I am shopping for an air compressor for home projects. Some projects will be fairly large such as buiding decks. I am interested in a pancake model, but would like to know if this type of compressor will drive a framing nailer. Also, is there a limit to how long your compressor hose or extension cord can be. Thanks Rick! -Tim

Tim,

"> Thanks for the inquiry!  As far as using a pancake compressor with a Framing Nailer, I haven’t found a pancake compressor that performed well while using the framing nailer, especially in “Bump Fire” mode.  Most Framing nailers have 2 different modes, sequential fire and bump fire.  Sequential means you depress the safety (foot), pull the trigger to fire one nail and then release the trigger.  Whereas, with bump fire mode you hold the trigger and every time you depress the safety (foot), the nailer fires a nail.  Pancake compressors can generally work OK, at best, in the sequential fire mode, however, they usually don’t keep up in the bump fire mode.  The life of the compressor pump is directly related to how much it runs.  The more it runs, the less life it will have.

I always suggest people purchase the largest compressor they can.  I do this because we always find other things to use the compressor for (cleaning, tires, etc.)  I personally own 2 compressors.  I have a large horizontal tank compressor that I use in my shop and then I have a Makita MAC2400 that I use for outside jobs.  The MAC2400 is a side stack compressor, not much heavier than a pancake, and is very capable for most outside jobs (Nailers, etc.)  I have also found the MAC2400 to be one of the quietest portable air compressors on the market.  Believe me, quiet, especially with an air compressor, is good.

As far as extension cord or a longer air hose.  My vote is for a longer hose.  Extension cords can be connected to the failure of a lot of tools.  Unfortunately, some people choose the wrong size of extension cord.  Please check with the manufacturer of your power tool to verify the length and proper gauge of the cord necessary for your application.  Finally, if you do use a longer hose, you might want to consider a small pressure gauge just before the tool (nailer) to verify pressure.  It certainly seems much easier to turn the pressure up on the compressor as opposed to perhaps using the wrong gauge extension cord.

Good Luck and if you have any questions about air compressors (or any other tools for that matter), please feel free to give me a call directly at 1-800-696-TOOL, X202.
 
Happy Framing!

Got a question for our tool expert Rick Peil? Click here to ask Rick!

 There's many different ways to remove nails and a bunch of different tools to remove them with. We've come up with seven. Do you use something that we haven't listed? Well then toss it into the comments section below. Cheers all!

1. Nailkicker by Reconnx - pneumatic nail remover. The nailkicker is made specifically for Deconstruction and works by shooting the nails out of wood and other materials.

2.  Stiletto Clawbar with Dimpler - Considered the "Bling" of the tool world, the Stiletto Titanium Clawbar Nail Puller with the patented DimplerTM is the high end answer to pulling nails. The Dimpler works with a small tap of your hammer to create a recess around the nail head allowing the claws to slide underneath, thus reducing the chance of chipping the wood. Made of titanium, the Stiletto Clawbar is five times stronger than steel, yet lightweight so it won't weight you down.

3. Nail Jack is a nail puller that digs and grips. Inventor Michael Foley states "My new extensively patented and patent pending nail puller is coming out this year...it's called the Nail Jack, and I welcome questions and comments from tool guys like me. The version shown is a bit primitive compared to the "state of the art" coming out in quantity, but it's been a long road, and I can't wait to show you all what I think will simplify the nail pull!"
Birth of the Nail Jack: "Years ago, our inventor was struggling with some baseboard that he had to remove in order to replace some ugly shag carpeting in his otherwise nice home. Because of the quality of the wood, our guy had no intention of replacing the perfectly good baseboard, but how to get all those brads out? Obviously the guy who first installed it loved his brad nailer, because there was a day's work to get them all out in order to reattach the baseboard after the new carpeting was in! Yes, he tried nippers and linesman's Pliers, there wasn't anything else available. Grip too hard, and you cut right through, now there's even more work! Finally, he's had enough, and like hundreds of weekend warriors, he headed out to the tool shed. Some welding and some grinding later, he had his first prototype, and on that very day…the Nail Jack was born."

4.  Cats Paw - Designed to work in conjunction with a hammer, a cats paw is designed to be driven under the head of a nail that is flush with the surface. Watch the video to see the cats paw in action.

5. Hammer - You can always use the claw of a hammer to pull nails if you've got nothing else. The side of the hammer's claw will provide the most leverage but the shortest pull.

