In addition, the tank has a safety valve that opens if the pressure switch malfunctions. A gauge before the regulator monitors tank pressure and a gauge after the regulator monitors air-line pressure. Therefore, the air line will include a regulator that you set to match the pressure requirements of the tool you're using. Most of the time, though, you don't need that much pressure. Some commercial 2-cylinder compressors are 2-stage compressors–one piston pumps air into a second cylinder that further increases pressure.Ĭompressors use a pressure switch to stop the motor when tank pressure reaches a preset limit–about 125 psi for many single-stage models. On the homeowner/contractor level, most of the 2-cylinder models operate just like single-cylinder versions, except that there are two strokes per revolution instead of one. Typical compressors come in 1- or 2-cylinder versions to suit the requirements of the tools they power. With each stroke, more air enters the tank and the pressure rises. The air moves from the discharge port to the tank. As the piston moves up, the air above it compresses, holds the inlet valve shut and pushes the discharge valve open. This allows outside air at atmospheric pressure to push open the inlet valve and fill the area above the piston. As the piston moves down, a vacuum is created above it. Both are simply thin metal flaps–one mounted underneath and one mounted on top of the valve plate. The compressed air in the tank drives the air tools, and the motor cycles on and off to automatically maintain pressure in the tank.Īt the top of the cylinder, you'll find a valve head that holds the inlet and discharge valves. While there are small models that are comprised of just the pump and motor, most compressors have an air tank to hold a quantity of air within a preset pressure range. The crankshaft is driven by either an electric motor or a gas engine. Like a small internal combustion engine, a conventional piston compressor has a crankshaft, a connecting rod and piston, a cylinder and a valve head. Most of the compressors you'll run across do this job with a reciprocating piston. Here, air pressure is increased by reducing the size of the space that contains the air. While there are compressors that use rotating impellers to generate air pressure, positive-displacement compressors are more common and include the models used by homeowners, woodworkers, mechanics and contractors. This makes for light, compact, easy-to-handle tools that run quietly and have fewer parts that wear out.

Instead, a single motor on the compressor converts the electrical energy into kinetic energy. The big advantage of air power is that each tool doesn't need its own bulky motor. Models sized to handle every job, from inflating pool toys to powering tools such as nail guns, sanders, drills, impact wrenches, staplers and spray guns are now available through local home centers, tool dealers and mail-order catalogs. And, more and more, air compressors are finding their way into home workshops, basements and garages.

You'll find air compressors used in a wide range of situations-from corner gas stations to major manufacturing plants. It's based on the energy stored in air that's under pressure, and the heart of the system is the air compressor. While the belts and shafts may be gone, many shops still use a mechanical system to move power around the shop. The power was routed around the work space by mechanical means. Years ago, it was common for shops to have a central power source that drove all the tools through a system of belts, wheels and driveshafts.

Air compressor