Compressor?

[sberry]

Battery tools are revolutionary. Right up there with puters and phones. 10 top items for labor savings worldwide. I remember before all this, it was all hard work, now can run a few screws in minutes would have been hours back in the day.
Modern tools allow lots of the same work from a pickup I used to use a 20K # truck for.

 

[username2]

I use both a lot.

I'm often surprised to read about some people opinions of battery tools on this site. They must have or have used some really low-end, garbage tools.

No doubt. My 12v Porter Cable, 14.4V Milwaukee, 18V Milwaukee all became low-end, garbage when the batteries died, no new tools came out in that line, and there was no backwards compatibility with newer batteries.

A 100 ft., decent quality extension cord allows you to use string trimmers, leaf blowers at *much* lower cost and higher performance (assuming it'll reach), and a miter saw that never moves might as well be plugged into the wall.

I admit that if I spent a lot of time building decks the calculus would change. Given that I'm rarely more than 6 feet from a wall plug, my made in Japan Makita corded drill (had it for 40 years?) and made in Switzerland Milwaukee hammer drill will serve. I'm giving a new pair of M12 tools (stubby impact + ratchet) a try since I don't want to deal with an air compressor, but that's about as deep into cordless as I need to get.

 

[sberry]

I'm often surprised to read about some people opinions of battery tools on this site. They must have or have used some really low-end, garbage tools.

Here is what I think. A lot of it is just opinion. I think the 50$ battery drill I used this morning is as good, better really than the one I bought for 150 in 91.
I have used a lot of cheaper stuff along with the best, it kind of worked its way in and now the user cant tell the difference and some of it has some nice features make it especially useful and worth having at that cost. I found a drawer the other day a former master had used and had bits of wire and such in it and turns out it was **** he had found for some seal and oring work. Turns out better than I rush off to the truck to buy something.

 

[sberry]

No doubt. My 12v Porter Cable, 14.4V Milwaukee, 18V Milwaukee all became low-end, garbage when the batteries died, no new tools came out in that line, and there was no backwards compatibility with newer batteries.

I admit that if I spent a lot of time building decks the calculus would change. Given that I'm rarely more than 6 feet from a wall plug, my made in Japan Makita corded drill (had it for 40 years?) and made in Switzerland Milwaukee hammer drill will serve. I'm giving a new pair of M12 tools (stubby impact + ratchet) a try since I don't want to deal with an air compressor, but that's about as deep into cordless as I need to get.

Both those statements are accurate, you probably dont need it and the tools in the ist list are long obsolete. There have been changes, when the 12, the 14.4, I had both from the 9.6, 2 at a time, they were worn out well before the PC we paid 50 for in 2020 was even invented. They were all in the 150 range when they were new and we **** about a battery should have been squat,, I delayed a long time when I should have replaced but my 28 is well north of 15 yrs of hard labor, brutally wore out 3 drills, completely replaced wrist busters, some of the batteries take 1000's of charges, did **** with them, bought second tools. My only regrets are the impacts, they were early and not so good.
My old is still in service, a cordless sawzall is a thing of beauty, 2 is better. I hadnt used much new, the other last so long and I was really committed to an upgrade to some new lighter for lighter work, the old is good but gets old fast due to weight. I had been pontificating about it when I score a PC at Wally for my 12 yr old, I outright cant believe how good it works and its become the go to, I got to get another and the driver. Its already returned its cost and no sign it is going to change soon. Became fully integrated, got no problem drilling the occasional hole 3/8 in steel.
I aint worried about 10 yr batteries and not being disposable. Only downside is no gage and I solve it by shoving a battery in if we head off on an adventure, only even ran it out once or 2x since we had it using it on an earth auger and dozens of holes.
If you ask me 20 yrs ago if I would ever use a 50$ drill more than my 250 one I would have said no way, I would have to look for my old air drill. Used this to drill 1 1/2 inch thru a tractor block in close quarters the other day.

