Thursday, July 31, 2014

Hitachi 728582 1/2-Inch by 3/8-Inch Square Female Male Adaptor with Friction Ball

Hitachi 728582 1/2-Inch by 3/8-Inch Square Female Male Adaptor with Friction Ball
  • Well-built with a high quality design
  • Overall drilling length of 1-1/2-Inch
  • 3/8-Inch square male adaptor comes with a friction ball
  • From 1/2-Inch socket drive to 3/8-Inch socket drive
  • Comes with a 30-day limited warranty
  • Adapts sockets from a 1/2-inch square female end to a 3/8-inch square male end
  • Allows up to 20-percent more torque
  • Made using high quality alloy steel (chrome-molybdenum)
  • Measures 1-1/2-inches long

Just kidding. It works though. What else can I really say? Yes, now I can use my 3/8 sockets with my 1/2" ratchets and bars. If that's what you need to do too.... then this is your man.

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DEWALT DC618K XRP 18-Volt Cordless 1-1/4 Inch - 2-1/2 Inch 16 Gauge 20 Degree Angled Finish Nailer K

DEWALT DC618K XRP 18-Volt Cordless 1-1/4 Inch - 2-1/2 Inch 16 Gauge 20 Degree Angled Finish Nailer Kit
  • Engine design allows the tool to work as fast as the end user with consistent nail penetration into both soft and hard joints
  • Sequential operating mode allows for precision placement and the bump operating mode provides the user with production speed.
  • Easy access to the nosepiece for the removal of jammed nails without the use of screwdrivers or tool wrenches
  • Contact Trip Lock-Off allows trigger to be disabled when not in use
  • Integrated LED lights for long life and durability;Top cap is impact resistant and easy to remove for troubleshooting

No, I am NOT a pro finish guy--former pro-painter guy. I have remodeled about half my house so far, so I would most likely just be a DIY guy. HOWEVER, my experience with interior painting on high-end, high-production tract home projects has made me expert in making the finished product look great no matter what (even though the popular phrase around the jobsite was "the painters will fix it").

Just picked the nailer up August 31st from H.D...

First impressions: This thing is freakin' heavy! I compared it to my Senco FramePro 702XP framing nailer (with 1 stick of 3 1/2 nails in it) and they weigh the same (about 8 pounds). My neighbor has a Senco AirFree cordless nailer, it feels like a toy in comparison to the DeWalt.

Pro's:

* Cordless! Don't have to drag out the air compressor.

* Cool headlights. Good for doing trim in darker areas.

* Shoots 16 gauge angled stick nails (Paslode nails were all I could find to fit at H.D.) Used for crown, casing, base and quarter-round shoe molding--made small, tight holes, no problems.

* Accurate electronic depth adjustment. 1-6 range, 6 setting will just countersink in 3/4 oak

* Bump-firing! Unlike Senco AirFree, you can set the DeWalt to single fire or bump. When on bump mode, it drives at a consistent depth. The motor spools up when you press the trigger, and then bam, bam, bam

* Good grip. Feels like typical DeWalt grip. Stays in you hand while sweaty, quality trigger feel.

* Spare battery. Good Dewalt charger, quality carrying case (with steel buckles instead of plastic)

Cons

* Porky. Not just heavy, but the head of the unit is kinda fat, it has a belt clip, which you have to use, because you can't park it in your bags. It does work OK with a Monster Hook, so no big whoop. It will also nail shoe molding just fine while upside-down.

* Yellow headlights. I know yellow is DeWalt's thing, but white would have been better.

* Price. $400.00 is a good chunk of cash.

Overall, great result for a first-time release. Absolutely SPANKS the Senco AirFree--then sends it to bed without dinner.

Buy DEWALT DC618K XRP 18-Volt Cordless 1-1/4 Inch - 2-1/2 Inch 16 Gauge 20 Degree Angled Finish Nailer K Now

Just bought this tool in sept. and used it to frame several door jambs and casing. it works good. a little heavy, but a lot lighter than a compressor, hose etc. if you buy the angle gun the price of the nails are about 50% more than if you buy the other dewalt straight nailer. because at hd you can buy paslode nails for this angle gun or with the straight gun you can buy senco or porter cable nails. however the angle nailer is better for reaching into corners. As with most dewalt tools you have to use them for 15-30 days to make sure they do not fall apart or break down. but so far I recommend this gun. GUN UPDATE:>12-1-04: IT WORKS GREAT!. have done several jobs no compressors or hoses, entire house molding, casing and the gun works great. no hassels with hoses and watching out so nothing gets knocked over. I have used this gun now for 90 days and have had great success. good job dewalt.

Read Best Reviews of DEWALT DC618K XRP 18-Volt Cordless 1-1/4 Inch - 2-1/2 Inch 16 Gauge 20 Degree Angled Finish Nailer K Here

This tool is solid and works as advertised. So it weighs 8.5 lbs... if you are going to be nailing over your head for hours straight then break out the air hose. I did the same when using my Paslode.

This tool replaced my Paslode Impulse Finish nailer. I've not looked back. Ample power and drives nails well with very predictable depth control.

Get the angled nailer, easier to place and nail in tighter spots. With the size of the gun, you'll need it.

If you are looking for the possible negatives...

Somewhat costly to purchase

It is heavy, but the tool compensates me for this with performance and convenience

I miss being able to sit the tool down on the front face like the Paslode. The Dewalt rolls over sideways if you try. This makes it difficult to set it down and retrieve from the floor or a ladder shelf. I glued rubber feet to the front, problem solved.

If doing production, long nails, hard wood... keep batteries ready to go. I find I can run 3 clips of 2 1/2" if attaching solid oak face trim. For regular use and 1 1/2" nails I get 5 to 6 clips through it.

Don't use the belt clip unless you are trying to remove your pants.

High profile theft item, bright yellow, easy to lay about, high dollar value... watch it close or you'll be buying a second one real soon. (Soap Box Thieves should have a finger removed for each item they steal until they learn or can't pick anything up anymore. Seems fair, 10 chances and all.)

Rather large for tight spots, but amazingly it can get places I would have said it couldn't.

Now, for those that own a selection of 18V tools, consider the kit purchase comes with two batteries... buying two batteries is $100. (you get a 3rd if you buy soon) For me, that's a $100 credit toward the purchase of the gun.

Buy it, enjoy it.

Want DEWALT DC618K XRP 18-Volt Cordless 1-1/4 Inch - 2-1/2 Inch 16 Gauge 20 Degree Angled Finish Nailer K Discount?

First, I'll start by saying that I already owned a few DeWalt 18v products, and I have been very pleased with them. I was so tired of carrying around a 75 lb compressor and hose for mid-size trim jobs that I started looking cordless. I'm sure the Passlode is a nice tool, but I already own 18v DeWalt batteries, and I didn't want to deal with the Passlode fuel cells and batteries.

Now, for the performance this does just as good a job as my DeWalt and PC pneumatic finish nailers. It can sink nails through 1x oak baseboard, through a sheet of plywood and into a stud, and do in with excellent depth consistency. It's not going to replace my pneumatics on a large job, as one battery lasts about 4 clips of nails. It was great for putting up chair rail in the last basement I finished, but if I were trimming an entire house, it would be time to break out the compressor and hoses.

