Do I need a compressor?

[Stromski]

OK, I know that the short answer is "yes", but I would like some input as to how far to go.

I have done a lot of research as to the capabilities of different size compressors, so I don't need much help with that. I guess my question is about separating an upcoming project with long term needs.

I need to stain my house. It is a small, one story with T11 siding (not sure about the name, but it is the grooved plywood with some texture). From what I gather, the High Volume, Low Pressure guns work with latex materials, but the small cans that come with the guns do not save much work in large projects. The pressurized paint bucket seems like an expensive, single project tool that will not pay off in the long run.

For the long term, I need to inflate various tires. I might tackle new shingles on the roof, necessitating a nailer (BIG MIGHT), and may paint a couple of gas tanks when the scratches start annoying me. I understand the value of air tools, but so far, my electric tools have served my needs well.

Should I get a substantial compressor and figure out a way to make it work for exterior stain? Will the wonders of pneumatic tools keep me in the shop and off the bike, thus further dividing my prescious weekends?

Should I stain the house with brush & roller and get a small, tankless inflator for tires?

I like tools for tool's sake as much as the next guy, but I don't want to have anohter unused piece of equipment glaring at me from the corner

[scapegoat]

Rollers and brushes do a better Job, but you already knew that. So buy a cheap garage compressor with a few air tools and be happy.

[GreaseMonkey]

Rollers not only do a better job, but a wagner power roller will do a much much faster job too! For painitng where a flawless finish is not important, the wagner airless sprayers work much better than HVLP for large areas.

HVLP lays down a nice coat but it is slow as molasses.

I don't like to rent tools much, but if I had to paint a good sized house, I'd see about renting a 3-5 hp airless pressure painter.

[clydesdale66]

Home Despot had a deal a while ago for a Porter Cable pancake compressor plus a couple of nailers (finish & brad, i think) for cheap—like $229, maybe less. It also came with a hose, plus car/m-cycle inflation stuff. I picked one up before installing a big mama compressor in my shop and still use it when portability matters; a big framing nailer would tax it, but for anything less it's PLENTY for homeowner/non professional use. It's definitely a lot quicker than a tankless inflator, and doesn't lose air so I tend to leave it full (probably more than I should) and hit it when i need it. Just my 2¢...

Can't help you on the painting/staining front; I leave that to the professional!

Good luck,
JC

[Stromski]

Thanks, guys,

that was the little nudge I needed. I will separate the painting project from the compressor aquisition. No need to complicate a simple job by adapting it to an unfamiliar technology. Don't tell anybody I said that--I would never be able to get a job in government or the tech field!

By the way, the devil that was sitting on my other shoulder was my brother. He just got a 20 gallon Craftsman. I asked about it and he said he loves it and told me I should get as big a tank as the shop will fit. OK, so I asked what he uses his for. "Blowing up soccer balls".

[Reprobate]

Well, the compressed air is also nice to blow debris out a spark plug canal before removing the spark plug. Wouldn't exactly ratify buying a compressor, but...