Maintenance

Compressor’s come standard with “break-in” oil designed for the first 50 hours. Accurate oil change intervals should be determined by a fluid sampling report and directed by the analysis. A rough guideline for most LP Compressors is to change the oil every 3 months.

The Air Intake Filter should be cleaned on a semi-daily basis. When the filter accumulates debris that does not come out during cleaning, or develops tears or holes, the filter should be replaced.

Simply put, a start-stop air compressor has a pressure switch that turns the machine on and off. Most samll electric and gasoline air compressors are start-stop.

A constant run compressor means the motor continuously runs and continuously turns the pump. Industrial shops who need constant air, on a daily basis, will need to purchase one of our constant run compressors.

Voltage

It depends on the size of the compressor and what your compressor has been designed for. Most larger models run on Single Phase 208-230 or 3 Phase 208-230/460.

It is not recommended to use a generator to power any compressor. Generators have fluctuations in power and compressors require constant voltage to be able to run.

Water

Compressor tanks are made of steel and rust will start to occur if water is left in the tank. It is best to drain your tank with the drain valve daily to eliminate this problem.

Hoses

This will depend on the type of  Compressor you have. The two most commonly used sizes are 1/4″ and 3/4″ hose. Check your compressor’s maual or discharge port.

This will depend on the size of your compressor and the CFM required. Generally, for a small portable unit, 150′ is the maximum. For an Industrial Series compressor that length can be much greater.

Other

Please see the LP Air Tool CFM Guide for a list of tools and their respective CFM requirements.

LP Air Tool CFM Guide download

This depends on how often you run your compressor. If you are only running it occassionally then annual service should be fine. If you use your compressor daily then quarterly maintenance is suggested.

This is a common problem, but luckily there is an easy fix. To provide the required pressure to your tools, add a pressure regulator to your line. Pressure regulators can be set for any desired pressure, giving you the correct air pressure when the air reaches your tool.

AIR TOOL CFM GUIDE

Download Air Tool CFM Guide

For continuous use, multiply “Average CFM x 4” to get a continuous CFM rating for the tool.

Air Tool Average CFM @ 90 PSI
Air Reciprocating 7
Angle Disc Grinder (7″) 5-8
Angle Polisher 8
Brad Nailer 0.3
Buffer 13
Chisel/Hammer 3-11
Cut-off Tool 4-10
Drill 3-6
Dual Sander 11-13
Framing Nailer 2.2
Grease Gun 4
Hydraulic Riveter 4
Impact Wrench (3/8″) 2.5-3.5
Impact Wrench (1/2″) 4-5
Impact Wrench (1″) 10
Mini Die Grinder 4-6
Needle Scaler 8-16
Nibbler 4
Orbital Sander 6-9
Paint Spray Gun 7-9
Ratchet (1/4″) 2.5-3.5
Ratchet (3/8″) 4.5-5
Rotational Sander 8-13
Sand Blast Cabinet 9-15
Shears 8-16
Speed Saw 5