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Candles
A candle is a light source usually consisting of an internal wick which rises
through the center of a column of solid fuel. Typically the fuel is some form
of wax with paraffin wax being the most common. Prior to the candle being
ignited,...
Interior Decorating for Cat Owners
Part 1: Protecting your possessions
The first thing a cat owner should know about home décor is to keep it simple. Cats are completely convinced that they are in charge, that the house and its possessions belong to them, and that...
Lighting for Seniors
Lighting for seniors requires attention to some specific details. When planning a lighting design for aging baby boomers we want to provide both adequate light to see clearly and a safe environment. With a combination of recessed, pendant, track and...
Outdoor Ceiling Fans Complement the House
Fans extending from the ceiling have been around for centuries and the modern ceiling fan as we know it today has been used since Victorian times. Savvy homeowners use the ceiling fan in every room imaginable. They like their looks as well as how...
When Fire Strikes: Get Out! Stay Out!
(ARA) - It’s late at night and you and your family are sound asleep. Suddenly, you are awakened by the piercing signal of the smoke alarm and you realize there is a fire in your home. Do you know what to do to survive?
According to the...
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Selecting the Right Air Compressor for Your Air Tool
An air compressor is used to power air tools such as spray guns, air sanders, air wrenches, air hammers, and much more. While not as widely used, air tools are more powerful than traditional electric power tools. Air tools offer more torque and RPM than electric tools not to mention that they are significantly lighter (since they do not have their own individual electric motors) which makes them much easier to handle. Air tools are also less expensive, more versatile, and longer lasting. Overall, an air tool accomplishes a task more rapidly and effectively.
When selecting an air compressor, it is important to understand the needs of your air tool. These are some characteristics of air compressors that you should
look at in order to select one that will work best for your air tool needs.
Amount of Power Needed
One of the most important factors that must be decided is the amount or power needed for your air tool. While this power can be measured in several different types of units, the most useful is the CFM (cubic feet per minute). The more common household air tools require 0-5 CFM while larger air tools such as sanders or impact wrenches may need 10 CFM or more. The air compressor you choose depends on the type or air tool you will be using.
Gasoline vs. Electrical Air Compressor
One of the first things you have to do is decide whether you want a gasoline driven-engine or an electrical
driven-engine air compressor to run your air tool. I would recommend the natural gas air compressor. Natural gas air compressors are very reliable (at the 99.9 percent reliability level), cost effective, and reduce electric energy consumption. These are all very important characteristics if you are planning on using your air compressor frequently.
However, an electric air compressor can be a nice alternative if you are using it in an enclosed area where fumes are intolerable.
Size of the Tank
Think of your air compressor tank as an air tank that you would use to go SCUBA diving. The longer periods of time you are using it the larger the tank you will need. Air Tools that are for shorter use (air hammers, impact wrenches,
etc.) will not need as big of a tank as air tools that need a continuous flow of air (grinders, sanders, etc.).
Type of Pump
There are two main types of pumps to choose from: a direct-drive pump and a belt-driven pump. The direct-drive pump is lightweight and is meant to last for five hundred hours. This type of air compressor is not for heavy use but more for around the house projects. The belt-driven pump lasts three times longer, has less vibration and is quieter than the direct drive model. The belt-driven pump requires an oil change every now and then, but do not let this discourage you from it since these occasional oil changes are really not that much of a hassle.
Vertical vs. Horizontal Air Compressors
A vertical air compressor usually is stationary and takes less storage. A horizontal air compressor is more portable and can be moved from project to project. The
style you choose from is dependent on what your needs are with your air tools and different projects.
When selecting an air compressor you should keep these different attributes in mind. The two main things you should remember are what type of air tools you will be using and the frequency that you will be using them. If you keep those two things in mind, you should be able to distinguish what features you need in an air compressor and pick the right one for you.
About the Author
Kaitlin Carruth is a client account specialist with 10x Marketing. For more information about an air compressors or air tools, please visit Tool America.
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