A bonus I find myself using this for my woodworking projects as well. I can set the depth to leave the nail proud of the surface, and tack items together for gluing. This lets me setup my work without struggling to hold the work and the clamps. Fire a few nails, set down the work and then get the clamps.

I have only two small complaints:

One is battery life. It may not be possible to improve it, given all that this gun has to do (I wouldn't give up the work lights for battery life!), so it may be a reasonable compromise, but four clips of nails is not a whole lot. Plan on needing 3 batteries for continuous use.

Second is price. I think the price of the gun is a little steep. My wife gave it to me as a gift, so I can't complain too much I'd been eyeing it for some time, but couldn't justify the price.

I don't rate many things with five stars, as there is always room for improvement. Four stars, however, is a rating to me that means I'd spend my own money on it again.

UPDATE:

I replaced my batteries with new XRP's, replacing some old XR+'s. I now rate this as five stars! It's not the gun eating batteries, mine were worn out. I did a 2000 sq ft house on 2 batteries. Wow.

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I just bought this about 2 weeks ago, so I can't attest to its durability, but this is the best investment I have made in ages. I did drop from a ladder onto concrete, with no problems. I used this to hang a prehung exterior door and put down some shoe molding last week and it was great. I assumed that I would have to wait for it to charge a spring or something before I could shoot a nail, but it's ready to go as soon as you pick it up. When you pick it up and just feather the trigger, two little work lights come on and the motor spins up and it will shoot nails as fast as you pull the trigger. As with all nail guns, it won't shoot until you press the shoe against the wood. It also has a bump-firing mode where you can hold the trigger in and it will shoot a nail every time you bump it. It uses the Paslode 22 deg. nails from 1¼ -2½ . The 2 1/2" nails are great for large trim. I used them to tie doorjambs to the studs. Seems to shoot a zillion nails on a single battery. Much quieter than my air nailers. Nail depth control is the best I have seen. The case has storage room for 4 boxes of nails. The body is big, but it's very light. Get the angled model, not the straight one; they're the same price.

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Hobby Gear 17011 Small Air Compressor

Hobby Gear 17011 Small Air Compressor
  • This product is made from high quality materials, and it is designed for lasting performance
  • Add the ultimate scale feel to your crawler or other hobby related projects
  • 1/10th scale Small Air Compressor

There's no description for this item. Is it just a toy or is it an actual air compressor?

if it is an air compressor, what else do I need to buy so i can use it?

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Alton AT01101 Portable 2-Gallon Hotdog Tank Oil-Free Air Compressor

Alton AT01101 Portable 2-Gallon Hotdog Tank Oil-Free Air Compressor
  • Alton 2-Gallon hotdog oil-free air compressor
  • Perfect for air-brushing, inflation, stapling and other tasks
  • Small tank size allows for convenient portability and storage
  • Plastic shroud prevents excessive heat; easy-to-read gauges provide precise control
  • Compact design, Flip-up cushioned handle for easy transport

Got it for $40 on sale at Farm & Fleet. Very light and easy to carry. It will run a brad nailer ok for use around the home. It comes with a coiled hose and a air chuck. I put a quick coupler on it to be able to use a blow gun, brad nailer, or the air chuck. A plus is that it will work when plugged into to a 400 watt inverter connected to on my F-150's battery. Works a lot faster than the 12V compressors.

Buy Alton AT01101 Portable 2-Gallon Hotdog Tank Oil-Free Air Compressor Now

Currently, the Coleman® name is being licensed by Alton Industries of Batavia, IL and they are manufacturing and distributing both generators and compressors with the Coleman® brand.

If I remember correctly, Batavia, IL is in the USA, NOT China.

If you like coleman products, you'll like this product. It was originally made by Powermate, now being made by Alton industries. It is also being sold in red, with the coleman name on it instead of alton. Same parts, same comressor, different name.

Read Best Reviews of Alton AT01101 Portable 2-Gallon Hotdog Tank Oil-Free Air Compressor Here

Way over priced here, bought it for only $47 at Sears online! Very nice for the money, and it comes with a hose!

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I bought this same one for my son a few years ago. My son-in-law wanted the same one for Christmas. It arrived promptly and he is very excited.

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Bad quality. The handle is made out of thin or brittle plastic: fell apart into pieces. Also, compressor would not start. I had to tip (lean) the compressor on one side, then on the other, and then it started. Something is not right. I used the compressor only one time!

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

220 PSI Pistol-type Lock-on Air Chuck with Dial Tire Gauge w/ Flexible Hose

220 PSI Pistol-type Lock-on Air Chuck with Dial Tire Gauge w/ Flexible Hose
  • Comfortable rubber protected 2in gauge that measures ( 10 to 220 PSI
  • 1ft flexible hose
  • Brass lock on air chuck
  • ¼in. NPT air inlet

It works like i expected it to but the guage gives you a close reading maybe +2 lbs; the lines are just too small to accurately guage the pressure.

I use it to get close to what i want to fill at and then use a digital air pressure gauge to get an exact reading and adjust.

Good product for the money

*****Update September 2012, I had this for 2 years and it worked, but the other day I used it and dropped it and the metal cracked and rendered it useless.

Buy 220 PSI Pistol-type Lock-on Air Chuck with Dial Tire Gauge w/ Flexible Hose Now

Gauge reads super accurate for me, definitely within 1-2psi (who needs more accuracy than that?). This product allows you to lock onto the tire valve and fill to the exact air pressure desired without removing the chuck from the valve to measure psi. Made in China is disappointing but you can't beat the price. I got this specifically because it measures over 100psi, which is nice if you're filling up road bike tires.

Read Best Reviews of 220 PSI Pistol-type Lock-on Air Chuck with Dial Tire Gauge w/ Flexible Hose Here

The only criticism of this air chuck is that the pressure gauge goes to a very high number 150 psi I believe. This makes the sensitivity of reading "normal" tire pressures from 1-30psi tough to measure. Unless you are filling Catepillar industrial tires you don't need the gauge to go that high.

I may look into replacing the gauge itself.

The hose locks on well, pistol grip performs perfectly and it has a nice air release valve for de-pressurizing tires if you overfill.

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Not a whole lot to say on this.

It connected up nicely to the hose and it fills the bike and car tires without problems. I've used worse at the actual gas stations, so i'm pretty happy with this, especially for the price. I would buy again.

This thing is a great idea, but total junk! I bought this, thinking It would be easier to inflate tires with it, but instead I got a Very leaky, Very cheap piece of junk. The 'Quick-Connect' end of it is very flimsy and the spring in it is very weak. It pops off the stem constantly, and you have to hold it tight the whole time you are using the inflater. This defeats the purpose of even having the quick-connect end.

DEWALT D51431 1-Inch to 2-Inch 16-Gauge 1/2-Inch Medium Crown Stapler

DEWALT D51431 1-Inch to 2-Inch 16-Gauge 1/2-Inch Medium Crown Stapler
  • Lightweight tool provides enhanced maneuverability and aids in minimizing user fatigue
  • Cycle rate of 20 fasteners/second (at 100 psi) provides a speed rating that works as fast as you do
  • Low air consumption rating consumes less air per shot, allowing the tool to cycle faster and more consistently
  • Clean nose area aids in more exact fastener placement
  • Tool-free jam clear eliminates down-time from bent fasteners caught in the nosepiece;Tool-free depth adjustment assists in locating the perfect depth setting for precise nail penetration

As received the staples wouldn't feed properly. Talked to DeWalt and "They just don't have any problems with this model. Get it replaced." Gotit replaced but meanwhile the original worked better every time it was used.

