Air Compressor Types, How They Work, and How to Choose the Right One
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- čas přidán 27. 06. 2024
- Looking for an air compressor can be difficult. This video is about the 3 basic types you will find, how they work and what to consider when choosing.
- Auta a dopravní prostředky
I bought a little pancake compressor years ago and quickly outgrew it. I didn't have much money for the scfm and volume I wanted, so I scoured Facebook marketplace daily. After months I found what I thought was a deal. 5+hp 33 gal 13scfm @ 90psi for $150. Only issue was the guy didn't have 240v wired for me to test. Neither did I at home. But he assured me the thing ran and he always drained the tank. I gave it a quick once over and bought it. Months later I finally wired 240v with a dedicated breaker. I spin the thing up and within 15 seconds a crack blows open and starts spraying rusty water. It took almost 40 minutes to completely stop spraying.
Since then I've learned a ton about compressors, and I wish I had seen your video sooner because you covered 95% of it for most people. Fantastic video.
If you buy used (or even new) here are some tips: check the drain valve - if it doesn't open easily and shows obvious signs of corrosion, tread carefully, or quickly away. Drain valves can be replaced but if it's difficult to open it usually means there's a significant amount of corrosion around that port. Also, realize that even if you have an auto drain, some tank configurations don't fully drain without being tipped/rocked. Make sure you read your manual and any labels printed on the tank as most of them indicate what is necessary to fully drain them. Somewhat related and definitely important for safety is that there should be a safety valve on your tank. If not, or yours doesn't function, you need to install one, they're pretty cheap about $8. Next, ideally, have a way to power the thing on, whether that's plugging it in at the buyers' or bringing a generator that means the power demands, you might even be able to get away with an inverter. If that's not possible, at least check the tank with a boroscope. You can get a decent one for under $35 and they're useful for tons of other things. You're looking for rust and any signs of corrosion especially on the side of the tank drain. On horizontal models, the inside tank top also accumulates a fair amount of corrosion so make sure to look all over. Alternatively, if you have access to another tank of similar size, you might be able to transfer that air to the tank you want to buy with the right set of fittings and a proper port access. If all of that seems fine, go for it. But now realize it's your job to keep as much water out of the tank as possible to begin with. That usually means building or buying an air dryer - lots of good DIY build on CZcams. Ideally, the dryer should come between the compressor and the tank to keep water out.
All of this is quite a lot to deal with before even purchasing. I think most people would be better off buying new and realizing that there's a limited life to these things so make sure to read the manual and understand what that means. In production environments, compressor tanks are regularly inspected, serviced, and decommissioned to mitigate becoming a ticking time bomb. I feel like I dodged a bullet with how that crack formed. Luckily, I found an unused 50 gallon tank for 40 bucks and will hopefully be replumbing the old pump. Worse comes to worst and I resell the old pump / motor assembly as the 5hp motor alone should recoup most of my initial purchase which is why I thought it was a good deal in the first place. Plus I get to practice brazing with a torch.
I hope this helps someone, anyone.
Thanks for sharing. Some good pointers there.
Thank you Pete for not having loud annoying distracting music in the background
Thanks Walter
Pro tip....I have found that if I bring an empty tank and open the valve at the local elected officials office that it fills with hot air fairly fast.
That's a great idea
YUK YUK
There's so much usable information here.im going to watch it in sections again and again and learn something else everytime. Thanks 👍
Some of the best info I’ve seen yet! Thank you!
You are so welcome!
THE most informative video I've seen. Thanks
Thanks my friend
Excellent advice - thank you!!
Glad it was helpful!
Very well explained thanks a lot!
You are welcome!
Thank you so much for such a great and informative video. I had a bunch of questions about air compressors cause I want to buy one to make my life easier when it comes to doing a small job in my garage, now I got a lot of info to pay attention to when going to the store. Keep up the good work sir
Thanks my friend
This is all I needed. Thank you.
You're so welcome!
Great video lots of great info included in video and for the part where he said he didn't know where the air tanks are made for the compressors pretty much they're made in Marion North Carolina at Morganton pressure vessels I used to make them myself
That's cool. thanks Randall
What an informative and comprehensive explanation. Nice work mate!
