Compressors are categorized in three well-known areas; Small portable devices like the Porter-Cable "Job Boss" usually with one (Pancake air compressor) or 2 small storage tanks, Mid-size units such as Campbell Hausfeld air compressor, which normally have wheels, and large compressors have fixed bases for shops and industrial areas.

In terms of powers, smaller units begin around 1.5 horse and larger unites may go beyond 6 horse power motors. The pumps themselves are both oil-less or oil-lubricated and the pumps are 1 or 2 cylinder and singe of two-stage compressors and this last statement is the reason most wood workers don't get an air compressor, as they appear complex.

Some of the beneficial terms that you need to know about when looking for a compressor are: PSI - Pounds per square inch, CFM - Cubic feet per minute, Duty Cycle - is the amount of time a compressor can run against the amount of work-free time (storage tank) over a 30 minute interval for example it can run 10 minutes, then rest for 20 without producing significant head wear, Single Phase - is where the compression piston compresses all the air in one stroke, Two Stage - is where there are 2 pistons that perform collectively to compress the air. (Typically a two stage needs less horse power, and generates less heat).

As a rule, the tools that are harder on air volumes are those which run continuously like sanders, and grinders and cutters. Devices that need less cycling are tools that run intermittently such as nailers, staplers and in some instances drills or even sprayers.

If you are preparing on running some continuous devices like sanders, buffers, grinders and so on you will want to think about something in the mid-size or even large shop size of compressors like. In a case like this you should most likely have a 25 gallon storage tank and about a 4 horse rating such as a Makita or Craftsman. You will likely be looking at a 220 Volt version too.

If you are going to use a number of tools, some of them continuous draw, such as grinders, sanders and buffers, you will want to consider a large fixed base compressor like Campbell Hausfeld Air Compressor or Ingersoll-Rand. These will have approximately 6 horsepower and a storage tank of 50 gallons or higher.

If you are a hobbyist woodworker, who is searching for a nailer or stapler, one of the small handy compressors is probably ideal. Brands like Porter-Cable or Delta will work nice.

A compressor and associated air powered tools may be a real time saver, even for the hobbyist's work shop. In many cases a simple brad nailer is almost like using a second set of hands around in organizing and gluing projects together. The other factor in selecting a compressor is, what other applications will you look for it? For example if you do choose one of the portable units, it is conceivable that you can carry this around to odd tasks, in the house, for friends or other areas. This is less of an option of the mid-size and out of the question for the big units, but then the portables will not potentially be suitable for sander/buffers so ultimately you will have to make that tough decision, but no matter what you do, make sure you make sure get a perfect selection of air compressor accessories intended for your compressor. It will make your woodworking more fun, quicker and even more enjoyable than it is now.

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