Top Rated Pneumatic Air Compressors
Pneumatic tools they need a constant supply of compressed air to work well. Before choosing a compressor, carefully consider the power and capacity. Units with more powerful engines and higher capacity can generate higher pressures for longer periods of time, providing more power to your power tools. Most air tools require a certain amount of pressure to work properly, so make sure you choose the compressor is powerful enough to support your most demanding tools. There are two types of compressors: piston and compact.
- A piston
Using a pump to fill the tank. The tank contains compressed air until the moment in which it is ready to be used. When the air pressure drops below a certain value, the compressor turns on again and the pressure increases. There are compressors, single stage and two-stage compressors. The two-stage compressors create more pressure and are more suitable for heavy work. - Compact
They do not have a tank for storing the compressed air. On the contrary, the compressor is always on while providing the air under pressure. These models are simple and light, but do not generate enough pressure for many applications and are usually used as propellants for guns that spray paints, glues and lubricants.
Campbell Hausfeld FP209499 3-Gallon Air Compressor
Campbell Hausfeld
FP209499 3-Gallon Air Compressor
Makita MAC2400 Big Bore 2.5 HP Air Compressor
A) This compressor just purrs. People are amazed when it’s running. Big rubber feet also help prevent transmitting vibration to whatever it’s sitting on, so no more vibrating boards.
B) Over-built compressor compared to tank size – so cycle times are very short – if using light-duty tools, it doesn’t run much anyway. Also runs way more cool than others – I’ll save those sear lines for my steak on the grill – not my forearm.
C) No leaks – holds its air pressure seemingly forever when turned off (not that you shouldn’t release pressure when done using it).
D) The air filter is a miniature version of an old-time car air filter. For a unit that’s going to be sitting on the ground amidst swirling construction dust, this is a big plus.
E) It does indeed weigh in, but at least the design is very compact. The frame wraps around and protects most of the important stuff, so there are no lines, wires, etc. waiting to be snagged. The glaring exception is the air filter hanging off the side – I can see this part’s going to be replaced at some point when I throw it in a truck bed. No problem for shop use though.
Be forwarned – Makita’s packaging designers always seem to get it 90% right. In this case, the air filter is just thrown in loose inside the box – mine broke one of the gauge glasses. If pressed, their warrantee dept. will send out small parts, but it’s a PITA to get a product this good only to have to fix it right out of the box. Also – pay attention to the “break-in” procedure – run it for @30 minutes with no load, open petcock, to seat the rings.”