Showing posts with label speed air compressor parts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label speed air compressor parts. Show all posts

Monday, September 15, 2014

Bosch STN150-18 18 Gauge Narrow Crown Stapler

Bosch STN150-18 18 Gauge Narrow Crown Stapler
  • Tool-less Adjustable Air Exhaust
  • Tool-less Selectable Trigger - Easily Switch between bump and sequential fire
  • Tool-less adjustable depth of drive - Adjust depth of drive on tool
  • Narrow Nose for Excellent Line of Sight and Slim Body for Better line of sight and better control
  • In-line self cleaning air filter - Keeps debris from the valve and o-ring improving life of tool

I nabbed one of these after my positive experiences with Bosch's new brad nailer, and am pleased to say it works every bit as well as its brother in every regard. It's light as a feather, packs tons of power, and generally just feels much more hardy than the equivalent Hitachi gun. Jam clears are tool free (though I haven't experienced a jam yet, so I can't say how easy it is to use in practice), the exhaust port is freely rotatable, and the set depth can be fine tuned right there on the nose.

While I'm greatly satisfied with my purchase, I still have to dock Bosch a star for failing to include the coupler fitting I'd venture a good 99% of users will need to actually slap it on the end of their air hoses, and I'm just not crazy about the way the triggers on these models are held in place by a tiny rubber washer of questionable longevity. Only time will tell how well they hold up, but something tells me I'll be special ordering a handful of the things long before the internal seals die on me. The dark blue cover that sits under the magazine and keeps the follower's springs from jumping out is also made of a somewhat flimsy bit of plastic, but the way it's put together, I don't think it's likely to get broken unless subjected to the kind of abuse that rarely takes place in a finish carpenter or upholsterer's shop. Still, it really should have been metal, or at least ABS plastic.

Buy Bosch STN150-18 18 Gauge Narrow Crown Stapler Now

This tool has great ergonomics, sinks staples consistently, only lacks a trigger lock as far as features go, and is just nice to use. And while other top load staplers (like the Hitachi) have the release and catch for tool-free jam clearing sticking out on the front of the gun, Bosch put the release and the catch just behind the nose of the gun, relatively out of the way. Really smart. But, the catch seems much wider than needed and limits how close you can get the gun when the body of it is parallel to a wall or other obstruction (much less of an issue than the bump on the front of the gun though).

The body and nose of the gun are about as long as they are on other staplers, but much narrower, so far so good. But the bump on the plastic cover just below the depth setting dial keeps you from getting closer than 1/2" or so from obstructions when the body of the stapler is perpendicular to the wall. Like when face stapling flooring against a wall. A little too close for comfort when you want fasteners to be covered by base or other trim that will be installed later. With my older Bostitch stapler I'm able to get much closer, @1/4" or so away from the wall.

Finally the plastic magazine cover that holds the staples in place is thin plastic. Unlikely to survive even one fall from @3'.

In short, this is a great gun in a lot of ways, and it's almost there but I personally feel that these design choices really keep this tool from living up to its potential.

Read Best Reviews of Bosch STN150-18 18 Gauge Narrow Crown Stapler Here

...Bosch came out with airtools... I have been thru PorterCable, Bostich, Stanley, Senco but none of them measures up to the Bosch Stapler! I use it in my cabinet shop and a stapler can finally keep up with my production! It is especially great that you easily can see how many staples are left in the stapler... I will get the other tools as well when my existing ones give up. I love Bosch...

Want Bosch STN150-18 18 Gauge Narrow Crown Stapler Discount?

This staple gun fails miserably! The deepest I can get the staples to sink is only "nearly flush" with the workpiece! This is with the gun settings at deepest sink and "Turbo Action" employed.

Of all the Bosch tools I have bought and used without the slightest problem this one is a real disapointment.

The newly engineered firing mechanism sounded wonderful. I will wait a couple more years before I think about buying another pnuematic nailer from Bosch (so they can get the bugs worked out). This stapler is being returned.

Save 46% Off

Just recieved this stapler to replace my 27yo Senco 'k' which died, I'm retired so didn't want to justify $400 for a hobby tool. So what's wrong with it?

1 Feed magazine cover is VERY thin and flimsy plastic but the way they install the feed spring it will not feed without this cover.