The rplacemement arriveda quick check showed the staple feed area to be extremely tight also. I sent the replacement back & kept the original.

I expect the tool will become superior with a little more break-in time or I may just take a little sandpaper to the bar over which the staples slide. I'm using Bostich 1/2 X 2 staples. These are galvanized another brand or non-galvanized staples might feed OK.

Buy DEWALT D51431 1-Inch to 2-Inch 16-Gauge 1/2-Inch Medium Crown Stapler Now

I used to attach metal lathe to sheathing for cultured stone application on a new home. Impressed with the quality and price. Does skip a staple once in awhile but not an issue.

Read Best Reviews of DEWALT D51431 1-Inch to 2-Inch 16-Gauge 1/2-Inch Medium Crown Stapler Here

I just received my staple gun and I am having a problem with the feed. as another reviewer said I think it will break in and be an exelant gun. I will probably take mine apart and sand the slide so that staples move smoothly through the gun. It seems to only be hanging up near the front, (due to the paint). as for the sequential trigger problem that another reviewer mentioned, my gun came with two different triggers so if you don't like the way it is firing you can change it. All in all I feel it is a good gun for the price. I bought mine from grizzly 99.95 on sale.

Want DEWALT D51431 1-Inch to 2-Inch 16-Gauge 1/2-Inch Medium Crown Stapler Discount?

This was the deal of a lifetime. great value for a great tool. This was such a good deal I was suspicious at first but I have used the stapler on several houses without a flaw and I couldnt be happier. I even bought one for a friend. You cant go wrong here. It would have been nice if it came with a case but a great value as it is.

Bought this stapler while building my house. A real timesaver. Uses comparatively little air so with most compressors, you will limit how fast you can work, not the stapler. Did not have any problems with misfeeding staples or staples not fitting the gun. Occasionally the last staple would jam, but it only happened once or twice (you automatically prevent it by feeding staples before empty).

I would recommend this stapler for both contractors and "do-it-yourselfers".

Monday, July 28, 2014

Interstate Pneumatics G2101-160 1-1/2" 160 PSI - 1/8" NPT Rear Mount Pressure Gauge

Interstate Pneumatics G2101-160 1-1/2' 160 PSI - 1/8' NPT Rear Mount Pressure Gauge
  • Range: 0-160 PSI
  • Dial Diameter: 1.5"
  • Case/Bezel: Black
  • Port Size / Port Direction: 1/8" NPT - Back Mount

I bought 10 of these as replacements for fire extinguishers. They are easy to read, metal cased, the lens comes off for easy marking, fitting is brass and all were accurate. Great little gauges!

Buy Interstate Pneumatics G2101-160 1-1/2" 160 PSI - 1/8" NPT Rear Mount Pressure Gauge Now

We have bought a bunch of these. They are simple to read, not messed up with that metric system and American pressures on the dial. Easy to read PSI. They have a tough metal case and can take more abuse then the plastic cased ones.

Stanley Bostitch CAP1512-OF 1.2 Gallon Oil-Free High-Output Trim Compressor

Stanley Bostitch CAP1512-OF 1.2 Gallon Oil-Free High-Output Trim Compressor
  • High-output oil-free pump delivers 2.8 CFM @ 90 PSI and 150 PSI max operating pressure for multiple finish tool operation
  • 2.0 HP (Peak), 1.5 HP (Running) motor draws 12 amps for easy start up without tripping circuit breakers
  • 1.2 gallon compact design weighs 23.5 lbs. for easy portability
  • Integrated control panel with roll cage protects gauges from jobsite damage
  • LED ON/OFF switch lets you know when the compressor is on to eliminate low-pressure misfires

Here are a few measurements comparing this Bostitch to the Porter Cable 6 gallon pancake compressor it's replacing:

Bostitch / Porter Cable

Time to charge: 0:47 (@150 psi) / 2:31 (@135 psi)

Decibels @ 3ft: 90 dB / 92 dB

Weight: 26.8 lbs / 33.8 lbs

Air blower @ 90 psi (time before pressure falls below 90 psi): 9 seconds / 11 seconds

Pressure after 1 minute of air blower: 35 psi / 50 psi

Equilibrium pressure leaving air blower open: 35 psi after 30 seconds / 35 psi after 2 minutes

The Bostitch is faster to charge, quieter, and lighter. Both motors produce about the same amount of compressed air.

The smaller tank on the Bostitch provides slightly less air, but the fast recovery mostly offsets this concern.

The Bostitch earns five stars from me.

Buy Stanley Bostitch CAP1512-OF 1.2 Gallon Oil-Free High-Output Trim Compressor Now

I purchased the Bostitch CAP1512 compressor due to its light weight and compact size. I wanted an alternative to my 70 lb. Dewalt/Emglo (which works perfectly, but without wheels is too cumbersome to carry around). The Bostitch worked right out of the box. It was easy to set up and use. I used it to with my brad nailer to install the shoe moulding in my recently remodeled kitchen and it worked flawlessly.

Likes: compact size, portability, on/off switch, air pressure, price, control panel, ease of use

Dislikes: none noted

I am satisfied with the compressor and would reccommend it to others who are in the market for a compact compressor.

Read Best Reviews of Stanley Bostitch CAP1512-OF 1.2 Gallon Oil-Free High-Output Trim Compressor Here

I use a compressor for brad and finish nailing, inflating tires, and blowing sawdust off my tools (I also energize some effects at a haunted house at Halloween, but that's another story). One of my main uses is to trim out sets at a local community theater, so easy portability is a must. This compressor fits the bill perfectly.

The 1.2 gallon tank is small, but the fact that it goes to 150 PSI means it performs like a larger tank, and it also means that 100 PSI tools will always be operating at full pressure. Also, the pump is fast and fairly quiet as these things go. It takes 45 seconds to charge from 0 to 150 PSI. The pump cuts back in 125 PSI and takes 10 seconds to charge back up. This is enough to get about 5 shots out of my 16 gauge finish nailer, and of course I could get at least twice that before the tool actually lost pressure. I don't have a framing nailer, but I'd guess you'd get about half that, so it would work in a pinch, but you wouldn't use it for serious jobs. It will run the blower attachment flat out at 50 PSI.

I'm replacing a 4 gallon pancake compressor that was a bit heavy and awkward to carry. This compressor is light and the handle is well positioned. Also, all the plumbing is well protected, which was another issue with my old compressor, which had pipes and gauges sticking out just asking to get knocked off.

Finally, since my old compressor once tipped over and dumped oil all over my car, I *really* appreciate the Oil-free, no maintenance motor.

Most low end compressors have visibly shoddy construction, but this at least appears well built. Of course, only time will tell how it actually holds up.

So, bottom line: obviously, this isn't for serious framing, roofing, paint sprayers, or air sanders, but for trimming and other light duty, where portability is important, it's absolutely perfect.

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I really like the ergonomics of this air compressor. The dials are large and easy to read. All of the controls are on the front of the unit. This compressor is very light weight, making it extremely portable. I am amazed at how quiet this compressor is, and the tank fills quickly reducing the run time of the engine.

