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Been runnin' on multiple pancake compressors for years and 2 of them finally died. I am looking for single electric compressor that will run up to 3 framing guns, engineered lumber, etc. Any suggestions on models, hp, tank size, etc?
We've absolutely abused the Dewalt / Emglo 2gal one (single tank) for the last 6 years with not one problem, I wouldn't have another one. The only issue is that it's kinda loud. It has two ports but we use a splitter to make it run 4 guns.
Not sure if it really matters, but I only use AMSoil (sp) as an oil...in anything compressor related.
Makita mac2400. Had for 6 years . It's a tank. Starts all weather. Change oil 2x a year - winter and summer. Runs 2 to 3 framers, roofers, siders. Heavy but very quiet. Well built. Just got Mac700 for little stuff. Looking forward to using.
Second on the 2400. I'd like to emphasize the "quiet" part. 'Cause it is. No problems at all, but I have been looking for something much smaller. Something you could run your finish guns off, just doing, say, one room of trim. The 2400, as mentioned above, is indeed a tank. A beast, even. IOW, it's a heavy mother, but for framing an addition, it's perfect.
I would really like to get something like a wheelbarrow Jenny that throws out 8+ cfm, but I don't do enough framing to really rationalize the 1k plus $ 250 shipping. We only really frame 1 house and a odd addtion/garage/deck per year.
In all reality I will probably only have 2 framing guns running at the same time..However, I would like the compressor to be able to handle sequential sheathing nailing w/ 2 guns going at the same time.
How does that 2400 keep up with a framing nailer on rapid fire sheathing mode? Looks like the Mac5200 jumps up to about 6.5 cfm @ 90psi.
Tucker,
I know its been stated before, but you might want to consider using multiple smaller compressors. For example, you might want to consider using a couple or three Mac700's. Each Framer could have his own. It will keep up with one gun. You have an advantage in that if ONE unit breaks down your whole crew isn't waiting for parts. The other guys can keep working. You could also consider "ganging" the compressors with a manifold for those limited times when the one Mac700 might not have enough air volume. Additionally, as you transition into the finish work you can have guys in separate rooms doing trim etc. without having hoses/cords running all over the place. The Mac700 is quiet too! YMMV....
Don
I started out with nothing. I still have most of it left.
I would really like to get something like a wheelbarrow Jenny that throws out 8+ cfm, but I don't do enough framing to really rationalize the 1k plus $ 250 shipping.
Around here, the 2-horse Emglo wheelbarrows are everywhere on craigslist for 200-300 in decent condition. I bought one, replaced the pressure switch and a few other parts, wired it for 240 and made a couple of adapters so we can plug it in at the dryer. It never runs out of air no matter what you are doing, roofing or nailing sheathing, etc. I have a MAC5200 and the wheelbarrow can run circles around it.
May want to check out some of their smaller stuff also. I kinda like the 2 or more smaller compressor idea, allows for having crews on different sites also.
Check craigslist for stuff. I just bought a dewalt/ emglo gas compressor for $250 in great shape, previous owner had just had it tuned up. There can be good deals on good stuff out there.
The last outfit I worked for had a Senco 120v wheelbarrow. That thing sucked. We couldn't run it off our generators, rarely could we run it off a customers power - even then we had to plug it in at the panel or I'd have to hook up a temp receptacle just for the compressor. If you are doing a lot of remodeling work, this thing was not you want. We could run multiple framing nailers off of it, but I can do that with my 4 gallon twin stack too and that didn't trip breakers near as often.
I keep a Rigid gas wheelbarrow compressor in the truck at all times, and that is really only used for inflating trailer tires, blower nozzles, and sheeting, felt or housewrap fastening. I have not used my twin stack in 6 months or more. I use cordless Paslode guns from framing and trim anymore. If I'm doing a decent amount of framing then I just use the air framers off the gas compressor.
Chances are if you are running 2 or 3 framing guns with any regularity you will wear out an electric compressor anyway. Most of the framing crews around here (at least what is left of them) run gas compressors.
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