help with air compressors please

DrDenby

New Member
Jun 13, 2015
1
0
0
Hi, everyone.

I need some help.

Lately, I have been wanting an air compressor for use at home.

I have a problem now with sensory overload.

I need a "for dummies" explanation of

the kinds (pancake, hot dog, etc) and advantages/disadvantages

oiled vs oil less (ads/disads)

how to decide how many gallons I need

how to decide how much psi I need

I would probably best describe my needs as "light duty" .. would like air wrenches, air chucks, blow guns, general purpose nail gun

Thanks,

Doc
 

amirm

Banned
Apr 2, 2010
15,813
37
0
Seattle, WA
I will take a shot and then make a recommendation.

1. Orientation. If you need to take it to job site, then the pancake, hot dog, etc. are the ones to use. They are portable. If you are going to put it in a shop and just use it, then I prefer the vertical ones because they take up less space.

2. Oiled vs oil-less. Oiled ones supposed to last longer due to lubrication. Problem is that the spit out some of that oil into the line that can contaminate some tools (e.g. paint sprayers). So you need an in-line filter. They are also supposed to be quieter. Oil-less ones are the opposite of these (again, in theory).

3. The tools you use determine the minimum capability of the compressor you need. Each tool will have the PSI it needs but importantly, CFM, i.e. amount of air flow. You need to look that up for each tool and find the one that requires the most. Getting the PSI to be right is easy. The air flow is not. For some tools, you will need giant compressors. Nail guns run anything. For small blow guns that blow air, if it is for short periods, then again, anything works. But if you will be blowing more than 15 to 20 seconds, you need a compression with giant tank. Air wrenches can also require a lot of air depending on what they are. A rachet is probably fine. A sander, different story.

My use is woodworking. And requirement I have is for the unit to be quiet. Apparently some clever dude in China has managed to build an ultra-quiet compression that now everyone markets under their name. I bought it from the original company that imported it: http://www.amazon.com/California-Ai...34206735&sr=8-1&keywords=california+air+tools

It is oil-free but extremely quiet. It just purrs quietly. I have had "quiet" compressors before but this one is in an entirely different class. As you see, it has near perfect reviews from 102 people on Amazon. The unit is vertical and small. It is a delight to use. For everyday shop work, it has more capacity than the pancake, hotdog, etc., while being quieter than them.
 

Hi-FiGuy

Member Sponsor
Feb 23, 2015
2,233
752
385
With 30 years in the automotive industry and a wood shop at home just do this, wire the 220 volt, and be done with it. While I really like Amirs example, the CFM is to low to do any good for anything for very long.

4YW09_AS01.jpg

It does not have to be this brand, its just and example. Lowes and Home Depot have the same style for hundreds less.

If you plan operating ANY air tools for more that 5 to 10 seconds at a time, waiting for the compressor to cycle is a pain in the butt.

The pancake and hot dogs will drive you insane with the noise.
 

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