An air compressor is hardly called as an article of daily necessity in the garage but if you decided to buy it, we will tell what compressor to choose for the various operating purposes.
Types of the air compressors
The main task of the compressor is the air feed in various pneumatic tools, spray guns, or water sprayers, and so on. In general, all devices are divided into oil-filled and oil-free because both these types differ by its destination.
Oil-filled compressors.
A peculiarity of these devices is a splash lubrication system, due to which a friction is reduced, and so does the heating. This way, the pump sealing is improved, and the components wear is decreased. The lubrication is the essential condition for the work with the pneumatic tools because it lowers the level of the tool wear and reduces the noise level.
Product name | Capacity, Pressure, Performance | Motor | Noise level | Product dimensions, weight |
---|---|---|---|---|
Makita MAC700 Check the price | 2.6 gal, 130 PSI, 90 PSI: 3.3 CFM | Oil-lubricated 2.0 HP 120v | 80 dB | 18"x10"x22" 52 lbs |
DEWALT DWFP55126 Check the price | 6.0 gal, 165 PSI, 90 PSI: 2.6 SCFM | Oil-Free 120v | 75.5 dBA | 17.2" x 16.6" x 20.1" 32.2 lbs |
Bostitch BTFP02012 Check the price | 6.0 gal, 150 PSI, 90 PSI: 2.6 SCFM | Oil-Free 120v | 78.5 dBA | 17" x 17" x 19.2" 30.9 lbs |
Campbell Hausfeld Check the price | 8.0 gal, 125 PSI, 90 PSI: 2.4 SCFM | Oil-Free 1.0 HP 7.5 Amps | 68 dBA | 11" x 23" x 26" 67 lbs |
PORTER-CABLE C2002 Check the price | 6.0 gal, 150 PSI, 90 PSI: 2.6 SCFM | Oil-Free 1.0 HP 120v | - | 19" x 19" x 18" 31.3 lbs |
Senco PC1010 Check the price | 1.0 gal, 120 PSI, - | Oil-less motor 1.0 HP 115v | 73 dBA | 14" x 13" x 10" 20 lbs |
California Air Tools 2010A Check the price | 2.0 gal, 120 PSI, 90 PSI: 2.2 CFM | Oil-Free motor 1.0 HP 110v | 60 dBA | 18.5" x 14" x 13.5" 35.3 lbs |
Before choosing an oil-filled compressor, it is necessary to take into account that such models are mainly used during the repair and façade works, on small factories and car-care centers. If there is a need to use the air-brush or spray, there is a risk that oil may get the paint. If you do not know how to correctly choose a compressor to paint a car, bear in mind that oil-filled compressor should not be used in order to keep the quality of the paintwork materials and a car. Moreover, these devices require a regular maintenance. It is necessary to replace the air filters and control the oil level.
Now a day, an air compressor is a very important thing in maintaining vehicles, run the machines and other purposes. The well-known hardware manufacturing company MAKITA has launched this special type of air compressor. The full body is made of Cast Iron for bearing ultimate compressive stress. The design is so much scientific that each of the small places of the body is utilized with small specifications with a weight of 60 pounds. In this design, the bore diameter is larger with the stroke length than others. For this, at a time a much amount of air can be compressed. At the time of loading air, there is created a huge level of noise from a running generator. But this generator has a quality of low noise with a 2 HP power output. The pump has a speed of 1720 RPM that is considered as higher speed in motor specifications. There is a proper MCCP, which saves the motor by cutting power source if there is high or low voltage or short circuit. Another side, the rotating parts are always submerged with lubricants for less wear. The compressor has a dimension of 18*22*10 inches. So it is portable. For easy portability, it has a Cast Iron made a handle for supporting full body. It has a primary electric connection of 120 volts. There is a suitable pressure gauge to measure the air pressure at a time. The pressure valve controls the exceed pressure and releases it to the environment and another side it cuts the power source. Not only have these, but also one can get an output of a set amount of pressure by controlling the nozzle. It has a primary warranty of 1 year, and after that one can extend the warranty from the company sites. The company provides the same warranty for each part. If there is any failure in the warranty period, the company replaces it right then.
For regular uses and for more longevity, there must be a proper lubricant and the lubricant is high in price. The bore must be opened at a time for releasing air. Moreover, at the time of loading the valves must be checked carefully as closed. The air compressor is not suitable for the domestic current source, it must be connected with the commercial source for getting large power input and also avoiding exceed load.
