Buying a compressor to save money | Page 3 - ScubaBoard

Having your own compressor is filling your tank for free!
And the next fill is also for free.


.....until:

1. you have to change the MS/AC filter(s).
2. you get the electricity bill.
3. your air smells like sour milk (and likely were too late for point 1).
4. you realise that the condensate should be drained every 15 minutes instead of every 15 years (this one can get really expensive).
5. your compressor needs maintenance.

Wear and tear of a compressor is determined by the starts/stops, and the rotation speed. Small portable compressors run usually over rpm with a relatively low fill speed. They get really hot and not built for continuous operation (so after filling 1 tank, they need to cool down).
Compressors built for continuous operation usually run around - rpm.

The need to starting (and stop) a compressor can be reduced by using banks, so the compressor can fill the bank in one long run.

Filters are usually sold sealed (this is where the compressor manufacturers make their money), but if you have a refillable cartridge, it's a lot cheaper to refill the cartridges yourself. The lifetime of a filter depends on the size and the humidity in your area.
A compressor without back-pressure valve or pressure maintenance valve will diminish the lifetime of a filter even faster.

The condensate can be drained automatically if the compressor is equipped with an ACD. A timer opens a solenoid every 15 minutes during 6 seconds to drain the moisture. Small compressors are usually without ACD and require manual drainage.

Not a fact but my opinion:
4-stage compressors manufactured between and were built-to-last-forever. No problem at all if the runtime clock shows several thousand hours of operation (with proper maintenance). Cost?

There's a part of me that says I should babysit the compressor so I can be quick to deal with any issues that come up. I can be absent minded... stepping away for a 5 min business call and that turning into something else.... well I could see an AL tank getting filled to 4K real quick, lol.

The flip side is I just bought bank bottles that I need to get into operation. Being able to step away for ~ an hr would be awesome. For that, semi-automation sounds really good.

It depends probably on the type of compressor you have. The one in the photo is for draining the 2nd, 3rd and 4th compressor stage of a Bauer K14.

Rix SA-6

Aaah, that's why you need to buy another compressor!

I hope to get quite a few years out of what I have, but so far I'd be willing to buy another in a second.

Yeah me too, I always set my timer on my , it's the best thing,

I have a bluetooth headset that I wear under ear muffs (my compressor is very loud). I have an app called "Repeat Alarm" that I have set for 10 or 15 min incriments depending. It rings in my ear and I know to bleed the coalescers. I'm sure there's better ways, but it works for me to keeps me in check.

I run the stopwatch at the same time that way I know how much time I've been at it and can add that to my notes when finished (for changing filters / service, etc.).

Single-stage air compressors are a great entryway into the world of pneumatic air power for basic home and job site needs. Despite their relative simplicity, they present many choices that we’ll cover in depth.

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Single Stage vs Two Stage Air Compressor

The primary difference between single-stage and two-stage air compressors is the number of times they compress the air. Single-stage air compressors compress the air once using one or more pistons of the same size, while two-stage air compressors compress the air twice using two pistons of different sizes.

Since the number of compression cycles determines the amount of air pressure, two-stage compressors can produce higher pressures and are designed for professionals who use a wide variety of air tools all day. Learn more in our two-stage air compressor buyer’s guide.

Single-stage air compressors work great for intermittent home and jobsite air tool needs. For example, if you’re using air tools to perform basic maintenance around the house or you have a woodworking hobby, a single-stage air compressor should suffice. Even contractors who aren’t running their tools constantly can save money by going with a single-stage vs a two-stage air compressor on the jobsite.

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Choosing the Right Single-Stage Air Compressor

Once you’ve committed to finding a single-stage air compressor, here are additional factors to consider.

Oil vs Oil-Free Piston Compressors

While traditional air compressors are oil-lubricated, oil-free compressors are coated in special friction-reducing chemicals. These oil-free compressors require less maintenance and provide cleaner, dryer air without you needing a filter.

However, as long as you’re not using the air compressor for painting or other sensitive applications, an oil-lubricated unit will work just fine. Oil-lubricated compressors also come in higher airflow models than oil-free types, which may be an additional consideration. Learn more about the differences between oil and oil-free air compressors.

Power Source

Single-stage air compressors come in gas- and electric-powered models. If you want the convenience of an electric compressor, make sure you have the means to power it.

Many homeowners opt for an electric single-stage air compressor that runs on 115 volts and plugs into any standard wall outlet. However, these compressors are limited in the amount of airflow they can produce.

For higher airflows, you will need either a gas-powered compressor or a dedicated breaker to handle higher voltages. If you don’t have a dedicated breaker, you will need an electrician to install one.

Airflow & Pressure Needs

Your single-stage air compressor will need to handle your tools’ air needs. If you plan to use only one tool at a time, size your compressor to handle the airflow (CFM) and pressure (PSI) requirements of the most demanding tool in your toolbox. The owner's manual provides the tool’s airflow and pressure requirements.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website portable electric air compressor.

If you have a small workshop where more than one person uses air tools, then you need to total up the required CFM of all the air tools being used at one time and find a compressor that slightly exceeds that need.

Note that CFM and PSI go together. Compressors will produce airflow at a certain pressure, so you need to ensure the compressor’s PSI output is rated high enough for the tool’s needs.

Other Considerations

If you’ve made it this far, you’ve already considered the most important factors when choosing a single-stage air compressor. However, there are a few more considerations that will help optimize your final selection.

Loudness
Quiet air compressors are becoming more popular and widely available, especially for those wanting to use air tools in their home garage. Naturally, electric-powered compressors will be quieter than gas-powered ones. Besides that, look for sound-dampening enclosures and rubber isolation pads to cut down on noise. Learn more about finding a quiet air compressor.

Orientation 
Single-stage air compressors are available in horizontal and vertical orientations. Your space requirements or limitations will determine which style to buy. If you don't have a wide area to run one in, get a vertical compressor. Likewise, if you are storing the compressor up high and have height limitations, choose a horizontal model.

There is no difference in performance and utility of horizontal vs. vertical compressors of equal power. They are the same machines, just built in different styles.

Portability 
You can choose between portable and stationary single-stage air compressors. For air power on the go, choose a portable unit. You can wheel it out to the driveway, deck, yard—wherever you need the air. Contractors love them because they're easy to move to and around the jobsite. However, they provide more limited airflow than stationary compressors.

Stationary single-stage compressors are perfect for those who frequently run air tools in their garage or workshop. Most are powered by 208/230 volts (single phase), so you’ll need to make sure you can meet those power requirements. The higher voltages allow stationary units to provide more airflow than portable ones.

Pump Style 
The pump on a compressor is arguably the most important piece of the machine, as it pumps out the compressed air. If the pump isn't designed for the application you are using it for, it can overheat, causing the pump casing to crack and die out.

To prevent this, look for a single-stage compressor with a V-design or W-design pump. These styles will minimize vibration, improve cooling, and subsequently extend the life of your compressor.

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If you still have questions about choosing the right single-stage air compressor, our knowledgeable experts will be happy to assist you. Contact us today!

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