I’ve been using a CO2 system to power my pneumatics for many years, so when Tools of the Trade asked me to take a look at a new cylinder that promised the same portability without the need for cartridges, I had to give it a try. Portability is the ultimate need for the millwork installs that I do, and because I’m often working in occupied commercial spaces, the noise level of my tools is always something I need to consider. I’ve liked the CO2 system because it’s both portable and quiet. The Turanair K-150 checks off both of those necessities on the list, and offers much more.
FEATURES:
The Turanair System is basically a compressor in a bottle. It has an output pressure of 150 psi, and is packed inside a 114-cu.in. cylinder (like a mini scuba tank). The cylinder stores up to 4,500 psi of high-pressure air, which is regulated from 0 to 150 psi by the two-stage regulator.
Depending on the nail gauge you are shooting, you should see between 1,200-2,000 shots. Obviously, the larger the nailer, the fewer shots you will get. (I used it to shoot a range of 16- to 23-gauge nail guns).
It has a high flow rate of up to 475 Lpm, which means it will operate a framing or roofing nailer, but at a much decreased number of shots per tank. The kit includes the regulator and cylinder with a 6-foot coiled air hose with a lockable LPA coupling, a side pouch for your belt, and a carrying case.
The only thing this can be compared to is using CO2 tanks for powering your nail guns. However, you don’t need to worry about the O-ring’s drying out. Also, the high-pressure tanks seem to last quite a bit longer than the CO2, and temperature is no longer an issue that affects the storage volume.
PERFORMANCE:
Brian Way
As with many of my tools, I chose to modify this one to better fit my needs. Wearing an air tank on my belt would only be an option if there was no other. So, in my case, I fit out a DeWalt rolling toolbox with Kaizen Foam Inserts, fit two tanks in it along with three of my most used Cadex guns (and a supply of fasteners).
I used the rolling box of air for installing chair rail, baseboard, and general trim for six weeks. During those weeks, the bottles were filled three times. The German-made regulator is highly precise and there was always a constant, regulated, unvarying air pressure (many compressors can’t even maintain an even pressure).
Each tank is supplied with a 6-foot tightly coiled hose, which I put aside as it will not work well with my rolling box. I use a 12-foot airline, always keeping one end of the line connected to the tank so unnecessary air is not discharged from the tank. The system comes with a neat little on-off valve right on the end of the universal coupler. I recommend shutting off the air when not in use, as many air guns leak ever so slightly.
I will not be going back to CO2 after using this system, as it is more consistent and safer and has a longer capacity of air. Couple that with the rolling system I created, which adds an unmatched level of convenience, and it is close to perfect for my needs.
The drawback is when it is time to fill the tanks. Not everyone owns a compressor that will fill up to 4,500 psi. So your choices are the following:
· Purchase a compressor for yourself for about $3,000.
· Go to your local paintball, air-gun, or diving shop (there is one close to me). They typically charge $1 per 1,000 lb. of air; filling both tanks cost me $8.
· Rent a larger size tank to keep in your shop, and fill your smaller bottles from it. A company like Air-Gas will swap it out for you when needed.
PROS / CONS
Pros:
– No noise
– No power needed
– Very accurate and well-made regulator
– Convenient for small jobs or punch list
Cons:
– Inconvenient to fill
– Damage to the tank may void filling
– Expensive at $1,095 per complete setup
BOTTOM LINE
This system is not for everybody, but it is certainly for my company, as it perfectly serves most of our general needs in the system mods we created. I totally recommend this system, as the overall quality of everything included is beyond my expectations.
This system is ideal for cabinet installers that may only need to do minimal trim such as crown and rail, and for commercial millwork installers that may be lacking power during construction, or when it’s just inconvenient to bring power to your location. It’s also fantastic for those never-ending punch lists.
It is not ideal for production projects that require a large volume of air. I would personally limit it to the small-size nail guns that use less volume. It also may not be ideal for those looking to save money on their tool budget.
SPECS
– Cylinder size: 114ci standard, larger sizes available on request
– Cylinder pressure: 4,500 psi
– Output range: 0-150 psi
– Regulator made in Germany
– Cylinder made in USA, and is DOT certified
– $1,095 gets you the Model: K-150-114 which includes the regulator & cylinder with a 6 ft. coiled air hose with a lockable LPA coupling, a pouch and a carrying case.
– Manufacturer’s website: http://komptec.com/us/
A larger K-300 model is also available with a 0-350 psi output range and max flow rate of 20+ cfm.