Can my air compressor handle this tool??

[scipper77]

So I have to install new trim on a bunch of doors. My wife went out and got me an air compressor on black Friday that puts out 2.4 CFM @ 90 psi (craftsman 1 hp 3 gallon unit).
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00915310000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2


I bought an 18 gauge brad nailer at harbor freight that says "average" consumption is 4-6 CFM.
http://www.harborfreight.com/18-gauge-2-in-1-nailer-stapler-97524.html

Now I know that on the surface the numbers are not in my favor but I was wondering if this rating was for sustaining repetitive shots? If I shoot nails with a 5 second pause in between shots will I be alright?

Can anyone way in an experienced opinion? Both the cheapo nailer and the compressor are still in the boxes and can go back if need be.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Can my air compressor handle this tool??

Not answering your question about the compressor but an 18 gauge nail is really too small for molding like base and case. You really want a 15 gauge for that. Personally, I like Senco nailers but if you don't mind jams and nails that don't always get countersunk then the HF ones might be OK.

The compressor is probably fine for DIY projects.

 

[MTboatguy]

Re: Can my air compressor handle this tool??

You should have no problem at all with that combination, I have worn two of those nailers out in the last couple of years, they don't last long, but they get the job done and my twin tank 3 gallon handled them with no problem.

 

[i386]

Re: Can my air compressor handle this tool??

I think for a brad nailer/finish nailer/stapler it will work just fine. Framing nailer or coil roofing nailer might need a little more.

Let us know how it goes. I've been thinking about getting the same nailer to use with my cheapo HF 3 gal. pancake compressor.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Can my air compressor handle this tool??

.......I've been thinking about getting the same nailer to use with my cheapo HF 3 gal. pancake compressor.

Go for it. I use a couple of HF brad nailers and staplers with a little 90 psi tankless compressor. They do just fine.

 

[scipper77]

Re: Can my air compressor handle this tool??

Not answering your question about the compressor but an 18 gauge nail is really too small for molding like base and case. You really want a 15 gauge for that. Persoanlly, I like Senco nailers but if you don't mind jams and nails that don't always get countersunk then the HF ones might be ok.

The compressor is probably fine for DIY projects.

The original molding that I removed appeared to have been put up with 18 gauge 2" fasteners. I'm a little worried that if i fire a 16G (or 15G like you suggested) to close to an edge that it could split the wood.

I guess my real ?? is what is bad with 18g fasteners? I ask this because someone else who does this kind of work told me that 16g was overkill today.

I don't really care what I use but since I have no experience I just want to buy the right tool for the job (within reason of course).

 

[scipper77]

Re: Can my air compressor handle this tool??

I also noticed that the sears compressor link I posted advertises a 1 hp compressor but the sticker in the picture says 1.5 hp.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00915310000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2


I went out in the garage to check the box for the one I have and the pic on the box says 1 hp.

 

[MTboatguy]

Re: Can my air compressor handle this tool??

The original molding that I removed appeared to have been put up with 18 gauge 2" fasteners. I'm a little worried that if i fire a 16G (or 15G like you suggested) to close to an edge that it could split the wood.

I guess my real ?? is what is bad with 18g fasteners? I ask this because someone else who does this kind of work told me that 16g was overkill today.

I don't really care what I use but since I have no experience I just want to buy the right tool for the job (within reason of course).

I use a 15 gauge Pioneer angled nailer for all of my wood moldings and cabinet faces and have not as of yet, split a piece of wood, the 18 gauge nailes are good, for what they are designed for, but they don't have the holding power for moldings and such, After a while, the 18 gauge nails will pull through, I have not had a molding pull through with a 15 gauge yet..

 

[kmarine]

Re: Can my air compressor handle this tool??

Your combination compreser and nailer will work together. Persomally I prefer a compressor that can deliver 125lbs of air. This will be required if you later decide to purchase a larger nailer or other pnumatic device. like an impact wrench for tire changes. Think of future needs, you may be glad later.

 

[scipper77]

Re: Can my air compressor handle this tool??

Would a 16G nailer be acceptable??
http://www.harborfreight.com/air-to...air-finish-nailer-18-gauge-stapler-66902.html

The only 15G I see at HF is getting pricey enough to where I might be better off buying a better quality brand.
http://www.harborfreight.com/air-to...uge-magnesium-air-finishing-nailer-97554.html

And there is still concern that my compressor can't keep up with the demand.

It's funny because all of the name brand nailers I looked at only listed a psi requirement, not a cfm requirement.

 

[scipper77]

Re: Can my air compressor handle this tool??

Your combination compreser and nailer will work together. Persomally I prefer a compressor that can deliver 125lbs of air. This will be required if you later decide to purchase a larger nailer or other pnumatic device. like an impact wrench for tire changes. Think of future needs, you may be glad later.

