At present, air compressors are not only used for professional purposes. Once only home crafters and mechanics used this tool on garages or workshops. But the industry has changed, and we see it in different uses in our daily lives.
Have you ever noticed how to use an air compressor? Possibly yes as it is required for many works. Suppose you want to paint your old car with a car paint sprayer, you will need a compressed air system. Is it only that? No.
Suppose you need a blast of water to effectively clean your car, and that’s why you need to run an electric car pressure washer. Here you also need compressed air.
Whether it comes to personal or commercial use, you cannot ignore its importance.
Along with the air-powered tool like framing nailers, these are used for versatile activities. The construction, manufacturing, agriculture, automobiles, energy sector owners are the common users of it.
Regardless, people also use the compressor for versatile dye projects. The difference is, for commercial use, you’ll need heavy-powered air compressors.
Conversely, a small electric air compressor with average power is compatible with personal purposes. Whatever, it is small or big, let’s learn to use it perfectly.
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How to Use Air Compressor – Step by Step Guideline
Electric compressors make our work easier and save time. But we need to use it adequately as follows:
Step 1: Put on the Safety Gears
Safety comes first. So before running the compressor, make sure that you wear safety gear like gloves, goggles, safety work boots. All this is very necessary for your maximum security.
Step 2: Put it at Right Place
Put the compressor in the right place. Right place means keeping the compressor in a flat, stable, and steady place.
Step 3: Connect the Air Compressor
Connect the power cord of the compressor to an electrical connection. But, make sure you don’t switch on the connection.
Step 4: Check the Oil Level
If your pneumatic tool is operated with the oil, then check its oil level. You might find it empty or containing inadequate oil. Now, open the oil cap and fill the compressor with the required oil.
Here we need to mention that 2/3 portion of the oil into the compressor is a must.
Step 5: Adjust the Drain Valve
Before preparing the compressor for work, you need to make sure its drain valve is closed. You will find it at the end of the air tank. Tighten the valve using an adjustable wrench to close it.
Step 6: Attach the Hose
Connect the Air Hose with the regulator valve of the air compressor. The regulator valve should be located at the end of the compressor. Wrap the end of the regulator with the PTFE tape after you insert the air hose.
Step 7: Add Additional Hose
Make sure the hose length is sufficient to reach your working area. If a single hose doesn’t reach the working area, you can attach an additional air hose.
Step 8: Plug in the Powered Tool
Plugin the powered tool into the end of the air hose. Slowly sliding while entering the powered device to make the work easier. Twist it after entering into the hose. Make sure both the powered tool and air hose are locked in place.
If you don’t make that sure, the compressor might leak the air during the operation.
Step 9: Turn off the Power Switch
After adjusting the powered tool and hose, you’ll need to plug the compressor into a socket.
Wait! Before plug-in, check whether the switch of the compressor is turned off or not! If not, then turn it off. Without turning off the power, entering the compressor into the socket might cause an accident.
Step 10: Pull the Safety Valve
Pull the plug of the safety valve. Can’t find the safety valve? The valve should be right next to the hose holding the copper color.
Pull its plug so that the valve releases the compressed air by making hiss sound. When the valve releases the pressure, keep the plug back in its place.
Step 11: Switch on The Compressor
It’s time to operate the compressor. But, before that, turn its switch on. Also, tap on the electrical switch to turn it on.
Last update on 2023-03-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Step 12: Set the PSI
Adjust the pressure of your compressor based on the instruction given on it. The ideal hose pressure of a portable air compressor ranges from 75 to 85 PSI.
But remember, the maximum hose pressure of the compressor never crosses 90 PSI. Every time you switch on and use it, you must adjust the PSI according to the instruction.
Step 13: Adjust the Pressure Regulator
The pressure regulator knob adjusts the pressure of air that comes from the compressor. So, matching with your pre-set PSI, Adjust the pressure regulator knob. The pressure compressor knob should be located on the air hose.
Make sure the pressure of air isn’t any more or less than you need.
Step 14: Operate the Compressor
It’s time to operate your pressurized air tool. Now, it’s ready to use!
The compressor will continue working until the pressurized air finishes. So, if the compressor suddenly stops working, that means it needs to refill.
Refill your device with the required oil and air and complete your work.
How to Maintain the Air Compressor?
After using, you must maintain it properly for longtime use. Follow the following task to keep it in good shape for a long time:
1. Remove the Excess Condensation
First, remove the excess condensation from the compressor. Do it periodically, even if you cannot do it every time after using.
2. Shut Down the Air Hose Supply
Wait for the compressor’s cool down. Shut off the hose’s air supply. Twist the regulator knob to stop the pressure of the hose.
Afterward, move to the compressor and turn it off. Turning off the pressure of it makes the draining process faster and easier.
3. The Process of Storing
Finally, it’s time to store the pneumatic tool. Before storing, make sure you have released the compressor from the socket. Afterward, remove the hose from its place.
4. Replacement of Oil
If you’re operating an oil-filled compressor, you must refill it before the oil finishes. Usually, the oil-filled compressor needs to fill oil after one year.
Still, you better consult with the mechanic to learn the right time to change the oil.
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Last update on 2023-03-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
FAQs
1. How Long Can You Leave the Compressor Running Air?
Ans: Typically, it is several hours to 24 hours. But, it depends! Depends on what size and type of air tool you’re using. Check the size and types to learn the continuous running capacity of your compressor.
If you have a large horse-powered air compressor, you can expect to run it for 24 hours continuously. Generally, such types of compressors are used for commercial purposes.
2. Can I Leave Air in My Compressor Overnight?
Ans: Yes! You can leave it running overnight. For a standard compressor tool, it doesn’t seem so complicated to run overnight. However, it is advisable to disable it when not in use.
3. Can an Air Compressor Explode?
Ans: Yes, the compressor can explode. But it is a rare case.
When the corrosion grows inside the air receiver tank, it holds the compressed air. As a consequence, it explodes. So, before starting the work, the operator must check the air receiver tank and air tool properly.
Final Words
Using an air compressor might be a bit difficult for a first-time user. But it is not any complicated.
Since this is a technical job, you must learn to use an air compressor before using it in real work. Otherwise, you may face an accident or make damage the machine.
Don’t worry; by following our step-by-step guide, you can use it at home and even for professional purposes as well.
Recommended Reading
- Best Air Compressor For Impact Wrench
- Best Air Compressor For Nail Gun
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