2 The above cheap plastic cover is only held on with one pin which is using what amounts to an o-ring on the end of it for retention

3 The driver was loose in the drive slot upon delivery, with a little wear it will need cleared with every staple

4 Tested it on 3/4" hard maple using 1-1/2" staples only able to drive 13/16" of staple; rest is proud. 8 staples and a jam requireing opening the nose and using a tool to pry a piece of staple out of the groove where it and the driver were both trying to occupy (rest of staple had been sheared off) the same space.

This tool is nicer but functions no better than a Chinese made one I got 15 years ago from Harbor Freight for $30. It claimed to be a 1-1/2" stapler also but couldn't drive any better but it still works which I don't think this one will in 5 years.

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Steele Products SP-CE355TM 4.6 Gallon Air Compressor with Wheel Kit

Steele Products SP-CE355TM 4.6 Gallon Air Compressor with Wheel Kit
  • 120V 60Hz
  • 3.5 HP
  • Max PSI 115
  • 4.2 CFM @ 90
  • 5.2 CFM @ 40

Pros:

1. Solidly built

2. Pumps up to pressure quickly

3. Good workmanship (where it counts)

4. Compact

5. Oil lubed should last a long time

6. Should be more than adequate for any homeowner application, and some professional uses

7. New ones actually 5 Gallon, and labeled accordingly

Cons:

1. Really dumb on-off switch setup useless

2. With wheels already installed is designed to be broken when in transport without cushioning

3. Small 3" wheels not good for mobility around project sites

4. Average noise not particularly quiet but not bad for outdoor use

5. Turns off at 105 psi (gauge readings)

6. Warranty for commercial use is only 3 months

7. Duty cycle is not specified nor mentioned in manual

Expecting it to arrive with the wheel/mobility kit ready to install was surprised when it arrived fully assembled. Of course the predictable had occurred. With just a sheet of cardboard under the compressor there is no cushioning. The box had been dropped at an angle hard enough to bend both wheel mount brackets. The wheels, jammed to the frame, could not be turned, making removal from the plastic bag a bit more difficult the compressor had to be lifted from the box anyway. Removing the wheels (not a particularly easy job as the nuts are of the full locking variety and the axle bolt has a Phillips head that is not easy to access when the brackets are bent at a bad angle under the tank) and bending the brackets back close to where they belong with a crescent did an adequate job of freeing the wheels.

One bracket had excessive weld slag that also interfered with the wheel rotation and had to be reduced in size with a chisel.

On a positive note, the wheels appear to be undamaged, in spite of their rather flimsy appearance. Would be much nicer if they were 5" or 6" diameter, though, instead of 3".

The next discovery was the loose switch cover. The cover itself is a flimsy "snap-on" affair that came off in transport and refused to snap back in place. Eventually got it to stay put, but the on-off button didn't line up with the power switch for some reason. The main worry at that time was that the compressor would not turn on. In fact the problem is it cannot be turned off!

Ran the unit in for 15 minutes as prescribed in owners manual, closed the drain plug, and ran up to pressure. At precisely 115 psi it turned off, quickly dropping to 100 psi, and held. On subsequent air-up sequences it shut off at 105 psi, then dropped to 100. Maybe a break-in phenomenon?

Oh, and the switch cover came off again. Won't stay put if you plug the compressor in and let it run. Haven't contacted Steele customer service so cannot comment on problem handling.

With all the weight on the back side, the wheels, which are in front, almost lift off the garage floor enough so that they actually turn slowly when the compressor is running interesting. When the compressor shuts off they settle back down to the floor. Another positive, the compressor is smooth running and does not drift across the floor when running it stays put.

If you forget to release the pressure at the end of the day, no worries. The pressure dropped to about 20 psi overnight.

Buy Steele Products SP-CE355TM 4.6 Gallon Air Compressor with Wheel Kit Now

Mr Ellsworth hit the nail right on the head. My product also arrived with the wheels bent and unusable. However that was easily remedied with an impact driver, vise grips to bend back into shape and I also added 3 washers to act as spacers in lieu of grinding.

Big selling points of this machine for me were:

Made in the USA (GUESS WHAT???? NOT ANYMORE!!! MADE IN CHINA) Almost a deal breaker. I am still debating returning it for this alone since the product description states made in the USA

Price Just a Benjamin, Jackson and some change shipped.

High HP for its size which provides quick charge time.

5 Gallons Decent tank size for garage or small shop use (inflating, nailing, HVLP spraying, blowing off tools and workbench) while remaining very portable.

Attached Wheels.

2 Outlets.

Oil lubed.

