Searching the best air compressor for woodworking is a crafty task. It requires the utmost patient and care to create something out of a piece of wood. You may already know this as an experienced woodworker. Whether a novice or expert, your skill can only take you so far.
A good air compressor can please your mind as you blow away the tiny wooden powders from a workpiece. It should be so light to carry around the workplace and be durable enough to be used for a long time.
Even though finding one like that is hard, rest assured as the products below are filled with all the best features for woodworking.
3 Best Air Compressor for Woodworking Reviews
01. Stealth Portable Air Compressor
It is required to have a good amount of pressure for woodworking processes. The Stealth Portable Air Compressor grants its applications with that required pressure and airflow with ease. It is small and convenient to work with.
Just like its name suggests, the air compressor can work at stealth by producing a low amount of sound. It makes noise under 65 dB, improving the environment of your workplace. With its tank size of 3 gallons, it can provide air to your woodworking needs for a long time.
Featuring a high pressure of up to 150 PSI, your work will be so smooth. Its impressive motor can deliver 2.5 CFM of airflow at 90 PSI and 3.5 CFM at 40 PSI. The motor can make 1 HP of power to successfully keep the compressor running for as long as it needs.
Meanwhile, the motor can start at all seasons and got a voltage limit of 120 V.
You can easily transport it around with the hand-held bars and low weight. Get this item soon to use on your inflating, woodworking, finishing, and other light-duty jobs.
02. WEN 2289 Vertical Air Compressor
Browsing for a top-quality air compressor for woodworking, you can’t neglect the importance of an item being small yet compact. The WEN 2289 Vertical Air Compressor is created to provide you with an ultra-mobile machine that effectively gets your woodworking jobs done.
This air compressor is a beast at forcing burst of air with a maximum pressure rating of 150 PSI. The rate of air flowing out of the machine is 4 CFM at 90 PSI and 5 CFM at 40 PSI. It can do its job continuously with a 10 gallons medium-sized tank.
Additionally, it has two pressure gauges for checking out the pressure and an NPT output coupler with a size of ¼ inches.
The air compressor doesn’t require oil. Rather, it runs on electricity, saving you the cost of the fuel. It also makes it last longer. For a perfect body, manufacturers created it with heavy steel.
To deliver easy mobility, there are two wheels and a handle that is easy to grip. Because of how it is flexible in all conditions and has a light body (71.5 pounds), experts want everyone to try it.
03. DEWALT D55151 Twin Hot Dog Compressor
Meet the air compressor that pleased all the woodworking experts. Named the DEWALT D55151 Twin Hot Dog Compressor, this machine can make you feel like a massive upgrade happened at your workplace.
Coming up with a strong motor that runs on gas, this air compressor can generate as much power as 1.1 HP. It takes only a low electric current of 14 Amp. DeWalt created the air compressor with the unique hot dog design, something that enables easy adaptability.
The twin-cylinder shape can hold a good amount of air (4 gallons each) for your woodworking task. It takes a voltage of 120 V and features a faster auto repairing. The recovery is possible for the 100 PSI pressure that can create 3.2 CFM of airflow.
Meanwhile, the cylinders of this air compressor are made of cast iron. As a result, they became so durable.
To increase stability, the item is lubricated with oil. The additional regulator is 3/8 inches in size. With a small size, you can store it easily. Get this item quickly and experience its wonder.
Buying Guide for the Best Air Compressor for Woodworking
A top-quality tool is the best friend of a worker. As a woodworker, you deserve tools that do their jobs accurately, ridding you of any disappointment. One of the major tools in the field of woodworking is the air compressor.
They are used heavily throughout the process of working with a workpiece. However, if your air compressor can’t provide enough airflow or pressure, it is not the right choice. Are you planning to buy an air compressor that can tackle your woodworking job efficiently?
Then have a look at the important factors you should look for in your new compressor-
Size
To perform your woodworking tasks, you do not need a bulky large air compressor. Honestly, one like that can actually be harder to use and take too much space. Instead, one that comes with a smaller yet steady body is ideal in this case.
The tank size of your air compressor can be anywhere between 1 to 10 gallons. Your workpieces won’t require any more than that. It also makes it light.
Pressure and Airflow
While different applications require different pressure and airflow ratings, most light-duty tasks need a maximum airflow of 100 PSI. One thing you must check is how much airflow the air compressor generates at 90 and 40 PSI. It is because they are two standard points in lighter applications.
Airflow, which is measured by CFM, is how much air the machine delivers to its application. If the airflow is too low, the small wooden rubbles may not be properly removed. Your air compressor should provide at least 2.5 CFM at 90 PSI.
Motor Stats
The motor should be powerful enough to generate the necessary airflow for a continuous rate for at least 2-3 minutes. This power is measured by HP. For woodworking, your air compressor’s motor should create a power of at least 1 HP.
Fuel/energy source
You should decide what type of fuel you want to use to run your air compressor. Different air compressor motors run on oil, gas, or electricity.
While fueled air compressors run smoothly and can run without the need for any power cords. Meanwhile, the electric ones are much affordable to maintain and repair.
Durability
It is obvious that while working in a factory, a machine should be compact enough. Air compressors that are made of cast iron or aluminum are durable and don’t rust. They can also absorb a high vibration level.
FAQ's
What is an air compressor used for in woodworking?
In woodworking, air compressors are used extensively to power pneumatic tools and systems to improve the quality of work or output. Some examples include sanders, planers, routers, staplers and drills. Air compressors can be used in factories that have light or heavy air needs. The most commonly used types of pneumatic tools are sanders, nail guns and staple guns.
What size air compressor do I need for woodworking?
In order to select the right tools for furniture manufacturing, it is important to have an idea of what 90 PSI caps your projects needs. A good rule of thumb is to have at least 35% more than the required 90 PSI for the given tool, or about 120 PSI.
What is best oil free or oil air compressor?
While oil-free air compressors cost less and weigh less, they tend to become more unreliable than their oil-filled counterparts over time due to the fact that they are pre-lubricated. These compressed solutions may start off squeaky clean but eventually erosion of volatile dry Teflon bearings will make them dry out over time. they don't last as oil air compressors.
Conclusion
Better research delivers a greater outcome. Before going to the shop, check whether woodworking is the only application that you will be using your air compressor on.
Since most light-duty tasks require the same levels of pressure, airflow, and power, you can use an air compressor for multiple works.
Keep in mind, air compressors need perfect care and require many additional tools to keep them safe. So, while buying the compressor, calculate your budget to buy those extra items too.
Olivia Archer provides in-depth coverage of air compressors, air compressor accessories, tire inflators and all things related to air compressors. She is a mechanical engineer and air compressor expert with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the industry.
Olivia’s articles are informative, well-researched and provide readers with valuable insights and information to help them make informed decisions when purchasing air compressors and accessories. She is passionate about the industry and is always looking for new ways to share her knowledge and expertise with readers. When she’s not writing for the website, Olivia can be found working on her own DIY projects, experimenting with different tools and techniques, and expanding her knowledge of the industry.
