My silent compressor is getting too heavy to lug upstairs (ie I'm getting too old), so about 3 months ago I bought a cheap (99 euros) compressor with a tiny tank.  It has very little capacity but as I only use 18 and 23 gauge nails it has proved adequate.
I've wanted a compressor in a systainer for a long time, but have been put off by the weight (and price) of the Prebaena ones.  This Sunday I stuck the cheapo compressor an old systainer 3.   I am not sure how long it can be expected to last, but the project kept me amused for the afternoon.  (Found the electrical socket on the power supply of one of the many dead pc's lying around here.)
It is not very polished and I will have to tip the systainer on its side if I want to drain the tank, but if it works out I might try to build a better one.  The hose, cable and nail guns go in a sortainer.

Here are some pics







Richard.

Great idea, and I'd bet it's a whole bunch quieter than my P-C pancake compressors. 

  

Richard

That is exactly the type of thing i need.  Do you need to have the lid open when in use or is the ts cut slots enough.  Do you have a link to that compressor & do you know if it is available in the UK ?

Nice post 

Woodguy

Harry_

Try looking at the small 1 hp Senco.  I've been using one in a sys5, with 50' 1/4" hose,  (3) guns (16, 18, 23ga) , and some glue bottles for 4-5 years now.  Also put the sys 2 "attic" lid on top for brads/pins.
The compressor frame needs to be modified (cut off), but fits well.  I run it all day with the lid closed, no issues.

I have a pic of my set up here somewhere, but can't seem to find it now.  (My 20th century brain betrays me once again)

dan

In answer to some of your questions in no particular order - yes the compressor came from Brico Depot. It was in a perfectly adequate orange plastic case with a built in carry handle -  just a bit too tall to fit in a sys 5.  I was going to use that (the sys 5) but when I got it out of the case I realized that if I lay it on it's side it would fit in a sys 3.  I am afraid it is not quiet - hence the sound deadening foam- it is also mounted on rubber 'silent blocks' and there is a piece of foam under the plywood 'floor'.
I haven't use it on a job yet, but it seems to run ok with the lid shut - I've put the sortainer with the rest of the stuff on top.

I have not removed anything other than the case - there was no cowl around the fan.  The only modification is the flexible hose which allowed me to move the position of the air outlet.
The original unit used to dance across the floor and quite often made me jump when it turned on. Now it is in a Systainer and on the rolling base it seems more stable.
I couldn't really recommend the compressor as I fear it's really junk, but what I really wanted was this:
http://www.axminster.co.uk/bambi-ht3-2p-oil-free-compressor-prod808103/
The Bambi is just a bit too long to fit in a systainer and a lot too expensive to start messing with I fear.
When I'm using a brad nailer I never really fire loads of nails in quick succession so the motor is not running all the time. I don't think mine would be any good for a serious nail gun though.
Richard