Easy to read forward facing gauges.

The handle is a great idea but would be nice if it were extendable. I am only 6'1 and have to bend over a lot to drag this thing around. I attached a cheap Reelworks retractable hose to the vertical section with 3 hose clamps so the whole thing is self contained. I also use the secondary air outlet to store my tools that are not in use (Water/Oil separator and inflator, I keep the blow gun on the hose full time) so everything excluding my nailer and paint gun is ready to go.

No leaks detected anywhere.

The universal couplers supplied fit very well on both kinds of attachments that I have.

The regulator is located well so it's easy to adjust pressure.

The Bad

My garage is wired off a single 20 amp breaker and if the compressor fires up when I have any other tool running it will blow the breaker. Its rated at 13.5 amps and obviously is pulling more at start up. This never happened with my previous compressor, but that one was only rated at 10 amps.

The made in China thing still gets to me.

The plastic motor casing shakes, rattles and rolls more than an 83 Corolla I use to have. I actually need to pull it off and see if there is something I can do to dampen it. It sounds really cheap as is.

Did I happen to mention Made in China.

Not a bad compressor if you can get it for the right price. Anything closer to two hundred and I would start looking at the name brand models.

PS. I apologize for the crude pics. They were taken with my Kindle.

Read Best Reviews of Steele Products SP-CE355TM 4.6 Gallon Air Compressor with Wheel Kit Here

I could not find any reviews on this air compressor. The specifications are nearly identical to the Steele Products SP-CE155QT which received pretty good reviews. But this one has the same CFM ratings and a bigger engine, 3.5 HP compared to 1.5 HP. I called Amazon and was told it has 72 dB rating. dB-ratings work on a logarithmic scale (not linear). So a 3-point difference in dB rating is substantial. Unfortunately that was a deal breaker since I work in environments where noise is a huge factor. If noise is not a concern, then save $100 and buy this one. The SP-CE155QT produces 55dB, has a smaller engine and the same CFMs, without a wheel kit.

QUESTION: It's made of steel and has a wheel kit, but it weighs the same as the aluminum SP-CE155QT?

72 dBs is pretty loud and I have questions about the weight which is why I gave it 4-stars. I bought the SP-CE155QT and gave it 5-stars in my review.

Want Steele Products SP-CE355TM 4.6 Gallon Air Compressor with Wheel Kit Discount?

first it was cracked in the plastic cover no big deal but now having trouble getting it to work,. disappointed

Sunday, July 20, 2014

Heavy-Duty Auto-Rewind Retractable Air Hose Reel with 50' x 3/8" Hose

Heavy-Duty Auto-Rewind Retractable Air Hose Reel with 50' x 3/8' Hose
  • Quality auto-rewind air hose with 300 PSI working pressure
  • Spring powered auto rewind reel, industrial grade steel construction
  • Heavy duty grade air hose - 50ft long
  • With four direction non-snag rollers to reduce wearing of the hose

Exactly as described, works great. Mounted in a ceiling for quick-use / return. Mates with standard hoses at 3/8" NPT. Sturdy and durable. Recommended for a low cost clean up of hoses running across the floor.

Buy Heavy-Duty Auto-Rewind Retractable Air Hose Reel with 50' x 3/8" Hose Now

Bought it for my husband and so far he thinks it is just as good as the higher priced ones, at least for what we use it for. My husband installed it into our Toy Hauler and it works great!

Read Best Reviews of Heavy-Duty Auto-Rewind Retractable Air Hose Reel with 50' x 3/8" Hose Here

This is a well-built product for the price. I've had one hanging in my garage for just over a year and have had no problems with the ratcheting feature. However the hose has developed cracks and is now leaking. After discovering the hose leaking I carefully inspected it and found several cracks along the length of the hose. The reel is not longer a good deal if you have to replace the hose within a year...

I also have a version of this reel made by Cyclone Pneumatic hanging in my shop for about three years and have had no issues with it.

Want Heavy-Duty Auto-Rewind Retractable Air Hose Reel with 50' x 3/8" Hose Discount?

I couldnt understand the yellow hose but this hose reel is very smooth in retracting and unwinding. Easy to install.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Fowler 74-422-450 Mini Mag Protractor

Fowler 74-422-450 Mini Mag Protractor
  • Embedded magnets with 35 pounds pull
  • Measuring range of 360 degrees (4 X 90 degrees)
  • Resolution of .05 degrees
  • Accuracy of +/- .1 degree
  • Repeatability of +/- .1 degree

This is an inexpensive protractor that has helped my technician with performing vehicle alignments. Would definitely recommend it if you need one!