 

[sberry]

The thing that makes air good and viable is really some tool cost especially in todays world. Some of the sub special tools, die, rotary, sanding, grinding, scaler and chisel can now be bought generic at economic prices, each doesnt need to be gut wrenching 400 but so many good tools in the 40 to 90$ range, they last well, are very dependable, its easy to justify in some single events if a guy has air.
I remember the eldtimer Franz telling me way back that he had bought a bunch of flea mkt **** and was done buying the brand. He scaled the truck bed he bought it for and the 10 yrs it lasted for after that was a bonus.
Those 3 are my generic bargains and there are a couple others mixed in that replaced brand and they outlast them.
Not only is the air tool and its connector delivering full power but we use a heavy duty tool that makes full power. Some loss at the fitting at the tool wouldnt matter on most as we got to turn them down as it is. I want it at right power not to rip it out of my hands, makes air stretch farther too. A little like the truck driver speeds up going down and slows up going up.
The speed and power are variable. I got enough variety here rarely use a dremel type, I can seem to mange with these monsters. I am on the second 7 inch of a career for a total of 160$ and its still working when a top brand was near 400 back then.
The right angles are sold under several brands as is that straight. The right are brutally tuff, have beat them like rented mules, some cut off which I like better than straight, but wire wheels most best tool ever. I broke a straight need to replace it with a generic so as not to have to put heavy knotted pencil wheel in place of the rotary file once in a while.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I got to agree, all the worry about batteries is a drop in the bucket. They pay for themselves. I about hurt myself and my helper trying to limp by, I finally spend a grand on new batteries so we can use the right tools vs some other alternative.

I agree, batteries are consumables.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Question for anyone who set up their air comp outside of the shop, any issues when it gets really cold?. I know there’s less moisture in cold air, just wondering if there are any freeze up issues? I’m thinking I setting up a small out building for a comp and dust collector, separated with a petition wall between them. I think i will set up a small compressor in the shed and see if there are any problems.

 

[sberry]

You need to keep the stock water drains to do that. Should run cold weather oil, you can use some multi grade engine oils but I think you can get comp oil works well. I might be inclined to move any utilities out there I could and heat it above freezing. I have a pressure washer fire truck in fridge body on a truck I keep in my storage building. I figured it cost me 15 or 20$ to heat it and dont got to work around it all winter if I wanna keep it live. You can even put a jacket on the pump and use a crank case heater but keeping the whole thing 40 degrees is even better.

 

[vanapplebomb]

If you are going to be running it below 30 degrees and it seems a bit sluggish to kick in, try a full synthetic compressor oil. It seems to help quite a bit with cold starts.

 

[Lucid Moments]

I got to agree, all the worry about batteries is a drop in the bucket. They pay for themselves. I about hurt myself and my helper trying to limp by, I finally spend a grand on new batteries so we can use the right tools vs some other alternative.

I agree, batteries are consumables.

It is all part of the cost benefit analysis though. Pneumatic tools are generally less expensive than equivalent electric tools. Until you add in the cost of the air compressor and distribution system. Which is a fair point. But then that air compressor and distribution system could quite possibly last 20 years or more whereas during that time you will certainly go through many batteries, and even entire battery platforms so that you have to buy new tools as well.

In the end it is something everyone will have to decide for themselves. I have both and use both. And that works for me.

 

[demarpaint]

If you are going to be running it below 30 degrees and it seems a bit sluggish to kick in, try a full synthetic compressor oil. It seems to help quite a bit with cold starts.

Exactly. I found a good synthetic air compressor oil can be a big plus in the cold weather when using my compressor.

 

[Monte]

imho the 3 most important machines in a hobby car shop:
- vehicle lift
- mig welder
- air compressor

 

[mcspeed]

They all serve their purpose. Battery powered tools are excellent. Sometimes they fall short. Just replaced 6 bearings on my mower deck. Took the 2,000 ft lb impact to pop a bearing with my puller. I did use my milwaukee die grinder to cut the race from the shaft.

I like having the air option. Prolly use it to clean stuff more than anything else! I have a 60 gal vertical IR with 5 hp 240 volt. It is noisy and if I had to do it again I would get something quieter.


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[Renegade1LI]

imho the 3 most important machines in a hobby car shop:
- vehicle lift
- mig welder
- air compressor[/QUOTE

I guess 2 out of 3 ain't bad, I'm 58 & never had the pleasure of working off a lift, maybe next shop.

