After over 30 years I think I figured out that the table saw isn't the heart of the shop...thought it was but I think a good compressor is. Of all the tools the one that I'm  always wishing I had invested in more was the compressor.. spraying, sanding, mechanics tools,etc....

 

Maybe I was wrong...

Hmm, great point.

You're getting sent to a deserted island because you did something bad, really bad, what that is I'll leave up to you you get to take with you an unlimited power supply, but you have a choice to take only one woodworking machine, what would it be and why? Just play along.

 

...Either an electric chain saw or Sawzall. Don't care for Sushi.

Without my tablesaw, everything else would come to a screeching halt.

This has been my suggestion when someone ask what tools should one start with.... A good compressor is the first thing I say.. and I define that a little more for the compressor should have a separate motor, pump and tank and a belt connecting things together. I have an 80 gallon compressor that was built in 1956 which is stamped on the tank and it is still running great... I got it used in about 1966. And for my wood repair refinish shop I had a 20 gal model before that and still have it somewhere in the shop but not being used any more.

A lot of people are using track saws these days. Table saw doesn't seem to be that needed. But air... need it for a lot of other things..

 

 

4 hours ago, BillyJack said:

Of all the tools the one that I'm  always wishing I had invested in more was the compressor.. spraying, sanding, mechanics tools,etc....

Got this compressor in a swap for my some services.  Had it since 1993, had to change the belt due to age and the oil on 6 month intervals but runs great.  Don't know about heart of the shop but it is definitely a plus to have.

 

6 hours ago, John Morris said:

Hmm, great point.

You're getting sent to a deserted island because you did something bad, really bad, what that is I'll leave up to you you get to take with you an unlimited power supply, but you have a choice to take only one woodworking machine, what would it be and why? Just play along.

 

John that would have to be the bandsaw. I could make lumber for a shelter.

 

As to compressor I have a Grizzly that is maybe 25 years old. Not sure of the HP or tank (it is a maybe a 15 gallon) but it is on 220v. Had some problems with the auto stop and solved that myself after they sent me 3 new switches. Also the fan on the motor disintegrated and after a talk with tech just took the thing off.

Somebody was talking about buying a $600 festool sander . If I had the cfm I would have  been using air sanders 20 years ago. Cheaper and produce better results in a fraction of time. Now I bought a battery operated impact awhile ago. So much easier and cheaper is I had air. I do have Sioux air guns that I use at the other shops for driving screws,drilling,etc. But not enough air at my shop...

 

So if I had enough air my tool supply would have been more air than electric. An option many don't have because they didn't go for air first...

Funny you should bring this up right now Billy.  I was watching a you tube a short while ago and the guy was showing how he no longer uses a coping saw and file to cope moulding; he was using a 4" angle grinder (electric).   I thought that was pretty slick, so I got my angle grinder out for my first set of crown and base mouldings on this kitchen redo.  Man, that thing was pretty heavy - but it was sure quicker than the saw and file.  

Then I thought about my air tools.  Got my little HF angle die grinder out, an 80 grit rol-loc disc and WOW   Small, light, powerful, quick, easy to get the hang of, easy to make small adjustments in the profile; all that stuff!  Even sanding painted finger joined pine all I had to do was hit the erasure stick after every 2 or 3 copes and we were good.  The other day I was joining a chair rail to the crown moulding.  It was a lot of trial and error until I got it acceptable, but it still went very quick.  All that for two ends!  But it was a simple process and made me very happy

 

I have a Saylor Beall compressor I bought from a failed business about 35 years ago.  Works great.  The wood shop is in the basement and I use a smaller compressor there.  Should have piped the air in from the metal shop.  I like and have many air tools.

 

My go-cart track and mini golf was on 4 acres of land and I had an 80 gal compressor sitting in the shop where the 15 go carts stayed. I later built a 40 x 60' shop building on the other side of the 4 acres and ran 3/4" PVC pipe to that shop from the compressor.. The air line PVC pipe was put there by me in 1986. About two months ago the papers were signed for new owners and the air going that 400 foot to the other building is still being used. You guys afraid of PVC air lines should look at the rated pressure on the pvc pipe. At one time in that town all the body shops and auto garages used pvc  for their air lines then that gov. agency said that was dangerous and forced them to change but no one ever had any trouble with using pvc… I have used pvc pipe here at the lake since early 99. The line goes down to the dock and another line goes to brother in laws garage on the next property.

40 minutes ago, Smallpatch said:

I have used pvc pipe here at the lake since early 99.

Same here, since 1994.  I did put it inside the walls and where I put a stub to attach rubber lines I used a metal end.  

If I could take only one woodworking tool, it would be my bandsaw.  I can cut most anything I want.  For clamps, I would use some tree branches or something to bind things together.  For glue, I would find a way to make resin from something on the island.  But, the bandsaw, especially, if I have a selection of a few blades, I can make most of what I want.  My second choice would be a handheld sabre saw.  

This reminds me I have a wheel barrel Rolair compressor with a hole in the bottom of the tank from moisture. Now that I'm working a bit with the designer he has a full time welder on hand. Sounds like the Rolair will be back in action soon...

Luckily, I don't need air piping in my small shop. A 100' hose reel works just fine. The mechanic and tire shops around here use CPVC lines and, AFAIK, don't experience blow outs. Don't know for sure but, I'm guessing they wouldn't need any higher than 200 psi.

Edited December 2, 20196 yr by Gene Howe

I started to pipe for ridgid air lines around the shop but I too only move about 25 feet in any direction. There wasn't a need . I've seen many stick a lot in there shop when it wasn't necessary. A dryer is about all needed..

My 200 year old compressor is still going strong and I have a backup.

 

 

I find I use compressed air very little, but if I used it a lot i would want a Saylor Beall compressor like Dan has. Niiiice!!!

5 minutes ago, Fred W. Hargis Jr said:

I find I use compressed air very little,

If I only did woodworking  a small one would suffice.  But I do the occasional side job on a car, or some serious spray painting and without the 60 gal capacity I would be back to hand tools. Having set up several port in the shop and for outside I can say I am spoiled.  Need air in a tire quick, 20ft hose and my inflator and done.  Blow out behind the grill quick? 10 ft hose and blower = done. 

Call me lazy.