Much appreciated!
Thank you for sharing, I learned again, looking forward to more good videos.
Awesome, thank you!
Excellent clear Info. Thanks so much. 👍❤😁
You are so welcome!
Very good helpful information, thanks!
My pleasure!
Great information thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for Great info and video 👍
Thanks my friend
Great job and very informative and well done video. Thanks
Thanks for watching
Very comprehensive! Nice job. :)
Thank you!
Great video ,thank you
Thanks my friend
Pete, Greetings from Cornwall, Ontario, Canada. Super video! Your video has been very informative plus came at a perfect time. I just sold my pancake 'King, Performance Plus' compressor this morning. So I'm on the hunt for a new one. Although all of your '7-How's' will be key in my decision two of them stand out. Noise level plus it has to be on wheels.....I'm getting old Pete! Anyway thanks again...…
Thank you John
Brilliant video thank u
Glad you enjoyed it
Great info, thanks
You're welcome
Thank You it was very informative
You are welcome!
Very informative!!!!
Excellent
This is great information sir!
Glad it was helpful!
That's great I learn a lot from video my compressor is 2 HP Ypan 3NA
That's awesome
Great video, many thanks Pete. I have a Matika 5200compressor which i believe is one of the best in class in its category. I'm a wood turner and I bought a a very small air sander to finish sanding turned pieces. Well, even though the compressor is highly rated at 6.9 SCFM it can hardly keep up with the demand and runs continuously while I'm using it. It has a 5 gallon tank. Do you think a compressor with a bigger tank even with a lower SCFM would be a better option?
A bigger tank yes, but you need more SCFM
Excellent!
Many thanks!
Greetings, you are honest, sincere and really really good hearted as you have shared your good knowledge to the best. I needed your kind of advice in helping me buy an Air Compressor. After watching your this CZcams video I can now go confidently and buy exactly what I need. Indebted to your goodness.
Godspeed ❤
So nice of you
I work as a carpenter.....and I buy nothing other than Makita. The small one is the quietest I've come across...and is very reliable. The larger one is pretty noisy....but has a good high rate of compression, without being very large. The downside of the larger one is that it draws very close to 15 amps, and so it can easily trip a breaker if you put it on an extension cord. Has to be plugged directly to not trip a 15 amp breaker. I've had mine for about 15 years now...and they run like brand new.
That's a great comment, thanks Joe
Wouldn't the extension cord add resistance thus lowering the amperage?
*I'm not asking this to be a smart ass I'm actually serious.
@@theoneafterthelast Yes, it will draw more amps with a long extension cord....but it's not a real problem, as the small Makita compressor is well below the range that wouild kick a breaker. I've run on close to 300 ft of extension cord...which is pretty severe...and it was never a problem.
@@theoneafterthelast To be clear, a longer extension cord RAISES amperage drawn....as there is amperage lost due to resistance. The machine still needs the same amperage to operate...so it draws more. T|hat's how electricity works. You're talking as if the amperage offered to the extension cord is fixed....but it is not. The machine draws what it needs to operate....and will kick the breaker if it draws too much. The only place where there is a cap on amperage..is at the panel.
@@joeidaho5938 hey, thanks.
Regarding wiring directly, should always use a magnetic starter box between the unit and fuse panel. If the compressor faults or a hose/airline breaks and your not around the start box will sense the overload and cut the power.
Great tip, thank you
WELL DONE !
Thanks!
Thank you
You're welcome
Pretty amazing how complicated it can be to pressurize air and bring it somewhere eh? Great video :)
It is, thanks my friend
+Great video, very helpful. Thank you! :)
You're very welcome!
Hey Peter ! Your knowledge of compressors is impressive, I have really leant a lot from this video. Now even though my question is somewhat outside of the scope of this video I believe you can offer a good advice. I am a Biogas/methane enthusiast (if you know what I mean).
I am looking for a methane compressing compressor for packaging and safe transportation between schools for the disabled children and old aged adult homes in South Africa.
