Air compressors are useful mechanical devices that are used for the purpose of transforming power such as gas or electricity into another form of energy referred to as kinetic through a process called compression. Compression results from either filling and releasing air or accelerating and decelerating air. When air is compressed through either of these ways, it is has many uses. Air compressors are commonly used in a number of home improvement tools such as staplers and spray guns. They are also commonly used in the removal of rubbish and they can be bought through a number of online resources.

Heavy duty air compressors are designed for industrial processes and offer more value for money because the air storage is long lasting and uses less energy for optimal functions. A quality air compressor should constitute essential safety features such as valves that allow the release of air in instances when the pressure in the tank is too much. Belt guards are other features that enhance the safety of the device.

Air tools require gas as a source of energy to perform their functions. This gas is typically derived from gas compressors that contain compressed air. Portable cylinders contain carbon dioxide that makes the device lighter and easier to move around with. A key advantage of air tools is that they are affordable in comparison to electric tools and they are easier to maintain. Air tools are also considerably much safer to use than those that are powered by electricity. Te portability and compact size do not comprise the ability of the tool to carry out essential tasks effectively. Many people use air tools around their homes and they can also be found in fully fledged industries. A light and portable air tool can effortlessly enable the user to perform tough jobs while providing impressive speed as well as heightened performance. Examples of air tools are drills, polishers and hammers.

MIG welders can be used for both domestic and commercial purposes. Air tools are especially useful when access to other forms of power is limited. It is important to choose the correct MIG welder based on what it is required. Welders are used for functions such as fabrication, repair and manufacturing.  For MIG welding to be achieved, a wire feed is required. This wire is passed through a tip that is heated and the action of pulling the trigger causes the wire to melt thereby forming what is referred to as weld puddles. It is easy to learn how to go through the MIG welding process MIG welders are high in productivity and are not messy to use. They are also able to cater for various positions and metals like steel.

Sealey tools consist of quality products such as drill press vices, wrenches, saws, ventilators and screwdrivers. These tools are essential for any workshop or industry tasks. Pressure washers function by using a high amount of pressure that releases water for extensive cleaning purposes that involve cars, buildings and roads. Tool boxes help to ensure that everything is kept in order and that all the tools that one needs can be easily located. Good tool boxes should be portable with adequate compartments for storage.

Air compressors are devices that are utilized for compressing air which is then used to drive various machines that require a substantial amount of force. According to the magnitude of work, these compressors are available in a wide range of sizes which are mainly grouped under three broad categories i.e. industrial, garages and home workshops. Industries use air compressors for powering robotic tools, punching and stamping work, while garages and home workshops comprise of devices such as drills, grinders and nail guns.

Industries basically make use of three types of compressors according to their power requirements as well as nature of production. Reciprocating air compressors are made up of pistons which compress and pump air into the machines tanks through it’s up and down movement. These compressors are used on applications which require intermittent supply of compressed air. The second or the rotary screw compressors make the use of screw instead of pistons for compressing air and can be used on a continuous basis.  Industries that are into large scale production as well as power generation use centrifugal compressors that have an inbuilt turbine engine to supply compressed air efficiently.

All the above mentioned types of compressors are either used directly for powering machines or fitted with various tools and devices for efficient and controlled air supply. In the following section we will list out some of the common pneumatic tools that require air compressors in industrial applications:

Air Motors – Used in industries, air motors are operated at extremely high speeds which is achieved by powering them with air compressors.
Blow Guns – Blow guns are used in laboratories and manufacturing plants as well as in removing debris, non contact drying and cleaning for which these are attached to compressors for manual air control.
Duct Hose – Duct hose are attached to industrial air compressors which offer a continuous supply of air for powering various mechanical devices in a factory.
Cylinders – Cylinders are filled with air using compressors which have to be operated at different pressure levels as required by the cylinder’s chambers.
Pressure regulators – In industries where pressurized air is driven from compressors into air lines for powering pneumatic devices, pressure regulators are used to keep the air flow consistent as well as remove any variations in air pressure.
Dryers – Compressed air dryers are pneumatic tools that are powered by air compressors and help in the functioning of various technologies such as refrigeration, and removal of contaminants trough absorption and water filtration.
Filters – Filters are also fitted into supply lines which are attached to air compressors in order to remove dust particles, moisture, oil and other contaminants from the ducts.
Air springs – Air springs are an important device in industries as well as laboratories where they serve as a pneumatic actuator by buffering the cyclic motion of the compressors as well as decreasing vibrations in the machinery.
Air valves – Industries use air valves to control air as well as fluid flow in cylinders as well as air ducts.

