Air Tool Parts

A Consumer’s Guide to Buying an Air Compressor

When shopping for this kind of item, it is important to understand how it works and what the typical uses are for the machine. An air compressor simply takes a volume of gas (from the atmosphere) and packs it into a smaller space, thereby building up pressure in a self contained tank. This means that the contents will freely flow out once a valve is opened, since the pressure inside the canister is greater than the air outside. This is what makes it perfect for a great variety of applications.

This includes putting air into car tires, blowing off a work bench or painting a wall. All of these items can be easily accomplished through the use of an air compressor and some simple attachments.

The units for this machine are measured in psi (or pounds per square inch), with the higher the number, the greater volume of gas is contained in the cylinder. It can be adjusted to shut off when reaching a preset value and many models can be connected to a valve to dial down the pressure as well.

The many different manufacturers offer units that have a different capacity, and some come with a double set of tanks to store the air. In addition, these tanks can be oriented in a horizontal or vertical position, depending on the application.

Most of the units come with a self contained motor which is also brushless, meaning that there is no lubrication required. The maintenance free style is best for consumers who are only going to use it for simple tasks such as putting air into their tires. However, for industrial use, a large motor and storage tanks is recommended since this will suffice to supply an entire department. Most of the motors will run on either 110 volts or 220 depending on the location and can be installed permanently in some areas.

The size of the unit will depend mainly on how many people will require access and what types of usage it will see. A small portable model will be perfect for the light duty seen by the common homeowner.

This can be a small cylinder, or the lightweight pancake style design seen more prevalently today. For contractors, a large unit might be needed since they will be employing nailing guns, air tools and possibly some painting as well.

There are also fixed and mobile models to choose from. A stationary type will be most likely permanent due to its size and power, while the mobile models have to be portable enough to easily fit on the back of a work truck. A good machine will be able to deliver a constant supply of air without labouring heavily. This has to be taken into account before purchasing because a larger model will obviously be a larger outlay.

An air compressor is one of the most versatile tools in the shop and can mean the difference between getting the job done quickly and struggling to finish.

Maintenance and storage tips for Campbell Hausfeld air compressors. Keep in mind that all repairs should be done by an authorized service representative. For more information, visit www.chpower.com.

How To Feel Like A Champ With A Champion Air Compressor

Air compressors are used in a variety of industries for a variety of applications. With time, these are replacing the conventional tools in industries like agriculture, aviation, bio fuels, business equipment, chemical industry, construction, dry cleaning, electric power, electronics, food & beverage, iron & steel and many more. Different models are offered to accomplish different tasks in different industries.

As per a majority of compressor reviews, the units from this organization are definitely one of the most commonly used in the world. Most individuals and organizations prefer them as compared to other choices. This is further aided by the fact that these are easily available no matter in which part of the country you reside. Champion air compressors boast of more than 800 dealers across the country that have the capability to install, maintain and repair your air compressor. This ensures that once the customer decides to buy or repair one of these units, help is always nearby.

The main advantage of an air compressor that drives air tools is its reliability and dependability. The overall quality of a unit or machine is always a combination of the quality of internal parts used, the technology applied and the testing procedures followed. A number of organizations try to get parts at as low a price as possible so as to maximize the profit margin. This is, however, not the case with Champion as the company prides in using only the best of internal parts for the construction of its air compressors. Over the years, the organization has gone on to be one of the leaders as far as use of technology is concerned. Moreover, each and every unit undergoes stringent quality checks prior to shipping to the dealers or customers. All these factors combine to ensure that the units that are available to the customers are of top quality.

The best part is that these are available both as oil lubricated and oil free options Hence customers can select the one that is best suited to his or her needs. If the need is for prolonged operation then you should go for an oil lubricated unit but if the main concern is to eliminate any chances of contamination due to mixing of compressed air and oil then it makes more sense to go for an oil free option.

Any customer who uses a Champion air compressor rarely uses a unit from some other organization. The complete reliability and powerful delivery of these units make the person operating the unit feel like a champion as he or she feels that any job can be accomplished by the use of these units with relative ease. A vast variety of types and sizes of these units are available in the market to take care off the needs of various industries and individual preferences.

Pros and Cons of a Gas Air Compressor

A gas air compressor, like an electric one, allows the user to use their pneumatic tools both at home or on the job. They are both highly capable machines that help get jobs done quickly and efficiently. It makes no difference which type is used in terms of getting work done. However, there are some obvious differences to think about if you are thinking of buying a compressor of some sort. Those differences don’t really need any air time here so I am going to focus on the gas air compressor. It has both pros and cons you may not have thought of.

