An air compressor is a mechanical device that takes in air at atmospheric pressure, compresses it, and delivers it at a higher pressure. Given this definition, it can be said that the first air compressors are bellows. Bellows are basically a collapsible container with an air inlet port which opens when the container is expanded, [...]
Among do-it-yourselfers and small shop owners who use pneumatic tools, chances are that their air compressors are the reciprocating type. Indeed, these are the most commonly used compressors and they do have a wide application in home shops, construction sites, and automotive garages. Industrial users, however, tend to opt for rotary screw compressors. This is [...]
Air drawn into the air pumps of compressors is never pure. Coming from the atmosphere, it necessarily contains water vapor, dust, and other minute particles invisible to the naked eye. These inevitably end up in your pneumatic tools. Initially, you will not notice any effect on them. However, sooner or later, after the dust and [...]
Judicious do-it-yourselfers realize that their machines can only function well if they are well maintained. These are made of several moving parts that inevitably generate friction and vibration when they operate. These, in turn, lead to wear and tear that eventually results to engine deterioration. The life of the machine, however, can be greatly extended [...]
One of the major decisions you have to make when buying an air compressor is whether to buy an oil-lubricated or oil-free kind. In order to be able to make an informed decision, you need to understand and compare how these two different machines operate, and how they affect the work you intend to use [...]
As with all other machines, an air compressor has to be maintained in good working condition for it to continue performing flawlessly and to prolong its service life. There are, however, a few simple things you can do without need of professional help to keep your machine running smoothly and prevent its premature break down. [...]
Air Compressors are generally of two types –positive displacement or dynamic. The former can be further classified into reciprocating, rotary screw, and sliding vane. Of these the most common is the reciprocating compressor and it is the type most often used by do-it-yourselfers, contractors, and other craftsmen. The air pump of a reciprocating air compressor [...]
While all you need to do with your electric power tool is to plug it into a power outlet, you will need additional equipment to run your air tool –an air compressor. Air compressors come in different types, ranging from small inflators, which are not really intended to power up air tools, to huge compressors [...]