 

[dwcon1431]

I agree, compressors have their purpose. There's a reason that every automotive shop has one.

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[jeepnut24]

I can run my M12 brushless die grinders all night and not wake up my kids or neighbors... can't say that about using my compressor. No looking back for me for most stuff. If need more power than the electric impacts, then Ill use heat or cutting tools LOL

 

[didit]

I can run my M12 brushless die grinders all night and not wake up my kids or neighbors... can't say that about using my compressor. No looking back for me for most stuff. If need more power than the electric impacts, then Ill use heat or cutting tools LOL

Very valid point. I tend to schedule my compressor use to normal daytime working hours, so as to not intrude on the neighbors tranquility when they get home from work. Not a problem though. I can always find something else to do or use another means without air tools.

 

[jeepnut24]

Very valid point. I tend to schedule my compressor use to normal daytime working hours, so as to not intrude on the neighbors tranquility when they get home from work. Not a problem though. I can always find something else to do or use another means without air tools.

I can't really argue against having a compressor, but it sure is nice being able to work without it kicking off late at night (Only time I get to turn wrenches for fun) Given the space, I would have a much larger compressor. But given time, and brushless motors, Ill swap all my stuff over. The last will be the air nailers.

 

[DeeKay]

I can run my M12 brushless die grinders all night and not wake up my kids or neighbors... can't say that about using my compressor. No looking back for me for most stuff. If need more power than the electric impacts, then Ill use heat or cutting tools LOL

God I didn't even think about that! I remember when I was like 16 or 17 getting the police called on me for running our little oilless air compressor and air tools late at night. My parents didn't mind, I guess they figured I could be doing worse things at that time of night. But one of my neighbors sure didn't like it.

 

[ffearless]

How do you fill your tires or blow out your sprinkler system with a cordless tool?[emoji16]

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[jeepnut24]

How do you fill your tires or blow out your sprinkler system with a cordless tool?[emoji16]

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Actually, the M12 compressor is great for airing up tires...Not super fast, but it works... not so much the sprinkler system though LOL

 

[Hpozzuoli]

I am a contractor not a mechanic so take this with a grain of salt. I never use my compressor anymore. I finally replaced my floor stapler with a battery one. Now all my compressor does is sit in my truck.

The one in my garage gets occasional use filling up inflatable toys. Sometimes I use it for lug nuts because my snap on cordless gun is the first generation with all dead batteries. Once I replace it I won’t really have a need for a compressor, but will keep a small one.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Very valid point. I tend to schedule my compressor use to normal daytime working hours, so as to not intrude on the neighbors tranquility when they get home from work. Not a problem though. I can always find something else to do or use another means without air tools.

I can't really argue against having a compressor, but it sure is nice being able to work without it kicking off late at night (Only time I get to turn wrenches for fun) Given the space, I would have a much larger compressor. But given time, and brushless motors, Ill swap all my stuff over. The last will be the air nailers.

I never really thought about the noise, I sometimes go into the garage when I get home, usually after 10 pm & with the cordless my wife has never complained. Now I have to try the compressor one night & see if I get in trouble, lol. I am set on locating it outside the garage anyway, probably in a shed, insulated with some heat this way the dust collector can go in there too. It's become apparent I need a blasting cabinet set up & a sand blaster.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Well looks like the compressor is staying & I am going to pipe it out. I got to the point I need a blast cabinet & sand blaster, can't get good paint striper anymore & having a blast cabinet will be a big time saver. For now I'll hang onto the box of air tools, it's good to have a choice anyway.

 

[Ilikeike]

Most used pneumatic tools in my 3 car home garage, get used pretty much weekly.
Although I did recently purchase an Milwaukee M12 angle die grinder that I keep the flap discs on, it's pretty handy to grab real quick, but still prefer the size and feel of that particular air tool.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Is anyone using a dryer, I’m thinking that’s gotta help with a blast cabinet.

 

[Ilikeike]

Is anyone using a dryer, I’m thinking that’s gotta help with a blast cabinet.

we have dry air outlet at work that we hook the plasma to. It would be a good idea on a blast cabinet, but ours is quite a ways from the compressor and lots of drops before it gets the 50' or so to the blaster to catch some of the moisture. But why not, if you can.

