How To Pick The Perfect Two-Stage Air Compressor
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If you've ever worked in manufacturing or visited your local garage, you might have heard a rattling hum. That's the sound of power.
A two-stage air compressor to be more exact. To pick the perfect two-stage compressor, you've got to know what to look for.
Don't worry-we can help you pick the right 2-stage compressor for the job.
One Horsepower (hp) is the force needed to lift 550 lbs. one foot in one second. If you ask Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor, he'd invariably tell you, "It needs more power." The CFM (cubic feet per minute) the compressor can produce is most important.
Typically though, the more horsepower, the more power the compressor will have and the higher CFM it can produce. This isn't a muscle car so don't shop by horsepower. Shop by CFM needs instead.
CFM is the most important factor in determining what air compressor works for you. Every air tool has a CFM requirement. The higher the CFM, the more air volume the tool uses.
Many garages will power multiple air tools off one air compressor. Regardless of how many tools you are running simultaneously, you will need to estimate how much CFM you will need to power at any given time.
Total the CFM of tools in use and make sure the compressor can handle the workload. Tools that require constant power, such as grinders or sanders, will require more CFM than tools which need sporadic power, such as nail guns.
The main difference in voltage and single vs. three-phase is where you will be using your compressor.
In a residential setting, you will be dealing with single phase.
Make sure you know what type of wiring you are dealing with before buying a compressor. With many different types available, you'll find one to fit your needs.
Three phase electricity is found mostly in industrial settings. Three phase power is considered more efficient and will result in less wear and tear on your motor. Voltage and phase vary by location so consult your local codes and electrician before purchasing.
The size of the tank on a two-stage air compressor is measured in gallons. They can range from 60 - 200 gallons. The size of tank you need is predicated on the how often the compressor is in use.
Start-stop air compressors run until the tank is full of compressed air. As you use air tools, the PSI from the tank is depleted. Once this reaches the low setting, the compressor turns back on and refills. If your compressor is starting and stopping too frequently you run the risk of overheating which can damage the pump.
Constant-run air compressors run 100% of the time but regulate the air output as needed.
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Two-stage air compressors come in two styles: horizontal or vertical.
Your space requirements or limitations will determine which style to buy. If you don't have a wide area to run one in, get a vertical compressor.
Likewise, if you are storing the compressor up high and have height limitations, choose a horizontal model. There is no difference in performance and utility of horizontal vs. vertical compressors of equal power. They are the same machines, just built in different styles.
NEXT: Two-Stage Air Compressor Product Selector
Virtual Air Treatment - How to Get Clean, Treated Air
Looking for ways to treat your compressed air? Whether you're using your compressor for applying a smooth coat of paint to an automobile or using it for powering air tools, air treatment is an important part of doing the job right.Removing water and contaminants from your compressed air can prolong the life of your air tools and keep your paints clean and dry so they apply more smoothly. Browse our virtual air treatment guide for ideas on how you can improve the quality of your compressed air.
View Our Virtual Air Treatment GuideBy Melissa C.
Air Compressor Expert
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A two stage reciprocating air compressor is ideal for demanding, industrial applications. They are much tougher than single stage compressors and can handle more pressure and more capacity (cfm).
With two stage air compressors, the air is compressed in two stage. In between the stages, the air is cooled.
Stage 1
Air is compressed to medium level. This is the big cylinder/piston. It moves a high volume of air, but at a low pressure.
Cooler
Air is cooled back to a much lower level. This makes the compressor more efficient and reduced stress on the high pressure stage.
Stage 2
The air is compressed further to the end pressure. This is the small cylinder/piston. It moves a lower volume of air, but at an high pressure.
On some models, you can clearly see the two stages (a v-shaped pump with a big and a small cylinder). On other models, they low pressure and the high pressure cylinder are cast in 1 block. It looks like a single stage compressor, but it is a two stage compressor.
Two stage air compressors can get up to to 175 psi (12 bar). You need to figure out for yourself how much pressure you need. If you only need 125 psi, it's better to look for compressor with a lower maximum pressure, but at an higher capacity (cfm): more air for your bucks!
Like with buying any type of compressor, you need to know (approximately) the amount of air that you will be using.
If you don't know what capacity you need, be sure to start at the air compressor buying guide main page. Two stage reciprocating air compressors go up to about 50 CFM (cubic feet per minute). If you need more, a rotary screw compressor might be a good option.
Duty cycle
The duty cycle of almost all two stage air compressors is 100%. That's one of the reasons why they are viewed as 'more powerfull' and durable. 100% duty cycle means that the compressor can run non-stops, without needing time to cool down.
In contrast, most single-stage air compressors have a duty cycle of 50% or 75% (see single stage air compressor buying guide)
Electrical connection
Since two stage are compressors are a lot bigger than single stage air compressor, the right electrical connection becomes important. Make sure that you have an adequate power supply available at the place where you want to install your compressor. Have it installed by an electrician when necessary.
Some compressors can be bought either with a single fase or 3-phase motor. And often you can choose between 200 volts, 230 volts or 460 volts. Make sure you choose the correct type for your situation.
Bigger two stage compressors only come as 3-phase machines. Keep in mind that most dual stage air compressors come without any wiring, so you have supply that too.
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