What To Consider Before Purchasing An Air Compressor

Compressors fall into three general areas; Small portable devices like the Porter-Cable "Job Boss" often with one (Pancake air compressor) or 2 small storage tanks, Mid-size units for example Campbell Hausfeld air compressor, which normally have wheels, and large compressors have fixed bases for shops and industrial sites.

In terms of capacities, smaller units start around 1.5 horse and larger unites may exceed 6 horse power motors. The pumps themselves are both oil-less or oil-lubricated and the pumps are 1 or 2 cylinder and singe of two-stage compressors and this last statement is the reason most wood workers don't have an air compressor, because they appear complex.

Some of the useful terms that you need to know about when buying a compressor are: PSI - Pounds per square inch, CFM - Cubic feet per minute, Duty Cycle - is the amount of time a compressor can run compared to the amount of rest time (storage tank) over a 30 minute period for example it can operate for 10 minutes, then rest for 20 without producing significant head wear, Single Phase - is where the compression piston compresses all the air in one stroke, Two Stage - is where there are two pistons that work together to compress the air. (Typically a two stage requires less horse power, and generates less heat).

As a rule, the tools that are harder on air volumes are those which run continuously like sanders, and grinders and cutters. Tools that require less cycling are tools that run intermittently like nailers, staplers and in some instances drills or even sprayers.

If you are planning on running some continuous devices like sanders, buffers, grinders and so on you will need to think about something in the mid-size or even large shop size of compressors like. In a case like this you should probably have a 25 gallon storage tank and around a 4 horse rating like a Makita or Craftsman. You will likely be looking at a 220 Volt version as well.

If you are going to use a number of tools, some of them continuous draw, such as grinders, sanders and buffers, you will want to consider a large fixed base compressor like Campbell Hausfeld Air Compressor or Ingersoll-Rand. These will have around 6 horsepower and a storage tank of 50 gallons or more.

If you are a hobbyist woodworker, who is searching for a nailer or stapler, one of the small handy compressors is probably ideal. Manufacturers like Porter-Cable or Delta will work nice.

A compressor and associated air powered tools may be a real time saver, even for the hobbyist's work shop. In many cases a simple brad nailer is almost like having a second set of hands around in assembling and gluing projects together. The other consideration in selecting a compressor is, what other applications will you find for it? For example if you do choose one of the portable units, it is conceivable that you can carry this around to odd tasks, in the house, for friends or other areas. This is less of an option of the mid-size and out of the question for the large units, but then the portables will not likely be suitable for sander/buffers so in the end you will have to make that tough decision, but no matter what you do, make sure you make sure get a nice selection of air compressor accessories intended for your compressor. It will make your woodworking more fun, quicker and even more enjoyable than it is now.

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