How to Compare Air Compressors
An air compressor is one of the most valuable tools in any garage or workshop. Air compressors compress and store air under pressure to be used by air-powered tools. The number and variety of air-powered tools on today's market is virtually limitless. Air tools are relatively inexpensive and can significantly reduce the amount of time required to complete a particular task. Air compressors are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, making the job of selecting an appropriate air compressor a daunting task. However, by understanding which features differentiate one air compressor from another, the appropriate compressor can quickly be identified. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Determine whether a vertical or horizontal compressor design is appropriate. Larger capacity compressors, are available in designs which feature either a horizontal or vertical air tank. Vertical compressors tend to be a better choice if the compressor will be frequently lifted, such as to load into the back of a truck. The vertical design allows two people to easily grab the ends of the tank to lift it. Horizontal designs are popular because they do not take up as much physical space as the vertical designs. Also, due to their space-saving design, horizontal compressors are excellent choices for stationary use.
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Determine the amount of air pressure required for the tasks to be performed. Some types of air tools require greater pressure to operate properly than others. For example, blow guns require very little air pressure, as opposed to tools such as impact wrenches which must generate a large amount of torque. Therefore, when selecting an air compressor, it is important to determine which types of tools will be used with the compressor. When in doubt, it is best to choose an air compressor that produces more air pressure due to the wide variety of tools that can be used with the greater power.
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Select a compressor with an appropriate air tank capacity. A compressor tank's holding capacity is rated in gallons. The larger the capacity, the greater the duration of air the compressor can produce before its motor must refill the tank with air. Some tools, such as nail guns, do not require long periods of continuous air flow, and therefore do not require large air tanks. Tank capacities of approximately 6 gallons are suitable for such tools. Other tools, like paint guns, must be operated for long periods of time. Therefore, an air tank capable of holding at least 30 gallons of air should be considered.
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Choose an air compressor with a motor capable of producing an appropriate amount of horsepower. Once the majority of the air within the air tank is depleted, the compressor's motor must fill the tank with air again. The higher the horsepower, the faster the tank will fill. Unless the compressor will be used only for a few seconds at a time, choose an air compressor that has a high horsepower motor to avoid delays while the tank refills with air.
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