Cadex, a nailer brand I’m not very familiar with, is coming out with 2 Systainer-based air compressor systems. It was introduced in yesterday’s email newsletter blast from our friends at ToolNut, and I had to do a double take to make sure this wasn’t an official Festool product.
I’ve seen some great examples of homebrew contained air compressor systems, but there is some appeal that comes with a commercial model.
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Hopefully these models are torture-tested and designed better than the average DIYer or independent fabricator could muster.
Part of me wants to get really excited about this, but part of me is very, very hesitant. And that’s before I looked at the pricing.
I’m not yet sure this is a great or even good product. But, it seems fit for a good discussion, and maybe it will inspire you to build your own Systainer or tool box-contained compressor (or other tool box device, such as a Bluetooth speaker).
I have purchased several Festool and Tanos Systainers, and received others that came bundled with Festool tool purchases and test samples. Systainers are kind of flimsy. Well, not flimsy in an absolute sense, but they’re not exactly abusable. I wouldn’t toss a Systainer around, regardless of what it was carrying.
If I were building an air compressor inside of a tool box, it would have to be something sturdier, like a Dewalt Tough System box. But I can see the appeal for a Systainer-sized box – it’s small, tidy, and stacks well with other Festool and Tanos Systainers.
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There are 2 versions, a 1HP compressor built into a Systainer 3, and a 1.5HP compressor built inside a Systainer 4. They’re priced at $499 and $639, respectively.
- 90 PSI Max
- 1.9 CFM (1HP), 3.8 CPM (1.5HP) at 90 PSI
- Max 139 PSI
- 1/2 gallon capacity (1HP), 1-1/2 gallon capacity (1.5HP)
- Weighs 29 lbs (1HP), 31.5 lbs (1.5HP)
- 60% duty cycle
- 68 dB noise rating
- 110 PSI startup, 130 PSI shutoff
Shown above are pre-production photos. It’s said to be 100% made in Italy (except maybe for the Systainer itself?).
Here’s what I’m wondering:
What’s the heat output like?
How secure is the mounting? Is everything mounting with anti-vibration considerations?
Can components be replaced or repaired with ease?
Where is the power cord stored?
Is the regulator easily accessible?
What happens if dust or moisture clog up those air intake holes?
Where’s the drain valve?
Buy Now(1HP in Sys 3)
Buy Now(1.5HP in Sys 4)
ToolNut has also started carrying Cadex nailers with Systainers. Some are also available at Amazon, but the selection is sparse and prices a little higher for the one Systainer-included kit I saw.
Here’s an intro video uploaded by Brian Way:
fred
My Cadex (CPB21.50) 21ga pinner – is my go-to tool. In between my 18ga. Porter Cable and 23ga Grex – I find it and its pins just right. I bought it back in 2012 after lending out my Grex P635 to a relative and despairing of getting it back (it was finally returned).
https://www.amazon.com/Cadex-CPB21-50-Headless-Pinner-Nailer/dp/B000XZGGAK/
It does have one negative review on Amazon – but I’ve had no issue with mine – although I’m no longer in a production-shop mode of use.
fred
I was commenting on my experience with the brand – more than the idea of this compressor. I think that I’d not want to be the first to try this out – and would prefer to wait on reviews after it starts to get some use. Stuart’s questions/concerns are valid – especially, I think, those about serviceability and heat dissipation which may affect component longevity. My Cadex nailer was made in Taiwan – and the made in Italy suggests it’s OEM might be a company like Aria, NuAir or Fima
red92s
If the goal here is jobsite portability, it seems like using a well-regarded, off the shelf, small wheeled/cart compressor and offering an “adapter plate” that allows systainer/LBOXX/Toughcase boxes to interlock and be moved around at the same time would be both more practical and cost effective.
red92s
Something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Makita-MAC5200-Big-Bore-Compressor/dp/B0001Q2VPU/
Brien
I think it is a neat concept that would work well in a DEWALT tough system. I also think a tough system vac would compliment the lineup.
John
Cadex is generally pretty good. I think its a pretty great idea and looks like something Festool shoulda made like their dust extractor in a Systainer, Dust Extractor CT SYS:
http://www.festoolusa.com/power-tools/hepa-dust-extractors/dust-extractor-ct-sys-584174
Which I’ve been eyeing on getting.
Like I said Cadex is generally pretty good, though this particular product gives me pause. The fit and finish of this, at $500 and $630, seems kinda low. This looks more like a concept model than a fully fleshed out product. Like duct tape, caisson foam, and crimps on wires like that? The drilling of the air holes too seems pretty weirdly spaced (my OCD). I think if they put in a lot more fit and finish this could be a great product, but at that price I think with some time I could probably piece together something half that cost. Maybe even re-purposing a small airbrush compressor (Iwata / Badger compressor) and liter tank instead if this is for small jobs like nailing and inflation.
William
Cool concept, too pricey, and if it were not for the fact that air nailers are much cheaper, I would go electric. This sort of defeats the purpose.
William
That $200 porter Cable compressor + 2 nailers and a stapler was hard to turn down
Steve
I wonder how hot the compressor is going to get inside that little plastic box. Also is that duct/gaffer’s/gorilla tape i see in there? Seems kinda hokey for a >$500 tool
Stuart
It was a prototype put together for STAFDA. I’m almost certain the production model won’t have off the shelf duct tape holding things together.
