Alegerea unui compresor
Each individual Pneumatic Fastening Tool has a maximum working pressure. The F28WW-E for example has a maximum working pressure of 120psi, but on most applications 90+ psi is sufficient. Look in the front table of the tool technical Data Manual or GSC to find the min-max working pressure of the tool/s in question. Any excess pressure is absorbed by the tool which causes premature wear that shortens tool life. It could also increase the level of noise and vibration exposure to the operator. In short use only what you need!
Airflow
In addition to pressure, each tool needs a certain amount of air (airflow) to operate. This airflow or volume of air is measured in Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) or Litres per Minute (L/min). The volume of air needed to operate a tool is based on the size of the tool and the speed you want to use it. For example an N58C-1 operating at 60 cycles per minute, at 100psi will require 3.25CFM to operate correctly, but the same tool operating at 30 cycles per minute will require half as much air or approx 1.6CFM. So if you’re running 2 x N58’s at 30 cycles per minute then you need at least 3.25 CFM. The amount of air needed (in L/min) to operate a particular model per shot / cycle can be found in the table at the front of the Tool Technical Data manual which comes with each tool.
Selecting from a range of air compressors is sometimes confusing because there is so much choice, but consider the following points to help make your decision:
Where is the compressor going to be used and what power supply is available there?
If the site is remote and has no power a petrol unit may be required, or if being used on a building site you may have to use 110v. If a standard domestic power supply is available then a standard 230v is probably the simplest and most cost effective solution.
Should I choose an Oil-less or Lubricated model?
Air compressors are available in oil-less and lubricated models. Conventional lubricated units require oil to operate and need to be monitored just like a car engine. However these units are more durable than there oil-free cousins and perform best in continuous, heavy use environments. Oil-less air compressors on the other hand are ideal for lower volume applications, are low maintenance and can work at steep angles where lubricated units may experience poor oil circulation.
What Size motor?
Any tool operated slowly enough can be used with almost any air compressor, but as your speed increases the tool needs more air. If you try to run a second tool the air requirement can double or triple and either way the compressor can’t produce enough volume and just can’t keep up. You may then see a range of symptoms: lack of penetration ( laddering ), misfeeds or the tool just doesn’t cycle at all. So don’t under estimate the requirement, or the customer will think the tool and compressor supplied are not up to the job!
Will the tool/s really be operating at 60 cycles a minute? probably not.
What size and type of tools will he be using now and in the future?
What tank size do I go for?
Warning! Don’t assume that just because an air compressor has a large tank that it has more power, this is not always the case. Our compact 20 litre unit could supply the same volume of air than our 100 litre version. Remember - the Volume or FAD of air a compressor is the most important point! This is defined by the size, type and efficiency of the motor and pump unit, NOT the tank. The tank is just a holding vessel. A larger tank is beneficial where longer periods of running are required without an interval, but will have no influence on the amount of air delivery at any one time, even though the time between shots may be shorter than that with a smaller tank.
How many tools will he want to use at the same time?
If he is planning to use an N58C-1 for pallet production, the 24 Litre oiless unit is not a good choice, but if he is a one man business who just does fence repair a few hours a day it could be perfect.
Consider these points and calculate your total volume of air consumption in FAD for your application, and compare this the FAD figures for the air compressors you are considering. Always consider the current and future requirement where possible and build a 10% buffer to be sure. Use the table of actual tool consumption level examples as rough guide for quick reference, but if in doubt then consult with your local Bostitch Technical department for further advice on all our air compressors.