When you're learning about something new, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of relevant information available. This informative article should help you focus on the central points.

Most of this information comes straight from the air compressor tank pros. Careful reading to the end virtually guarantees that you'll know what they know.

Air compressors are used for a plethora of reasons, but the main reasons that air compressors are used outside of a system is for portable and personal use. Many people carry portable compressors with them for all sorts of reasons, but the main reason is so that they can inflate their tires. Unfortunately, there are many reasons why an air compressor could fail on you and chances are that if it does then it needs a new air compressor part.

Fortunately, many manufacturers allow customers to purchase brand new air compressor parts straight from them without ordering through a retail store, but many of the air compressor parts can also be purchased in a variety of retail settings as well. Additionally, many parts can also be purchased on the internet from eBay or other electronic and hardware companies.

Air compressor parts are not usually brand-specific, but usually any air compressor part that you purchase is able to be used with just about any compressor that you may have. Oftentimes, individuals will need a new air compressor hose because they have a hole or a small crack in that air compressor part, but they may not realize it. In fact, a failing air compressor because of a crack or hole in the air compressor hose is probably one of the very reasons that the majority of air compressors need to be fixed.

So where can you buy air compressor parts? There are actually many places that you can purchase them, but you have to be careful and cautious where you buy your parts. First, you can usually buy air compressor parts from an automobile store that will fit your manufactured air compressor, but you may have to be careful with the third-party and after-market air compressor parts. Even though many of them will fit all air compressors universally, there are still some air compressor parts that may not fit your compressor specifically. But wherever you choose to buy your parts, though, you definitely will be able to find them as air compressors are used more now on a daily basis then they ever were used before!

Hopefully the sections above have contributed to your understanding of air compressor tank. Share your new understanding about air compressor tank with others. They'll thank you for it.

Original Author: Poara Walker is webmaster of AirCompressorsGuide.com a free informational site which shows you tips, tricks and methods to get that bargain price for your Air Compressor

If you're seriously interested in knowing about air compressor tank, you need to think beyond the basics. This informative article takes a closer look at things you need to know about air compressor tank.

Most of this information comes straight from the air compressor tank pros. Careful reading to the end virtually guarantees that you'll know what they know.

I wrote up the Maxus EX8016 X-Lite compressor as an Editor's Choice product for our HGTVPro news show HGTVPro.com Weekly, but I only recently had a chance to use the tool for any length of time. While I don't usually run a double-coverage defense with products I include on the show, I was so impressed with the 4-gallon twin-stack unit and its bevy of smart features that a real-time review had to happen.

Bottom line. Let's start with the BL. I used the 1.3 horsepower, 3.7 SCFM X-Lite in the three highest-drain applications I encounter as a home-improvement contractor: nailing off sheathing, running a roofing gun, and using my old Shingle Saw Pro II. It kept pace through and through.

I had absolutely no issue with laddered nails while rapid firing 8d, ring-shank nails or popping off shingles. And I wasn't nailing into any brand new softy 2x10 SPF; I was gunning into 80-year old Doug fir 1x12 sheathing and 2x8 rafters. I drove four nails into every 1x12 board up the roof — a way tighter nailing schedule than 1/2- inch roof decking, wall sheathing or subfloor. My nailer never starved for air.

It's worth pointing out that the EX8016 is a heavy breather and really liked having a dedicated cord straight out of the power supply — it tripped the lame-o surge suppressor strip I use as a multi-plug (no surprise, no demerits) — but on its own 100-foot cord, it ran fine, even in temps right around freezing.

I also ran my Shingle Saw Pro II. This pneumatic shingle saw (no longer in production; it's been re-designed) gobbles air big time. Nevertheless, one-off shingle cuts were a snap. Impressive. And X-Lite recovered quickly when the tank drained.