 

[Shadowdog500]

Well looks like the compressor is staying & I am going to pipe it out. I got to the point I need a blast cabinet & sand blaster, can't get good paint striper anymore & having a blast cabinet will be a big time saver. For now I'll hang onto the box of air tools, it's good to have a choice anyway.

Put a moisture separator in your system for that blast cabinet. Moisture in the air lines makes the sand clump. I never put an oil systems in my lines either. I can put a few drops of oil in the tools that need it, and I can use any line I have for blowing, blasting, or painting or other oil-less tools like Brad nailers and crown staplers.

I don’t think I would ever be without a good compressor. Battery power is nice but nothing beats the oomph of a good pneumatic impact, and a good air hammer. Besides how would I blow out my sprinklers in the fall without a decent compressor.

 

[Deadsquiggles]

I’ve been using mine less recently because I’ve acquired a few more cordless tools. But when it comes to breaking some of the rusty bolts I’ve encountered on my F150, I’ve been extremely happy to have my compressor and air impact. Mine will stay cause even if I go fully cordless, I still plan on eventually adding a blast cabinet. But not having an air hose to roll out before I start and roll up when I’m done is nice.

 

[Renegade1LI]

It seems like there is no reason to not have battery & air, there are times where battery is perfectly capable but having air to blow out something is a nice convenience. In our main shop we have moisture separators & oilers right before the guns on dedicated lines, but the air comes out the comp & thru an air dryer & into the system.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Just checked, refrigerated dryers start at 400$ & up, looks like a filter & separator to start.

 

[Jazz1]

Die grinders and impact gun and of course painting

 

[Shadowdog500]

Just checked, refrigerated dryers start at 400$ & up, looks like a filter & separator to start.

I use a desiccant line dryer that HF used to sell that looked like a pipe. Look up desiccant line dryer and you will probably find something under $50. The only thing with desiccant line driers is that they have to be at least 20’ down the line from the compressor to give the hot air coming out of the compressor a chance to cool. You also have to change out the desiccant when it gets saturated. You can bake it to get the moisture out of it and use it over and over again.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I use a desiccant line dryer that HF used to sell that looked like a pipe. Look up desiccant line dryer and you will probably find something under $50. The only thing with desiccant line driers is that they have to be at least 20’ down the line from the compressor to give the hot air coming out of the compressor a chance to cool. You also have to change out the desiccant when it gets saturated. You can bake it to get the moisture out of it and use it over and over again.

Thanks, I’m going to look into that, that’s why I’ve been debating if i should keep the compressor in the shop or move it out. I was thinking of a small heated shed next to the garage for the comp and dust collector, i like keeping it on the quiet side.

 

[sweetk30]

Use mine all the time . Just added in a 60gal extra tank . I now have over 300 gal of storage . 2 compressors at 175 . Each has storage tank at 120psi .

I need mine for air tools when i use them . But mostly blaster cabinet and plasma cutter .

I want a real set of train horns tho .

I have 2 I.R. T-30 pumps . A 19cfm and a 15.6 cfm . The bigger could be swapped for a bigger m o.k tor and make it 36cfm .

 

[gtsgarage]

I’m all m12, impacts, ratchets, die grinder, sander and inflator. I haven’t turned my compressor on more than a few times in the past couple of years and that was for air not for tools.

I may have to let it go at some point it’s an old craftsman about 14 years old and I haven’t been good at draining it. Probably a safety hazard.

 

[Indexmill]

How do you fill your tires or blow out your sprinkler system with a cordless tool?[emoji16]

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Yea, really, how do you blow off **** without a compressor. I use the blow gun every single time that I am in the shop. Could not live without doing it.

 

[finn]

Need it to run the plasma cutter, paint, run the blast cabinet, spray undercoating, blow things off, drive the needle scaler, inflate tires, run the d a , blow out the water pipes on the rv, run the cutoff wheel, and more.

 

[dswensen]

I still use my compressor a lot especially when using nail guns. However, I am finding myself in more situations where I wish that I had a battery powered nail gun. It would be so convenient. Still trying to figure out if the cost is worth it.

 

[zmotorsports]

While I do have a few cordless tools and find them useful in many circumstances, I still use compressed air a LOT in my shop.