It seems that many woodworkers don’t have an air compressor, simply because they sound difficult.
Some of the handy terms that you need to actually 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 2 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 large shop size of compressors.
If you’re planning on employing grinders, sanders, buffers and the like, you’ll need to consider a giant 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’re a hobbyist woodworker, who is searching for a nailer or stapler, one of the little lightweight compressors is ideal. Makers like Porter-Cable or Delta will work fine.
The genuine 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 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 vary significantly in the quantity of compressed air it’ll consume. That is’s enormously important, and it indicates the difference between getting 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 analysis 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.
Next, you can find what more you can discover about Air Compressor varieties that you can find at the Discover Air Compressors blog.
Tweet This Post