An air tool can’t function without its air compressor at its core. First, let me be clear, it isn’t difficult to use a compressor for air tools as it seems to be. But getting the right kind of equipment/machine for it can often get challenging.
Air tools are the most common equipment as compared to other traditional tools. In contrast to other tools that work on powering batteries and electricity, air tools differ by utilizing compressed air as their main power source which prevents spending additional amounts of money.
The air tools that you have planned to use with a compressor are the primary components on which your decision must base. We have compiled this brief guide in order to assist you in understanding how to interpret the terminology and select the most appropriate option.
Factors to determine kind of compressor for air tools – Detailed Guide
Purpose of the compressor:
First and foremost, you need to know about the requirements and the purpose for which you need the compressor.
With respect to that you will be able to know about the following factors and the measurements of air compressors with your air tool, you don’t need to spend extra money or go beyond the limits to buy an expensive tool. Look around and think which will go with it.
Determine the stage of the compressor:
By stages, it depicts that there are different stages of air compressors on the market, from which you need to choose one. Now there are single stage and two stage compressors.
Considering the stages with the purposes, a single stage proves to be beneficial for inflating tiers, painting sprayers etc. as they are specialized enough to work for more than just compressing air. Meanwhile, the two-stage compressor works best for big requirements and tools such as impact wrenches etc. and is specialized to cool down the air.
The CFM level of compressor:
The CFM is considered as a vital component in an air compressor. To get straight into it, a CFM value of 14cfm is enough for 150L in an air compressor that is perfect for the use of professionals, for hobbyists etc. In a 150L compressor, the tank size is going to be pretty big in size.
The CFM is important because it will help you determine how much air they require and will help you to determine whether it is capable of handling the air tool or not. To know about that, you need to perform some calculations to get accurate readings.
The horsepower of the tank:
The horsepower is the fundamental unit in an air compressor. Horsepower in a compressor, is basically the unit to measure the specific amount of power generated or produced by the engine.
With the horsepower reading, you will get to know about the actual readings of the power that can be compressed.
Sometimes, it also gets reversed so you must have knowledge about this that the engines that produce the finest power are one of the best air compressors to use for air tools and this can be measured too.
Main source of the compressor:
Last but not the least air compressors are powered by different resources, in which gas and electricity exists. Gas compressors are more preferred these days, as these put more output than the electric ones.
- Gas powered: If you need a portable air compressor, gas-powered compressors are a wonderful alternative because they allow you to extend your reach without being constrained by the proximity of an electrical outlet.
- Electric powered: They are less noisy than gas compressors, and there is no need to be concerned about being exposed to exhaust fumes.
Displacement of piston and FAD:
These terms are not very well known but plays a complex role in the air compressor choice, as the piston displacement refers to the actual volume of air produced and the other as the volume produced/generated.
Showing a typical measurement, this one must go between 25 – 30% lower than the other one for smooth working of the compressor for air tools, whether they are of size or small, it will work perfectly.
Final thoughts
Air compressors with air tools are used as they provide efficient, and robust output to power these air tools. Along with that, the use of air tools also lowers the chances of maintenance work and cost and work by lowering the temperature.
As mentioned above in the guide of determining the kind of air compressors for air tools, right after knowing the CFM level you will be able to get yourself a new one. We hope this guide has helped you in some way to choose a compressor for your use.
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