Introduction and my first post

[Larry Owen]

Hello to all. I am a retired IT guy, and amateur woodworking guy and misc tinkerer. moved from nj to north carolina (Leland area, near Wilmington), and have limited space. will likely build a shed next spring to store stuff currently in my garage, so will have a bit more space then.

I am looking for small projects to occupy my time, to help expand my knowledge, and make myself useful to neighbors/friends/clients.

dont have any air tools yet, but am interested in getting started on a small scale. my technique has always been to read as much as possible to understand the tool technology and what would be best suited for me. my current task is learning about lightweight air tools.

looking for information on starting with air tools, from basic to intermediate. npt fittings, compressor types, and capacities. can start small, from running a 3-gal compressor off an inverter in my car to fill my tires on trips, to air guns to clean my garage, to using compressor for house washing.

house washing is one area of interest to me, not only because i need it for my own home regularly but because all my neighbors do as well; it is something i imagine i could do myself with the right equipment; it is relatively safe given proper precautions, etc.

for house washing, ive been told that a decent house washing setup is not worth buying for a home owner, but houses in my area get dirty often (nearby contruction an lot of rain), but it seems to be if i have a strong enough compressor to pump water, i should be able to use long extensions to reach 30-40 ft to clean fascia and upper parts normally out of reach. rather than expecting the water spray to reach 30-40 feet, i was thinking of using larger extensions with nozzles to give me higher pressures.

so if you can share your experiences, or send me any useful information, websites, materials i can read to give me a better understanding is appreciated.

thanks
-Larry Owen

 

[Don1357]

I haven't been around for that long but for what is worth, welcome!

Your very first project would be your workshop. In essence it is your primary tool; it holds all your tools, work spaces, enhances or detract from your workflow, and allows you to build a more solid infrastructure of power and air.

For air, you may not think you need it right now (and you may not) but buy the most CFM capacity you can get your hands on. You have two types of tools; those that use air intermittently (like a nailer, can go by with very little CFM), and those that use air continuously and can be quite voracious about it. High PSI tanks are nice enough with intermittent tools, the pump doesn't go off as often but that's pretty much it. For sustained tools PSI and to a degree tank size are secondary; working more than a few minutes means that you are working off the pump's capacity for pumping air not how much air the tank can hold. You should build your workshop with 220v in mind for the compressor as it will afford you a larger pump.

 

[nadogail]

Welcome from Southwestern California.