As we become independent and own our own houses, we become enticed by the idea of possessing tools and gadgets that will make our DIY adventures, more pleasant and manageable. It’s more than just a matter of saving money, but a challenge to ourselves to see how much we can learn about house activities and the things that can help us do them more efficiently without consuming much of our time.
If we have a pool in our house, we might want to have tools to engage in pool maintenance in a more efficient manner. If we have repairs and maintenance to do regarding windows and doors, owning an electric drill and a set of screwdrivers, hammers, and other useful things, can greatly enhance the results. And when it comes to painting our house or car, owning an air compressor comes a long way.
But what are the things one has to keep in mind when getting an air compressor, and how do we actually benefit from one?
In this beginner guide to air compressors, we will talk about a specific type of air compressor known as the screw compressor, its difference from regular models, and what are the advantages of oil free screw compressors in comparison to the ones that need oil.
These are, in my opinion, the most important aspects one needs to keep in mind while dealing with air compressors, so if you are interested in buying a guide, this article is definitely for you.
Things to Have in Mind When Purchasing a Compressor
A lot of people don’t understand what they should be paying attention to when it comes to choosing a compressor. This is understandable, considering all the factors that can influence this decision.
For that reason, will cover some of the most basic knowledge you should have before purchasing this specific tool.
- Assess your needs: Assess the reasons why you are considering buying a compressor, so you can narrow down the potential options at your disposal to choose one that suits you the most.
- Considering portability and space requirements: It is true that compressors can vary greatly in size and weight. If that is an important feature for you, make sure to check these two features.
- Will you use it at home or will you need a portable choice? If you are planning on only using it at home with the advantage of electricity at your disposal, most options out there are viable. If you, on the other hand, will need it at times where electricity is not available, consider a portable option.
- Consider the strength of the compressor: Different models have different levels of strength when it comes to compressed air. Screw-based models, for example, tend to be much stronger and larger, with great choices for heavy duties and constant maintenance. Choosing the one that suits you the most is only possible after assessing your needs, so steps 1 and 4 are heavily associated.
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Understanding the Science Behind Screw Compressors
First of all, we can say that a screw-based compressor enters the category of gas compressors, more specifically speaking, air compressors. It uses a rotary mechanism in comparison to more traditional models that use piston-based systems. It works by taking advantage of two rotors (commonly referred to as screws) to compress the gas.
This is only possible thanks to a very precise alignment between the two rotors that don’t cause any form of contact. They trap the air between the two rotors and allows its movement and compression through the screws as they rotate at high speeds.
Benefits and Disadvantages of Screw-Based Models
Something important to note about these specific types of air compressors is that they are considerably more expensive than your traditional choice, but they can be better long-term investments because they consume less electricity. They are also significantly better at dealing with long-lasting in comparison to piston-based models, which is the reason why they are replacing them for a lot of activities.
Another thing to have in mind is that screw-based models are much quieter than piston-based ones, and this can be a great advantage for people with close neighbors.
Still, something to consider is that they tend to require more frequent maintenance and might require a more experienced user to deal with it.
Oil Free vs Oil Based
Now, compressors require a certain level of lubrication to work properly. Most of the time, compressors use oil, since it allows pressure to be created much faster, and when this pressure is created, the oil is separated from the air, thus, enabling the re-using of said oil. This is why it is the most commonly used form of air compressing.
However, although oil-free compressors are significantly more expensive, they are great investments because they are already lubricated and require less maintenance, and have lower costs level when used.
Benefits of Owning an Air Compressor
Now, you might be thinking: Why would I want to own an air compressor? Well, air compressors are great additions for those who like to engage in specific activities like painting a house or a car or own bikes.
Of course, as discussed earlier, if you want to truly benefit from an air compressor, you have to assess your needs, but if you want, you can check this article for some ideas.
Reinflating a bike’s wheels or inflating pool toys, for example, is significantly easier with this tool. Painting a car or a house like a pro is much doable as well, and if you like to do barbecues, lighting coal with compressed air will make things much more manageable.