So far, I've only used this compressor to fill the air in the tires of my SUV, motorcycle, lawnmower and bicycle. No more trips to the gas station I should have made this purchase a lot sooner. I can say without hesitation that you will be delighted with this air compressor from Bostitch.

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I bought this because it is the lightest and smallest compressor that fit my needs. I primarily use it with finish guns and staplers and it works exceedingly well. I don't know how long it will last but I think for the price and what I have already been able to complete it has paid for itself. Great design. I highly recommend this for small jobs.

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Campbell Hausfeld FP2090 2 Gallon Portable Air Compressor

Campbell Hausfeld FP2090 2 Gallon Portable Air Compressor
  • Perfect compressor for home usage
  • Lightweight and easy to carry
  • Maintenance free oil less pump
  • Includes 25 ft recoil hose

The compressor is not a strong one but it does what it is advertised for. I primary use it for airbrushing my model kits, I also use a 50 foot air hose to keep the thing away from my ears. I consider my self sensitive to sudden and loud noises, even when I am expecting them and I think that this air compressor is loud which is why there is a 50 foot hose. With the hose I can have the compressor in one room and me working in another

For airbrushing the tank is a godsend as the tank extracts a lot of the moisture from the air this also requires you to tap the tank every time you use it. It will inflate car tires but that can take time.

Good:

It is great for airbrushing

I paid around $50 bucks for it (on sale)

the tank keeps the compressor from being on constantly.

Bad:

The recoil hose (I nearly threw that thing away).

Does not come with Teflon sealing tape or air-gun, and the recoil hose has sealant on both ends that barely works. Translation you are better off buying a hose, tape from a hardware store.

Loud (for me)

Does not have an enclosed accessory carrying system.

It is exclusively light duty.

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Acme A918N4BS Interchange Connector

Acme A918N4BS Interchange Connector
  • Sold Individually

Good solid connection you need for close quarters like my 90 degree 6000 rpm dotco air drill that just by it's self is over a foot long. If you need this you need this and are dead without it.

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Hitachi 19014 3/8-Inch Swivel Fitting

Hitachi 19014 3/8-Inch Swivel Fitting
  • 3/8" Swvel Fitting
  • Heavy Duty Construction
  • 3/8" Male

Started leaking air within a few months of use on a 15 gauge finish nailer.

Buy Hitachi 19014 3/8-Inch Swivel Fitting Now

swivel fitting make useing a nail gun a lot easier. the nail gun and the airhose ben. so the nail gun and air hose work togerther.

4.3 Gallon 2.5 HP Oil Lubricated Direct Drive Electric Portable Twin Stack Single Stage Air Compress

4.3 Gallon 2.5 HP Oil Lubricated Direct Drive Electric Portable Twin Stack Single Stage Air CompressorThis guy will power up to 120 psi in about 60 seconds it is fast. It looks to be very well-built (it is also heavier than it looks) and I expect that it is going to last for a lifetime for me as a weekend handyman. For the price, I couldnt find anything that was near comparable; I would consider it contractor grade.

My only disappointment is that the free-air capacity/CFM is lower than I expected when using a blow gun to clean out the garage or dust off tools, etc. Because it recovers so quickly it is not a big deal, but does require a little patience when using it for longer than a minute.

I would definitely recommend it if the CFM meets your requirements. I think its the best one out there.

Friday, July 25, 2014

Campbell Hausfeld HL540100AV 8-Gallon Air Compressor

Campbell Hausfeld HL540100AV 8-Gallon Air Compressor
  • Ideal for heavy duty home or garage use
  • Reliable, long-lasting pump
  • Features cast iron, oil lubricated pump
  • 125 max PSI
  • 1.3 HP pump

I spend many hours searching for my next air compressor on the Internet. Reading reviews from many customers got their air compressor delivered with some damages, I was holding my order.

One day, an email came from Harbor Freight Tools, and I was just checking their items and offers. WOW! "Isn't this the one that I was going to order from Amazon?" And $109.99? I carefully compared their web photo with this one on Amazon. A perfect match... but only the name of the company. Because this one from Harbor Freight Tools is Central Pneumatic.

I think it is safe to say that these air compressors are made in china by a Chinese manufacturer and whoever order them spray the buyers name on it.

Anyway, I went to one of Harbor Freight Tools store nearby and bought one. I picked one in a clean box. Not a crushed box with open holes.

I filled this new compressor with air and left it for 24 hours. No sign of any problems so far with air pressure at 125 psi where it stopped last night. I unplugged the unit after so I know.

With nice wheels and a handle, it is very easy to move around. I like it a lot.

FYI,

Buy Campbell Hausfeld HL540100AV 8-Gallon Air Compressor Now

I've had this compressor for six months now and it still runs great. There's a bit of assembly involved to put the wheels and handle on when it arrives, but that's very simple to do.

Very important: You will need to add the oil to the compressor before operating it for the first time. For obvious reasons, the compressor is shipped dry with a sealed bottle of oil included in the box.

Everything functions as it should, although the pressure regulator gauge looks and feels a little toy-like compared to the Craftsman compressor that this one replaced. In addition to widely spaced PSI numbers, it has pictures of items (soccer ball, tire, etc.) as a guide to setting the pressure. To some that might be useful. I'd rather have a more detailed gauge.

All in all, a good compressor for the money. Airs up fast and is good for tires, sporting goods and as an air blower for small jobs.

UPDATE: I've noticed this compressor consumes more oil than others I've used. Frequent refilling is a bit inconvenient particularly because the oil level indicator can be difficult to read.

Read Best Reviews of Campbell Hausfeld HL540100AV 8-Gallon Air Compressor Here

I used to have an older belt driven Campbell Hausfeld portable compressor ... liked it and used it for several years, that's why I bought this one. So far so good ... it's very noisy though ... rattles a lot.

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This 8 gallon air compressor, assisted to me cleaning computer parts of the dust.

I am planning to paint my car too !

It's great !

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So far it works great. I didn't realize that I would need to purchase the hose and accessories seperately but not a big deal. It does what an 8 gallon size should do; air up tires quickly, etc. It was a gift for my hubby and he has no complaints on this compressor.

Wagner 518080 Control Spray Max HVLP Sprayer

Wagner 518080 Control Spray Max HVLP Sprayer
  • Powerful Two Stage Turbine sprays latex, as well as thinner materials such as lacquers and stains
  • Variable Air Pressure Control means less overspray with thin materials
  • 20 Foot High Flex Air Hose extends your reach
  • 3 spray patterns - select the best pattern for your job
  • Variable flow control covers large spray surface down to detail work

I had purchased another Wagner sprayer to use refinishing my kitchen cabinets. Unfortunately, I bought the wrong model. After doing some cabinet doors and not being satisfied, I called Wagner technical support.

I described what I was attempting to do and the lady told me that I needed the Max HLVP unit.

I used it yesterday for the two base coats and then this morning for the top coat of polyurethane. I couldn't be happier with the results!

The unit is light and has plenty of power.

I was spraying heavy interior latex and then satin polyurethane.

It takes some playing to understand the best settings on power and flow. But, once you get those dialed in and are consistent in your spray angles and distance, the unit will give you professional results.

It is very easy to clean and comes with two cups for small and larger jobs.

I plan to use this to finish the balance of the kitchen cabinets and then on multiple other interior and exterior jobs.

