What To Check For When Buying An Air Compressor
It seems that many woodworkers don’t have an air compressor, simply because they sound complicated.
Some of the convenient 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 – 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 10 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 compact the air.
If you are planning on running tools like sanders, buffers, grinders and so on you’ll need to think about something in the mid-size or perhaps bigger 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 are a hobbyist woodworker, who is looking for a nailer or stapler, one of the tiny portable compressors is excellent. Makers like Porter-Cable or Delta will work fine.
The genuine trick to purchasing 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 could give you a better indication of the duty cycle you will need. But this isn’t the end either, because you must look CLOSELY at the air tools you are considering because the same tool can change seriously in the quantity of compressed air it’ll consume. That is’s massively important, and it indicates the difference between getting a mid-size compressor or big fixed compressor. A compressor and associated air powered tools might be a real time saver, even for the hobbyist’s work shop.
In the final research you must make that complicated call, but what ever you do, make certain you ensure you get a workable compressor for your choice of tools.
You can find much more regarding Air Compressor varieties for you to review.