The team at ParkerBrand field quite a few questions over the phone from buyers that wish to discuss points about machines and equipment before purchase. We try to include all the stats and facts about a machine on the product description and on most machines you can download the Pdf of the manual.
We are often asked about air tools and their compatibility with our air compressor or those of other brands, below we'd like to give an overview of some common points raised in order to help you.
HOW DO I CALCULATE A CFM REQUIREMENT?
CFM (Cubic feet per minute) is a measure of the volume of air or gas that flows through a compressor in one minute. Firstly, find the required air flow (CFM) of your specific air tool. This information will be in your tools user guide/manual or can be found on the manufacturers website.
To find the minimum required CFM of the compressor you need multiply your tool’s required CFM by 1.5
For example: if you want to run our Air Die Grinder (4.5 CFM)
4.5 CFM x 1.5 = you will need a compressor with a minimum 6.75 CFM
If you’re going to be running multiple tools you’ll need to add together the individual CFM of each tool. Most DIY compressors, such as our Richmond range are designed to run only one tool at a time, Otherwise you will need a larger commercial compressor.
WHAT IS SCFM?
Standard Cubic Feet per Minute (SCFM) is the rate of a gas or air flow through a compressor at a standard temperature and pressure conditions. The standard temperature for calculating SCFM flow rate ranges from 16c to 20c, at a pressure of 14.7psi and relative humidity of 36%. Since SCFM measures volumetric airflow at standard conditions, it will always be higher than the CFM value for an air compressor.
WHICH SIZE TANK DO I NEED?
We get asked this quite frequently. In effect the larger the capacity of the tank, the longer your are able to work until the tank capacity is exhausted.
ARE RICHMOND COMPRESSORS DIRECT DRIVE?
Yes, they are, in short. But what does that mean? This means there are far less moving parts (such as a drive belt or pulley) and although they are generally less powerful they are easier to maintain, smaller and lighter, therefore making them ideal for a home user. A direct drive air compressor is an air compressor that uses the motor as a rotating shaft.
DO THEY NEED OIL?
Both oil-less and oiled variants of the direct drive exist and you can read more about that here. Richmond air compressors use SAE-30 oil, which we recommend. You can use ISO46 which is a dedicated compressor oil. We do also stock Oil-less machines which require less maintenance and are a quieter than their counterparts. You can view them here.
Further Information
If you'd like to discuss your purchase further or have nay further questions a member of the team here in Louth, Lincolnshire will be happy to help you. The Customer Care number is 01507 499198.