Buy Wagner 518080 Control Spray Max HVLP Sprayer Now

This is just a quick review documenting my first (short) experience with this sprayer.

I just bought and tried this sprayer and so you understand, I know very little about these. The reason I bought this particular sprayer was cost and I figured that the outboard turbine would be more powerful that the ones with the turbine built on the handle.

I have previously owned an airless sprayer and it was useless except for jobs where quality wasn't important. The previous sprayer would constantly spit and I had no control over the spray pattern. I wasted a lot of paint painting a fence with it. Moving on...

I am getting ready to paint some rooms in my house and figured that I would try this sprayer to get an idea of how to use it before I got serious with it. I was using latex paint straight out of the can with no thinning... I was curious about how that would work. There are only three adjustments on this gun... air flow, paint feed, and spray pattern. I set the air flow at its lowest setting, pulled the trigger, and nothing came out. I kept increasing the air flow until I got a spray, which was (for the material I was using) near maximum output. Paint delivery was smooth and consistent, although the amount of paint coming out was less than ideal if you were painting a wall. I was only painting a door and frame. I tried the different spray patterns and they all worked as expected. Since there were no "stops" I was curious about where to turn the spray head to get the desired pattern. As it turned out, it was easy. You could "hear" and "feel" the air change as you turned the nozzle. The spray patterns were fairly tight and over spray was minimal. After I was done, clean up was a breeze compared to cleaning brushes and paint trays.

Three more things about its use... being a sprayer, I envisioned this cloud of paint being shot around the room getting on everything. That did not happen. I was also concerned about this being a non-bleeder type of HVLP, as "bubba" mentioned. The air never stops coming out of the nozzle, even when the trigger isn't being pulled. It didn't smear the paint and the air was free of paint when the trigger wasn't pulled. I also tried it with water with interesting results.

As for the door and frame... It looks great, much better than the last time I painted it with a roller and brush.

As I said, this is a preliminary review and I will report back after I finish the house. All I can really say is that with un-thinned latex paint and a small job, this product met and exceeded expectations.

What I have gleaned from this experience is that getting a good spray pattern is determined by the amount of air and the amount of paint being drawn into the air flow. If this is off, the results will be less than perfect.

More to come...

Read Best Reviews of Wagner 518080 Control Spray Max HVLP Sprayer Here

SUMMARY:

Great product for the money, but only for certain jobs! I would recommend it for any outside work, but would not recommend it for painting interior walls, as the effort required to minimize overspray and obtain the perfect dilution/spray velocity outweighs any gains in speed or ease of use.

DETAILS -FIRST ATTEMPT::WALLS

This Wagner has the most hits of any sprayer on the internet, and you can find many video blogs reviewing the product. However, what is lacking of sprayers in general are first-hand accounts of actual end users (especially first-time users). This Wagner is my first paint sprayer. Last year I repainted the entire inside of my house; walls, trim, doors, shelves and all in preparation to move out and get a new house. All of that work was done with traditional rollers and brushes. When we purchased our new house I was desparate to find some way to speed up the process. I researched many sprayers and read many reviews. I found many positive reviews for sprayers in the $800+ range, but was unwilling to commit to that kind of purchase having never used a sprayer. With the Wagner in the $100 range I figured even if it was a bust it was worth the effort.

The first two times I used the sprayer was to paint the walls in the dining room and kitchen area, as these were the smallest wall surface areas in the house, and had flooring that was soon to be replaced, so messes were of little concern. The sprayer is very easy to use -simply dump paint in the hopper, twist-n-lock the spayer assembly together, turn on the power, and push the trigger.

Having not ever used a sprayer before, my wife and I spent a great deal of time blue-taping and laying down dropcloths. I taped all trim and I ran a layer of tape along the ceiling where it butted up against the walls, just in case. I had planned to "practice" with all those safety things in place, then decide which I could forego in all the rest of the rooms.

It turned out that even the blue tape and dropcloths were not enough to keep all of the overspray out. During the process I stopped to go to the hardware store and purchase a paint shield and some painters paper. I added the painters paper to the ceiling and ended up having painters paper, blue tape, and a paint shield in place while painting the upper edge of the wall. I was disappointed to *still* have a small bit of overspray in a few area of the ceiling. I also tried diluting the paint and adjusting the velocity of the air, but never seemed to achieve the right combination. The problem with diluting is the paint can says, "See sprayer for dilution instructions", and the sprayer says, "See paint manufacturer for dilution instructions". I learned that too much dilution will cause the paint sprayer to "spit" and the paint to run.

In the end I completely abandoned the sprayer for the walls and went back to the tried-and-true rollers. I am sure I could have achieve the results I wanted with the sprayer, but it would have taken such a long time as to negate any benefits from the sprayer -the main reason I bought the thing was to hasten the painting process!

DETAILS -FIRST ATTEMPT::DOORS

After rolling all the walls, I decided to give the sprayer a second chance on the doors. I removed several doors and placed them outside against a wall lined with dropcloth. Taking a tip from a painter, I nailed paint stirs to the top of the doors to keep them from butting directly against the wall. After lining them all up, I filled the sprayer and got to work. This time I skipped the dilution; I went full strength and simply turned up the velocity all the way to get the paint flowing as I did not care about overspray.

This worked flawlessly! I have never painted doors this fast. In fact, these were all panel doors which are notoriously hard to paint with a brush. I kid you not that I had half a dozen doors, front and back painted in less than 30 minutes easily. I had some minor dripping on the first door, but after acclimating to the paint viscosity, all other doors look great!

CONCLUSION

For the money this is well worth the investment for anything other than painting interior walls. In fact, if you are used to using sprayers you probably will have success even on interior walls (if you do, please tell me how!). I can imagine painting fences, chairs and other items outside would be even easier than doors as literally no prep (dropcloths, etc.) would be needed.

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For those who are new to HVLP sprayers, there are two types of sprayers: bleeder and non-bleeder. This Wagner sprayer is a bleeder type sprayer. What this means is that once you turn on the sprayer, air will come out of the tip of the gun regardless if you pull the trigger. For thicker type paints like latex, you will have to turn up the air pressure to fully atomize the paint. This will blow alot of dust around your project and create alot of overspray. When you pull the trigger, it will allow paint to flow to the tip, and it will start spraying paint. You must move fairly quickly as you don't want the gun blowing air on your freshly painted are or else it will disturb the paint and cause streaks and runs. If you are a hardcore woodworker and will only settle for perfection, consider the Fuji Mini-Mite 3.

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I have a 12 x 24' deck with railing and steps. Quite a chore to paint. I decided to try this Wagner 518080 HVLP sprayer. I actually looked for the same unit at the local big franchise stores and couldn't find this particular unit. I did find it online somewhere else but it was $127 quite a bit more than Amazon.

This sprayer is really simple and of course that's the beauty of it. I had a Wagner mechanical sprayer any did not last long or work very well but this unit uses what amounts to a reverse vacuum cleaner. Blowing the air out and threw a 20 foot flexible hose. The spray head is simple and only has three parts. The air blower unit as an adjustable air pressure/volume control which allows you to just for your project and paint requirements. Painting intricate rails and latticework is a breeze.

I did the whole deck with Olympic Maximum deck paint... This stuff is thick but sprayer had no problem with it whatsoever. I use the sprayer few times and each time it's ready to go.... Very easy to clean up and just put it back in the box.

