If you are thinking of buying an air compressor, you are probably feeling lost and not sure what you are looking for. Air compressors are used to power a wide range of tools with a wide variety of uses. Note that you must purchase the correct air supply.
1. Uses of compressors
Compressors are machines that provide power to tools thanks to a system based on taking in air that they then compress in a reduced space.
This compression is normally done by cooling the air rapidly with water or oil. When the air is compressed it is stored easier and can be directed into a tube and expelled at high speed, for example to use the compressor with a spray gun.
A compressor can help you perform many tasks, such as drilling holes, cutting materials, painting, crushing rock, among other applications in construction. But you can not only use it at a professional level, you can also use it in domestic activities, painting, varnishing, cleaning, inflating mattresses, balls, always having your car tires ready, etc.
At an industrial level, pneumatic powered tools are the most widely used. You can drill, screw, brush, fix, staple, rivet, etc. with greater security and less consumption.
To see the wide variety of compressors we have, click here .
2. Technical characteristics
Tank: Most compressors come with a storage tank of different capacities, depending on the model, something that will determine which model is best suited for the job to be done. The larger the tank, the more cubic feet of air per minute it can generate. If you want to use it for tools, you should choose a compressor based on the base of the tool with the highest air requirement. If the tool does not have enough air, it will not work properly.
Flow: The flow and air pressure needs will lead you to choose the appropriate power for the compressor, since each model is capable of guaranteeing a certain flow and pressure with a different power. You can calculate the compressed air you need taking into account the use you are going to give it, taking into account the need for pressure and the required air consumption (liters / minutes). You will obtain the air flow by adding the flow required individually for each tool. This way you will achieve the maximum consumption. As a general rule, per horsepower of the compressor, a flow rate of 100 compressed air per minute is obtained.
3. Analyze the requirements of the tools to use.
First you have to analyze if you are going to use the compressor for industrial use or for occasional tasks at home, such as powering a gun or inflating tires. If you plan to use it industrially, you will be looking at a tank piston compressor; while if it is for domestic use you will only need a portable tankless compressor. If you make a mistake when choosing a compressor and it is not large enough, you will have to be aware of the tank to refill it, resulting in a decrease in the efficiency of your work.
4. Piston or portable compressor?
The piston compressor has a motor that boosts the air pressure when it runs out. Store compressed air in tanks. However, the laptops do not have a tank and maintain continuous operation to be able to work.
We can find one-cylinder or two-cylinder compressors. Single cylinder ones are best suited for heavy work at home. Those with two cylinders are used more for industry.
5. Compressor horsepower (Hp)
The normal thing is that the horses of a compressor oscillate between 1.5 and 6.5 Hp, although we can find them higher. For small uses we don’t need as many horses. Hp is an important indicator that determines the horsepower of your air compressor, but CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating is also important.
6. Consider space and portability.
Think that you may need to move the compressor or lift it off the ground. These machines can be small, portable items or large machines, with more powerful features. It is good that you can transport it, but if you need a heavier and more powerful model, it is recommended that you equip yourself with a long hose to facilitate your work. As always, it all depends on the work you are going to do.
If you still have some doubts, we give you a series of tips to make it easier to make the right decision:
– Oil-lubricated compressors are quieter and tend to last longer than non-lubricated ones
– Always buy a compressor a little more powerful than what you will need.
– Take into account the length of the hose and the place where you are going to place the work area in order to avoid difficulties later.
– Analyze your requirements and find the compressor that fits them.
– Compressors that are not oiled may sound good in the store, but they will sound bad in your garage. These types of compressors can be very noisy, so you should take that into account before buying. As an advantage, they have cleaner air than oil-lubricated compressors.
Once you have your compressor, remember that it needs proper maintenance to extend the life of your machine. The life of the compressor and the quality of the work that you obtain with its use are directly related to the maintenance you provide. We recommend a series of steps for its correct maintenance and safety before its use:
– Check the oil level in the compressor crankcase and change it regularly. Some compressors do not need lubrication.
– Drains the water accumulated in the boiler and in the filter through its drainers.
– Follow the manufacturer’s instructions at all times.
– Controls the proper functioning of the safety valve and pressure switch of the boiler or tank.
– Verify that the air filter is clean.
– Check the drag straps. Some compressors are direct drive.
– Cleans and blows the accumulated dust on the cooling fins.
– It is better to install the compressor on a flat floor and fix it with rubber anchors to avoid vibrations.
– Leave half a meter of distance around the electric motor and the compressor so that the fan can cool the machine.
– Thoroughly clean spray guns and equipment after use.
Now you just have to start enjoying your compressor and doing all your work. To learn more, click here .