25 Jul 10 What To Look For When Buying An Air Compressor

It seems that many woodworkers do not have an air compressor, simply because they sound tricky.

Some of the handy terms that you should truly know about when looking 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 amount 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 2 Stage - where there are 2 pistons that work in cooperation to squeeze the air.

If you're counting on running tools like sanders, buffers, grinders and so on you will need to think about something in the mid-size or perhaps bigger shop size of compressors.

If you plan 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 6 hp and a storage tank of fifty gallons or more. If you are a hobbyist woodworker, who is hunting for a nailer or stapler, one of the tiny lightweight compressors is ideal. Makers like Porter-Cable or Delta will work fine.

The real trick to purchasing 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 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 alter noticeably in the amount of compressed air it will consume. That is's hugely important, and it implies 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'll have to make that hard call, but what ever you do, make sure you ensure you get an agreeable compressor for your choice of tools.

Next, get to know more on 12 Volt Air Compressor for you to review.

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