Ways in Which a High-Quality Air Compressor Can Lend A Hand

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by: emeliamorseton
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Word Count: 438
Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2011 Time: 9:59 AM
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There are numerous different types of portable air compressor on the market. Choosing the type of portable air compressor can take a long time because there are so many makes and models to choose between. In order to buy the most suitable air compressor for your needs, the main factor to take into account the type of tools that you plan to use. You should find all the information you need in this article in order to make an informed decision when you come to buy it.

First of all the specific air requirements of the tools will determine the size of the compressor in terms of the air flow capability and the size of the tank. The air requirements are measured in terms of the flow rate in cubic feet per minute or CFM, and pressure in PSI. While staplers and nail guns require moderate amounts of air, sprayers and grinders have high air consumption. You need to check the requirements of the tool with the highest consumption that you are going to use and also take into account the fact that you might want to run several tools at the same time. In order to keep your tool running efficiently it is best to allow a 15 to 20% margin on top the CFM number.

Each and every compressor is driven by a motor. The horsepower rating of the motor is not important so don't be tempted to buy a portable air compressor just because it has a higher horsepower motor. It is the efficiency with which the compressor turns the horsepower into CFM that's crucial.

A further factor to think about is the size of the tank. Obviously a larger tank will take longer to fill with pressurized air but it will then allow you to run for longer periods without the air depleting. This has the additional benefit that the motor won't be starting and stopping as frequently as this is sometimes a cause of failure in a few air compressors.

It is recommended that you should choose an oil lubricated air compressor over an oil-less version. The durability of the lubricated pumps is much higher and the maintenance required is very low. The pistons inside the cylinders that compress the air generate heat due to friction and this heat causes additional wear and tear. You should only have to replace the oil once or twice a year, or if the synthetic oil turns brown. The oil as well as lubricating helps the pump to operate much cooler which will help it to operate a lot more dependably.

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Perhaps you should read through more of Emelia Morseton's articles and portable air compressor reviews?

Check out our review of the best selling portable air compressor - Senco PC1010 1-Horsepower 1-Gallon Air Compressor