A gas air compressor appears much like any other compressor. It has a tank for holding compressed air, it has a valve and gauge to see and control how much pressure is allowed to build up in the tank. It has a place to attach an air hose and associated air tools. So the first pro is that there is nothing particularly difficult or new to learn about using one. If you have used an electric air compressor then adapting to a gas one is simple and easy.

The second pro to using a gas air compressor has to be true portability. This is especially important to people who work on job sites where there might not be a source of electricity. Not every job site has power or even a generator so being able to run a compressor powered by gas is critical to getting the job done. An electric compressor is sweet if there is power because you don’t have to worry about hauling any gasoline, etc. but that’s just not always an option.

And this brings us to the cons of having and using a gas air compressor. The fact that it does require gasoline to run is a big down side for many people. Gas is smelly, it is expensive, and it is highly combustible. Obviously, some commonsense and general care must be taken anytime you work with gas. The nice thing is that these concerns are easily dealt with by having the proper container for transporting the gasoline, and making sure that when you fill the compressor you use a funnel to avoid unnecessary spills. I like to keep some clean rags nearby when I am using gas just to wipe up any little spills that might occur. As for gas being smelly, just close things up tight and be careful and this little nuisance won’t be a very big deal. Be sure to store gas properly once you fill the tank and you will ensure the safety of anyone who happens to be around. As for the expense of gas, there isn’t much we can really do about that. Thankfully, a gas air compressors is efficient and the actual dollars spent on fuel aren’t really that high.

When weighed in the balance, a gas air compressor has more upside than down. Being able to work on site with no available electricity is not only a convenience, it is an absolute necessity at times. The fact that they are simple and easy to use, with no increased learning curve is nice as well. If some basic safety precautions are taken with the way gas is handled and stored, then the concerns about the safety of using gas are easily alleviated. A gas air compressor has a definite place for the right people and help get jobs done that an electric one sometimes just can’t do.

Work Shop Safety –The Most Important Air Compressor Safety Tips

An air compressor is a versatile tool that can perform a variety of tasks when attached to air tools, also known as pneumatic tools. Here are the most important air compressor safety tips that you should always follow.

Read your owner’s manual carefully before operating a compressor or any air-powered tool.

Do not reset any switches or valves on the compressor; they have been preset at safe levels at the factory.

Check the hoses, plugs, wires, pipes, and tubes of the compressor, and the tool air inlets before each use. Do not use the compressor or tool if any part is worn or damaged.

Wear safety glasses and hearing protection when using air-powered tools.

Do not exceed the pressure rating of an air tool or accessory.

Always plug a compressor into a grounded outlet of the appropriate amperage.

Relieve pressure slowly when depressurizing the tank.

Do not press the trigger of an air tool when connecting it to an air hose.

Do not remove the belt guard of a beltdriven comoressor when the machine is operating.

Turn the compressor off if it produces an unfamiliar noise or vibration, produces insufficient air pressure, or consumes excessive oil; have the machine serviced before resuming operations.

Allow the compressor to cool before performing any maintenance; wear gloves to disconnect any parts that are still hot.

Turn the compressor off before moving it.

Do not touch the compressor while using it or immediately after; the machine can become very hot.

Drain any moisture from the tank after each use to prevent rust; tank pressure should be no higher than 10 psi when draining it.

Replace the tank if it has any pin holes, rust spots, or weak spots at welds.

Bring Improvements In Your Home By Using Air Compressor

You will be seeing that people, who are living around you, are praising the developments in all fields, which have really shaped up our lives. The most commonly discussed development is the change in the design and functioning of tools, which are being used in different types of industries. The invention of cordless power tools has really changed the way, the workers used to do their work. Similarly, you will see that a significantly positive change has been brought in your lives, with the invention and improvement in the design of air compressor.

This is one of the most successful air tools. There are lots of benefits attached with the usage of air compressors, which you can bring in your home. If you will start counting on the benefits of using air compressors and other air tools, then you are going to forget all other kind of similar power tools. An air compressor is light in weight, for there is no motor attached with it and it is small in size as well. If you want to bring improvements in your home, then you should definitely switch to air tools and air compressor is one of the most beneficial ones.

