My first air compressor was a tiny, pancake-style machine like the one seen above. It was perfect for powering a brad nailer. However, I then attempted to utilise it with more demanding tools. That’s when I learned about the compressor’s limits.
Whether you’re purchasing your first compressor or considering an upgrade, knowing what to look for can help you make an informed purchase.
CRITERIA. When selecting an air compressor, three factors must be considered: air pressure, air flow (measured in cubic feet per minute, or CFM), and the volume of air that can be held in the tank. Because air pressure, air flow, and storage all have an impact on performance, it’s critical to understand how they interact. Later, I’ll discuss other things to look for when purchasing a compressor.
PRESSURE OF THE AIR. Air pressure is a straightforward notion. It is the amount of compressed air that the compressor can generate in pounds per square inch (PSI). The majority of tools operate at 90 PSI (maximum). However, it is a good idea to have a compressor that produces more PSI than you require because the air pressure will drop as it is utilised. A decent rule of thumb is to have at least 35% more than the tool’s needed 90 PSI, or around 120 PSI. This manner, you can be certain of steady pressure.
FLOW OF AIR. Air pressure isn’t the sole way to gauge a compressor’s output. Another consideration is the amount of air generated by the compressor every minute (CFM). A sufficient volume of air is required to operate tools at peak efficiency. You will be dissatisfied with the tool’s performance if you do not have it. Furthermore, using high-demand equipment with a low CFM compressor may cause the compressor to run more often, resulting in quicker wear and shorter pump life.
Most tools include a rating tag that specifies the CFM required for optimal tool performance. The box on the left shows the price range for typical woodworking tools. Compare these specifications to the air compressor to ensure you make the best decision.
STORAGE. Aside from PSI and CFM, another consideration in selecting the correct compressor is the amount of air that can be held in the compressor tank. The size of the tank is used to calculate storage. As a result, the larger the tank, the more compressed air it can hold. That implies more compressed air is available for the tool. The compressor motor will have to work harder to keep up with the air demand if the tank is tiny. The motor will not run as frequently if it is bigger.
CONNECTION. As you can see, these three components of an air compressor are inextricably linked. You must have enough CFM and a large enough tank to keep the proper air pressure while not overworking the motor. There are just a few more variables to consider when purchasing a compressor. These are noise levels and electrical voltages.
NOISE. Compressors are very loud. However, some designs are more audible than others. I’ve discovered that oil-free compressors create more noise than oil-lubricated compressors since the piston is often smaller and runs quicker than an oil-lubricated piston.
Another option to lessen compressor noise is to choose one with a low RPM rating on the motor. A motor with a low RPM rating will provide less noise and wear on the pump. In addition, a belt-driven motor outperforms a direct drive motor. It’s quieter, and if either the pump or the motor on the compressor fails, you won’t have to replace both at the same time
SUPPLY OF ELECTRICITY. The majority of home-shop compressors may be connected into a standard 110-volt outlet. However, you must ensure that the circuit breaker is rated high enough to handle the load. It’s a good idea to have a separate 20-amp circuit for bigger compressors.
THINK ABOUT YOUR TOOLS. Along with a fundamental grasp of air compressor performance, you should think about the tools you’ll need in your shop. If you’re only planning to use air in your shop for tacking or blowing dust off your saw, a pancake compressor will suffice
If you need to run additional tools in your home shop, you’ll need something a bit larger, like the one in the photo above. A compressor of this size can easily power a nailer, blow gun, drill, and impact wrench. It’ll work well as a spray finisher for limited periods of time, and maybe as a sander (if not used consistently).
If you need to run additional tools in your home shop, you’ll need something a bit larger, like the one in the photo above. A compressor of this size can easily power a nailer, blow gun, drill, and impact wrench. It’ll work well as a spray finisher for limited periods of time, and maybe as a sander (if not used consistently).
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