Weight a minute. When a tool's weight passes a certain threshold — around 80 pounds — carrying it becomes an experience of both necessity and pure dread. Such is the case with most compressors I've owned. But — and I mean and ALL-CAPS-bold-italics BUT — the X-Lite's aircraft quality aluminum tanks drops this baby's gross vehicle weight to a mere 57 pounds. I won't say that's feather-light, but holy mack-o (as my daughter says), there's no comparison between the X-Lite and other compressors where the lift-and-lug process toggles between a serious chafe at the minimum to an exercise in blood-pressure management by week's end.

Details done right. Beyond the light weight, the Maxus designers kept pushing during their design charrettes and executed smart, savvy details that carry the X-Lite furlongs further towards top-of-el-heapo status.

It starts with a carry handle/roll cage that's aces. See, the compressor is cubic — roughly the same shape as other compressors in the class — but the handle is positioned to deliver optimum carry efficiency between truck and site or between floors. Combined with its lighter weight, you can practically carry it like a suit case without having a back surgeon on speed-dial.

The roll-cage part of the handle houses everything — supply lines, gauges and the pump motor, to name a few biggies — so that it'll be darn tough to break them when Bruno the Meatball javelins a shovel or stack of 2x6s into the back of your truck.

Speaking of the truck and cubism, the machine really is cubic! This means that there aren't hose fittings, gauges, cords, or round/odd shapes sticking beyond the tool's recti-linear perimeter. How much do I love this when loading the truck? Seriously, thanks, Maxus, for yet another weapon against entropy.

What I also love (but can't recommend, of course) is that because the tool really is cubic, if you happen to load something on top of it in the truck or gang box, so what? Certainly loading tool and kit boxes around it is easier than any other compressor I've used. This is really smart design.

Here's some other cool stuff:

· The +/- pressure dial is easy to see, read, locate and use.

· There are two (thank you, lord) air ports right on the front of the tool.

· The cord is long enough too. I like this for trim or floor jobs where I might have the compressor in the room with me and need to move it here and there for whatever reason.

· The gauges are easy to see and read.

· Rubber feet mean I don't have to worry about putting the tool down on a finished floor. Tip: placing any compressor in the finished space on a piece of cardboard helps curb possible damage to the floors.

· It has an oil-lube pump; I don't mind changing the oil in every so many — er — years.

My only complaint. I wouldn't be living up to the secret writer's code if I didn't find at least one thing 'wrong.' Seriously, you get nasty letters from the Writers Guild if you don't. Anyway, it's the same complaint I have with all compressors and one that's a super-easy fix: the drain valve. I'd swap out the existing valve (one of those backwards-threaded 1/2 inch twist deals) with a ball valve. 'Nuff said.

Maxus-ed out. If you ask me, the Maxus EX8016 X-Lite compressor is the current industry leader in this category.

I hope that reading the above information was both enjoyable and educational for you. Your learning process should be ongoing--the more you understand about any subject, the more you will be able to share with others.

Air compressor tank doesn't produce air, air compressor tank only stores air. It does not matter how big the air compressor tank is. Since the main function of an air compressor tank is only stores air the most important thing you should think is a powerful pump and a powerful motor to generate more air no matter how small is your air compressor tank.

Workshop owner is a must to have an air compressor tank since most your power tools run with an air compressor. A high pressure air compressor will make the job easier for you and are a very efficient choice. The kind you need will depend on your tools. You can choose from a Copeland compressor, a Husky air compressor, or a Quincy compressor if you want a good brand.

You need to think about what your home repair needs when you decide to buy a air compressor to make an informed decision when buying one. What kind of tools will you be using and how much power do you need to operate each one? If you have a small drill for instance, then you won't need a very high volume compressor. On the other hand, if you want to use a heavy drills or equipment than you'll need one with a high volume because these require a constant flow of air.

You should create a budget before you go shopping and stick to it. These machines can have very different prices depending on the brand you go with. If you want to save some money you can consider buying a used compressor. This is a good way to make your money stretch a little further and still get you a great machine.

