Article Written By: ajherzinger
You re fairly handy, something of a jack-of-all-trades. If something needs fixing, you will mostly likely be able to fix it. Or (don t worry, I won t tell anyone) you find a book that tells you how to fix it. You haven t used an air compressor so far, and don t see a need for one. Wait, wait, wait, you don t see a need for one?You, my friend, must not have used a Campbell Hausfeld air compressor. Sure, you can do your around-the-house jobs without one, but you re spending way more time and effort than you need to. Campbell Hausfeld tools will help you get your projects done faster and cheaper, so you save money and have more time to enjoy your finished product! Whether you re looking for an air compressor for occasional home use or heavy duty, professional job sites, Campbell Hausfeld has plenty of high-quality products for you to choose from.First, what exactly do air compressors do? Simply put, they let you do everything that electric tools do… but better. After an initial investment in the air compressor, air tools usually cost less and last longer than electric tools, making it a savings in the long run. Not only that, but since the motor in the air compressor provides air tools with their power, meaning they don t have a small motor of their own, they are lighter and easier to manage. They do this by converting electrical power or gas into kinetic energy through the process of pressurizing and compressing air, then releasing the air in short bursts. When most people are trying to choose the right size of air compressor, they assume that a higher horsepower rating means a more powerful compressor, but this is not necessarily the case. Nor is the PSI (pounds per square inch) rating, which is the second most-used deciding factor, the most important thing to consider. Most air tools require only 90 PSI, and the majority of compressors produce at least this; a higher rating will not enhance performance. I ll let you in on a secret here; while everyone else is comparing horsepower and PSI, you will be considering the actual most important aspect—the air flow. Different tools require different air flows, so when considering your purchase, check the CFM (cubic feet per minute) of the most powerful tool you will be operating on your compressor, and choose a compressor with a CFM rating higher than that. If there is not enough air flow, the tool will not operate properly. For most home jobs, 3 CFM is enough, while many nail guns require only 1 CFM. Larger jobs, like sanding or sandblasting, may require anywhere from 6 to 13 CFM, making an industrial compressor necessary. Remember, 90 PSI is your go-to number for most operations, so don t be thrown if a compressor advertises higher CFM ratings at different pressures—you only want what it can do at 90 PSI. Also make sure to consider tank size; somewhat surprisingly, a larger tank size does not equal longer run time for tools; in fact, for continuous use, you ll need a smaller tank with a big pump and motor. Of course, this means higher price, so if you will only be needing the compressor for occasional use, you can save by buying a compressor with a smaller pump and motor and a larger tank. Also, and this might sound simplistic, but make sure the gauges and controls are easy to read and use! Few things are more frustrating than being all ready to start and then having to fiddle around with buttons that make no sense.
This Article Has Been Published on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 and Read 109 Times