The oil makes for a quieter operation and longer service life, but these units require monitoring the oil level and oil changes. Oil-lubricated models have their bearings lubricated inside an oil-filled crankcase. The solution: a stationary 60- or 80-gallon tank having a 240-volt service.Ĭompressors come in two types: oil-lubricated and oil-less. Sanding requires a constant high SCFM air flow. If you want spray-finishing, step up to a 7- to 30-gallon tank.
#AIRTOOL FOR WOOD DESIGN PORTABLE#
Each requires its own discussion.įor home shops a portable compressor with a 1-6-gallon tank serves low-level needs-blowing off projects and nailing.
#AIRTOOL FOR WOOD DESIGN SERIES#
Whether we’re talking portable or whole shop, an air-powered system consists of three parts: 1) a way to build up air pressure (a compressor) 2) an air-delivery system (a hose or rigid piping and a series of regulators, filters, and connectors) and 3) the tools themselves. With these issues decided, you now have a starting place. The latter offers maximum versatility, but requires running lines and spending more money. Next, decide if you want a portable compressor or one with a fixed location having a rigid pipe and fittings system and enough hose to reach throughout your shop. Do the tasks associated with these air tools interest you? Requiring a strong, continuous flow are random-orbit sanders, straight-line sanders, and spray guns, which depend on compressors with more volume and storage capacity. (See “Tool Air Requirements” and “Understanding Air Pressure and Flow” above to refine your assessment and help you choose the right compressor.) For all of these needs, you likely can get by with a smaller, less expensive compressor that provides strong spurts of air rather than a strong continuous flow. Throw in a dedicated air-powered stapler gun, which is a handy relative to the nailers.įor cabinet construction and crown molding installation, as well as light carpentry tasks, you have finish nailers (which shoot thicker 16-gauge nails), and, finally, framing nailers, used to build houses. Some brad nailers also accept staples for attaching cabinet backs, upholstery, and underlayment in areas that won’t show. The woodworking tools grouped here include pin nailers (which shoot needle-like 23-gauge 3/8"- to 13/8"-long headless pins) for delicate jobs such as nailing in glass stops or making small mitered frames, and brad nailers (which shoot 16- or 18-gauge 5/8"- to 2"-long brads) for building furniture and jigs, applying molding, and assembly work. You first need to ask what tasks you want to perform. Let’s say that air has blown you over and you now want to explore your options. The brads are so small that they don’t split the wood when entering, nor do you need a nail set to sink the heads in a separate operation. You won’t have errant hammer dents or smashed thumbs. Indeed, you can drive a half dozen brads into your project by the time it would take you to pick up a hammer with one hand and a nail with the other. Such woodworking tasks include assembling a carcase, nailing moldings in place, holding parts in position until the glue sets, jig-building on the fly, finish-sanding, and applying several coats of spray finish in a single day.
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As you’ll discover, an air-outfitted shop works harder and saves time while adding versatility.Ĭiting specific tasks where air tools have come to the rescue (as well as the Norm Abram’s storied nail-gun episodes) sells the notion of having an air-powered workshop.
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To help you bring air into your shop, we’ve fashioned a short course to discuss the advantages, sort out your options, and walk you through an accommodating plumbed system.
#AIRTOOL FOR WOOD DESIGN FULL#
Depending on what you want to do, the investment can range from $200 (for a portable compressor and nail gun) to well over $1,000 for a whole-shop plumbed system and a 60- to 80-gallon compressor with a full array of tools, hoses, and accessories. Now, more than ever, woodworkers turn to air for a whole assortment of workshop tasks, from driving nails and staples to sanding to applying fast-drying finishes. Bring a whole new level of versatility, speed, and convenience to your woodworking.