Consider what style pimp you want to buy as well. The most common compressor pump style is the direct drive or the belt drive. If you get a direct drive pump then youll get 500 hundred hours out of it. These are a good option if you want to save room in your workshop. You can use them for moderate use. You will also see the benefit in never having to change the oil on them. If you get a belt drive pump then you'll need to change their oil ever 500 hundred hours and they will last you for 1500 hours of work. These are good for a pro or someone working from home.

You'll also want to consider the power level of the compressor. Keep the horsepower and the pound per square inch (PSI) pressure in consideration when shopping. It should be more powerful than the tools you are going to be using with your compressor. Make sure you check out your tools before you buy anything.

Keep in consideration the tank size too. They range from one to two hundred gallons. If you use the equipment often then you'll want a bigger tank. Get something bigger rather than smaller.

Make sure you shop around before you buy. You'll want to go online and read reviews on different models. You can see very different prices depending on the machine you are interested in. Consider buying online, you can get a great selection and save money.

If you want to buy online you can select on the left side where I place variety air compressor provided by amazon online. Anyway I hope this articles will help you to understand the useful of an air compressor tank.

Original author:Eric J. Slarkowski

Author: MJ Marks

There are many portable air compressors on the market today of varying sizes and power. And though they vary by size and power, they all work on just a couple of different technologies to generate air pressure.

Most air compressors work by what's called positive displacement. This is different from compressors that use rotating impellers to generate air pressure. Instead, air pressure is increased by reducing the size of the space that contains the air. Usually, this is done with a reciprocating piston.

Like a small internal combustion engine, a conventional piston compressor has a crankshaft, a connecting rod and piston, a cylinder and a valve head. The crankshaft is driven by either an electric motor or a gas engine. While there are small models that are comprised of just the pump and motor, most portable air compressors have an air tank to hold a quantity of air within a preset pressure range. The compressed air in the tank drives the air tools, and the motor turns on and off to automatically maintain pressure in the tank.

At the top of the cylinder, there is a valve head that holds the inlet and discharge valves. Both are simply thin metal flaps, one mounted underneath and one mounted on top of the valve plate. As the piston moves down, a vacuum is created above it. This allows outside air at atmospheric pressure to push open the inlet valve and fill the area above the piston. As the piston moves up, the air above it compresses, holds the inlet valve shut and pushes the discharge valve open. The air moves from the discharge port to the tank. With each stroke, more air enters the tank and the pressure rises.

Portable air compressors use a pressure switch to stop the motor when tank pressure reaches a preset limit, about 125 psi for many single-stage models. Most of the time, though, that much pressure isn't needed. Therefore, the air line will include a regulator that is set to match the pressure requirements of the tool being used. A gauge before the regulator monitors tank pressure and a gauge after the regulator monitors air-line pressure. In addition, the tank has a safety valve that opens if the pressure switch malfunctions. The pressure switch may also incorporate an unloader valve that reduces tank pressure when the compressor is turned off.

Many articulated-piston compressors are oil lubricated. The pistons have rings that help keep the compressed air on top of the piston and keep the lubricating oil away from the air. Rings, though, are not completely effective, so some oil will enter the compressed air in aerosol form. Having oil in the air isn't necessarily a problem. Many air tools require oiling, and inline oilers are often added to increase a uniform supply to the tool.

On the negative side, these models require regular oil checks, periodic oil changes and they must be operated on a level surface. While solutions to the airborne oil problem include using an oil separator or filter in the air line, a better idea is to use an oil free portable air compressor that uses permanently lubricated bearings in place of the oil bath.

Though many portable air compressors are similar, this should help you to understand some of the mechanical differences of the various types available.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - How Portable Air Compressors Work

An air compressor is used to power air tools such as spray guns, air sanders, air wrenches, air hammers, and much more. While not as widely used, air tools are more powerful than traditional electric power tools. Air tools offer more torque and RPM than electric tools not to mention that they are significantly lighter (since they do not have their own individual electric motors) which makes them much easier to handle. Air tools are also less expensive, more versatile, and longer lasting. Overall, an air tool accomplishes a task more rapidly and effectively.

When selecting an air compressor, it is important to understand the needs of your air tool. These are some characteristics of air compressors that you should look at in order to select one that will work best for your air tool needs.

Amount of Power Needed

One of the most important factors that must be decided is the amount or power needed for your air tool. While this power can be measured in several different types of units, the most useful is the CFM (cubic feet per minute). The more common household air tools require 0-5 CFM while larger air tools such as sanders or polishers may need 10 CFM or more. The air compressor you choose depends on the type or air tool you will be using.

Gasoline vs. Electrical Air Compressor

One of the first things you have to do is decide whether you want a gasoline driven-engine or an electrical driven-engine air compressor to run your air tool. I would recommend the natural gas air compressor. Natural gas air compressors are very reliable (at the 99.9 percent reliability level), cost effective, and reduce electric energy consumption. These are all very important characteristics if you are planning on using your air compressor frequently. However, an electric air compressor can be a nice alternative if you are using it in an enclosed area where fumes are intolerable.

Size of the Tank

Think of your air compressor tank as an air tank that you would use to go SCUBA diving. The longer periods of time you are using it the larger the tank you will need. Air Tools that are for shorter use (air hammers, impact wrenches, etc.) will not need as big of a tank as air tools that need a continuous flow of air (grinders, sanders, etc.).

Type of Pump

There are two main types of pumps to choose from: a direct-drive pump and a belt-driven pump. The direct-drive pump is lightweight and is meant to last for five hundred hours. This type of air compressor is not for heavy use but more for around the house projects. The belt-driven pump lasts three times longer, has less vibration and is quieter than the direct drive model. The belt-driven pump requires an oil change every now and then, but do not let this discourage you from it since these occasional oil changes are really not that much of a hassle.

Vertical vs. Horizontal Air Compressors

A vertical air compressor usually is stationary and takes less storage. A horizontal air compressor is more portable and can be moved from project to project. The style you choose from is dependent on what your needs are with your air tools and different projects.

When selecting an air compressor you should keep these different attributes in mind. The two main things you should remember are what type of air tools you will be using and the frequency that you will be using them. If you keep those two things in mind, you should be able to distinguish what features you need in an air compressor and pick the right one for you.

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One of the best investments you can make if you work with power tools a lot is an air compressor. An air compressor will make your job easier and increase your efficiency. There are many good choices among compressors, the best being Copeland, Husky and Quincy. Which you pick depends upon the kinds of tools you usually use.

How you intend to use an air compressor is the main determinant. Review what tools you use frequently and determine how much power is needed to run them. A nail gun, for example, does not need an air compressor with a high volume, because of its sporadic nature. A drill or sander, on the other hand would need it because they are operated steadily.

If you are concerned about the costs of an air compressor, it is all the more important to get the right one, rather than spend money on features you really don't need. Another option to keep costs down is to shop for a used one.

There are different kinds of pumps, and the compressor you choose will be determined by the type of pump. A direct drive pump lasts for about 500 hours, does not require a lot of storage room and does not need oil changes. They are typically used in an air compressor that will not see a lot of use. A belt drive pump will last for about 1500 hours, but they are bulkier and require an oil change every 500 hours; they are intended for professional use, or the very busy amateur.

The power of the compressor is the most important consideration you have to make. Horsepower and PSI pressure determine the power. If you get a compressor that has more power than the most powerful tool you use, you will be covered.

The next most important consideration is tank size. Tanks can come in sizes ranging from two gallons to 100 gallons. The size of the tank you want depends on how much you plan on using the compressor. Get a tank size a little larger than you think you need, so you will not run out of air when you need it the most.

Shopping around will ensure that you get the most value from purchasing an air compressor. As with most sizable purchases, it would be wise to compare brands on the Internet by reading unbiased reviews. You may see differences of hundreds of dollars on compressors that have the same exact features.

