You’d only need maximums beyond 150 PSI for jobs such as automotive repairs and industrial purposes. The most common air compressors available for DIY use offer a maximum PSI of 90 to 150 PSI. So, the higher the maximum PSI rating on a unit, the more air the container can hold within the tank without increasing the size of the tank. For example, a small 2-gallon air compressor tank rated for 150 PSI can hold as much air as a 3-gallon tank at 100 PSI. However, PSI offers an excellent indication of the output capacity of the air compressor. This measurement doesn’t come into play for most DIY projects, as these projects require less than the average maximum PSI of a low-end air compressor. Pounds per square inch, or PSI, measures the amount of pressure the air compressor can exert on a fully charged tank. So unless a DIYer needs continuous output from an air compressor, a lower-horsepower motor can get most jobs done. Most home air compressors only earn a horsepower rating of 0.7 HP to 1 HP-more than enough for nailing, drilling, ratcheting, and more. However, few home projects require a ton of horsepower. Some incredibly powerful air compressors boast horsepower measurements well above 1 or 2 HP, sometimes packing up to 5 or 6 HP. Recent mainstream models include 1- or 2-horsepower motors to meet the demands of continuous pneumatic tools, like paint sprayers or sanders. Horsepower may seem like an odd measurement for an air compressor, but it can be a critical one. However, professional framers and roofers benefit from the mobility and output of a gas-powered model. Most houses have available electrical outlets and don’t need the heavy-duty power of a gas air compressor. The choice between the two types depends on the intended use. Fortunately, most electric air compressors meet the HP, PSI, and CFM required for DIY tasks, such as fastening trim using a finish nailer. Significantly quieter than gas-powered air compressors, electric air compressors also put out significantly less power. They make for a smaller and much more mobile option, provided that an electrical source, like an outlet or generator, is available. Electric-powered air compressors plug into an outlet or run on battery power.While their bigger size makes them difficult to transport without wheels, gas-powered air compressors won’t tether users to an electrical outlet either, which provides a level of mobility that not all electric compressors can. Gas-powered air compressors, larger than their electric-powered counterparts, produce a higher horsepower (HP), more pounds per square inch (PSI), and more cubic feet per minute (CFM) than electric ones.There are two main types of air compressors: gas and electric. Photo: What to Look for When Choosing a Home Air Compressorīefore you buy a new air compressor, take a few minutes to learn about the essential features to consider and how a project or usage determines the type of air compressor that might best fit the job. BEST FOR LARGE PROJECTS: Quincy QT-54 Splash Lubricated Air Compressor.BEST FOR SPRAY PAINTING: California Air Tools 10020C Quiet Air Compressor.BEST FOR FASTENING: BOSTITCH Air Compressor Combo Kit.BEST FOR INFLATING: EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump.BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: California Air Tools 1P1060S Portable Air Compressor.BEST OVERALL: CRAFTSMAN Air Compressor, 6 gallon.For the best home air compressor for large projects, check out our top picks in their respective categories. It stores the air under pressure until it’s released through a pneumatic tool-like a nail gun or paint sprayer-in powerful bursts or a steady stream.Īir compressors can range from small, portable models-great for inflating sports equipment, bike tires, or car tires-to large 60-gallon tanks for continuous air pressure for spray-painting projects. An air compressor pulls air from the surrounding environment and jams it into its storage tank.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |