air compressors

[Robert Goodale]

I think the answer to this question depends on what your needs are. 
 There are many compact units available but they have limited use due to 
their power and capacity.  On the other side are exceptionally large 
units which have a huge capacity but often require their own special 
power supply.  What will be the primary use for this unit?  If you 
mainly intend to use it for spraying then a smaller compressor will 
likely be sufficient.  If you plan on using it with pneumatic tools such 
as a die grinder for the Spurlock sound board router or a jitterbug 
sander, you will need a much larger capacity.

Air compressors fall into three basic categories.  The first is the 
rotary type which is common on smaller units, (although they are used on 
some lower end medium sized units).  These have a relatively quick 
recharge time but they are extremely noisy.  The next category is a 
single stage piston compressor.  This type uses a positive displacement 
cylinder/valve arrangement connected to a crankshaft.  They work 
exceptionally well and are the "ol' standard" but may have a slightly 
longer charge time depending on the size of the tank.  The third type is 
a two stage piston compressor.  These compressors have a primary piston 
which then feeds a secondary piston.  This not only speeds up the 
charging process but also produces a higher tank pressure allowing the 
fully charged tank to last longer before the unit has to restart.  Be 
prepared to pay considerably more for a two stage compressor.  Larger 
piston compressors, (60 gallon on up), are available in the traditional 
horizontal tank arrangement or the more space saving tall vertical tank.

We are presently in the process of starting a rebuilding shop, our 
building is currently under construction.  We will be using our 
compressor for a variety of uses ranging from spraying to pneumatic 
tools to blowing dust and dirt out of actions.  For these purposes as 
well as any other future needs we are opting to purchase a larger 220 
volt vertical compressor.  This unit will be located in a shed outside 
the building in order to eliminate noise altogether and will be plumbed 
throughout the shop with multiple access valves and regulators.

Good luck,

Rob Goodale, RPT
Las Vegas, NV


pianolover 88 wrote:

> I would appreciate any recommendations on where to find/buy an AC 
> powered air compressor for my shop. I know that there are many choices 
> out there, but I'd love to hear from list members who might have one 
> that they like, and hopefully one that is reasonably priced. I'm not 
> looking for anything elaborate; just something that i could use for 
> blowing out dust and debris from piano actions. I've checked the piano 
> supply catalogs but could find nothing. Thanks in advance for any help 
> in this regard.