Matt
Aren’t we leaning towards a cordless/hose-less jobsite and or workshop?
With the advent of flexvolt and what is sure to follow from other brands plus the cordless nailers popping up from most brands won’t the added cost of a box like this eventually be dwarfed by the low price/maintenance of the nailers that will surely evolve?
Not saying that nailing is the only use for a compressor but for me it is and I’m already to rely and enjoy cordless systems.
Stuart
Corded and air tools still have their place.
Cordless nailers are still quite large and heavy compared to air. For someone trimming around a house, cordless might be more beneficial. For someone assembling cabinets and drawers at a workshop, air might make better sense.
William
Good point, although this setup is clearly aimed at the job site, not a production shop.
Matt
I can agree with that as all tools have their place.
I am only questioning whether something like this is a little late to the game in an ever shifting market.
I wouldn’t rely on its portability if I worked out of a shop. Nor would I wish to buy into a specific tool storage system to be able to compliment a boxed compressor. That doesn’t make sense to me.
Personally, I can deal with a heavier nailer that fits into my already established system.
I’ve also seen the cordless evolution from heavier Nicad to lithium to 12v lithium to Nicad adaptors to who knows what… The way tools move these days I wouldn’t be surprised to see lighter weight nailers hit the market. Sub compact or compact nailers.
Skip in GA
Duct tape? Really? Not impressive.
Jim
I understand that it’s just a prototype – but for such an “upmarket” compressor – that looks shoddy.
Did they hand drill the ventilation holes?!? And fine if you’re going to use tape – but that looks slapped on.
Stuart
I noticed the holes too. For a prototype, that’s okay. But I’d like to see more regular drilling in the production models.
Jim
I like the concept – modular, portable, etc. But how good the execution is – is really going if it sells.
For me, I’d take reliable and quiet over just form factor…
I guess what I’m saying is – will it just be a novel packaging and that’s it?
Jason
I would have done a 2 systainer version. One that housed the compressor and one with the tank. This is really for guys that a fully into the Tanos Systayer system. Some guys its all they use. It costs a small fortune though.
Chris
I have been fantasizing about Ridgid selling a compressor and a vacuum built into their modular rolling base. I’m a professional carpenter and have almost all of my tools in the Ridgid and Tanos/Festool systems. It is an incredible boost to my productivity being able to roll stacks of boxes together and knowing where everything is. But it kills me to have to carry a separate vacuum and compressor.
Jimmie
My first thought upon seeing a compressor stuffed inside a box is heat dissipation. Seeing how it’s rated for a 60% duty cycle, it seems like the compressor housing is going to get pretty hot unless some sort of forced-air ventilation is provided.
ersecu
There are already 2 companies offering a systainer air compressor.
https://www.schneider-druckluft-fachhandel.de/SysMaster-Kompressoren?gclid=CK7vpcb22dACFcyRGwodqoMFdQ
http://www.neureiter-shop.at/de/druckluft-amp-lackiertechnik/kompressoren/prebena-kompressoren/prebena-aerotainer-245-kompressor-systainer-2-liter-kessel
fred
Nice find.
When I Googled “Schneider Systainer-Kompressor SysMaster 150” – I got several YouTube links and some Festool Owners Group links. From what I gather (my German is pretty bad) from one of the YouTube videos – the Schneider variant was shown at a trade show in Nurnberg in 2012 – so it seems to have been available in Europe for a whle.
Shane Holland
Hello, Shane from The Tool Nut here.
Schneider was the sister company of Festool and Tanos until earlier this year. The company was sold and is no longer part of TTS (Festool’s parent company). Their Systainer compressor has never been offered in the US/Canadian markets.
To the best of my knowledge, the Cadex is the first Systainer-based compressor to be available here. Cadex is a quality brand and their nailer were made in the same factory as Grex and others until recently. Keep in mind that the photos are for a pre-production model and is not representative of the fit and finish of the final product. It was simply put together for demo at STADFA. We’ll definitely share updated photos with Stuart once we get the production units from Cadex.
If you have any questions about these units, feel free to email me at [email protected] – thanks!
Koko the Talking Ape
Besides the possible problems with heat and case durability that other people have mentioned, I would look really carefully at the attachment between the case and the compressor components. If the metal bits are just screwed on, even with washers, I worry that a few bumps or knocks would crack the plastic.
fred
Like all of us, we can only speculate about the potential plusses and minuses of this design. Once they start rolling out and get some real testing in the workplace – then we can see. My experience with Cadex has been very good but with this one – I think I’ll adhere t the old aphorism: “Be not the first by whom the new are tried, Nor yet the last to lay the old aside.”
Matthew
Seems like another great overpriced idea to me, better off to just take a weekend to make your own for half the price, and using a brand you trust.
Michaelhammer
Festool junkies will eat this up. If you have ever looked into festool, you know that money is no option.
Jamie
Hi Jamie from Cadex here. A lot of great comments and ideas. Once you see the quality of these units you will soon realize that this type of quality level has never been offered in our industry. The two units run very smooth with virtually no vibration due to all pump parts being balanced before assembly. Nice will be in the the range of 64 DB. True the compressors will not be priced like Ridgid and Porter Cable but those units are usually near the bottom of the quality spectrum. Some will love the value to price ratio on these and others will simply want the cheapest compressor and nail guns they can find. This us why we have a market place where all can be served. We look forward to making a certain segment of the professional installation market happy with their tools and soon air compressors.