What To Check For When Buying An Air Compressor
It seems that many woodworkers do not have an air compressor, merely because they sound difficult.
Some of the convenient terms that you should really know about when keeping a lookout for a compressor include:
PSI – Pounds per square inch
CFM – Cubic feet per minute
Duty Cycle – the amount of time a compressor can run compared to the quantity of rest time over a thirty minute period. Like it can operate for ten minutes, then rest for 20 without making major head wear
Single Stage – where the compression piston compresses all the air in one stroke
Versus two Stage – where there are 2 pistons that work in cooperation to compress the air.
If you are planning on running tools like sanders, buffers, grinders and so on you will need to think about something in the mid-size or maybe large shop size of compressors.
If you’re planning on employing grinders, sanders, buffers and the like, you will need to think about a large fixed base compressor like Campbell – Hausfeld or Ingersoll-Rand. These will have around 6 hp and a storage tank of 50 gallons or more . If you’re a hobbyist woodworker, who is searching for a nailer or stapler, one of the tiny portable compressors is ideal. Makers like Porter-Cable or Delta will work fine.
The genuine trick to buying a compressor is to understand beforehand what you’re going to use it for and what the air-tool rating is in PSI and CFM. This may give you a better indication of the duty cycle you’ll need. But this isn’t the end either, because you need to look CLOSELY at the air tools you are considering as the same tool can alter noticeably in the amount of compressed air it will consume. That’s's hugely important, and it indicates the difference between purchasing a mid-size compressor or big fixed compressor. A compressor and associated air powered tools could be a real time saver, even for the hobbyist’s work shop.
In the final research you’ll have to make that difficult call, but what ever you do, make sure you guarantee you get an agreeable compressor for your choice of tools.
Next, here’s much more regarding 12 Volt Air Compressor which you can access via the Discover Air Compressors blog.
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