A real bargain may be a rebuilt compressor; in this case, the damaged or old parts of a compressor are replaced. In most cases, the original compressor was not used very much, so replacing some parts yields a compressor that is like new, and they are thoroughly inspected and warrantied, usually for one year. You can shop around for rebuilt compressors on the Internet as well, and if your order comes straight from a factory dealer, you will save the middleman markup and probably save taxes as well. Watch for sites that offer free shipping, or compare shipping rates; this is frequently an item that adds significantly to the cost of a large heavy item such as this.

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Now that you've invested in an air compressor to run all of your air tools you're going to have to learn how to keep it up and running. Because the standard handyman's air compressors don't typically require daily upkeep, it's easy to forget about them and neglect their upkeep. This can be a costly oversight so it's vital for you to keep an eye on the following maintenance tips.

Maintenance Tip 1: Read and Follow Your Air Compressor's Manual

Nothing stops an air compressor faster than an owner who doesn't read the owner's manual. There's going to be some simple tips in there for you that will help you to get a nice long life out of your air compressor - simple stuff for you to do that you would never have thought to do unless you read it. Plus, if you don't follow the rules in your air compressor manual there's a chance that you'll void your warranty. That in itself should be enough of an incentive to read the "flipping" manual.

Maintenance Tip 2: Drain The Moisture From The Tanks

The receiver tank collects moisture from the air that it's compressing - especially if you live in a humid climate. Most tanks have a valve for draining this moisture that accumulates and it's up to you to make sure that these are drained regularly. Before draining the water you should be sure to release the air pressure from the tanks.

Maintenance Tip 3: Clean Intake Vents

If you force your air compressor to work too hard to intake air you're losing power on your compression. This will gradually degrade the quality of your tool. Be sure to keep your intake vent as clean as possible and check them regularly especially if you're working in a dusty or dirty environment.

Maintenance Tip 4: Tighten All Fasteners

Your air compressor's a running, vibrating engine and it will loosen its screws, nuts and bolts on a regular basis. Be sure to check these periodically and tighten them up if you find any that have jiggled loose.

Maintenance Tip 5: Check Hoses Regularly

Check all your hoses periodically as they are the veins of your air compressor. If they become cracked or corroded they could soon begin to leak and then put undue strain on the rest of your compressor's components. Be sure to check them and replace them if you find them cracked or damaged.

Maintenance Tip 6: Test the Safety Shutdown System

Your air compressor may have a built in safety shut down. The function of this system is to shut off your compressor if it's getting too hot, or if the engine's oil pressure is too low. This test will help you ensure a longer lasting compressor.

Maintenance Tip 7: Check and Change Air Filters As Needed

A filthy air filter is only hurting your air compressor by allowing dirty air from the outside in, plus forcing it to work harder to intake air. Check your filters regularly and change them if you notice a heavy build up of dust and dirt. Change every six months or so if you use it infrequently.

Maintenance Tip 8: Clean the Fuel Tank

As with any engine you need to periodically clean out the fuel tank to ensure optimal operating conditions. You should look to clean out the engine on your air compressor once every year or so to remove any residual build up from the fuel. This will preserve the life of your engine.

Maintenance Tip 9: Check and Change the Compressor Oil

If you're running a compressor that uses oil you should be checking it on a daily basis to make sure that your machine is topped off. Then, every 500-1000 hours of use you should be changing this oil to ensure maximum functioning of your air compressor.

Maintenance Tip 10: Change the Separator Element

The separator element prevents the excessive use of oil, but it has to be replace periodically. Keep your compressor in top condition by replacing the separator element every 1,000 hours of operation.

Maintenance Tip 11: Clean the Heat Exchangers

If your heat exchangers are dirty then they can't do their job, which is to reduce the operating temperatures of your air compressor. Clean them regularly to keep your operating temperatures down and increase the life span of your air compressor.