They are available at highly affordable prices. Basically, the air tools are beneficial, for they are operated with the help of air compressors. These tools are extremely versatile, for you can do a lot with a single air compressor including building of a deck, working inside your home and a lot more. And this can be done with one single piece of air compressor and some other useful power tools.

You can attach a number of tools with one compressor including angle nailers, impact wrenches, ratchet wrenches, spray guns and many other tools as well. By using so many tools with one single air compressor you can do a lot of work and various tasks for your home improvement. The best part is that you will only be in need of one single source of power and can do a lot of work in fairly less time. If you are really looking forward to bring ease in the tasks of your home improvement, then you should immediately buy an air compressor of best quality and should start enjoying plenty of benefits. The demand for these compressors is increasing by each passing day, for people are aware of the benefits, which they can avail by buying them.

11 Tips for Air Compressor Maintenance

Now that you’ve invested in an air compressor to run all of your air tools you’re going to have to learn how to keep it up and running. Because the standard handyman’s air compressors don’t typically require daily upkeep, it’s easy to forget about them and neglect their upkeep. This can be a costly oversight so it’s vital for you to keep an eye on the following maintenance tips.

Maintenance Tip 1: Read and Follow Your Air Compressor’s Manual

Nothing stops an air compressor faster than an owner who doesn’t read the owner’s manual. There’s going to be some simple tips in there for you that will help you to get a nice long life out of your air compressor – simple stuff for you to do that you would never have thought to do unless you read it. Plus, if you don’t follow the rules in your air compressor manual there’s a chance that you’ll void your warranty. That in itself should be enough of an incentive to read the “flipping” manual.

Maintenance Tip 2: Drain The Moisture From The Tanks

The receiver tank collects moisture from the air that it’s compressing – especially if you live in a humid climate. Most tanks have a valve for draining this moisture that accumulates and it’s up to you to make sure that these are drained regularly. Before draining the water you should be sure to release the air pressure from the tanks.

Maintenance Tip 3: Clean Intake Vents

If you force your air compressor to work too hard to intake air you’re losing power on your compression. This will gradually degrade the quality of your tool. Be sure to keep your intake vent as clean as possible and check them regularly especially if you’re working in a dusty or dirty environment.

Maintenance Tip 4: Tighten All Fasteners

Your air compressor’s a running, vibrating engine and it will loosen its screws, nuts and bolts on a regular basis. Be sure to check these periodically and tighten them up if you find any that have jiggled loose.

Maintenance Tip 5: Check Hoses Regularly

Check all your hoses periodically as they are the veins of your air compressor. If they become cracked or corroded they could soon begin to leak and then put undue strain on the rest of your compressor’s components. Be sure to check them and replace them if you find them cracked or damaged.

Maintenance Tip 6: Test the Safety Shutdown System

Your air compressor may have a built in safety shut down. The function of this system is to shut off your compressor if it’s getting too hot, or if the engine’s oil pressure is too low. This test will help you ensure a longer lasting compressor.

Maintenance Tip 7: Check and Change Air Filters As Needed

A filthy air filter is only hurting your air compressor by allowing dirty air from the outside in, plus forcing it to work harder to intake air. Check your filters regularly and change them if you notice a heavy build up of dust and dirt. Change every six months or so if you use it infrequently.

Maintenance Tip 8: Clean the Fuel Tank

As with any engine you need to periodically clean out the fuel tank to ensure optimal operating conditions. You should look to clean out the engine on your air compressor once every year or so to remove any residual build up from the fuel. This will preserve the life of your engine.

Maintenance Tip 9: Check and Change the Compressor Oil

If you’re running a compressor that uses oil you should be checking it on a daily basis to make sure that your machine is topped off. Then, every 500-1000 hours of use you should be changing this oil to ensure maximum functioning of your air compressor.

Maintenance Tip 10: Change the Separator Element

The separator element prevents the excessive use of oil, but it has to be replace periodically. Keep your compressor in top condition by replacing the separator element every 1,000 hours of operation.

Maintenance Tip 11: Clean the Heat Exchangers

If your heat exchangers are dirty then they can’t do their job, which is to reduce the operating temperatures of your air compressor. Clean them regularly to keep your operating temperatures down and increase the life span of your air compressor.

By following the tips above you’ll ensure a nice long life for your air compressor, plus the jobs that you use it for will go faster and more productively. A well maintained air compressor is a wonderful machine for any job site or workshop, so keep yours running smoothly.