Buy Fowler 74-422-450 Mini Mag Protractor Now

Works great, but shuts off after five minutes of use and then need to reset. I need one that stays on until I turn it off. No where in the literature does it state that it turns off after five minutes

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Campbell Hausfeld WL6111 26 Gallon ASME Vertical Air Compressor

Campbell Hausfeld WL6111 26 Gallon ASME Vertical Air Compressor
  • Built in tool and accessory storage helps organize the garage
  • Vertical orientation saves 50% more space
  • Easy to operate controls with descriptive icons and oversized gauges for quick reference
  • Large air resevoir for extra storage during heavy duty tasks around the home
  • Maintenance free oil less pump with a durable shroud covering hot moving parts

***Product Description

5HP, 26 Gallon Vertical Compressor, Direct Drive Oilless Pump, Attached Wheels, Delivers 6.9

CFM @ 40 PSI & 5.5 CFM @ 90 PSI, Made In USA, UL Listed, Carries Standard Duty One

Year Warranty. ***

The above product description is misleading at best. Google "CFM" and "SCFM" and you'll find CFM is a static number where SCFM can be measure at pressure (typically @ 40 & 90 psi). I took the chance that the copy meant SCFM given the numbers provided were at pressure and rated at the standard 40 & 90psi. Not the case and I'm a little frustrated by the copyright's or seller's lack of knowledge. Upon product arrival the 5hp motor is really a 2hp motor (5 peak) and the SCFM is about half of the incorrectly used "cfm" above (~ 4.8 @ 40 & 2.? @ 90). A disappointing transaction in that I had to return the product and look for something that truely produced in the range of 6.9 SCFM@ 40psi.

The plastic housing/tool storage area actually looked to be very useful when viewing in person. If you want to run a brad nailer or pump up a few tires or basketballs once in a while, the product would work great. If you want to run any cutters, die grinders, or anything that would require even moderate air flow I'd move on.

Buy Campbell Hausfeld WL6111 26 Gallon ASME Vertical Air Compressor Now

I see the price is now almost three time what I paid for it and I would suggest that is too much for this unit. I bought my unit about 11 years ago for light remodeling work at the time. Since then I've used it for everything from blowing out the irrigation system, RV water system, some light automotive paint spraying, and running impact wrenches, air chisel, blowing off parts, just general "around the house" light stuff. If you need lots of cfm or high pressure for extended periods then you need to keep looking. If you only want to do light shop stuff it's just barely OK. It will run out of air quickly and while you are using it it will run almost constantly. In my opinion it is quite loud. That being said the noise level heard inside the house or outside when the unit is running in the closed garage is not objectionable. I mainly keep it because it is easy to wheel around the yard/shop and it doesn't take up to much space. The plastic toggle on the electric switch broke shortly after I got it (use caution) and I have made due with a screwdriver to turn it on and off. The regulator is good, however the gauges are not high end so if you need exact pressure as with air brushing or tool pressure rating I would add a quality gauge with the inline dryer you will need. If you can find one for a couple of hundred dollars and it will fit you needs, it will last and do a fair job.

Read Best Reviews of Campbell Hausfeld WL6111 26 Gallon ASME Vertical Air Compressor Here

Hi all. I ordered this compressor back on Sept 18 2009. The first unit arrived on Sept 22. It was left in the driveway just after 3pm. I arrived after 5pm to check the item. Box had a hole in the side. Once opened I noticed the Manual and Hardware was missing. And that the unit was Dropped. The plastic case around the Pump/Motor Assembly was cracked. Called Amazon and reported. They sent me a replacement on Sept 23. Was "Out for Delivery" on Sept 25 at 7:57 am. Today on Sept 26 it still hasnt been delivered. Called UPS. Got a politicians answer. How the Driver cant go home untill all packages are delivered. As of 10/6/09 Compressor #2 is still AWOL in the UPS tracking system.

Mike K at Amazon helped me get another. #3. Which did arrive damaged. However, Campbell Hausfeld is sending me the parts to repair the unit. This one I was able to power up and run. The unit is Quieter than I was expecting. Most companies I have dealt with in the past would have had me Return the unit. Or send to their repair facility. I have had previous experience with Campbell compressors and have had good luck.