The only thing to get used to is it blows air constantly the trigger only releases the paint. Also the hose can pop off if you pull it to hard. I made the mistake of doing a couple of times mainly because I was too lazy to move the blower unit. At first this freaks you out because you think you just made a huge mess but you quickly realize the paint sprayer component shuts down the need and although you might get a burst of air in your face no pain goes anywhere and simply reattach the hose and keep going.

Highly recommended.

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Ingersoll Rand P1IU-A9 Hand Carry Twinstack 2-HP Compressor

Ingersoll Rand P1IU-A9 Hand Carry Twinstack 2-HP Compressor
  • Two-horsepower motor
  • 135 max PSI
  • Capacity at 90 PSI 4.3 CFM
  • Capacity at 135 PSI 3.2 CFM
  • 115 volts and15 amps

I am no stranger to IR compressors as I have purchase many over the years used for large production facility applications. My experience using them and their reputation in the field solidifies in my mind that they are at the top of their game, the best of the best. When it came time to replace my portable compressor, I found this twin stack unit (model P1IU-A9), and decided to give it a try.

Box arrived on promised date (thanks Amazon) but with a few war wounds, which translated into a few scratches on the tanks; not enough to return the unit. Was pleasantly surprised at the quality of all the hardware. Everything seems to be extra heavy duty which of course translates into weight. She is quite heavy but not to the point that it is not portable. I will probably dedicate a dolly or cart to facilitate rolling it around.

It came with an air filter that looks more like it was designed for dessert conditions (very well designed). Stainless steel braded line leading from compressor to tank (not visible in pictures), quality brass fittings and copper lines. All plumbing seemed to be properly assembled. Nice fit and finish.

When I fired it up, I was pleasantly surprised. It seemed to be half as loud as my previous (Campbell and Hausfeld) compressor. I also noticed it had low vibration. Previous compressor vibrated quite violently.

Tank fills quickly and consistently and comes with a brass ball-valve drain.

Negatives:

A little upset about the paint on the tanks getting scratched from shipping, but I got over it.

Weight maybe too heavy for someone with a bad back (approx. 80 lbs.)

Manifold assembly (gauges, regulator, connections) was not centered with cut-outs in front panel. Easy to adjust.

Gauges, as many have said, are poor. They are hard to read (small print). I had to get down on my hands and knees to read the pressure. On the bright side, at least they would be very easy to change out if I decided to do so in the future.

All in all, very pleased with the purchase. I am a value hound and this is one of the best values I have run across in a long time. Built like a tank.

Update: Owned a little more than one year now. Completed several large projects (2,000 SF of solid wood flooring, built-in bookshelves, major trimwork, etc...). Unit still works like it did on day one. I love this compressor. I do caution everyone that it is a little heavy. Maybe I'm getting old (or need to work out more). This thing is built like tools used to be built. Will last a life-time.

Buy Ingersoll Rand P1IU-A9 Hand Carry Twinstack 2-HP Compressor Now

I purchased this from Northern Tool when they had free delivery for nearly all IR products. It was also much cheaper than the price listed on Amazon at the time of this review.

I have used this mainly for minor automotive use such as: filling tires and removing some bolts with a cheapo (read: air hog) Campbell Hausfeld air wrench. I have also used it with a blower to clean out my garage. Doesn't necessarily keep up with the blower nozzle, as I expected, but with a short break (10-15 seconds) it gets back up to pressure and I can continue. No problems powering the air wrench, but the bolts I was removing weren't on too bad.

It's a fairly quiet compressor, with the loudest noise coming from the connectors rattling, not the compressor itself. I would like to add one 3/8" connector but I'm wondering if I need to make the cover holes larger so it can fit. Overall it seems to be a high quality unit that can handle most DIY tasks without taking up too much space. I wouldn't recommend this for an avid grease monkey, but for minor automotive tasks it should be fine. It should also be able to run a couple framing nailers simultaneously without much of a sweat. Compared to other compressors of this style/size this compressor is quite competitive. Also check out the Senco compressor for similar performance.

Read Best Reviews of Ingersoll Rand P1IU-A9 Hand Carry Twinstack 2-HP Compressor Here

I can echo the other reviews, this is a quality tool at a very affordable price. It should last a LONG time.

Cons:

Pretty heavy.

Both pressure gauges were crushed when I pulled it out of the package.

Tweeners:

It's not too loud, approx 80db. Of course you would like it to be silent but you can talk while in the same room.

Pros:

Pressures up fast.

Well protected, only potential problem is the plastic air filter sticking out.

1/4 turn air bleeder is nice.

Excellent Customer Service! I called to see about getting replacement gauges and in less than 5 minutes they apologized for the problems, and had two new gauges headed my way via Next-Day Air.

I personally don't see the need for the Ashcroft gauges. The gauges, no matter how cheap they are, are very well protected and I can't see them failing agin. It was only a result of getting banged when they were assembling the compressor that they were damaged. For me saving $30 and getting the gauges quicker through a five minute warranty claim seems like the way to go!

**************************

Update May 12,2011

Ingersol Rand came through on the the replacement gauges. The morning after calling them I had FedEx on my door with an "Emergency" overnight delivery. The gauges were in good shape and I promptly installed them.

Tip for gauge replacement: Remove the two quick connect air fittings, screw off the regulator handle, then unscrew the portion of the regulator poking through the faceplate. After these are off you can remove the two screws holding the manifold assembly in place, slide it out and replace the gauges.

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So for under $300 you get a workhorse that ready to go nearly right out of the box!!! When I was looking at compressors all of my friends said, "Ah just get your self a pancake compressor or something..." I am SO glad I didn't listen. This compressr doesn't take up much more space than a pancake and is ten times the value!!!

Why to buy this over other compressors...

-First, it's an oil operated unit which means it's quiet and will last much longer than typical units. Quiet is a realative term mind you, it's still pretty loud but if you've ever stood next to a non-oiled unit you'll understand why I appritiate this and call it quiet. As I said, this unit if maintained should last many years.

-Capacity...okay this is a small compressor, but that's probably what your looking for. Larger units cost considerably more and weight a ton! This unit weights in at 79 lbs which while isn't fun to lug around is still do-able. I take it to where I keep my travel trailer stored and air up the tires about ever two months. It's a 4 gal capacity which really isn't all that important unless you're running a large volume tool. In any case, this isn't build for running "continuous flow tools" like grinders and sand blasters. However it's worked flawlessly with my pnematic nailers even when I've been in "burst mode". One more word about capacity...motor output and in turn CFM determine a compressors capability. Larger tank capasity does not instantly translate to more CFM.

-Motor...this is a 2HP motor which one of these days I will measure the amperage on. Don't be fooled by off brands that claim rediclous HP numbers. If it's a 15-20A 120V compressor (or any appliance for that matter) the best you can hope for is around 2 HP. I won't get into the physics but that's the limit. If you're curious as to why, a quick google search should solve the mystery. If you legitimately need more HP and more CFM, you're going to have to look at 240V models and shell out a lot more $$$. By comparison a 240V 3HP Ingersoll Rand 8 gal "wheel barrel" compressor is in the $750 range and weights close to 200 lbs. So this is for the DIYers and contractors that run nailers, staplers, perhaps low volume paint sprayers (but that's questionable.)