6. Nippers - You can use nippers to pull trim nails out of the backsides of moldings to save the finish on the front. 

7.  Linesmen's Pliers - Besides pulling nails, linesmen's pliers can be used to grip, turn and pull a variety of things. In the video below, Popular Mechanics senior home editor Roy Berendsohn demonstrates some simple tricks to remove stuck fasteners - nails and screws.

Here's the scoop ! ToolKing just introduced a new line of power tools called TK Tools.

I just received my sample product and will be reviewing these tools asap. But in the meantime, here's the stats: The TK Drill/Drivers come in either 12v, 14v or 18v. They have a 2-speed motor and a variable speed trigger. The TK Tools drill/driver also features a built-in LED light, keyless chuck, 2-speed transmission with brake, fan-cooled motor, ergonomically shaped soft-grip handle, and a bubble Level on top.

The TKTool Power Drivers are compact 4.8v cordless rechargeable screwdrivers that feature an integrated LED light, Ni-Mh battery, ergonomically shaped handle and on-board bit holder. The TK Tool power driver kit is what you really want to look at though. It includes an accessory case for your compact driver and no less than 100 screwdriver bits, all for 30 bucks!

TK Tools come with a one-year warranty and Toolking is having an introductory special of $69.99 for the 18v Drill and 4-bit Driver Kit. That's both the Drill and 4.8-Volt Cordless Minidriver with 4-minidriver bits, 8-driver bits, 6-drill bits, bit extension, a durable plastic carrying case for power drill/driver, and a battery charger for both drill and minidriver, all for $69.99. I'm definitely going to check them out so stay tuned...

Are you such a tool junkie that you even look for a unique Tool-theme park experience this summer? We've found just the perfect place for you: Diggerland in the UK.

This is not your average Disneyland type of place folks. Besides the rides, Diggerland has a stunt team called the "Dancing Diggers".

Per the website:
"The show includes dare devil stunts and formation digger dancing, intermingled with lots of comedy during a 30 minute performance accompanied by music. The power, versatility and accuracy of the machines and operators is continually being tested in an amazing act which thrills audiences of all ages throughout the UK and overseas. The team can perform on most ground surfaces and usually no damage will be sustained. The minimum area required is 50m x 50m surrounded by either crash barriers, chestnut fencing or other firm surround, or two sets of ropes and pins with at least a one metre gap between each set, creating a safety corridor. Also needed is an area with a minimum size of 15m x 50m for parking the team. Whilst on location the team provides a static display for the public which is very popular."

The Diggerland JCB Stunt Team will be in action throughout the 2008 Summer season at venues across the UK.
You can even book the Stunt Team for a party (if you live in the UK)!  Just call Linda Bareham on 01634 291491 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

The other day, Ben posted an article about the DCX6401 Cordless Combo Kit. Here's a video to show you what it looks like up close.

We played around with it quite a bit and DeWalt really means it when they describe the DCX6401 as a heavy-duty combo kit. This kit comes complete with the DC900 hammer drill/driver that sports a 750 unit watt motor, a self tightening 1/2" chuck and an all metal transmission. Not for lightweights, this hammer drill will get you through concrete quickly and easily.

The DCX6401 also comes with a high end DeWalt DC305 Reciprocating saw. The DC305 features a keyless blade change and the option to have the saw blade set in 4 different directions. At 3000 saws per minute with a 1-1/8" stroke length, the DC305 is as fast as a teenager shooting his first wad. The DC305 also has a 3 position adjustable shoe to set your blade depth if you need to.

Also included in the DCX6401 is the DC300 Circular saw with a 7 1/4" blade. The unique feature on this circular saw is that it has a key less blade change. The blade change mechanism is spring loaded so while it's a bit awkward to use, it's nice to not have to look for the wrench. The circular saw also has a 0-50 degree bevel capacity and comes with a rip Fence. And not to be left in the dark (bad pun, i know), the DCX6401 comes with the easy to use, groovy gooseneck DC509 floodlight. This light will run for 8 hours on a single charge of the NANO 36v battery.

Different from some of the other Combo Kits we've been checking out lately, the DeWalt DCX6401 comes with 36v Lithium Phosphate NANO technology (2-batteries plus charger). So, for about $400 below retail, you can get your NANO on for less.

Hey ~ everyone, please thank Dick Cain over at Lumberjocks.com for finding this site on Exotic Wood. 

The Exotic Wood website is a great resource, with over 17,000 unique photos of different species of exotic wood. Like this top photo of Pale Moon Ebony  and the lower photo of Carpathian Elm. It's nothing fancy and nothing on the site is for sale (and don't even ask, according to the webmaster). Exotic Wood is  just a super reference site for wood.