Buying a Used Air Compressor? Follow These Tips

Buying a used air compressor can be a smart decision when you have a tight budget. And as long as you follow some general guidelines, you should end up with an affordable compressor that offers the power you and your tools require.

Know Your Exact Application

Will you be using this machine at home for some simple DIY projects, or on the job such as at a construction site or mechanic's shop? Know exactly how and where you will use it will help you determine which model fits your needs best.

What are Your CFM Requirements?

If you're new to air compressors and using pneumatic tools in general, then you may not be aware of your cfm (cubic feet per minute) requirements. Every air tool has a certain cfm rating and this tells you what is required to power them. For instance, tools like pneumatic nail guns and staplers have a lower cfm rating and require less flow or output than do sand blasters or a pneumatic grinder, which require not only more power but a continuous source of it.

A good rule of thumb is to find the tool you use that has the highest cfm rating and use that in determining which compressor you choose. If you find a machine you like that will power your hardest tool, then it will also power your other tools that have lower cfm ratings.

Do You Require Portability?

Air compressors, both new and used, come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are portable and some stationary, and you will have to know exactly what your needs are in this scenario. If you are a DIYer and intend to use it around the house for doing some light finishing work, then it makes sense for you to get a smaller machine that is very portable. There are small compressors that can be carried by hand from a built-in handle. There are also ones that are portable, but they are quite a bit bigger and on a set of wheels.

And then there are those that are very large and completely stationary. These are the air compressors you tend to see in auto body shops and factories. Know before you purchase any compressor exactly if you will need to move the compressor around.

Find Out the History

When buying a used air compressor, the most important thing you can do is to find out the exact history of the machine. Ask to see any maintenance records and inquire if there have been any replacement parts. If the unit is not local, then it is your right and duty to ask to see photos if the seller has not yet provided any. If at all possible, ask to see video of the compressor being used to see it in action. Know if this machine is even a viable option before you drive however many miles to check it out in person.

Buying a used air compressor is a great option if you're on a tight budget. Just be sure to follow these guidelines so you choose one that fits your needs and will last a long time.

Jason is the creator of Air Compressor Ads, a resource for individuals and businesses looking to purchase used air compressors. His latest blog post gives insider tips on how to purchase a used industrial air compressor.

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What Are the Advantages of Using a Reciprocating Compressor?

There are three basic types of air compressors on the market today: reciprocating, rotary screw and rotary centrifugal. In this article we're going to focus on the advantages of using a reciprocating compressor.

How It Works

Let's take a look at exactly how these machines work before we outline the specific advantages of using them. Like an internal combustion engine, where an offset crankshaft causes the rotation of a piston which translates into linear motion, a reciprocating compressor also uses a crankshaft to compress gases that are then used in various jobs and processes. As the piston moves back and forth, it takes in low pressure gas and increases the pressure.

Where It Works

Although many applications of these machines have been replaced by the screw compressor, it is still a mainstay in the gas and oil industries. Oil refineries continue to use these specific units for numerous tasks and processes that require high pressure delivery of essential gases.

And gas itself, which fuels our cars and our lives, can be transported cross country via pipelines that are powered by reciprocating compressors. These work horses are also frequently used in refrigeration plants, chemical plants and just about anywhere heavy duty tooling is needed.

Why It Works

And now let's discuss the advantages a these compressors have over other models. For starters, it is one of the most efficiently run machines and can be used continuously, as you might in a large factory or plant setting, or intermittently, like you see in an auto garage or mechanic's shop. Other types of compressors work best in one situation or the other, and don't provide the same kind of usage flexibility.

Next, a reciprocal compressor has an application for almost any composition of gas and this is due to the positive displacement. Also, unlike other types, a reciprocal is able to discharge very high pressures at low mass flow rates, and capacity controls are simple and instantaneous.

Finally, if quiet is as important to you as powerful, then a reciprocal compressor has this advantage as well. This is because of the piston technology, which tends to operate much quieter than many other types of compression technology. Because of its quiet power, these machines tend to be the ones used for household applications.

If you're in the market for a new compressor and you need efficiency, flexibility, power and quiet, then the reciprocal compressor is most likely the ideal choice for you.

Jason is the creator of Air Compressor Ads, a resource for individuals and businesses looking to purchase used air compressors. His latest blog post gives insider tips on how to purchase a used industrial air compressor.

