What To Search For When Buying An Air Compressor

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By Sam Morton

It seems that many woodworkers don't have an air compressor, simply because they sound tricky.

Some of the handy terms that you should truly know about when keeping a lookout 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 quantity of rest time over a thirty minute period. Like it can operate for ten minutes, then rest for twenty 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're planning on running tools like sanders, buffers, grinders and so on you'll 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'll need to think about an enormous fixed base compressor like Campbell - Hausfeld or Ingersoll-Rand. These will have around six hp and a storage tank of 50 gallons or more . If you're a hobbyist woodworker, who is looking for a nailer or stapler, one of the little cartable compressors is excellent. Makers like Porter-Cable or Delta will work fine.

The genuine trick to buying a compressor is to grasp 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 must look CLOSELY at the air tools you are considering because the same tool can alter noticeably in the amount of compressed air it will consume. That's's hugely important, and it suggests the difference between buying a mid-size compressor or massive 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 complicated call, but what ever you do, make certain you ensure you get a workable compressor for your choice of tools.

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