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Has anyone abandoned their air compressor...

2K views 7 replies 8 participants last post by  Dal300 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
...and gone over to cordless completely. I have had both a compressor with air guns and a Dewalt cordless brad nailer for a while. I found that I usually grab the cordless because of convenience and because the compressor was fraught with issues. I recently pulled out the compressor and found it had finally died. Now I'm wondering whether to replace it or just stick with the cordless. (I don't use the compressor to spray finish or anything- strictly brad and pin nailers.)
 
#2 ·
I had a compressor and got rid of it …. then after a couple of years ended up going out and getting another. While cordless nailers are convenient, I never found anything that could match up to my Cadex 23 gauge pinner.

But I also use the compressor for other tools (impact hammer, etc). I'd say try living without it for a while and see if you miss it. If you're happy with the job your cordless nailers are doing, there may be no need to replace the compressor.
 
#4 ·
I use only cordless at work, a combo of paslode senco and dewalt's. For anything from framing to finish on the job site it's much more convenient.

In my home shop I don't use any cordless. My compressor is always plugged in so the convenience of plugging in a nail gun and using it without worrying about a dead battery or a gas cell is a great.

Paul
 
#7 ·
My compressor is over 22 years old. I've kept an in-line air drier on it since day one, and I check the water drain valves 3 or 4 times a week. (Seldom much more than a blast of mist comes out) I change the oil in the pump once a year and I blow out the air intake filters 3 or 4 times every year. It still has the original belts and they show almost no sign of wear because it's always been under cover and not out in the sun.

A few years back I was given an old compressor with a burned out pump, and I daisy-chained the tank to mine for added capacity. I've painted several cars and trucks, done body work, and I've always serviced my own vehicles (including rotating tires). My woodworking nailers are air powered.

That said … if you take care of it, service it regularly (YES, CHANGE THE DANG OIL IN IT ONCE IN A WHILE!) it should last you a very long time.

There's no way on God's green earth I could ever give up my air compressor.
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#8 ·
I have about 5 air compressors, from a 1 1/2 gallon oiless to a 175 gallon 5 HP 3 phase. They have all worked well for years.
I have a couple of small cordless nailers, but, I gave them to the wife for stuff she does. Neither one will sink a brad or a nail completely in an old, dried piece of Osage Orange or Mesquite.
 
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