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What Size Air Compressor Do I Need? - Answer These 3 Questions

Many people new to air compression or pneumatic tools will find themselves asking, What size air compressor do I need? when shopping for their first one. And it's a great question to ask because you want to make sure you do your homework and purchase the right machine for the job or tasks at hand. In order to answer this question, you need to ask yourself three more.

What Are My Tool Requirements?

To answer this question you need to look at the tools you currently use, or plan to use, and find their cfm (cubic feet per minute) requirement. This can either be found on the tools themselves or in the user's manual. Some tools consume more air than others, such as grinders and sprayers, and some consume less, such as nail guns and staplers.

If you will be the only person using the air compressor, then find the tool with the highest cfm and use this number to help determine the size of machine you need. If, however, more than one tool will be used at any given time, such as in a mechanic's shop, then add up the total cfm for all the tools that will likely be used in tandem. This figure will give you the air compressor's required - or delivered - cfm.

Take this figure and multiply it by 20 percent to give you an accurate delivered cfm rating for the compressor you are interested in purchasing.

Stop-Start or Constant Run?

Do you require air compression at all times or only at certain times? If you will be using the unit for household tasks such as inflating tires or sports equipment, or doing some finishing work, then you most likely will require a smaller, portable machine and these are generally stop-start varieties.

If, however, you plan on using this air compressor at your place of business, such as a factory or auto body shop where it will be used constantly by many people, then it makes sense you would need the type of motor that will run continuously, providing pressure the second it's needed, every single time.

Still not sure? A good rule of thumb is to figure how many times per hour you will use the machine. If it will be stopped and started 20 times or more per hour, then you will need a constant-run setup.

What Size Tank Do You Need

It's not the size of the tank that matters but how often you will use the unit. Obviously the bigger the tank, the longer usage time you will have as the pressure is depleted more slowly. The negative aspect to a large tank is that they take quite a bit longer to refill with pressurized air. A larger tank makes sense if you are concerned about the motor constantly starting and stopping to refill, or if again, you will be using it in a work setting and need a constant flow of pressurized air.

If you take the time to answer these three questions first, you will finally be able to answer the question, What size air compressor do I need? and purchase the one that's right for you.

Jason is the creator of Air Compressor Ads, a resource for individuals and businesses looking to purchase used air compressors. His latest blog post gives insider tips on how to purchase a used industrial air compressor.

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What the Heck Is a Pancake Air Compressor?

I always enjoy when machines have whimsical names, such as the pancake air compressor. I mean, who would ever think to name something so utilitarian after something so golden and delicious?

As the name suggests, this compressor is light, but not necessarily fluffy. And although we can highly recommend purchasing one, we do not recommend drizzling it with pure, maple syrup.

Why Use One?

Anyone who requires their air to be portable should consider these units. Some of the smallest and lightest compressors on the market, these machines can be carried by hand from room to room, and easily up and down ladders.

Many DIYers choose a pancake compressor as it makes working on home projects that much easier. Women in particular find these units to be the perfect fit for them. Also, hobby enthusiasts like woodworkers enjoy the light weight and compactness of these machines.

Things to Consider When Buying One

Portability aside, there are some variances between models and you'll want to know exactly what your needs are before purchasing one.

For instance, what kind of power source do you prefer? Pancake air compressors can run on gas, diesel or electricity, and all of them have their advantages and disadvantages. Gas units tend to be the most maintenance free option, where as a unit that runs on diesel are generally quieter and able to run for longer periods of time. An electric compressor is the "greenest" option because there are no hazardous emissions, and this unit can be run indoors as well as outdoors, which makes it a bit more versatile, especially for DIYers and hobbyists.

You'll also need to know exactly how much output or deliverable power your compressor will require. To do this, you need to take a close look at the tools you are using. Every pneumatic tool comes with its own cfm rating. This rating is generally right on the tool itself. If you can't find it there, check the operation guide that came with it.

Find the tool with the highest cfm rating - this tool requires more power to work than all of your other tools, and this is the number you need to keep in mind when shopping for one of these machines. Look for a unit that offers this output and you will know that it will power all of your tools.

A pancake air compressor is a great option for people who require smaller amounts of air pressure to power their tools and require portability. Just be sure you check your tool's cfm ratings and figure out how you want to fuel the unit before purchasing.