I have a good grasp of purifying the gas as the impurities are a hindrance to the compressibility of the gas and could cause overheating and subsequently explosion.
As an expert in this regard what type of compressor(s) would you recommend for my little biogas/methane project?
Your help would be really appreciated. Thank you!
I spent many years in the natural gas vehicle industry and I can tell you that there are special compressors for methane. A regular compressor is too dangerous and cannot reach the pressure you need.
Very informative 👏
Glad you think so!
Great video
Thanks!
Hi Pete! Long time no see.. Hope all is well. Spring is coming soon. I hope you have some cool jobs on schedule. Love to see more MOPAR builds.... Stay safe up there!!
Thanks Steve, I'm planning now
I have a Question is Wise too keep my Compressor Plugin and with the switch in the on position. The last one I had I kept it plugged in and in the on position. It would come on automatically when the air pressure dipped below a certain level. Thank you for the commentary for this video, I have learned so much from your platform. US Army Veteran
I leave mine on 24/7. You have to fix the leaks.
Amazing content and video. Which compressor for plastic welding machine?
The machine should have an air requirement specified
Best air compressor
I’m looking for a compressor to blow out my irigation system. Pressure regulator can be set to 80psi (not more, pvc pipes cant handle more).
My current small (old) compressor can only provide this for like 20 seconds before it has no pressure left. The cycling doesnt keep up with whats needed.
Important is that it outputs 80psi continuously, for as long as possible, without having to stop it every minute, wait for the tank to fill up etc.
What kind of stats/size compressor would you recommend me?
The air tank doesnt need to be that big if the motor is able to keep up generating 80 psi continuously. Right? But I dont know if that exists, I dont fully understand the CSFM value. What SCFM value would I need for my requirement?
Great video. question if a single stage air compressor is 4.5 Scfm @90 psi do I need to set my regulator at 90 psi or set it to the tool SCFM that I'm using? I hope that made sense.
Set it to the psi the tool requires
So the stage is my best bet for blowing out a sprinkler system. Bc of the large tank for volume and the fact that it can run maintaining pressure. Am I correct? Your thoughts and or recommendation. I have 4 zones but they are spread out across a large property.
I use my 2-stage to blow out my sprinkler system and it keeps up.
Good information. I would like to hear about which diameter hose should we choose! For example for 50 feet hose for 150 psi compact air compressor 3/8 is better or 1/4. Best luck
3/8" is better
would you recommend California Air Tools brand? I’m trying to get US made products but not sure if this is a good brand aside for being quiet.
Those are probably private labeled. General rule for air tools, if they are cheap, they are cheap
Is there an advantage to higher horsepower? I have a working 5hp compressor motor from an old rusted tank so will it improve performance if I swap out the 1.5hp motor on a newer compressor with the higher hp motor? Great video.
Higher HP helps the compressor fill faster. You have to make sure the compressor part can handle higher HP and RPM's
Started the vid thinking "Man, getting a compressor for home use would be cool! I can do so much! Let me find out about it!
11 minutes in: Ugh, way too much hassle, forget it.
It still would be cool
What hose would you recommend to seat the bead on the newly installed tire (1/4" or 3/8")? And if you could tell the setting on the compressor for that procedure and corresponding set. I changed my 1st tire, but couldn't seat it on the bead yet, since tried to use a small tire inflator. I'm getting a small pancake (for 6 GA) compressor shown in the film, but how to set everything up? Thank you for the informative film.
You want lots of air flow so a 3/8". You need a bigger compressor to seat beads with soapy water on the bead to help seal. It's not easy to do the first few times
@@PetesGarage Thank you. I bought and put a special tire grease around the edges of the wheel, just need specifications on the compressor. Like if I use 1 GA Fortress (SCFM=0.7 @90psi) and 3/8" hose, will it work? Can you use 3/8" on any compressor (I'm thinking about small ones)? Can you attach 3/8" to a small compressor (pancake e.g.)?
Small compressors will bot be able to keep up with the volume demands of a 3/8 hose wide open
@@PetesGarage Thank you, it is good to know.
