Speedaire or Jenny - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Burton · 09-13-2009, 11:37 AM

I was going out yesterday to buy a 20 gallon Speedaire (GRA-4B227). The salesman was trying to sell me the Jenny Twin 8 gallon (JEN-K15A8P0) so I left with nothing. It is going to be stationary in a 7 x 12 cargo trailer so I like the fact that the Jenny isn't as 'tippy' as the Speedaire. The most important consideration is air. I won't be running much more than 2 framing guns at any one time. The salesman also mentioned, and I don't know if this is true, that the Speedaire should be plugged directly into the receptacle where you can run an extension cord to the Jenny. My job sites are usually equipped with temporary power with 20 amp breakers. If I'm running 50' or 100' of 10/3 cable to my compressor from the panel does it matter if I'm plugged directly or not.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

WilsonRMDL · 09-13-2009, 12:43 PM

why not just buy portable compressors since your only running 2 framers. Seems like they would be easier to move around and get closer to the temp. power, and also you could have them close to the work area if running extension cords.

TBFGhost · 09-13-2009, 12:51 PM

I am no electrician but if you can get it in 220 volt, and have it available at the power poles....I would run the compressors off of that....easier to run it off of longer cords correct?

CookeCarpentry · 09-13-2009, 02:37 PM

You CAN run an extension cord to the Jenny, but it is not advisable (according to service reps, sales reps and their own literature).

If you are running a max of 2 framing nailers, even 3 on occasion, I would consider a portable compressor - Jenny makes those as well. Heck of a lot cheaper, too.

Burton · 09-13-2009, 10:19 PM

Thanks for the replies but if I'm going to buy either the Speedaire or Jenny which would be your choice?

CookeCarpentry · 09-14-2009, 05:44 PM

Jenny - only because I never owned a speedaire or knew anyone who did. So I can't comment on their product.

JohnLINY · 09-14-2009, 06:37 PM

Jenny was started by some of the guys from Emglo when they sold to the evil empire DeWalt. If you look at their hand carry compressors they are exactly like the old Emglo compressors.

While I don't own any Jenny air compressors the Emglo compressors that I own are bullet proof. One is almost 12 years old and going strong. If you look up Jenny the majority of the real world end user reviews are very positive.

CookeCarpentry · 09-14-2009, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnLINY

Jenny was started by some of the guys from Emglo when they sold to the evil empire DeWalt. If you look at their hand carry compressors they are exactly like the old Emglo compressors.

While I don't own any Jenny air compressors the Emglo compressors that I own are bullet proof. One is almost 12 years old and going strong. If you look up Jenny the majority of the real world end user reviews are very positive.

John, thanks for that info - I thought that Jenny was an offshoot from Emglo, but was uncertain, which is why I did not say it to the OP. Probably why my old Emglo and new Jenny look so alike...

Burton · 09-14-2009, 07:56 PM

Currently I'm using a Fini 6.6 gallon with 1 gun and I find that it cycles way too often. If I'm sheeting a roof or a wall the thing never shuts off. If I go with the 8 gallon Jenny will it not cycle way more often than a 20 gallon Speedaire or am I missing something? Will the 8 gallon Jenny keep up with 2 guns sheeting?