An opinion that oil is not used at all in the oil-free compressors is mistaken. These devices do not mix the oil and air flows dividing them into different canals. In other words, the oil does not contact to the supply air. So the oil-free compressors will do for works when clear air without any additive agents is needed. They are used in the paint shops, and to produce furniture. These aggregates do not need a frequent maintenance, have smaller dimensions and weight compared to the oil-filled compressors. An air compressor is an important machine in all industries for creating pressure in lifting up and also to air the vehicles properly. For technical development, it is available in the market in various sizes with respect to specifications. The Dewalt has launched an air compressor as a pancake shape for easy portability. This air compressor is tiny for portable and its shape is like a pancake. It has a weight of 30 lb, for this, it is so easy to carry here and there. This air compressor has a 6-gallon tank for loading the air. Not only are these there 3 types of filter to purify the air for running other mechanisms. There is a high power Servo Motor, which has a suitable power output with its maximum efficiency. The motor is totally insulated and if there is cold weather, it can provide normal power. As we know the generator makes a noise while running and sometimes it is not tolerable. But this motor has the lowest noise level of 75.5 dBA. That means, while it is running there is created a normal environment. This model has a high flow regulator to supply the air at much quantity at a time. For this valve one can full the sink with respect to slow besides supplying the air. The Ball Drain valve is used for safety purposes to control the air pressure at the time of draining and inside the sink and also at the air oncoming point. There are protective rubber legs for less friction to the ground and also it resists marring. There are two universal couplers for easy support and also there is convenient cords wrap for users. There are some sensors to automatic load the air and compress with suitable pressure with respect to draining. As the power input is high, so there is used of a circuit breaker if there is overload, short circuit or air leakage. The full setup has a 1 year of manufacturing warranty with all genuine parts.
The air compressor can supply max to max 165 PSI pressure at a time. So, it is not suitable for all purposes. The system must be located to leave 12 inches away from the wall to avoid vibrations and additional current flow.
The pistons which bring the electric motor into the action in the compressors compress the air and direct it to receiver (in simple terms, a tub). The advantage of the good piston-type compressors is an easy servicing and repair, and even an affordable cost. The life time of separate types of the piston-types compressors may be tens of thousands of hours. The piston-types compressors are widely used in household and semi-professional application. These devices have a rather simple operating principle, does not need a complicated and expensive repair, and therefore a lot of owners of the small business enterprises choose them and use them during the building industry or repair. An air compressor is very useful hardware in industries for manufacturing, modifications, and also testing purposes. The Bostitch has launched an air compressor that is totally oil free. The tank is made of stainless steel with insulation for avoiding air leakages. The tank is of 6 gallon which is so much efficient for regular uses. The air compressor has an air output of 150 PSI at a time. The pressure flow can be changed from 90-150 PSI with respect to purposes. There is a use of high torque motor that can give a suitable power output inspite of changing in weather. The high torque producing motor is fully automated with respect to the sink’s condition, whether it is empty or not. The congested setup can be ported easily for having a handle for easy user’s interface. The legs are covered with rubber guards for less friction and locking with a ground. There is a high flow regulator, which controls the flow of air while intaking and also exhausting. There is also pressure gauge to measure the vent pressure and sink pressure simultaneously. According to designs, the motor has a low noise level, so that it can be placed in a natural environment with a range of 75 DbA. Most of the pumps have a lubricant for the motor’s rotor. But this design has no uses of lubricant that is very efficient for users. For this, the maintenance cost becomes less and affordable and also there are no marks of oil strain. The setup has launched in the market with the pneumatic valves, Automatic Air Tools and setup of opening tools for internal operations. The product has one year of manufacturing warranty including all parts.
The Hose Kit and the Gun Kit are not included with the air compressor. For this, the customer has to purchase separately these types of kits in unique designs. For this, the diameter and thickness must be matched with the output port. Otherwise, the separated one may not be matched. There are some missing of kits to avoiding extra current flow and short circuit. So the user must be concern about the supplying current. The chord length is not so much longer. So the power source must be near to the setup. The chord has no roll-up the action, so there may be chord crack, which is dangerous for users.