With all the cordless tools nowadays, do we still need a compressor? I only see use for them in a professional workshop. Only thing I can´t find is a decent battery powered air gun. But a shopvac or tire inflator come a long way.
Although the downside of battery powered tools is $$$. And you´re forced to choose one ecosystem, while air fittings are pretty much standardized. Would love to get your opinion on compressed air vs. battery powered tools :)
Great question. I have both. I use my cordless drill more than my air drill, but the air drill it much smaller so I can use it in tighter places. I had a cordless impact gun, it just did not have the durability. I have a cordless heat gun, but it does not heat as quick or have the capacity for long duration jobs. I've tried cordless soldering irons, not a big fan. When you have a heavy duty job like cutting lots of lumber, or building large things, cordless is just not up to the task. The best air tool I use is my air hammer to remove ball joints and bearings. I've even busted up concrete with it. Cordless is very convenient, it just falls short on some tools.
Hey Pete I just recently bought a Goodyear 165psi air compressor from Walmart it's kind of small so my question is will this be enough for me too run basic air tools
Sure, but maybe no for long
I am super new to air compressors. How important is PSI vs CFM vs SCFM? What is most important? I see small pancake compressors with higher PSI number but lower CFM and SCFM when compared to larger tank and HP air compressors.
CFM is important, that is how much air it can deliver to operate air devices
I wish you would have covered oiled vs oilless.
I can do that in a future video
I’ve been looking for a small compressor to preform vacuum bleeding on automotive cooling systems. Any tips?
A small pancake style would suffice
I recently bought a John Dow fluid extractor, I am wondering what air compressor I should buy. The manual requires an air pressure of 110-115 PSI. Would a small portable air compressor be suffice?
Small 20 gallon compressors are pretty cheap
@@PetesGarage thank you very much for replying.
What spec or size of air compressor do I need enough for blowing polishing pads and car interior?
Almost any size really
I been looking for a hug capacity air compressor to plow debris off my lawn equipment. Found a battery powered leaf blower to be capable, portable, quiet, and no hose to deal with. Am I even a man with no compressor in my shop?
Do you have a video like this for Natural gas cylinders?
As in natural gas vehicles?
@@PetesGarage yes
I know more about natural gas vehicles and cylinders than you'd ever want to know
@@PetesGarage So you have a link to that video then please?
If I knew how much larger compressors cost now, I would have had mine shipped when I moved, despite the fact that the air pump was dying.
I need a compressor to blow out my sprinklers, what size/type would you suggest?
I have a 60 gallon, 8 horsepower compressor and it just keeps up when I use it to clear my sprinkler lines. I would recommend renting 1
best way to bring the noise down on a 2-stage
Best was is to enclose it in a well vented room
can i ask you sir?i plan to buy air compressor its 1hp 76 litters and the cfm is 6cfm it is ok to use thr air tools of 8cfm?
That is much too small
I have a bostich 6 gallon. I only use it to blow out vents and filters in my home but, tired of it having to refill to use it again.
New ones aren't too expensive
@@PetesGarage I'm just wondering if I need a bigger tank or bigger motor? To keep up pressure.
To inflate a semi truck tire LP22.5 what is the requirement to buy a compressor?
Any compressor that will go up to the pressure required
@@PetesGarage negative. I have a compressor that it indicates max 100psi it works well in my cars tire 35 psi...okay. but for my semi truck tires, my tire inflate the compressor. I need more power...how much more power I need that is the Q.
If you are using a diaphragm compressor it probably won't work. A semi truck tire is pretty big. You probably need something like a 25 gallon tank at least
So what does 300% more run time mean?
Great question, it's just marketing talk
300% is like saying 3 times.
So it will run 3 times longer than one that only runs for one period of 15 minutes before getting too hot 🔥 and automatically switches off to cool down. Sooo you can run an air grinder or paint sprayer for 45 minutes with the _"300% longer run-time"_ compressor.
