In the end, your best bet is the compressor that meets your tools’ requirements whether it needs oil or not. They don’t require a ton of refilling even though you should keep an eye on the levels frequently. Oil-free models are much more convenient since you don’t have to worry about oil levels and require less maintenance.ĭon’t be afraid of splash lubricated compressors, though. Without going into a ton of detail about air compressor pumps, there are two basic types: oiled and oil-free. For work that doesn’t keep a compressor working to keep up the entire time (most common), a 50% duty cycle is just fine. Look for a compressor with a 100% duty cycle for high-demand work. If you’re looking for the best model in a high-use environment, check the duty cycle rating. For example, a 50% duty capacity tells you it needs 30 minutes of downtime for every 30 minutes of running. Duty Cycleĭuty cycle is a rating that tells you the percentage of time your compressor can run. That means you’re unlikely to find one that’s good for sanding or roofing. Most quiet models are on the lower air delivery side. These can drop down below 60 decibels (though most are more) and operate at a level you can actually hold a conversation next to. If you frequently work indoors, in occupied spaces, or around noise-sensitive campuses, look for a quiet compressor. Belt drive compressors run quieter than direct drive by nature. One way to reduce noise is with the drive style. Noise LevelĪir compressors can be noisy! Add in a small gas engine and they get loud enough that you’ll want hearing protection. Just be aware that you’re sharing the air and your system needs to work harder to keep up. It’s also possible to add a two or three-way splitter. Most portable air compressors have one or two couplings on board. Replace it once you reach that date to ensure the tank doesn’t fail. Pro Tip: Every tank has an expiration date. The air that comes in carried moisture with it and can start to rust the tank from the inside, especially around coastal areas.Įven if you find your compressor’s tank capacity is a little low, you can add an additional reserve tank to increase it. Pro Tip: Drain your air compressor after every use. After that, the number of gallons determines the rest of the equation for understanding how long you can work. The higher the pressure the pump delivers, the greater the total amount of air the tanks hold. Each tank has a pressure rating and pairs with a pump. Tank capacity is a measure of the amount of air volume your compressor can hold. To make sure you get the most from your compressor, we recommend going with a model that gives you 50% higher CFM than your highest tool’s needs. Check the package or the manual for the tool you’re considering and make sure the air compressor you’re buying can handle both. The reality is that every tool has its own CFM and PSI requirements. 125 PSI is a good starting point and 200 PSI gets you into the high end of the spectrum for the most common units. The higher the pressure, the greater the amount of air the tank can hold. PSI (pounds per square inch) is a measurement of the maximum pressure the pump can put in the tank. Other tools, like air sanders, need much higher CFM values to keep running. Some tools, such as finish nailers, require very little CFM to keep up with the pace of the work. That means you have to take some “breaks”. You can actually get higher CFM out of the tanks, but the pump won’t be able to replace it as fast as you’re using it. They tell you the most about the performance you can expect.ĬFM (often measured at 90 PSI) lets you know know the volumeof air the unit can sustain. When you’re shopping for an air compressor, CFM and PSI are the key specs. These are typically lower-power options that are best for finish nailers and other low-supply applications. Gas units are usually reserved for jobs that require high air delivery when mobility is a priority.īattery-powered air compressors are becoming more popular with several major power tool brands making them. On the other hand, larger units tend to be installed in place and piped to the most convenient locations where you install connectors for your hoses. They can run on a generator if you don’t have a direct AC power supply nearby. Smaller electric compressors are highly portable. Electric models can be either 120V or 240V, depending on the level of performance they have. The most common air compressors run on either gas or electric power.
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