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Vehicle service, repair and auto body shops typically rely on 5 to 30 HP air compressors with 80 to 240 gallon air receivers that power an automotive shop’s pneumatic tools and equipment. Today, we will focus on the automotive service industry, specifically auto repair and auto body shops and facilities, and provide you with some simple, useful advice and tools to help you make the right decision in sizing and selecting a suitable air compressor for your particular needs. And the size and type of air compressor used will depend on the particular needs of the application, but the questions to ask to arrive at the right choice of air compressor are generally the same. This should give you some insight of what to consider when choosing your next, or first, two-stage compressor.Choosing an air compressor can certainly be a challenge, especially if you don’t have all the necessary information, or are unfamiliar with the questions that you even need to ask. Air compressors are used in a wide range of applications, and power a wide range of tools and equipment. The size of your tank should be based on how often the compressor will be in use. With two-stage compressors tank sizes range from 60 – 200 gallons. How big of a tank do you need for your compressor? Keep in mind that electrical codes, voltage and phase vary widely geographically so be sure to check your local building codes and with an electrician before laying out that credit card. Sidenote: Three-phase electricity is considered to be more efficient and therefore could result in less wear and tear on your compressor’s motor. So, obviously your first consideration of whether to choose a single-phase or three-phase compressor is based on where you will be using it. Three-phase in commercial buildings, manufacturing operations, etc. Generally speaking, single-phase electrical is found in residential settings. Single-phase? Three-phase? What’s the difference? Next, calculate your necessary CFM, regardless of whether they will all be operating at the same time or not. Take an inventory of CFM requirements for each tool and the number of everyday tools. Keep in mind that if you’re a furniture shop then your sanders will require more air than nail guns. That said, it’s more prudent to shop by CFM, not HP.Įvery air tool in your shop has a specific CFM requirement-the higher the CFM, the more air volume the tool uses. But, it’s true that generally speaking, the more HP you have, the more CFM it can produce, so there is a direct correlation that can’t be overlooked. The CFM (cubic feet per minute) your compressor can generate is actually a critical factor to consider when shopping for a two-stage compressor. If you’re in the market for a new two-stage compressor, here’s what to look for before you commit.ĭefinition: One HP is the force needed to lift 550 lbs. When air consumption needs are low, only one pump motor will operate on your two-stage compressor, but both pumps kick in when demand increases.
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More than likely what you heard was a two-stage air compressor, but why not a single-stage air compressor? Generally, single-stage units are for less demanding operations like home garages or construction job sites.
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If you’ve been in an auto body shop recently you may have heard the not-so-inconspicuous hum and rattle of an air compressor. Home | News | Blog | In the Market for a Two-Stage Air Compressor? In the Market for a Two-Stage Air Compressor?
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