By following the tips above you'll ensure a nice long life for your air compressor, plus the jobs that you use it for will go faster and more productively. A well maintained air compressor is a wonderful machine for any job site or workshop, so keep yours running smoothly.

source:Charlie Slagle

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You can seriously hurt someone with a Pneumatic Nailer and I would not hesitate to defend my home with one if it came down to it. If you think about it though, it is just air, compressed air. Amazing that air, coupled with a nail and a pump, can be such a powerful force. This all comes about with the use of an air compressor.

Air compressors come in many shapes, sizes and abilities. The most important factor in choosing an air compressor is to determine the maximum CFM (cubic foot/minute) the tools that you are using require. CFM requirements are tool specific, for example, a paint sprayer or framing nailer will require a much higher CFM than a brad gun or a trim nailer. An air compressor with a larger tank will typically have a higher CFM because basically there is more air available for the tool to use. More specifically, the CFM output is related to the pump size.

It is recommended that you purchase an air compressor with a CFM capacity of 25% greater than what you will need. The durability of the air compressor is directly related to how long the pump has to run to keep your pneumatic tool working. If you use an undersized air compressor for the type of tool that you have and the work that you are doing, you will reduce the life of the air compressor pump.

Here are a few things to consider before you purchase an air compressor:

• Oil-free versus oil lubricated - The oil lubricated air compressors need to be serviced regularly. They are more durable because of this regular servicing and perform better in a non-climate controlled environments such as a garage or when used outdoors in cold weather.
• Noise - Another difference between air compressors is the higher the rpm on the motor, typically, the noisier the compressor will be. Makita makes an air compressor that runs on a slower speed motor. They are the quietest air compressor available and have a capacity of 4.2CFMs. Noise quickly becomes important when you are listening to the pump turn on intermittently in your house.
• Rating CFM output - This difference is due to the location of the Rating Facility. An air compressor that is CFM rated at sea level will not have the same output if you take it up to say, Breckenridge, Colorado at 9,000 feet above sea level.
• Cooling capacity - Makita brand air compressors use cooling fins. These aluminum cooling fins wrap around the copper tube that connects the pump to the tank. The aluminum conducts the heat to the increased surface area that these fins provide, thus keeping your air compressor cooler and increasing its lifespan.
• Air Intake Filters - All air compressors have an intake air filter that must be kept clean or it will reduce the capacity of your pump. The air filters need to be changed regularly depending upon how often you use your air compressor. Follow the instructions on your specific brand to see how often the air filter needs to be changed on your compressor.

Here is a convenient chart of some common air tools and their CFM requirements.

As with all power tools, read the manual (yes, read it) for proper maintenance procedures to keep your tools running at their peak performance!

While many people may take their refrigeration system for granted, this, along with many hundreds of other applications that humans use on a daily basis use air compressors. Whether you are riding a bike and need to fill your tires with air from an air compressor or you're wondering why your refrigerator won't work properly, chances are that you'll need an air compressor to help you fix what's wrong. Although some thing are more easily fixed than others with an air compressor, and sometimes the whole system needs to be replaced.

But what exactly is an air compressor? An air compressor is actually just what the phrase states: a tank or amount of air that has been compressed that will be used for later use. This is exactly what many of the portable air compressors are for, actually. Portable air compressors will actually help you put air in your tires, inflate balloons, and even deliver oxygen right to your body! Many people actually take the application of using air compressors for granted, but when you are stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire, chances are that you'll be wishing that you had an air compressor or a whole other inflated tire.

Uses of Air Compressors

As previously mentioned, there are many uses for an air compressor that you may not have even thought of. On idea that was not mentioned, though, was scuba divers and air compressors. Air compressors are used to deliver scuba divers air and oxygen below sea level. Additionally, air conditioners that consumers use throughout the years utilize air compressors as their main source of energy as they cool down the space around them. These are only a couple of the uses that people have for air compressors. In an engine, air compressors are used in the heating and cooling systems. They are also used in large power plants to deliver energy to huge machinery.

Air compressors are definitely an underrated man-made piece of equipment that benefits a whole range of individuals. From portable air compressors to large-scale compressors, these are fantastic tools with many different uses!