Air Compressor Shopping Guide
Whether you’re a professional woodworker or a DIYer, an air compressor is an asset in your workshop. It serves many functions, from powering tools to moving sawdust.
Woodcraft carries several brands of air compressors, including California Air Tools, DeWALT® and PORTER-CABLE®. The compressors in our collection are designed to enhance your woodworking projects and offer versatile performance for a variety of other tasks. Whether you’re looking for a small portable pancake air compressor or a large 60-gallon air compressor that’s free-standing, we have a wide selection of some of the best air compressors on the market.
Choosing an Air Compressor
Top 5 Factors to Consider
There is a wide array of options when it comes to air compressors. While many focus simply on its portability, there are more factors to consider beyond just size.
- Power: This takes into consideration the tank size, PSI, horsepower and amp draw.
- Efficiency: The compressor's ability to deliver the air you need at the lowest cost.
- Noise: This is an important aspect, especially, if you’re looking for a quiet air compressor. Measured in decibels, noise can range from an estimated 40-90 dB.
- Reliability/durability: You’ll want to get as many years of use out of your compressor as possible, so be sure you know the motor/pump minimum life.
- Overall value: Factors to consider include versatility, size and your budget.
Types of Air Compressors
Rotary screw and reciprocating (piston) are the two most widely used types of air compressors.
Rotary Screw: Two screws or rotors turn in opposing directions inside the housing to compress air. They are low pressure, high capacity, and can run continuously. They are well-suited for heavy-duty industrial operations.
Commonly Found In:
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- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Underwater work
- Firefighting
Reciprocating: Uses one or more cylinders or pistons to compress air. They are high pressure, low capacity and designed for intermittent use. The air compressors included in Woodcraft’s collection are reciprocating compressors.
Commonly Found In:
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- Garage
- Workshop
- Job sites
There are other types of air compressors such as scroll, turbo, and rotary vane however, they are primarily designed for specific industries and applications.
Air Compressors Uses:
- Powering Pneumatic Tools: Air compressors are often used to power pneumatic tools commonly used in woodworking, automotive repair, construction, and manufacturing such as nail guns, staple guns, impact wrenches and air ratchets.
- Spray Painting: Air compressors are essential for operating spray guns used in automotive painting, furniture refinishing, and other painting projects.
- Cleaning: Air compressors can be used to power air blow guns, which are handy for cleaning dust and debris from work surfaces and equipment.
- Powering Air Tools: Apart from pneumatic tools, air compressors can also power other air-driven tools such as sanders, grinders, drills and impact drivers.
- Operating Airbrushes: Artists often use air compressors to operate airbrushes for painting fine details on various surfaces.
- HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) Sprayers: These are commonly used for applying paint to furniture, cabinets and other woodwork. HVLP sprayers use air compressors to atomize paint at a lower pressure, resulting in less overspray and a smoother finish.
Once you’ve selected your perfect air compressor, but sure to check out our impressive selection of pneumatic and compressor accessories we have everything from air compressor hoses to air control valves and more to ensure you have what you need to get to work right away.