-Duty cycle & CFM... One thing that sold me on this unit is it has 100% duty cycle. Most compressors in this size range are not. They need time to cool down so they don't overheat. This being a oiled unit stays cool enough to run continously or so claims IR. The CFM rating at 90 psi is 4.3 so that gives quite a bit of output. I've even considered trying an impact gun. I know it wouldn't run continously but for busting lugs I'm curious to see if it would work. If and when I try it I'll update. Also as I mensioned above, the market is now flooded with high volume low pressure sprayers. So since CFM increases as psi decreases this unit may have enough power to run a HVLP sprayer. I do intend to try this and will update when I do. Back to duty cycle, according to IR, if your running a tool that runs on 4 CFM at 90 psi, it should be able to run contiuously on this compressor. But this could also be a good tool for a group of contractors running several smaller tools at the same time such as nailers.

-Features... On the face of the unit is your instruments and connections. A typical two gauge readout and regulator. Plus two quick disconnectos. So two guys can work of this one unit without any additional manifolds. Nice touch IR!!! After that it's pretty basic.

-Durability... Well built! The instruments built into a steel plate as seen in the photo. Around which a 1" square steel tube makes the face rigid and protects it from the inevitable jobsite reality of something getting dropped on it. The tank and carry handles are welded and feel rock solid. And the motor and compressor block are sandwitched in between for maximum protection. It's a well thought out design that protects itself. The plate the motor is bolted to has a rubber seal under it to absorb vibration and protect the instruments. The four feet are also rubber so it doesn't vibrate it's way across the room.

A couple of downsides...

-In the box you get a bottle of starter oil and an air filter. However once it comes time to replace them, they are hard to find. The compressor will run on synthetic motor oil (check your instructions for what type) however if I recall correctly I think it voids your warrenty. IR does bottle their own oil (I'm running All Season Select) however it doesn't give an ammount to put in. So you have to fill it and check it with the dip stick. I still haven't found a replacement air filter...I think at this point the only option left is to contact IR directly.

-20A or 15A... The instructions say to run this compressor on a 20A circuit. Presumably since during startup the compressor motor will spike above 15A momentarily. I've read some reviews where people said they've run these on 15A circuits without issue, but I wouldn't bank on that. Before you buy, check and see if you have a 20A outlet somewhere to run this on.

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I'm one of those guys who over-analyzes EVERY purchase, and this compressor wasn't any different. The price from Amazon can't be beat, and the free shipping took only 2 days! It handles my Hitachi framing nailer and Hitachi sheathing stapler simultaneously with ease!

I can not say enough about this compressor, though upon arrival I wanted to throw it off the bridge! Long story short, like several other reviewers, when the compressor arrived, BOTH gauges were crushed! Smashed not by UPS but by Ingersoll Rand when the compressor was assembled. Whoever the mule was who dropped in the motor/compressor unit hit the gauges from the top, bending both cases and gauge faces. Not immediately evident, I started adjusting the pressure switche before I got a flashlight and got down on my knees and saw the damage. I considered calling I-R to get new gauges but then realized that they'd just send the same $4 pieces of junk as originally installed. I decided to get a pair of "Ashcroft 200900 1.5 Lower 0/200 Pressure Gauge" from MSC through Amazon ($14 each). Once I get those in, I'll be golden! I've been using it with gauges connected with hoses 'til then and am very, very happy. Even if your gauges come unbroken, replace them anyway.

DEWALT D55141FNBN 16-Gauge Finish Nailer/18-Gauge Brad Nailer/Compressor Combo Kit

DEWALT D55141FNBN 16-Gauge Finish Nailer/18-Gauge Brad Nailer/Compressor Combo Kit
  • 2.0 SCFM delivered at90 PSI pump, 2.0 gallon tank and 150 max PSI enables more nails to be fired and provides quicker recovery
  • Lightweight (30 lbs), thin (10.5-inch) and compact design is easy to carry and store
  • 79 dBA operational noise level for a quieter work environment
  • Roll cage and control panel provide protection to key compressor components
  • Durable oil free pump provides extended maintenance-free operation;Low 8 amp draw motor provides easy start-up and reduces breaker tripping

I bought the nailer to install 3/4 inch wood flooring. Using the 16 gauge nailer, I was able to fire 2 inch brads throught the tongue of african rosewood flooring. A flooring nailer is recommended for this job but I was able to accurately hit the sweet spot above the tongue every time. African rosewood is much harder than oak and the nailer handled the job without a problem. I also like the versatility of having the 18 gauge nailer which I used to shoot 1-1/2 inch brads through quarter round molding. This unit is light weight but has plenty of power. For $300, it is well worth the price.

Buy DEWALT D55141FNBN 16-Gauge Finish Nailer/18-Gauge Brad Nailer/Compressor Combo Kit Now

I do a lot of drywall repair and re-texturing of ceilings & wall areas. I had to replace my old compressor which weighed 50 lbs and was looking for something easier to carry. This compressor works fine, is easy to carry but does run low on compression sometimes because of the small tank. This has not been a problem for me because it does recover quite quickly. I have really enjoyed the compressor in my day to day work and have also used both nail guns on a couple of projects. They worked well and made my jobs so much easier. I am really glad that I made the purchase.

Read Best Reviews of DEWALT D55141FNBN 16-Gauge Finish Nailer/18-Gauge Brad Nailer/Compressor Combo Kit Here

This is my first air compressor but I have had the privilege of using many different portable air compressors (most of them Porter Cable) and this is my favorite. I originally bought this set with general carpentry projects in mind, and I am very glad I did.

Air Compressor Pros:

1. Fills quickly.

2. 2 hose connections are very helpful

3. Metal plate on top protects the motor.

4. Stands up on back for storage so it takes up less floor space.

5. My favorite drain valve I have ever seen on any compressor.

6. Easy to carry.

7. Good placement of power switch on the back.

Air Compressor Cons:

1. 2 Gallon air tank does not allow for much storage.

2. CFM rate is not high enough to use a spray gun for more than short bursts.

Nail Gun Pros:

1. Both nail guns have easy built in safety locks above the triggers.

2. Biggest finish nailer I have ever seen come in an air compressor set.

3. Finish nailer has a good belt clip.

4. The finish nailer once got pulled off my belt and fell onto concrete pavers and did not get a single scratch.

Nail Gun Cons:

1. When you first get the guns they do not come with the hose connectors installed. (They do come with the connectors and Teflon tape but you must put them in.) To protect the guns from any particles falling into them, the guns come with plastic inserts which are almost impossible to remove.

2. The trigger bump on the brad nailer gets jammed in the upright position sometimes.

Accessories:

It came with two accessories I was not aware of at the time of purchase. A single bag big enough for both nailers, the 25' hose included, gun oil, and boxes of nails. It also came with very cheep feeling safety goggles, DPG54M-1D. It did NOT come with gun oil, so to my surprise I had to make a quick trip to the local home depot and buy a $2ish bottle of oil. Also included are the 25' air hose and a bump action trigger (Which I have not used yet).

Other Notes:

1. As you should realize, this kit does NOT come with a staple gun. That can be problematic in some furniture building, especially when applying lewan backing.

2. I bought a 50' hose so I could have two tools attached at the same time and it really comes in handy.

3. You will also want an air gun. They are great for cleaning off sawdust. Also, as I discovered in PC support at school, the air guns are great for cleaning out 8 years of dust from computers.

