How Do You Choose A Portable Air Compressor?
Get your air supply right! Don’t over-spend or under-specify. • Analyze the requirements of the air tools that you will be using. In particular, consider pressure and volume requirements. If the portable air compressor is for airbrushing for example, a 5 liter tank capacity and around 30psi of sustained air pressure would be adequate. • Choose a larger volume and pressure if you will require larger volumes of air for your application; otherwise, you will always be waiting for the tank to fill up and this will decrease your work efficiency. • Consider space and portability. For example, will you be able to roll the compressor or lift it off the ground if you need to? Air compressors can be small, portable items or larger, more powerful fixtures. Portability is convenient, but if it will stay in one corner of the garage, you may be able to use a longer hose, instead, and have a higher capacity compressor. Does this compressor need to supply a nail gun on the roof, or just fill tires in t
Portable air compressors give flexibility to the job both inside and outside the working environment. They’re powered by electric, gasoline or diesel engine. A larger portable air compressor often has its own carrying trailer with wheels and handles. You buy a compressor based on its horsepower, pounds per square inch (PSI) and cubic feet per minute (CFM). Choose a portable air compressor to make work quicker and easier. Figure the amount of power you need based on the type of job and air tools used. Know the cubic feet per minute (CFM), such as 5 CFM for small household tools and 10 CFM or more for wrenches or sanders. All air tools have these ratings. Select a gas- or electric-powered engine. Gas gives a higher reliability for frequent use and portability, but consider electric for enclosed areas for its lack of fumes. Pick an air tank based on amount of use time and tools. Large tanks are best for longer use with sanders or grinders and smaller tanks for less time, like wrenches and
