How To Know If Your Shop Needs A Two-Stage Compressor
Posted on: 24 October 2018
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Pneumatic tools make work less labor-intensive and they can improve productivity. There are many types of pneumatic tools and they all require the use of an air compressor. There are two basic types of compressors: single stage and two stage. Two-stage compressors are usually best for commercial and industrial shops. Here's how to tell if a two stage air compressor is right for your needs.
Your Tools Require High PSI
Check the requirements of the tools your crew will use daily to determine their PSI needs. A single-stage compressor is good for operating things like nail guns, saws, and other equipment used in basic workshops, but tools used continuously all day long in auto body shops and industrial workplaces need higher power that can only be supplied by a two-stage compressor.
The two types of compressors work in similar ways in that they compress air to increase its PSI before it's stored in a tank. However, the two-stage compressor compresses air twice so it has much more power for industrial tools and tools that run all day long. Before you buy a compressor, you need to understand the specifications of the tools it will power and buy a compressor that can deliver enough PSI to meet their needs.
Your Shop Operates Multiple Tools Off One Tank
Another thing to consider when choosing the right compressor is how many tools will operate at the same time off of the tank of compressed air. This isn't a necessary consideration if one person will operate one small tool at a time. However, when multiple users operate multiple air guns or other tools at the same time, you'll need a two-stage compressor that can deliver enough power.
The Compressor Will Be In A Permanent Location
If you need a compressor you can wheel around to different places in your facility or take to an offsite location, then you might prefer a smaller single-stage unit. If your compressor and storage tank will stay in the same place for long-term use, then buying a larger two-stage unit that provides increased versatility would probably be a better choice.
Your shop may have a need for both types of compressors, so understanding the tools you operate and how the compressor will be used is the best way to find the right match for your shop. However, two-stage compressors are often the best choice for industrial and commercial use since they have more power and produce larger quantities of compressed air quicker so they can keep pace with your workflow.