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Im a contractor so the four things i loved about this set in order , what a great price with shipping was still $40 cheaper than homx depox , its so light at 30 lbs , the roll cage made me feel like it was solid and wont get hurt in my truck , its quiet (this was # 4 because its quieter than all oil less compressors ) but its not as quiet as i hoped still great but needs explaning. the sound level is like this if its in the same room you are in it will bug you in 5 min. you can still talk to the guy next to you with only a small raise in your voice, but within minutes the sound will bug you. placed in the next room it was great, no sound problems. also the sound it makes is not a annoying sound like the porter cable pancake(2/3 times louder) (porter put out more air and holds more air so if you need a comp for more than nail gunning the porter is a better option )to me the sound level was about that of a loud vaccumme cleaner which is very good for a compressor hope this helps 5 stars because not perfect but for the money you get SO MUCH. only rated for 500 hrs (bummer)

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I'm not a pro, so I considered purchasing a much cheaper compressor and nail gun to install some trim in my home. I'm glad I decided to spend the extra money for this tool. It's made installing the trim a breeze. I'm looking forward to tackling new projects using this, and it's made me a believer in DeWalt products.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

IIT 3 Way Air Hose Manifold - Brass

IIT 3 Way Air Hose Manifold - Brass
  • Have up to three simultaneous connections for multi-tool jobs, garages, construction, manufacturing
  • Aircraft aluminum manifold has couplers angled for easier connect/disconnect access
  • Solid brass quick-connect couplers for faster tool swaps; auto air cut-off at disconnect
  • Increased productivity from one air supply - like a power strip for air tools!
  • 3/8" NPT inlet, couplers 1/4" NPT; rated 90 PSI. Manufacturer's Lifetime Warranty

THIS UNIT IS VERY WELL BUILT AND RUGGED. I USED THIS ON A PROJECT TRUCK AND IT REALLY HELPED. HARD TO FIND THIS QUALITY.

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The manifold allows the use of multiple airbrushes simultaneously which avoids having to stop / clean / replace paint supply every time a change in color is needed.

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I ordered this specific manifold because it said 3/8" inlet. I have two 3/8" hoses with 3/8" male threads on the ends, I didn't want to reduce to 1/4" before the split. The packaging even said 3/8" inlet, but it didn't fit. I had to use a 3/8" to 1/4" reducing adapter. The price is good and the fittings seem to be a decent quality, just don't order this item if you really wanted the 3/8" inlet.

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Sharp looking item. My wife thought it was a rocket nozzle. Was almost in trouble for having a new hobby or career (Astronaut). Works as an excellent 3 way air splitter also.

Hitachi NT50AE2 18-Gauge 5/8-Inch to 2-Inch Brad Nailer

Hitachi NT50AE2 18-Gauge 5/8-Inch to 2-Inch Brad Nailer
  • Pneumatic finish nailer accepts 5/8- to 2-inch 18-gauge brad nails
  • Depth of drive dial for a professional finish
  • Quick and simple nail jam extraction
  • Includes safety glasses, air fitting, hex bar wrenches, carrying case, no-mar tip
  • Measures 10-inches by 9.25 inches (LxH); lightweight and well-balanced at 2.2 pounds

This is one of the best tools I have ever had. Operates flawlessly every time. I use Bostich nails/brads because they are easier to find (all sizes up to 2") and the nailer works perfectly. The "height" adjustment is easy. The "jam release" mechanism is great but the tool has never jammed. Excellent Product! James Willard

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The one thing that swayed me to this model was definitely a key advantage. With this nailer, the safety slide peg is mounted behind the nail channel, which means you can get nails into tighter spots with this model than you can with others. The Bostich and others have the slide out in front of the nail channel which means the brad comes out about a quarter inch back from the forward-most part of the tool tip. With this Hitachi the brad comes out at the very front, which is very nice when putting nails in tight corners.

This tool is so handy and does such a nice job, I wonder what would ever make me buy a finish nailer. I'm pretty sure this brad nailer would do those jobs for me too.

Three minor disadvantages drop this to a 4-star rating (reallly 4.5), but it's not because I think there's a better one out there, it's just that there's room for improvement.

1. It's not oil-free. Not a big deal but it would be nicer to not have to bother with oil.

2. The lightest (shallowest) nail depth setting is still a little too powerful. With short brads in soft material many were penetrating too deep. It would be nice to be able to go a little shallower by a step or two.

3. The case is compact and handy, but there's no extra space in there to put nails or oil. Luckily they molded a spot for safety glasses (included) which I have emptied out to store my oil and a few brads there instead. I always have safety glasses with me anyway so that space is better used for nailer-specific items. There is extra volume inside there but its molded over in plastic so you can't use it. Again, nobody else seems to do a better job of this, but that doesn't mean it couldn't be improved.

In summary, a great tool. I can't believe I lived so long without it. A brad nailer makes many jobs much easier, allowing me to do things I couldn't do before with just two hands.

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This is by far the best brad nailer I have ever used in my 20 years as a trim carpenter. It is very light weight ,powerfull, and looks great too! Hitachi has always been a pro-quality grade tool and this brad nailer is a great addition to there collection of pro-quality tools.

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The price was more than right. This is an excellent deal. I used Milwaukee brads for it, and no jams so far. It would be nice if it had a better tip on it though. Comparing price and value with other brands, I would buy this one again. Up until 6 months ago I never knew Hitachi made good tools. Hitachi is my preferred brand for pneumatic right now. The only guns I probably wouldnt buy are their framing nailers, only because the PC is so much cheaper and does the job so well. Buy this gun, you can't go wrong. Along with the tip, the thing that really puzzles me is, I can go buy a $20 no name gun kit, and IT INCLUDES OIL IN THE CASE! (not to mention a couple thousand nails) Here I buy a Hitachi, and not a drop. How about including a small bottle of oil guys? The fifty cents it would cost the company would be well worth it to build greater brand loyalty.

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I got this brad nailer as a back up to my Stanley Bostitch nailer and it feels more balanced than my Bostitch.

As others have mentioned, the the gun ships in a case without oil! I don't really mind it at all because I have lots of oil lyring around. But for those who are just starting out with pneumatic nailer, you should get some oil before you start firing nails with it.

I like that fact that it has the sequential trip and the bump fire built into the gun at the flip of the switch, a feature that my Bostitch does not have. It sinks nails well and countersinks it to the right depth once adjusted properly. I use combination of Porter Cable as well as Bostitch brand brads and not had a jam or misfire yet. I have test fired it very rapidly (3-4 brads per second) in sequential fire and bump fire mode and also not jammed.

I would have given it 5 stars if not for 2 small things which I found can be improved. The depth of drive adjustment wheel is easier to turn. It's located between the magazine and the nose. Not the easiest to turn if your fingers are not dexterous. My Bostitch had the adjustment wheel located in front of the nose. Secondly, the exhaust swivels 360 with some detents. But I think the exhaust can be improved because it 's only a cheap piece of plastic held in place by a ring groove. Not very easy to adjust the exhaust unlike the bostitch which has the exhaust adjustment incoporated into the top cap.

But overall, it's a well built gun and will buy it again and will recomend to friends if the sale comes around once again. Much better than some POS that is made in cheap china factory with no QC.