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Things To Consider Before Purchasing An Air Compressor
Compressors are categorized in three general areas; Small portable units like the Porter-Cable "Job Boss" frequently with one (Pancake air compressor) or two small storage tanks, Mid-size units for example Campbell Hausfeld air compressor, which usually have wheels, and large compressors have fixed bases for shops and industrial sites.
In terms of powers, smaller units start around 1.5 horse and larger unites can go beyond 6 horse power motors. The pumps themselves are either oil-less or oil-lubricated and the pumps are 1 or 2 cylinder and singe of two-stage compressors and this last comment is the reason most wood workers don't have an air compressor, as they sound complicated.
Some of the helpful terms that you should know about when looking for a compressor are: PSI - Pounds per square inch, CFM or Cubic feet per minute, Duty Cycle - is the amount of time a compressor can run compared to the amount of work-free time (storage tank) over a 30 minute period such as it can run 10 minutes, then rest for 20 without creating significant head wear, Single Phase - is where the compression piston compresses the whole air in one stroke, Two Stage - is where there are two pistons that perform together to compress the air. (Generally a two stage needs less horse power, and generates less heat).
As a rule, the tools that are harder on air volumes are those which operate continuously like sanders, and grinders and cutters. Tools that need less cycling are tools that run intermittently like nailers, staplers and in some cases drills or even sprayers.
If you are preparing on running some continuous tools like sanders, buffers, grinders and so on you will want to think about something in the mid-size or even giant shop size of compressors like. In a case like this you should probably have a 25 gallon storage tank and about a 4 horse rating like a Makita or Craftsman. You will probably be looking at a 220 Volt version too.
If you are planning on using a number of tools, some of them continuous draw, such as grinders, sanders and buffers, you will require to consider a large fixed base compressor like Campbell Hausfeld Air Compressor or Ingersoll-Rand. These will have around 6 horsepower and a storage tank of 50 gallons or higher.
If you are a hobbyist woodworker, who is looking for a nailer or stapler, one of the small portable compressors is probably ideal. Brands like Porter-Cable or Delta will work fine.
A compressor and associated air powered tools may be a real time saver, even for the hobbyist's work place. In many cases a simple brad nailer is almost like having a second set of hands around in organizing and gluing projects together. The other consideration in selecting a compressor is, what other uses will you look for it? For example if you do select one of the portable units, it is conceivable that you can carry this around to odd tasks, in the house, for friends or other places. This is less of an option of the mid-size and out of the question for the large units, but then the portables will not potentially be suitable for sander/buffers so in the end you will have to make that tough decision, but what ever you do, make sure you make sure get a good selection of air compressor accessories designed for your compressor. It will make your woodworking more fun, quicker and even more enjoyable than it is now.
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