{"title":"Air Compressor","description":"\u003ch2 id=\"Air Compressor Buying Guide\"\u003eAir Compressor Buying Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you're buying an expensive piece of equipment, like an air compressor, you want to know exactly what you're getting and whether it will fulfil your needs, which is why we've compiled this brief Air Compressor Buying Guide.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn this guide we hope to answer all of your Air Compressor related questions but if we've missed something or you're still not sure please contact our \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/help-support\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ecustomer service team\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e who will be very happy to help.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is CFM?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eCFM stands for 'Cubic Feet per Minute' and is used to measure the air displacement or volume of air that an air compressor can supply. There is often two different CFM measurements given - 'Air Displacement' which is the theoretical value and 'Free Air Delivery (FAD)' which is the actual, real-world value. Most air compressors sold online will display the theoretical measurement in their name but we believe this is misleading so we have decided to list our products using the 'Free Air Delivery (FAD)' measurement since this is more informative but if you would like to know the theoretical value this can also be found in every air compressors description.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow much CFM do I need?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis varies depending on your tool but to find out what you need, you should first consult the manufacturers website or your tools manual to find the 'Required SCFM' (Standard Cubic Feet per Minute) or 'Air Consumption' (usually given in L\/min) for each of your tools. Once you have found these measurements, you need to create a buffer between your tools thirst and the compressors output to avoid damaging your compressor and ensure a safe working environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWe recommend multiplying the 'Required SCFM' \/ 'Air Consumption' by at-least 1.25 but if you would like to be extra safe or create a greater buffer for future tool purchases multiplying by 1.5 may be appropriate.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExample -\u003c\/strong\u003e This \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/mirka-ros-650db-150mm-orbit-5-0-sander-with-dust-bag\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMirka 150mm Random Orbital Sander with Dust Bag\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e has an Air Consumption of 481 L\/min (17 SCFM) and since 481 x 1.25 = 601.25 L\/min (21.23 SCFM), we would recommend an Air Compressor with at-least 21.23 CFM Free Air Delivery.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAdditionally, if your air compressor can power more than one tool at once (i.e. twin outlets) you should add both tools 'Required SCFM' figures and then perform the buffer multiplication.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat type of Air Compressor do I need?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe most common types of air compressors are \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/air-compressor\/?_bc_fsnf=1\u0026amp;Type=Electric+Direct+Drive+Air+Compressor\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e'Direct Drive Air Compressors'\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/air-compressor\/?_bc_fsnf=1\u0026amp;Type%5B%5D=Petrol+Belt+Drive+Air+Compressor\u0026amp;Type%5B%5D=Electric+Belt+Drive+Air+Compressor\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e'Belt Drive Air Compressors'\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e which are both great for DIY, trade usage and industrial applications.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDirect drive air compressors have the motor attached directly to the crankshaft which means they have very few moving parts - this makes them very hard-wearing and great for rougher applications but does mean they produce more noise. Belt drive air compressors use a belt to transfer energy to the pump from the motor - this means they make less noise and can run smoother than direct drive air compressors which will improve efficiency. However, belt drive air compressors will eventually need the belt replaced and are less rugged than direct drive compressors since they have more moving parts.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIf you need a rugged air compressor which can cope with rougher applications or outdoor use and noise isn't an issue then we recommend a Direct Drive Air Compressor.\u003cbr\u003eIf you need an efficient and quiet air compressor that will remain sheltered in a workshop or garage then we recommend a Belt Drive Air Compressor.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, this doesn't mean that a direct drive air compressor couldn't perform a belt drive air compressors work or vice versa but instead that they each have their own strength's and will perform best when used in a way that takes advantage of these strengths.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAn often forgotten type of air compressors are \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/air-compressor\/?_bc_fsnf=1\u0026amp;Type=Screw+Air+Compressor\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e'Screw Air Compressors'\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e which are great if you require a constant flow of air power for industrial applications since they are incredibly quiet and efficient but are designed to fulfil very specific professional needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat size of Air Compressor Tank do I need?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere are no specific rules when it comes to the tank size of your air compressor but it will determine how long you can use your air powered tools for before you need to refill your tank. Different tools will drain your tank at varying rates which is why we recommended that you choose an air compressor which will store at-least five times the SCFM rating of your tool (or you can divide the L\/min rating by 5.66) since this will allow you ample operating time before regeneration of the air compressors tank is required.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExample -\u003c\/strong\u003e This \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/mirka-os-343cv-75-x-100mm-central-vacuum-orbital-pneumatic-sander\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMirka 75x100mm Orbital Sander with Central Vacuum\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e has an Air Consumption of 16 SCFM (453 L\/min) and since 16 x 5 = 80 (or 453 \/ 5.66 = 80), we would recommend an Air Compressor with at-least an 80 litre air tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003ePlease remember, your air compressor will need to cool down between each tank refill to ensure a safe working environment and to avoid damaging your air compressor.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShould I buy an Electric or Petrol Powered Air Compressor?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis again depends on how how and where you intend to use your air compressor. If you need an air compressor that can be refilled remotely (i.e. no mains power) then you should choose a \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/air-compressor\/?_bc_fsnf=1\u0026amp;Type=Petrol+Belt+Drive+Air+Compressor\" target=\"_blank\"\u003epetrol powered air compressor\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e but if you'll be using your air compressor near an electricity source then an \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"%%GLOBAL_ShopPathSSL%%\/air-compressor\/?_bc_fsnf=1\u0026amp;Type%5B%5D=Electric+Belt+Drive+Air+Compressor\u0026amp;Type%5B%5D=Electric+Direct+Drive+Air+Compressor\u0026amp;Type%5B%5D=Screw+Air+Compressor\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eelectric powered air compressor\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e would make more sense since these can be refilled indoors unlike the petrol alternative which can only be refilled indoors if the area is well ventilated.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIt is also important to note that some electric powered air compressors will require a power source with a specific voltage and\/or ampage (i.e. 3-phase electric air compressors) which can improve their efficiency dramatically and will save on running costs in the long term but will require a higher up-front cost since they will need to be professionally installed.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOil-free Air Compressor vs Oil Lubricated Air Compressor - whats the difference?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAn oil-free air compressor doesn't require any lubricating oil which means it will require less maintenance and will have no messy clean-up but it may not last as long since over time the parts will experience more friction. Some applications will also specify that an oil-free air compressor should be used but these are not that common. An oil lubricated compressor will require regular oil top-ups but will often run more efficiently and have a longer life.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0819\/8566\/7401\/collections\/category-air-compressor-img-01__19492.png?v=1713586240","url":"https:\/\/tradecounteronline.co.uk\/collections\/air-compressor.oembed","provider":"Trade Counter Online ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}