While the above mentioned section lists out only a few of the pneumatic devices and tools which are used in powering machines it is clear that air compressors are one of the most vital apparatus for today’s industries.

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 an 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.

So we’ve covered what makes air compressors in general such a great investment, but what makes a Campbell Hausfeld air compressor better than the rest? They have been in business for over 165 years, starting out with manufacturing horse-drawn wagons and agricultural equipment. Since 1836, they have stayed up with, and usually ahead of the times, by constantly introducing product improvements. As the times have changed, they have produced everything from planting and harvesting tools to crucible furnaces, iron castings to portable generators, and starting in 1940, the highest quality air compressor. When you buy a Campbell Hausfeld air compressor, you buy a tool 70 years in the making, with another 100 years of experience and true customer service behind it.

Before you start that next job, be it big or small, take a minute to think how much easier it would be if you had a Campbell Hausfeld air compressor. It will be the most well-spent 60 seconds of your home-improvement life.

Supplying the East Midlands since 1963. Air Compressors, Compressed Air Tools, Air Fittings. From workshop to fully industrial installations, we can meet all your compressed air needs.

The most often used air compressors are portable rotary screw compressors. You can put the pressure settings from 100-350 PSI. You can find them ranging 65-1600 cubic feet per minute. What you need depends on the tools you will be using. A pro will usually use something with 185 CFM, which can get the job done while powering more than one tool at a time.

You can mount a truck compressor in the bed or underneath the hood of your truck. This is great to save some space and they use your truck’s engine for power, so they are easy to maintain. You must have your truck running to power the compressor, which can be a deterrent.

You can get a compressor that is mounted in your truck bed called a deck mounted compressor. Since these have their own engines then won’t need you to power your truck for them to work. They need engine maintenance and fuel as well since they aren’t powered by your truck.

Other compressors run off electricity, while others use gas. In both kinds the air is in the holding tank and the tools are attached by a hose. There are gauges on the compressor that will show the pressure, which is valve regulated.

You can look at a Quincy air compressor which are very good. They offer a rotary screw compressor, which has 10-350 horsepower. They make quality machines that will last for a while, they have larger models and smaller ones.

A Husky brand air compressor is great for use in your home. The tank has 135 PSI and holds 1.75 gallons. You can run all kinds of tools on it and are so easy to carry around with the telescope handle. You can get the oil free pump to maintain it well.

If you choose the Husky air compressor that holds 4 gallons you will be getting upt 125 PSI and is great for small jobs around the house.

Recently the CP pull behind trailer Pneumatic air compressors have received an upgrade. A well known, well respected brand in the industry for years there are now 4 models which complete the line. The new models are the CPS 90, CPS 185, CPS 375 & CPS 750.

As you might have already assumed the numbers indicate air delivered in Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) and even the smallest unit at 90 CFM can power multiple tools at once. The CPS portable compressor series are all built for reliability, easy maintenance and flexibility in mind. Each unit features easy to operate curbside controls and noise reducing enclosures.

Each of the CPS pull behind compressors allow you to configure different options such as hose reels, after coolers, block heaters, tool boxes and much more. On OhioPowerTool.com the available options with pricing will be displayed with each unit. 

NORHA Pneumatic is also one of the world leaders in manufacturing a wide range of heavy duty construction equipment designed to run off these compressors including demolition breakers, concrete saws, chipping hammers & rock drills.

Recently I had the opportunity to work with Construction Distribution Magazine and report on some of the new products that were featured at the STAFDA trade show. In total there were 6 of us “Roving Reporters” and it was interesting to see the different products that were mentioned in the article. I personally could have gone on forever with so many new products, if only I had the time and patience, there were easily 100 products which should have been mentioned.

