What To Search For When Purchasing An Air Compressor
It seems that many woodworkers do not have an air compressor, simply because they sound complicated.
Some of the handy terms that you need to actually know about when watching out for a compressor include:
PSI – Pounds per square inch
CFM – Cubic feet per minute
Duty Cycle – how long a compressor can run compared to the amount of rest time over a 30 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 2 Stage – where there are 2 pistons that work in cooperation to compact the air.
If you’re planning on running tools like sanders, buffers, grinders and so on you’ll need to think about something in the mid-size or perhaps large shop size of compressors.
If you’re planning on employing grinders, sanders, buffers and the like, you will need to think about a giant fixed base compressor like Campbell – Hausfeld or Ingersoll-Rand. These will have around six hp and a storage tank of fifty gallons or more. If you’re a hobbyist woodworker, who is hunting for a nailer or stapler, one of the tiny lightweight compressors is excellent. Makers like Porter-Cable or Delta will work fine.
The real trick to purchasing a compressor is to realise 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 change noticeably in the amount of compressed air it’ll consume. That is’s massively important, and it implies the difference between buying 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 ensure you get a pleasing compressor for your choice of tools.
Next, here’s more on 12 Volt Air Compressor for you to review.
