If not, these will need to be purchased separately.Īll of the air compressors listed below are "oil-less" pumps that generally offer cleaner, drier air with lower maintenance and quieter operation. TIP: If you need to power a specific air tool, check its SCFM and PSI requirements to make sure you are buying a compressor that can meet the minimums.Ĭheck to see what accessories are included with the compressor such as a hose, air chucks, inflation needles, etc. The standard ratings range from around 100 PSI up to 200 PSI. This translates to the amount of force that it can provide to a particular tool or accessory. The Pounds Per Square Inch (PSI) rating for a compressor is a measure of the maximum air pressure of the tank. It is listed by the manufacturer as a value along with a particular pressure level, for example, 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI. This is the amount of air that it can produce at a specific pressure level. The CFM and SCFM are a measure of the compressor’s flow rate. The SCFM rating (standard cubic feet per minute) takes the CFM (cubic feet per minute) and applies a standard set of environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity to provide a more accurate value. The decibel level is an especially important consideration if you are often working inside a confined area or around others, as the noise can be quite annoying. For some comparison, this is approximately the same sound output as a food blender. Most modern electric compressors are in the high 60s to low 80s decibel range. Large engines will usually come with a higher cost and increased weight making the compressor less portable.Īnother issue when selecting the motor size is what is the accompanying noise produced? Manufacturers will provide the level of noise as measured in decibels (dB). However the more powerful the motor, the faster it can fill the tank and keep up with high-demand air tools. Note that the motor power isn’t directly related to the performance of the air tools. The motor size is typically measured in horsepower. Pancake compressors offer a great compromise between usability and portability with a compact, efficient design. Horizontal tanks offer the ability to be moved around with a set of wheels on one end but tend to take up more usable space. Vertical tanks are great if there is an appropriate location in the garage or shop as it takes up less floor space, as long as it rarely needs to be moved. If you plan on constantly moving it around and your air tool demands are not excessive, go with the lightest, most compact design possible, this will make your life much easier.Ĭommon tank shapes include pancake, vertical and horizontal (also called a hot dog tank). However, if it is very heavy the wheels won’t help when loading into a truck. Some models include wheels which can make it easier to move around the same area. If you plan on just keeping it in the corner of the garage, a larger compressor can provide the flexibility to use a much greater range of tools. How will you be most often using the compressor? Hauling it to the job site every day? Always keeping it in the garage? Here are some features to look out for when selecting a model: If you need more reserve air, for example, if you are working away from a power source, you may need a larger tank. This is why the size of the tank is important. When the air in the tank is depleted the motor automatically turns on and replenishes the used air.
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