new to air tools

[jb1016]

For Christmas I got a 100 psi pancake compressor. I've never had air tools before, and I have no idea what this thing is capable of. What are the limitations on a compressor like this? What essential tools should I get to go with it? I already have an air drill and a brad nailer. I'm pretty excited. Any input is appreciated!

[BMERDOC]

linky no worky

[jb1016]

Yeah, fixed it. Not sure what happened there.

[yousesteers]

It will run any air tool just some of them not very long. We have one that we use on trips easy to throw in the back of truck or on trailer with generator. It is handy for airing up tires and using an impact to change tires and such but will not run the impact very long if you need more capacity you can plumb it to a 100 lb air pig and get more volume to run your tools longer.

[ETsC10]

Originally Posted by jb1016

For Christmas I got a 100 psi pancake compressor. I've never had air tools before, and I have no idea what this thing is capable of. What are the limitations on a compressor like this? What essential tools should I get to go with it? I already have an air drill and a brad nailer. I'm pretty excited. Any input is appreciated!

Air chuck & Gage, tool oil, air blower.
Maybe a stapler & air ratchet.
I like the siphon sprayers for spraying cleaner and the like.
The brad nailer will do well unless used as a machine gun or
on extremely hard woods.

For the compressors health, try not to run it on miles of
extension cord...the shorter (or none) the better.

One good tip is to never place an airtool, that's still on the hose,
on a bench or anywhere the hose can be tripped over.
Disconnect around kids too.

I've had umteen of the little buggers and love them!

[jb1016]

Originally Posted by ETsC10

For the compressors health, try not to run it on miles of extension cord...the shorter (or none) the better.

Why is that? And thanks for the input!!

[Notch1988]

Three tools I use the most are:
1. 1/2" impact
2. 3/8" ratchet
3. Air hammer
Posted via Mobile Device

[Bus Ted Knuckle]

Originally Posted by jb1016

Why is that? And thanks for the input!!

The motor likes lots of amps to start and run on. Extension cords cut down on the amps delivered to the motor.

[jb1016]

Good to know, thanks!

[jb1016]

Originally Posted by Notch1988

3. Air hammer

Is this the same as an air chisel?

[Notch1988]

Originally Posted by jb1016

Is this the same as an air chisel?

Yes... that's the beauty of it, just change the bit and it will do anything.

[GRX]

Pancake compressors are more for low volume tools like a brad nailer, when just a quick shot is needed. This is why you seem them at construction sites. Tools like air hammers & 1/2 impacts will drain that very quickly. Which is why automotive shops employ compressors with big tanks.

[Cue-Ball]

Originally Posted by GRX

Pancake compressors are more for low volume tools like a brad nailer, when just a quick shot is needed. This is why you seem them at construction sites. Tools like air hammers & 1/2 impacts will drain that very quickly. Which is why automotive shops employ compressors with big tanks.

^What this guy said. A light duty pump and small tank aren't going to work for anything but a very small job. I've got a 6hp, 33 gallon compressor and it can barely keep up when I'm using some of my air tools. When using my 4" cut-off wheel it has to run pretty much constantly, and I have to stop work to let the pressure catch up. Same thing with my air chisel if used for more than a minute or two at a time.

For small jobs like light nailing, taking of wheel lugs with an impact, airing up tires, etc. you'll be okay, but that's about it.