V-nailer help please!

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Steve Beswick

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Jan 21, 2007
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UCR ARTS
I am just getting into the thick of moving my shop, and have run into a snafu. My current compressor is too loud for my new neighbors, and I am having a hard time locating a compressor that is quiet enough, inexpensive enough (under $200) and powerful enough to run my V-nailer. My nailer is an AMP VN-42. I have contacted AMP, and they recommended 1.5 HP and a 6 gallon tank, but for some reason they don't want to give me cfm #'s. I have found a Senco that should be quiet enough, with these specifications:
1.5 HP peak
1.0 HP running
2.5 Gallon tank
2.2 cfm @90 psi

Am I correct in thinking that I could run an external tank to fulfill the storage requirement? Is 2.2 cfm enough for a VN-42? I've been pulling my hair out over this so any help would be greatly appreciated. TIA -Steve
 
Hi Steve,
cfm,s is only really relevant when using continuous running tools such as spray guns, cutters, grinders etc. A smaller tank size normally means the compressor will cycle more often than with a larger tank size. If you just want to run an underpinner and perhaps a stapler, and nothing else, the one you are looking at should do the job.
 
Stevebez: My suggestion is to keep the same compressor but put it in a small workroom that can insullated to reduce the noise travel... that is what i have done. I have a 60 gallon compressor only 16 feet from the table where customers are assisted and when it starts (takes about 5 minutes to build up 180 lbs. of pressure but when it is full it lasts for a few hours) i only hear a humming sound. Does the compressor you currently have run consistently or does it completely stop when it reaches the tank pressure? If it does not run consistently and you do not have a separate room to keep it in, you might want to try building a small insullated box (not too small) with a cover... it will make a heck of a difference in noise. Good luck.
 
Is putting it in the basement an option? This is what we did when we had a loud compressor., as not to bother the neighboring tenants.
 
If you want to make an insulated room or noise containment box for your compressor -

1. make sure that there is about 10" - 12" of free air space around the unit to allow for air circulation (cooling of the motor and compressor head). In the case of the box I build - I have 6" of fiberglass insulation on plywood with the fuzzies facing the compressor. The box is 3 sides and a top with the open side facing the back wall. The distance from the wall is about 4"-6" to allow for air flow. NOTE: excessive heat will excessively shorten the life of the compressor.

2. follow standard maintenance recommendations of the manufacturer. To ease the ability of draining the tank from water, I installed a short section of air hose with a ball valve at the end to drain the tank.
 
What i call my "work room" is only about 9' x 12'. In this room i have shelves on one side and only a window and air compressor on the other... this room was to be used only for storage (v-nails, metal corners and plates, frame wire, atg tape, boxing tape, etc., etc.,... Before i bought the big compressor (but i saw which one i wanted to buy) I removed everything from the room, including the shelves andi added a sheet of 5/8 sheet rock to all the walls and the ceiling and then the sheet rock was covered with 1/2 " plywood sheeting. The shelves were put back in, i purchased the compressor and hooked it all up and when I turned the compressor on and closed the door it was a lot more quieter that with the door open, but i wanted it more quiet. I then removed the hollow core door and replaced it with a solid door and put a weather splash on the bottom. Since then, all i hear is a low tone "humming". In my area, i have NO close neighbors so the noise didn't really matter. I did this because I did not like the noise, especially when i was serving customers. BUT, when i the drain air and water out of the tank at the end of the day that is a different story. Someone told be i could buy an air "muffler" that muffles the sound. I don't plan on doing that unless i really need to, but i doubt it.... lol
 
Beileve me, if I had the $ for a Jun-air, I would never have made this thread!

I forgot to mention: My current compressor is dying in a big way, which is part of the problem.
 
I just thought that I'd let everybody know that I went with the Senco PC0968.

It seems just a tiny bit under powered, But I think I can work with it without too much trouble. I'm also starting to think that the AMP V-nailer uses more air than its competition. It is extremely quiet compared to most other compressors in it's price bracket.

Just watch - next month Porter-Cable will release a 5hp 10gallon compressor that makes 50db of noise and costs $129.:smileyshot22:
 
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