The piston-type compressors are distinguished by the type of a drive, number of pistons, and volume of the receiver. Before choosing the compressor for the house and garage, it is necessary to determine exact purposes for the application of this device: It is logically that you choose a compressor taking into account a device connected to it. The piston-type compressor of the single-action gives the working pressure 6-8 bar. If we calculate that the approximate working pressure of spray guns is 2-6 bar, pneumatic tool – up to 6-7 bar, tire repair equipment – 7-8 bar, it is necessary to take into account the quantity of the compressors in the shop for the full work of the tool. We recommend to put 20-40% of the supply. Take into account that the output of the compressor should be more than the average air consumption because the compressor can take a break in work during the small supply of the compressed air, and this will increase a life time of the motor and avoid the overheating. Time of the continuous running of the pneumatic tool depends on the volume of the storage container. Any pneumatic tool has its own features in the form of the standard pressure (5-8 bar as a rule) and the air output (from 100 to 500 lpm depending on a type of the tool). So the air output and, as a consequence, loss of the pressure in the receiver will depend on the intake of the tool. If we consider it roughly, a compressor with the 25-liter-container would do for air works, inflating wheels, and some paint works. But do not count to connect a grinder, or impact wrench to this compressor because they will not work well and will quickly consume the air supply in the container. And the compressor will pump continuously making up the loss of the pressure, and it may cause overheat and a soon breakdown. This tool needs a device with a container having a volume from at least 50 liters. The compressors can be powered by 220 V and 380 V. As a rule, 220 V is used in most cases, however if you need a compressor with a high power, you should think of 380 V because the high-power compressors are mainly produced for this feature of the power grid. And it will be easier for you to find an appropriate model of the device at a reasonable cost. There are various types of the air compressor in the market with respect to sizes, full of specifications, and also with respect to portability. The Campbell has revealed a type of air compressor that is silent in nature with it is easily portable. The air compressor is larger than other. The compressor has 8 Gallon compressed air capacity at a time. It is a comparatively huge amount of Steel made sink for users. According to designs, the motor is 50 percent quieter in producing noise. The noise range is around 68 DbA. For this, the setup can be set in the natural environment as the domestic scenario. The design is made of totally oil free- so that there will not be a single oil strain. So, the user has to pay less for maintenances. The Dual Piston pump is run by compressed air in the cyclic process. The induction motor can provide the ultimate pressure of 125 PSI at a time, which is averagely large for the users. The setup can be used for painting, nailing, fastening, vehicles air intaking, and also for uplifting small hydraulics in mini-workshop. There is Nylon made tires to portable from one place to another. The rubber guards prevent external friction and also increase holding strength while running and also creating vibrations. Each bundle of this setup comes with 25 Ft. Air Hose with the 17 pieces of nozzles, chuck, and gauge, and also 3 in 1 inflation gun in affordable price. For this, the users have no need to purchase these accessories externally. There is proper pressure gauge to control the pressure from the inlet to the outlet. Not only have these, but also there is a proper circuit breaker to avoid load shading and short circuit failure. There is an RCCB to prevent overload and it indicates through a digital interface that is so easy for users.
The air compressor can provide only 8.6 bar pressure at a time. Sometimes it is not so helpful for users. For having no oil section, the compressed air works as a working fluid. So if the load is high, efficiency becomes less. Sometimes for excessive air passing, there is a change of temperature with respect to pressure. Unfortunately, this system is not included with a rest button, so that the user has to wait for cool down of the setup.
There are varieties of compressor depends upon its size, portability, performance, and also efficiency. The Porter Cable has revealed out an air compressor, which has not only a pancake shape but also well-known for its performance. This model has a capacity of 6 gallons of compressed air at a time. The steel made pancake type sink allows an average amount of air at a time for domestic uses. It has a 2.6 SCFM recovery time for being cooled and being loaded again. At a time it allows 90 psi pressure through the outlet valve. It is designed to maintain the ISO 1217 cautions, in scientific processes. This setup is run by water as the lubricant. There are various filters to purify the water. Not only have these there are particular driers to remove water stains. The used or dirty water has a drainage system for wiping out. There is low Amp, 120 VA induction motor that can provide a suitable power instead of having cold weather. In various models, in presence of moisture, the motor does not run or not efficient. But this motor does not care about changing temperature and it is a series of heavy duty motor. There are proper circuit breakers with the electric circuit. It prevents the Short Circuit and air leakages by switching off the motor instantly. The pancake-like air compressor is small to carry and its weight is only 31 pounds. So for domestic use or in emergency purposes, it can be used. The regulated valves control the coming pressures for sustainability. For this, if there is any leakage or the intake pressure is high; it releases some pressure and switches off the valve by disconnecting of the power source. The intake and exhaust pressure can be measured by two analog meters separately. The amount of air used and the amount of air remaining in the sink can be seen by the gauge readings. The company has given 1 year of complete replacement if there is any manufacturing defects or leakages.
The Hose and sets of nozzles are to be separately purchased by the user as requirements. The diameter and the tightening procedure must be known to the user; otherwise, the extra parts will not be set to the air compressor. The compressor can run from 3-4 hours at a time. Otherwise, for heating issues, there may be a thermal stain in the sink by the components. It is the main drawback of this product.
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Oil-free compressors.
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Piston-type compressors.
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Application area of air compressors
Specifications of the air compressors
Pressure.
Output.
Receiver capacity.
Voltage.
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Gross says
Still reading up on air compressors but I would like to get a few recommendations from people who paint and wrench in their garage. I plan to use the compressor to run my plasma cutter, a mini paint booth on occasion, sand blast booth and power my air tools.
Saves says
80-gallon 2-stage, minimum 15scfm. If you are planning on buying new, I’d budget $2K. If you want to go for less, there are plenty of existing compressor threads on here that address this issue. I’d start reading them.
Some of the brands that I would consider if you are buget-minded: Belaire/IMC, Puma, Eaton/Polar Air, the basic big-box store 2-stage 80-gallon, and believe it or not, Harbor Freight (made by Belaire or they used to be)
Kainedog says
The HF compressor is really spinning, 1368 is fast for an air compressor. I would look for a 2 stage, cast iron pump with an 80 gallon tank. I do the same things you are planning on doing. I have an Atlas 2 stage V twin compressor, 5 HP 220 volt motor with an 80 gallon tank, check valve in the tank and an unloader pressure switch. Last time I checked it had over 500 hrs on it without any issues.