Some of the products highlighted in the article are: Milwaukee M12 Cordless Tools, Spyder Scraper, Recipro Tools, Ridgid MicroExplorer, Malco TurboShear FC, Bosch Laser Levels, Dremel Multi-Max, CP Hydraulic Power Pack, Wright University Online Courses, Bosch Laser Range Finder, Concrete Destroyer from DiTeq Diamond, Joy Jaw saw guards, Grill-N-Chill tailgate BBQ, Gear Keeper Tethered products, Bosch PS50 Multi-X and portable CO2 tank from JacPac.

The New line of NORHA Pneumatic Rivet Busters replaces the previous models of CP4181 Duler, Duser, Puler and Puser. Some of the key features of the new CP4608 & CP4611 models are listed below.

- Auto Stop System – reduces sleeve breakage & cylinder wear
- Solid Pin on Valve – eliminated valve misalignment
- 1/2″ Pipe Thread inlet bushing – swivel can install into bushing
- Longer Piston – hit the steel but not the bridge. Retainer spring will break before cylinder.
- New Rubber Bumpers – 90 durometer rubber recommended
- Teasing Throttle – smooth performance & easy operation
- Florescent Band – an added safety feature for night crews and other applications
- CPS – Indicates when the bumper is worn out and needs replaced

This is a great event for any one buying tools or just wanting to test out the new tools! Ohio Power Tool, already known for low internet competitive pricing, really blows it out for the tent sale. Lots of existing products are discounted for that day in addition to overall discounts given on all in-store orders. On top of the Ohio Power Tool discounts the vendors on hand have even more discounts in the form of promotions, instant rebates, free tools, tool trade-ins.

I’m sounding like a used car salesman now but it is definitely worth checking out if you want to get some really good deals on power tools or just get your hands on some of the new tools.

Rivet Buster are extremely powerful Pneumatic tools able to hit as hard as a 60 lb. paving breaker but with half the weight. These tools are ideal for bridge work and meet the necessary requirements for bridge deck repair. These CP tools have many other uses as well from general demolition work or specialty applications such as removing underground storage tanks.

While it is easy to assume that all air compressors are created equally, they come in many different varieties and are uniquely suited to their specific purposes. They are simple machines designed to pump the air from one place to another and compress its volume. Once the gas has been stored, it can easily be used to inflate an object, for propulsion, or to provide energy.

Most home handymen use their air compressors to power simple hand tools or to inflate tires. Since they are made for a variety of uses, home compressors come in all shapes and sizes. One can find almost every combination of capacity, PSI capability, and power at their local hardware store.

Capacity

Compressors that store gas for future use have a limited area in which to place air or a capacity. Some inflators simply pull air from an intake vent and pump it through into a nozzle. This is ideal for filling up tires and other objects that need air, but they do not store and pressurize air. Compressors that store air have a tank. The size of the tank is usually measured in gallons.

It may be unclear initially why capacity is a factor to consider, but depending out what the compressor is used for, it can make a big difference. A large capacity air compressor is useful for powering large air tools for a long amount of time. For instance, an industrial nail gun uses air pressure to force the nails into wood. If the gun needs a lot of pressure and is used frequently, the air pressure in the tank drops with each use. The higher the capacity, the longer the tool can be used before the tank must be allowed to refill.

Pounds per Square Inch or PSI

A PSI measurement is the force at which air compressors release air. This is a representation of the amount of pressure the air being pumped out of the tank is exerting on something. Most air-powered tools have PSI rating. Many consumer tools use a rating of about 90 PSI. Most commercial compressors achieve this quite easily.

As the pressure in the tank drops, the PSI also drops. If the rate at which the air comes out of the machine becomes too low, the tool will stop working. This usually means that the air was depleted faster than it could be replaced and compressed.

Cubic Feet per Minute

Cubic feet per minute is another measurement for the rate at which the air leaves a device. This method uses time as a metric, so it reveals that amount of air that is passing through the valve rather than its pressure.

Many tools have both a PSI and CFM rating. Devices like sanders and spray guns require constant pressure. They not only need a certain PSI, but also a CFM that is constant. This is necessary for the tool to run smoothly for an extended period of time.

Horsepower

Horsepower is one way to estimate how much power an engine will produce. The amount of hp it is capable of producing is not the best indicator of an engine. In a device like an air compressor, design has much more to do with the performance of the machine. However, larger compressors require a larger hp motor to keep the tank filled.