Jason is the creator of Air Compressor Ads - which can be found at http://aircompressorads.com/ - a resource for individuals and businesses looking to purchase used air compressors. His latest blog post gives insider tips on how to purchase a used industrial air compressor.

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Easy Air Compressor Maintenance

Air compressors are not just convenient tools we use in our homes and garages, they are investments, and in order to get the most out of your investment, you need to properly maintain it. Here are some easy air compressor maintenance tips you can use to make sure your unit lasts for years to come.

Clean All Intake Vents

This is one of the most important things you can do to keep your machine functioning properly. Dust and particles in the air can wreak havoc on your equipment by clogging the vents. Check them regularly and gently clean any obstructions from your intake vents.

Check the Hoses Regularly

Your hoses are like your compressors' arteries - without them your equipment cannot work properly. Hoses are one of the first things to go because of the material from which they're made and the rigors they're put through in shops and garages. Check your hoses often and look for any possible weak spots or creasing. If you find any, replace the hoses immediately or risk putting unnecessary strain on your machine.

Drain Moisture from Tanks

Compressing air is a process and during this process, your machine will collect moisture. This is especially true during summer months when the climate is much more humid, or if you happen to live in an area of the country that experiences year-round humidity. All air compressors come with a valve specifically to release the air and moisture from the tank. Check weekly and drain when necessary. This is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your equipment and ensure a long life.

Change the Oil

If your particular air compressor uses oil, you should always top it off before using it. And, like a car, you will need to completely change the oil every so often. A general guideline is oil should be changed after 500 - 1000 hours of use.

Tighten All Fasteners

The more you use your compressor, the more likely it will be that nut and bolts will become loose over time. This will cause the machine's parts to rattle and move in ways not intended, which can cause unnecessary wear and tear. Make sure to periodically hand check your compressor's nuts and bolts and tighten any fixtures that have come loose.

Read the Manual

Many people ignore user's manuals and this is a huge, and often costly, mistake. When you first purchase your air compressor, make sure to read about it and find out about the warranty as well. The information in your manual will help you take the best care of your compressor so it will last for years to come.

Jason is the creator of Air Compressor Ads a resource for individuals and businesses looking to purchase used air compressors. His latest blog post gives insider tips on how to purchase a used industrial air compressor.

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How to Buy an Air Compressor

If you're in the market for an air compressor, you may have already realized the options available to you are numerous and you most likely are feeling a little overwhelmed. With so many makes and models, various horse powers and tank sizes, choosing the right unit to suit your needs and price point can be challenging to say the least. This article will cover some of the key considerations when purchasing and outline specifically how to buy an air compressor that will power your tools without breaking your bank.

New VS Used

One of the first things to consider when shopping for a compressor is your budget. How much can you realistically spend? If sky's the limit, you may want to purchase a brand new out-of-the-box machine. By doing so you are certain of the compressor's history (there is none yet so you know no damage has occurred before you) and will usually be given a warranty which will give you peace of mind.

If you're on a tight budget you may want to consider buying a used air compressor. Many people sell their machines, not because anything is wrong with it, but because they require a unit that offers more power. Purchasing used means you can generally get a machine that will give you the power you require at a fraction of the cost. You won't get a warranty, but the money you save up front can go toward any necessary repair should your compressor require it.

Portable VS Stationary

The next thing to consider is your exact application and whether you require the unit to be portable or stationary. If you will mainly be using the air compressor at home for DIY projects, say, then you most likely would want a smaller more portable machine. If this will be used at your place of business, such as an auto body shop or factory where more than one person will need to use the compressor at the same time, powering multiple tools, then you would definitely require a larger unit that can supply a continuous supply of compressed air. These units tend to be stationary in nature and are usually bolted directly into the floor.

Define Your cfm Requirements

An air compressor is only as good as the power it can supply your tools. For this reason, one of the most important things you need to consider when shopping for one is how much power do your tools require? Every pneumatic tool comes with a cfm (cubic feet per minute) rating. Find the tool with the highest cfm rating and you will have the number you need to check against the compressor you wish to buy. If the unit can adequately power your toughest tool, it will easily power all the rest.

If you need any more information on how to buy an air compressor, check out some of our other articles.

Jason is the creator of Air Compressor Ads - which can be found at http://aircompressorads.com/ - a resource for individuals and businesses looking to purchase used air compressors. His latest blog post gives insider tips on how to purchase a used industrial air compressor.

View the original article here

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