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You would think that air compressors is all alike…they’re on a shelf. There are hose, tanks, and motor on them all. Each one say it can inflate your tire or power your nailer.
But then you buy first one you see and you become frustrated. Too little compressor mean waiting for pressure when you don’t have any time. Then the motor die from heavy use.
Too loud a compressor and you tick off neighbor. Matching job to right tool makes sense. Lowes has great assortment of units for different tasks.
Knowing the difference save you time and money. You don’t need a huge industrial unit if you are doing drywall. And you certainly don’t need small unit if you want to do some sandblasting.
Complete Guide to Lowes Air Compressor Types
Understanding Air Compressor Basics
Homeowners tend to go with pancake compressors. These come in shallow, wide tank designed to sit on the floor. Because of this shallow tank, center of gravity is kept low.
Also, it make it easy to carry. The tank does not take up much room, so vertical pump fit into small garage corners easly without obstructing door. Pancake compressors are very popular because they is readily available and inexpensive.
Pancake Compressors for Light Duty
If you need to blow dust off, fill your tires, or do some trim work, these is good for those light duty job. Since the tank is fairly small and the pump has to works harder to top it off fast, running it continually will cause some wear and generate heat. They are great as weekend repair tanks for the odd job here and there.
It is not a tank to rely on for everyday professional use.
Hot Dog Compressors for Heavy Duty
A hot dog compressor is big cylinder on wheels. These thing have horizontal tank that will hold much more air then a pancake unit.
This means they’re able to run your tool longer. Hot dogs are also heavier and much louder than pancake units. In shared spaces, this can be an issue.
Because it’s heavier, you won’t be able to pick them up as easy and move them into your truck. But you’ll enjoy increased runtime and power. This style handle impact wrenches and framing nailers without any problems.
The larger tank provide a cushion between short burst of air. This keep the motor from cycling on and off too often. This will extends the life of the pump.
On the job site, they’re a reliable option for contractor. The downside is you lose some portability and increase amount of noise.
Portable Compressors for Remote Work
Mobility is first and foremost with portable compressors.
It have a tiny tank (or no tank). They are very lightweight and easy to transport. They are for use in remote settings where there is limited power availability.
Some come equipped to be battery powered, some small engine powered. Useable in the attic or on the roof, no problem. It is not powerful.
No driving heavy tool such as jackhammers. Best used with smaller pneumatic tool and inflation of equipment. Air must be managed carefuly because there is no large tank.
You must allow compressor to refill frequently. This limit continuous use. It is a specific tool for certain mobility requirements.
Vertical Panoramic Compressors for Shops
These are vertical or panoramic compressors. A Panoramic compressor is narrow, tall tank on a vertical frame. They’re designed for use in areas where you don’t have much width but do have some height available.
Because it’s vertical, weight of the unit stay centered. That means it’s still stable even though it’s fairly tall. It tends to be larger horsepower compressor than its pancake cousin.
This provide additional power for those tougher job. For those who are limited on floor space at the shop, these is great compressors. You can easy stack things around it.
With an efficient vertical pump, this type of compressor stand as a good compromise between large and small compressors. They have enough power for those who need it, but they are not so big that they take up too much room. It is a good choice if you’re a serious hobbyist looking to step up your game.
Final Tips for Selection
Picking the proper Lowes air compressor for your situation is important. You don’t need more power then you will use. It’s better to have a smaller unit than a larger, unused one.
Take into account how much room you have in your shop as well as how noisy it might be. Size the tank according to what tool you’re using it with. Your job become easier when you get correct compressor.
It turns an irritating chore into a smooth operation.