3 Secrets to selecting the right Air Compressor

Ask a Question:
What are the secrets to choosing the right Air Compressor for my operation?

Answer:
Compressed air is used widely throughout industry and is often considered the “fourth utility” at most facilities. So…before you invest the money…invest some time to learn these compressed air basics.

1. Gain a basic understanding of Compressed Air terminology:
Knowing these basics can speed up your selection process and boost your ability to choose the most efficient and cost effective air compressor system. You’ll be better informed to talk about your needs with any air compressor sales representative.

SCFM: Standard Cubic Feet per Minute.
This is the volume of air flow. You will need to know how much SCFM you need to operate your equipment.

PSIG: Pounds per Square Inch Gauge
It is the pressure resulting from a force applied to an area of one square inch…a unit of pressure relative to the surrounding atmosphere.
ISO: International Organization for Standardization
The ISO provides a set of Standard Classes of Compressed Air Quality.
ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is the world’s largest developer and publisher of International Standards.
Learn more…See these actual standards by clicking here.

DUTY CYCLE:
The duty cycle of a machine refers to how long it can keep operating before it needs a rest, or what percentage of the time it’s designed to be in use. The Duty Cycle is generally 75% in Reciprocating Compressors and 100%with Screw Air Compressors. Example: During one hour of operation for a Reciprocating Compressor, the compressor will run 75% of that hour – or run for 45 minutes and rest for 15 minutes.

ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS:
VOLTAGE, AMPERE and PHASE: You should know what is available at your location to run your equipment. Always have a qualified electrician review electrical requirements

COMPRESSOR LOCATION:
These terms deal with the physical location of your compressor in relation to other equipment, noise level requirements, and ventilation. Also consider the need to have enough space around your compressor to perform needed maintenance.

2. Gather your vital information.
The best and easiest place to begin is to discover what your air requirements are according to your equipment manufacturer’s specifications. Then…determine the answers to the following questions:

-How much air flow (SCFM or CFM) is needed to operate ALL related equipment?
CFM helps you determine the HORSEPOWER you’ll need…which also affects your POWER requirements.

-How much pressure (PSIG or PSI) is needed to operate ALL related equipment?
Compressor discharge pressure (PSI: pounds per square inch) must exceed the PSI requirement of all pneumatic tools or equipment being operated. You want to make sure that your compressor can successfully provide the air you need for ALL your equipment.
-What ISO Air Quality Classification do you need?
Do you need oil-free air? Breathing air? Both of these can be produced with oil-free compressors, or with lubricated compressors and additional filtration equipment. Careful consideration should be given to the risk and cost associated with product contamination, before selecting an oil-free or lubricated air compressor.

-What Class does your air fall into?
Plant Air: Air tools, general plant air
Instrument Air: Laboratories, paint spraying, powder coating, climate control
Process Air: Food and pharmaceutical process air, electronics
Breathing Air: Hospital air systems, diving tank refill stations, respirators for cleaning and/or grit blasting

-What are your electrical or power requirements?
Identify available incoming electrical service before specifying an air compressor. Always have a qualified electrician review electrical requirements. You may need to upgrade your electrical service.

-Where is the best location for your compressor?
An important consideration when utilizing a compressed air system within an operation is where to physically locate the unit. There isn’t just one way to install a compressor, but be aware of all the advantages and disadvantages to each system and layout. For most plant environments, compressed air systems are designed to fit in a centralized area, adjacent or near the actual applications in which it serves. Sometimes it may be more beneficial to have several smaller compressors with separate distribution systems located throughout a plant rather than one larger compressor.

-Do you need a back-up compressor?
Downtime can be very costly. Consider how vital compressed air is to your operation to determine if you need a back-up.

3. Apply your knowledge and data to help determine your air compressor specifications.
Now you are ready to take all your information gathered on your air compressor needs and talk to an authorized air compressor distributor. With your vital information in hand…you can make a wise and cost efficient decision.
The two most popular types of air compressors are Reciprocating Compressors and Rotary Screw Compressors.
Reciprocating Air Compressors
- Low initial cost
- Low maintenance cost
- Higher energy operating cost
- Maximum Duty Cycle = 75%

Reciprocating compressors are available in sizes from less than 1 hp to more than 600 hp. Oil less compressor models are also available for applications requiring a higher quality of air, such as breathing air in hospitals, or for use in food or pharmaceutical production.
Rotary Screw Air Compressors
- Medium initial cost
- Medium maintenance cost
- Lower energy operating cost
- Maximum Duty Cycle = 100%

BOTTOM LINE:
There are various types of Air Compressors to select from and many things to consider in order to select the compressed air system that best suits your needs. Key issues are always reliability, cost-effectiveness, ease of operation and maintainability.
1. Understand your needs.
2. Gather your information and specifications from equipment manufacturers, and review your power requirements.
3. Apply what you’ve learned and the data gathered…and talk to a knowledgable and authorized compressor distributor to help you make the best equipment choice.