The compressor I have is a 125 psi unit.

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: Can my air compressor handle this tool??

I've been using one for trim and it's just ok. It'll do the job, but I'd recommend a unit with higher pressure capability. You need to be precise with the angle and have a nailset handy as it sometimes leaves nailheads above the surface.

 

[MTboatguy]

Re: Can my air compressor handle this tool??

My Dad and I always argue about 16 vs. 15, but they both seem to work, the only reason we have an argument is because I bought a 15, he bought a 16!

If you buy an angled, make sure and practice with it, because if you don't get it right, you will be following up with a nail set, it takes a little practice to get it right, but going in at an angle can be a benefit to durability, especially on entrance doors that get a lot of use.

 

[scipper77]

Re: Can my air compressor handle this tool??

If you buy an angled, make sure and practice with it, because if you don't get it right, you will be following up with a nail set, it takes a little practice to get it right, but going in at an angle can be a benefit to durability, especially on entrance doors that get a lot of use.

These are six panel hollow core doors for the upstairs bedrooms. The door frames are already hung, I am just putting the trim up.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Can my air compressor handle this tool??

The compressor will work just fine. The issue is how often it will cycle. If you can get the pressure up to 90psi then it becomes an issue of the tank size. A smaller compressor will also take longer to cycle or build the pressure back up.

My standard nailer is a Milwaukee 16ga finish nailer and I love it for most of the thing s I do. I did not care for the 15ga and I returned it for the 16ga.

I have the same 18ga nailer and I would not use it for door trim. You would be much happier with the 16ga.

This is the one I bought and it works very well.
http://www.cpomilwaukee.com/factory...=milwaukee-reconditioned-nailers-and-staplers

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Can my air compressor handle this tool??

These are six panel hollow core doors for the upstairs bedrooms. The door frames are already hung, I am just putting the trim up.

Are you talking about the casing molding?

 

[bigdee]

Re: Can my air compressor handle this tool??

I have one of those cheap 18 ga nailer (as cheap as a good hammer) and used it a bunch. It has never jammed but will occasional misfire but you can tell from the sound so it is not a big deal...just pull the trigger again. IMO 18ga is perfect for trim molding,the nails are so small that can hardly see them. I wouldn't use it for anything structural like pre-hung doors. It beats the heck out of a claw hammer and punch. I disagree about the holding power...I had to remove molding that was fastened with 18ga and the nails were impossible to come out,they would slip through the molding rather than pulling loose from the wall.

 

[scipper77]

Re: Can my air compressor handle this tool??

Are you talking about the casing molding?

Yes, casing. Sorry I should have used the proper terminology.

The short story is that a cat shredded most of the upstairs woodwork. I had to pull 5 doors down to the studs. I have already installed prehung doors using a hammer and nail set with appropriate size nails (12d was called for in the instructions).

When I put up the casing the nails are the least of my worries. I'm more concerned with the mitered cuts. My saving grace here is that I'm working with white prefinished casing so a little filler and some paint can hide small imperfections. If I was using something like oak I'd likely call in a pro because if it doesn't look good you haven't gained a thing by doing it yourself.

I'm on the fence as to 16g vs. 18g. The original fasteners look to be 18g. They held the old casing on pretty good.

P.S. I'm not starting the trim portion of this project for at least another week. I want to get my new newel post,railing and spindles in first. Then the upstairs will be recarpeted. Then I will put up the trim (casing).

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Can my air compressor handle this tool??

What style casing and the gap between the stud and the door makes a difference as well. If there is a gap and you have to angle the nail to hit the stud the 18 won't have the length you need. If its that short 1 1/2" casing that is common then 18 might be fine since the casing isn't very thick. Just remember that you are going through casing and drywall. On my house I have a 3 1/4" casing(5/8" thick) and I have to use longer nails that you can't get with the 18 nailer. On my prehung double french door that I have going into my office, I literally hung the door solely with the casing supporting it but I do have the mongo casing.

 

[scipper77]

Re: Can my air compressor handle this tool??

First off, A big thank you for all of the help. I feel that I am in good hands.

Second this just got a whole lot simpler. I went to home depot and brought along an old brad. It looks like it was a 16G. If the old ones were 16's then there is no way the new ones will be 18's. so.....

They had 6 gallon 150 psi compressor with a slightly better flow rate and an oil free pump for $10 more than the compressor I already bought. But.....

For $150 more they had that compressor with three nailers (16g, 18g, and stapler) plus nails plus some throw ins (safety glasses, tool bag). These are porter cable brand. Sure I got upsold, but I have a better compressor (I hope) and a better nailer than the HF one, and 2 more nailers to boot. I'd take the time to lonk to it but I'm at work now so I'm just making a quick update.