Suggestions for inexpensive Air Compressor for finish nailing + air wrenching?

[oldhouseowner]

Hi All,

I'm looking to get myself a 2" brad nailer + compressor for a project I'm doing, and I figure I might as well get a compressor which can also handle the occasional bit of shop work I do. Online catalogs are a bit confusing since it looks like many switch between CFM and SCFM terms... making it difficult to know what compressor will be suitable with what tool, etc.

Bostitch has a combo kit for under $200 (CPACK1850) which gets me a brad nailer, a 2HP oil-free compressor with 4 gallon tank + hoses, etc. It is spec'ed at 2.1 CFM at 90 PSI.

Will this compressor work for occasional light work (think rotating tires) with a 1/2" impact wrench? I understand that a decent impact wrench would use 4SCFM. According to some website, I can convert Bostitch's 2.1CFM at 90 to about 5.5 SCFM, in which case, all is well. But if Bostitch MEANT to say SCFM, then I'm screwed. Or maybe I don't know what I'm talking about.

So... will this work for me? Is there a better nailer+compressor pair I could get for under, say, $250?

Appreciate any ideas.

Thanks much, JM

[andynewhouse]

Don't have a clue about SCFM vs CFM etc., but I've been sort of considering a small compressor for the same things you are. So in response to your last question, I don't know if this is better, but I saw a Porter Cable at Amazon for $230 - search there for CFBN200A. I think it might have recently been on sale for $200. I'd appreciate other's experience/opinions/comments also, Thanks, Andy

[PipeDown]

Frotunately a nailer will work with most any capacity compressor but if you wanted to use it with a sprayer, grinder, saw or anything that spins you'll need a bigger compressor. You could still use it for blowoff and tire filling needs.

If all you want is to use a nailer, get a smaller compressor and it will be easier to move around. Since they sell the one you noted as a set, I think it is safe to assume it will work to spec.

As long as the compressor has the same or higher pressure and CFM as the tool it will work.

[Colbyt]

I bought a 2HP unit a couple of years back. Without going to the basement to check I would guess the specs to be about the same as the ones you posted above. It is overkill for running a single finish nailer. At 52 pounds empty I find it awkward to carry around. I drive quite a few 2" brads before it cycles on. With the smaller nailer it is even longer. I see guys doing finish work with the $89 wonders from Wally World with about half the weight. I am sure mine will be working long after theirs are dead but every time I carry it up the steps I think about it.

I can't say for sure whether or not you can get away with the occasional air wrench or not. I can tell you that I have used an air chisel which has a stated consumption very much above my ratings. I can't use it constantly. When I use up the stored air in the tank I have to give the compressor a chance to catch up. Usually this is about a minute. I think the same would work for you. Two nuts off and drink a beer. I should reword that but I am not gonna do it.

If you want to compare the stats. The air chisel I use is the el-cheapo one from Harbor Freight. About $20 if not on sale. 7-10 on sale.

[Toller]

I got the PC w/brad nailer a couple months ago at Amazon for $115. Didn't particularly need it, but at that price...

If all you want to do is drive a nailer think about the little Senco. It is reasonably priced, extremely quiet and will do a nailer just fine. It is hopelessly small for anything that takes a lot of air.