Steps for finding the right air compressor

There are many different kinds of air compressors on the market. Consumers may find the choices overwhelming, but there are many uses for compressed air. Carefully consider the following before choosing a new compressor.

What is it for? Tank-less compressors are fine for inflating pools and bike tires, but air tools will require something with capacity.
How long is the job? Jobs that will require a full day of constant use, like reshingling a roof, may require a bigger capacity compressor. Hanging Christmas lights should only require a few gallons of air.
Check PSI and CFM on all air tools. It would be disappointing to find out that the compressor will not run them properly.
Evaluate long-term needs. It may be better to rent a compressor for a large job instead of buying a giant one that will never be used.
Buy the proper valve connectors. The compressor is useless unless it can be connected to other machines.

The right air compressor can help with thousands of tasks around the home. They can provide access to a wide range of powerful tools and aid in inflating everything from tires to pools.

There are many great air compressors on the market today that come in many different styles and sizes. And though one of the most important things in choosing an air compressor is to get the correct one for the job, you also want to make sure to get one from a good and reputable company. Let’s take a look, in alphabetical order, at three manufacturers that are known for producing affordable, quality products that they will stand behind.

Campbell Hausfeld has been around longer than any of the other companies, dating back to 1836 where it got its start by the Campbell brothers manufacturing horse drawn wagon for agricultural equipment. Within a few years they had expanded to farm equipment as well as wagons and carriages. The company continued to grow as they developed new and innovative farm equipment. In the 20th century, Campbell started manufacturing furnaces for Joseph Hausfeld. The work relationship was so successful that they two companies merged in 1920. The company continued to diversify and entered the air compressor business in 1940, and followed with air tools in 1945. Since then, they have added many product lines, and have continued to expand their offering of air compressors, air tools and other accessories. Their tag line is “Built to Last” and they have backed this up by striving to produce durable and reliable products, both for the professional and the do-it-yourselfers.

Campbell Hausfeld makes a large variety of sizes of air compressors, including residential, contractor and commercial sizes. They develop different capacity and styles as well, including single stage and oil-less pumps, as well as 2-stage and quad pumps. With air compressors, you also need air tools, and with Campbell Hausfeld you can find most any tool that you could possibly need.

Jenny is also a very old US company, with roots going back to 1870 as a manufacturer of ball and plug valves for the steel industry. In the late 1920′s, they revolutionized the cleaning industry with the invention of the steam cleaner, and in the 1950′s with the first self service car wash system. It wasn’t until 1998 that they broke into the actual air compressor industry when they purchased the Davey Compressor Company, a leader in innovation in the compressor industry by being the company that designed and built the first portable, air cooled air compressor in the 1920′s.

Jenny pride’s themselves of manufacturing a complete and extensive line of air compressors, including: hand carry and two-stage wheeled portable compressors, service vehicle compressors, industrial size compressors and climate control and fire sprinkler compressors.

Mi-T-M Corporation was founded in 1971 by a professional painting contractor, who’s first product was a pressure washer. They have since then expanded into a variety of products, including wet / dry vacuums, generators, water treatment systems and air compressors. In a variety of sizes, they offer hand carry, portable and stationary compressors, both single and double stage.

Though a newer company than the other two, they have set themselves apart by establishing a reputation for manufacturing high quality products, and standing behind their products with unparalleled customer service. To customers of Mi-T-M, their name stands for performance, value, quality and dependability.

There are many great, and not so great, air compressors manufactured in the world today. If you are in the market for one, make sure to check out these three companies. They all have a history and a reputation of quality air compressors for competitive prices, you cannot go wrong with any of these three manufacturer’s.

There are many portable air compressors on the market today of varying sizes and power. And though they vary by size and power, they all work on just a couple of different technologies to generate air pressure.

Most air compressors work by what’s called positive displacement. This is different from compressors that use rotating impellers to generate air pressure. Instead, air pressure is increased by reducing the size of the space that contains the air. Usually, this is done with a reciprocating piston.

Like a small internal combustion engine, a conventional piston compressor has a crankshaft, a connecting rod and piston, a cylinder and a valve head. The crankshaft is driven by either an electric motor or a gas engine. While there are small models that are comprised of just the pump and motor, most portable air compressors have an air tank to hold a quantity of air within a preset pressure range. The compressed air in the tank drives the air tools, and the motor turns on and off to automatically maintain pressure in the tank.

