Air Compressor Help at Your Service

I suppose commonly used carpentry tools can be divided into 2 types – electric and pneumatic (air). Of course, larger industrial tools and machines are often petroleum-powered or even hydraulic. But let's talk about air tools and their pros and cons in contrast to your more normal electric power tool in the DIYer's workshop. First of all, why do most DIYers start out with electric tools when they purchase their initial "wardrobe" of tools?

Well, when you first begin purchasing your own tools, as with anything unknown, it can be a little scary. That's why we often stick to things that we are sure of – like a drill driver and a measuring tape. Obviously, price can affect this decision as well. Most people don't like spending big bucks on something they're not even quite sure how to use. I'm sure we've all experienced feeling this way regarding some particular tool.

Air compressors are actually very simple and easy to use, and with a few tips you can make what could possibly be one of the best tool-purchases you've made in a while. I will attempt to list some of the main benefits as well as drawbacks to an air compressor.

- With significantly fewer moving parts, air tools are considered quite a bit more durable and long-lasting than their electric counterparts.

- You can store compressed air and continue using until depletion in the event of a power-cut. (Ideal for parts of the world that experience unexpected power-cuts.) Depending on your use, a larger or auxiliary air tank may be recommended.

- Air tools are lighter and because they are essentially powered by the compressor (separate unit) sitting there on the floor, they have a substantially higher power-to-weight ratio. This advantage must be weighed against the thicker air hose (in comparison) that will be attached as opposed to a thinner, tougher power cord. Battery operated tools on the other hand, have some of the worst power-to-weight ratios but more than make up for it in tool usability.

- Noise. Although many newer and/or high-end compressors have noise-reduction features built in, they still are not quiet by any means – not to mention that much more costly!

Alright, so now you're all excited about getting yourself a pneumatic compressor! But before you do, there are a few more things you need to know.

- What are the pressure requirements for the air tool you're interested in using? Make sure your future air compressor can compress and deliver the air pressure needed by the particular air tool in question. Air pressure is usually denoted as either mega pascal (Mpa), kilogram-force-per-square-centimeter(kgf/cm2), or pounds-per-square-inch(Psi).

- What kind