It means that you get more work done in the same time, drink less coffee, and smoke less cigarettes 🚬 than if you had to stop every 15 minutes to let it cool down. Think of the money you'll save, your nerves will be less jittery, and your wife will say _"Jeeze Joe, you don't stink of ciggies so much today, what happened, did you have to bum them off your workmates today LOL?"_
What happened to the first version of this episode?
Good to know I am not crazy. I thought I saw it up earlier then when I went to watch it was gone.
@@Mike-og1qk me too
I re-watched it and there were a couple of mistakes I had to correct. Sorry for the confusion
@@PetesGarage A couple of mistakes? OK, what did you do with the real Pete? 😉
Well damn, I came here looking for oil filled or oil less AND a motor with or without brushes. I got neither question answered and I thought they were good questions.
They are good questions. I should cover those
wouldnt off for 90 seconds and on for 30 seconds, a total of 120 seconds, wouldnt that be 25% duty cycle since its on only 25% of the time. 30 seconds is 1/3 of 90, but the total is 120 seconds, not 90. just wanted clarification...
That makes sense
160db won't make your ears bleed.Ask me how I know........Listen to my car stereo daily and it is 160 capable. No bleeding ears, ever.....
Interesting
Off for 90 seconds then running for 30 seconds is 25% duty cycle, isn't it?
Sounds right
you left out the HOW about the pressure you going to need ,I don't need cfm I need 30 bar lol
Most compressors go to at least 100 PSI. Tools are rated in cfm usage
I bet you get texts at all kinds of weird hours lol
I'm having a bitch of a time finding a compressor to suit my needs. Your math led me to 11scfm at 90psi. And I've only got access to standard 120 volt 10 amp. And I don't want one of those stupid 8 gallon wheelbarrow types that will run constantly. AND I need it on wheels.
Pretty much impossible. Might have to go gasoline powered. Ugh. That'll get expensive
That's a tough one, that 10 amps is really killing you.
3d print your parts.
I'm not so sure about that
Should become a teacher
Thank you my friend
In a civilized world the metric system is used.
There are 2 types of countries in the world, those who use the metric system, and those who went to the moon
LOWES AND HOME DEPOT SCAM…. Yes really…
I needed to repair my older shop air compressor… I tried to find parts…all discontinued.
So I started looking at Lowes and Home Depot topical brands. And I selected a few models and then I tried to buy spare parts…. MOST OF THE “ spare parts” to repair MOST of the compressors were either back ordered with NO expected timeline to get them, or the parts were discontinued…
Let me repeat… BRAND NEW COMPRESSORS STILL IN THE STORE….and the repair parts were already discontinued…. So all you’re getting is a compressor with a one year warranty and NO CHANCE TO REPAIR….to me that’s a scam..
Don’t believe me… I’m just a troll…. WHENEVER you buy an expensive tool CHECK FIRST to see if the parts that might fail and disable that tool… CHECK TO SEE IF THOSE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE.
While I agree with you, buying parts is tricky. I have a brand new car and parts aren't available yet. Yes, there is the 1 year warranty, but a few hundred dollars is almost considered a disposable these days. I have an Ingersoll compressor that has run faithfully for over 15 years. I understand it's difficult, but they are just retailers not involved with repairs or parts. I've had good luck going back to the manufacturer when I need parts.
Its the noise i cant stand. Thats why i bought all electric. Not nearly as strong as pneumatic air tools but it does the job.
Good point
What compressor type/ would I need for a nail gun if I want to build a shed?
A small pancake style is fine
One word of warning about mainly the type of cheap compressor where they use an electric motor mounted directly to the actual compressor head known in marketing terms as direct drive instead of a belt drive system.
What they use as a piston is basically an Alumimum connecting rod with what looks like a penny on a stick not a conventional conrod wrist pin and piston with rings like any gas type engine.
This system is both cheap and nasty as the lack of a wrist or gudgeon pin means the top of the piston wobbles over both top and bottom dead centre, But worse yet no piston rings as such they just use a neoprene ö" ring instead of proper rings therefore they are not going to be long lasting or efficient maybe ok for the occassional pumping up of tires or so on but otherwise a big waste of money.
So be very wary of any so called direct drive compressors they are just cheap and nasty.
Great comment, thanks