At the top of the cylinder, there is a valve head that holds the inlet and discharge valves. Both are simply thin metal flaps, one mounted underneath and one mounted on top of the valve plate. As the piston moves down, a vacuum is created above it. This allows outside air at atmospheric pressure to push open the inlet valve and fill the area above the piston. As the piston moves up, the air above it compresses, holds the inlet valve shut and pushes the discharge valve open. The air moves from the discharge port to the tank. With each stroke, more air enters the tank and the pressure rises.

Portable air compressors use a pressure switch to stop the motor when tank pressure reaches a preset limit, about 125 psi for many single-stage models. Most of the time, though, that much pressure isn’t needed. Therefore, the air line will include a regulator that is set to match the pressure requirements of the tool being used. A gauge before the regulator monitors tank pressure and a gauge after the regulator monitors air-line pressure. In addition, the tank has a safety valve that opens if the pressure switch malfunctions. The pressure switch may also incorporate an unloader valve that reduces tank pressure when the compressor is turned off.

Many articulated-piston compressors are oil lubricated. The pistons have rings that help keep the compressed air on top of the piston and keep the lubricating oil away from the air. Rings, though, are not completely effective, so some oil will enter the compressed air in aerosol form. Having oil in the air isn’t necessarily a problem. Many air tools require oiling, and inline oilers are often added to increase a uniform supply to the tool.

On the negative side, these models require regular oil checks, periodic oil changes and they must be operated on a level surface. While solutions to the airborne oil problem include using an oil separator or filter in the air line, a better idea is to use an oil free portable air compressor that uses permanently lubricated bearings in place of the oil bath.

Though many portable air compressors are similar, this should help you to understand some of the mechanical differences of the various types available.

The air we breathe everyday is full of contamination. It has water vapor and airborne particulates that we inhale into our lungs. The vast majority is not harmful and we barely notice that its even there. However, to your air compressor these harmless contaminants can become quite harmful due to the compression process. During the compression process an air compressor concentrates natural contaminants in the air and this process makes them harmful to air compressors and its components. Overtime they begin to erode your components, valves and be passed on to your air tools. Lets look at water condensation. Water vapor is a normal part of the air we breathe, especially if you live in a humid climate. It is harmless at normal atmospheric pressures. However when the pressure is raised in the compression process, hot air is pushed through hoses and fittings and when it contacts the cooler air condensation forms. Water can be very damaging to your air compressor and air tools over time and removing it is a priority. Water is not the only liquid that can damage your system. Even, lubrication can cause damage if excessive amounts are in your air system. Older air compressors especially have this problem. As they get older and parts begin to wear out, lubricating oils leak into the compressed air can damage the unit. Don’t forget solids too. Rust, dirt and metal are all present and will attack your compressed air system. The results of air contamination are reduced efficiency and increased maintenance costs on both your air compressor and air tools. There are several ways to attack these problems and protect your air compressor.

Aftercoolers

Aftercoolers will cool the air temperature as it is discharged from the compressor. As a general rule for every 20 degrees F cooled, approximately half of the moisture is condensed. Aftercoolers bring discharge air temperature down from 200 – 400 degrees F to within 20 -50 degrees of the ambient air temperature. This process will cause most of the moisture to condense into a liquid state. Then the water can be removed from the system before it can cause any damage. An aftercooler can generally remove around 60% of the moisture from the air.

Dryers

Dryers also remove moisture from the air compressor system by reducing temperature. Dryers generally remove around 30% of the moisture. This is in addition to the 60% the aftercooler removed. This is why you commonly see an aftercooler and a dryer both hooked up to an air compressor to produce the driest air possible.

Coalescing Filters

Now that you are removing most of the water vapor from your air compressor using a aftercooler/dryer combination, that still leaves solid particulates in your system. These are commonly rust, metal and dirt. Lets face it, an auto shop is not the cleanest environment! Filters can be added to your shop air compressor to remove these particles. Filters do not condense water vapor and are only useful for solid particles. They are not a replacement for an aftercooler or dryer.

In order to get the cleanest air possible from your air compressor, I would recommend using all three options on your shop air system. They will pay for themselves in a longer life for your air compressor, better performance and efficiency for your air tools and longer air tool life.