In this air compressor buyer guide I want to give you some information on how to choose the right air compressor for your project.
A small air compressor can be one of the handiest tools in the workshop, but some care or guidance is necessary when buying an air compressor. The rated horsepower, amperage and CFM are all important, along with some other considerations. Air compressors can range from a tiny airbrush compressor to monsters that require a tractor trailer to contain them, and physical size is important to people with limited space. This air compressor buying guide answers all these questions.
Main Use of the Compressor
The primary consideration (aside from cost factors) is the intended use of the compressor. Will it be used to paint with, operate an air nailer, or just fill a few tires or kids toys? Do you expect to run the compressor 20 hours a week or 20 hours per year? Air compressors are typically noisy tools – will it be used in a basement workshop, a garage or separate building? Will the compressor be expected to operate multiple tools at the same time? All valid considerations that should help guide you in buying an air compressor. This article is an air compressor buying guide that throws light on the most pertinent questions a customer should ask before buying an air compressor.
An air compressor primarily works by bringing in air from outside and then storing it in a high pressured tank for later use. This high pressured air can be used with air powered tools to get our work done more efficiently. The powered tool will continue to perform until the air pressure in the tank is high.
Air compressors have a built-in safely mechanism to cut-off when the right pressure is reached inside the tank. This is done to prevent any damage to the compressor and air-tool by excessive pressure.
The Buyer guide for an industrial, portable or a home air compressor
There are two types of air compressors you can buy. They are piston compressors and rotary compressors. Typically, piston type is more suited for home and small work while rotary gives more power for regular heavy-duty work. A rotary compressor is also known as a screw compressor because it uses two rotating screws to compress air.
First, identify your project requirements. The device you choose should be based upon your specific outcome. If you are going to use it to inflate balls, rafts, and for small devices such as powered caulking guns, staples – then a small air compressor will suit the job. Generally this means a compressor with a capacity of about 7 to 30gallons. Most industrial air compressors for heavy duty work can go up to 60 gallons.
Then identify the tool requirements. Most air powered tools will have a measuring unit indicating minimum air pressure required to operate. Most common is the SCFM (Standard Cubic Feet per Minute). Ensure your air compressor is capable of providing this value.
Identify the power requirements. Air compressors come in either 12v/120v/240v and as cordless. 12v/120v and cordless compressors are suited to home-improvement and small projects while 240v means it is an industrial compressor. 120v/240v air compressors will need a 15AMP dedicated circuit to power them. This means you cannot use your washing machine and the compressor in the same circuit.
Air Compressor Terminology
Horsepower: Air compressors, as their name implies, compress air. This takes an engine and engines have horsepower. One should pay attention to the horsepower because most often manufacturers tend to exaggerate.
PSI: PSI stands for pounds for square inch. PSI is a measurement of pressure. The PSI rating is one of the most crucial things about an air compressor
CFM: CFM stands for Cubic Feet Per Minute and it’s a unit for measuring the rate of flow in or out of the air compressor.
Tank Size: The tank size, measured in US gallons, tells how much air is compressed and gives an idea of how long the tool can be operated.
With all this information contained in this air compressor buying guide, a consumer should find it easy to select one.
How to Find Air Compressors for Sale
There are a wide range of air compressors for sale available in home improvement and hardware stores. As mentioned above, before you buy,
- Know the required capacity (horsepower and PSI),
- Decide on the tank capacity,
- See if you need any special attachments for usage,
- Inquire and compare the prices from various stores.