How much air do you need? The first step to determine which compressor fits your needs is to figure out how many CFM's of air you need. This can be determined by looking at the CFM requirements of your air tools. This should be located on the information supplied with your air tool. If you do not have this, then click here and look at the last page: How to choose the right air compressor The next step is to take this number and figure how many people or tools will be running at the same time. Say for instance that you have and air grinder that takes 6 cfm each and that 3 people will be using the same tool at the same time. This means you need a minimum of 18 cfm, but wait, you have to plan for growth. I would at least add 33% above this amount. This means that you now need 24 cfm. The larger the tank, the longer you will have a reserve of air to use until the pump needs to cut on. A large tank does not mean you will have more cfm! It only means that you have a larger amount of stored air until the pump turns on, but then the pump will now need to run longer to fill up that large tank. OK, you have determined how many CFM you need. The next step is to determine how often this compressor will have to run per day. Are you a weekend hobbyist or a large shop that needs a serious compressor? You get what you pay for in compressors just like anything else. If you are not using it everyday, then a steel sleeved pump will suit your needs just fine. Many shops also use these units. If you need it 8 hours per day, 5 days per week, then get a cast iron pump. Single stage or 2 stage? What does this mean? Well, a single stage compressor only pumps up the air one time, usually to 125psi. It does not mean that it will pump MORE air. A 2 stage pump takes the air from the single stage side, then pumps it again (hence 2 stage) to 175psi. Many shops need higher pressures. Look at the difference between single stage cfm and 2 stage cfm. The next step is to determine how much space you have for this unit. Do you want it portable? Electric motor or gas powered for in the field use? What voltage do you have available to you? 115, 230 or 3 phase? Once you have determined this, then choose one of the manufacturers below to see what will fit your needs. Choose the Manufacturers name below to view our line of complete new compressors 
Emglo 
Jenny 
Quincy 
Thomas 
Rol-Air |
