Smaller and more powerful are good selling points for many products, and air compressors are no exception. Pneumatic nailing just got more versatile,
more powerful, more compact, and less noisy with the recent introduction of Makita's new high pressure compressor technology. This pneumatic
nailing system is designed to enable framing carpenters and builders to work easily with the very dense engineered lumber components in use today
(which require larger nails) while still being able to connect to conventional 90 PSI pressure for lighter work.
Makita's innovative technology – which represents its first foray into high pressure tools – has resulted in nailers that are up to 30 percent
smaller than conventional tools and a compressor that measures only 19x15x20 inches (LxWxH) and weighs just under 80 lbs. The compressor's compact,
1.6–gallon high pressure tank provides the capacity equivalent to a conventional 5–gallon tank at 120 PSI.
In addition to this smaller, quieter air tank, the Makita AC310H high pressure compressor features a 2.5 HP motor, an oil–less (maintenance–free)
pump, and two pairs of couplers: one pair of regular pressure (90 PSI) universal couplers and one pair of high pressure (300 PSI) couplers.
According to the company, this high pressure technology allows for the nailing tools to be lighter and easier to handle while at the same time
producing more consistent flush or countersunk nailing. Two models of nailers are available with for use with this unit: a 2–1/2 inch siding coil
nailer (AN610H) and a 3–1/2 inch framing coil nailer (AN911H), weighing 4.2 lbs. and 5.3 lbs., respectively. (The siding coil nailer is shown on the
left in the photo.)
Both nailers feature a selector switch that gives the operator the option to choose a two–step sequential actuation system or a contact trigger.
The sequential system – considered to be far safer – requires the nose contact to be depressed before the manual trigger, rather than simultaneously,
as in contact–trip "hammer nailing" done with the trigger constantly depressed. The CDC estimated that about two–thirds of injuries from contact–trip
nailers during residential construction could be prevented by using sequential actuation.
As building codes demand larger nails for use with the denser, heavier engineered lumber components, home builders and remodelers will no longer
need to have separate pneumatic tools for use with different materials. While the use of pneumatic tools by home improvement do–it–yourselfers is on
the increase, the price tag of the Makita's new compressor will likely send many amateurs to the tool rental counters. Nevertheless, we expect the
AC310H compressor will generate great interest among framing contractors, general builders, and residential remodelers who would like one compressor to
handle any job.