Air Filters And Your Air Compressor

The air we breathe contains contamination in the form of water vapor and air borne particles. During the compression process an air compressor concentrates these contaminants and depending on the age of the air compressor can even add contamination in the form of oil carryover. Basically, a modern air compressor amplifies the damaging effect of water vapor and airborne particles by virtue of the compression process. If you breathing in some dusty, humid air, your air compressor is feeling it far more than you are. Water vapor can be particularly destructive to the air compressor but it doesn’t end there. Remember the whole reason you have an air compressor is to run your air tools and other accessories. A compressor by itself isn’t very useful. It’s the air tools it powers! An air tool can get some serious damage over time by pumping it full of dirty compressed air and you may find your favorite impact wrench just doesn’t have the same power it used to a few years ago. The problem may not be the impact but the dirty and wet air you are pumping through it.

Modern air compressors have several methods to combat this problem. Some have built in aftercoolers and water separators to remove excess moisture. In some applications this may be all you require. It you are working in much harsher conditions or the tools you are powering require cleaner air, you may need to consider compressed air filters to clean the air further.

Ingersoll Rand has been the leader in air compressors for literally decades and they produce a full line of filters, refrigeration dryers, desicant dryers, and cooling systems for modern air compressors. Their air filters come with a differential pressure indicator to give the operator a quick and easy reminder of how much life is left in the filter element. Also, the Oleophobic filter media actively repels oil and water to reduce pressure drop and keep operating expenses down to a minimum. Typical filter media soaks up oil and water increasing pressure drop. This reduces the efficiency of the air filter and will produce higher operating costs.

One important lesson to remember is that just because you have the lastest air filters on your shop air compressor, the compressed air is not safe to breathe. The compressed air should not be used for breathing air applications unless it is treated with all applicable codes and regulations. An air impact wrench is not as sensitive as your lungs and you don’t want even small amounts of lubricating oil deposited in your lungs.

How to Choose the Right Air Compressor

Choosing the right air compressor for your air tools for use at work or at home can be confusing at the best times. There is great deal of information on the compressors that vary from model to model. It is important that you understand how to read that information and find the best air compressor for your requirements. There are specific pieces of information that you should be looking for before you buy your next air compressor.

The first thing you should consider is the amount of air pressure that you will ultimately require. Depending on where the air compressor was made, you will find the pressure rating given in a couple of different ways. It can be in the PSI or pounds per square inch rating, or the BAR rating, which means the number of atmospheres. This is the amount of air that will be delivered from the compressor to the tool.

Your tools will also give you the amount of airflow that you will need to run them continuously and in the best possible way. The information will either be given to you in CFM, which means cubic feet per minute, or LPM which means litres per minute. This is the information that you need to determine how quickly the air compressor that you choose must deliver the air to your tools for them to work effectively.

For those who will be running more than one tool at the same time, you should add up the amount of airflow per minute that you will need to run all of them. This is the minimum amount of airflow per minute that your compressor must meet to work in the way that you want.

It isn’t necessary to add up the pressure requirements, but you should take the requirement of the biggest tool and make sure that your compressor meets this need.

You should also consider the amount of wasted air that will inevitably occur. Over time your tools will begin to leak air. If you only have the minimum amount of airflow from your compressor, you will begin to notice deterioration in the effectiveness of the tools. It is best to consider buying an air compressor that delivers a bit more than just the minimum. However, it isn’t necessary to go over that number by a huge amount. You will be paying more for more airflow, so consider your budget when you are calculating your requirements.

There are a number of other considerations that you will need to make when choosing your air compressor. To run tools, it isn’t necessary to worry about oil free air or the use of filters on your compressor. You should, however, take into consideration the amount of moisture in the air in your area, the noise level of the compressor and the temperature of the compressed air. It is important that you take into consideration your particular situation and needs for your air compressor.

If you have particular questions about the choice of air compressor, there are experts who can assess your needs and make a recommendation to you.