Portable Single-Stage Air Compressors
Single-stage air compressors are lightweight, easy to maintain and highly portable, making them the ideal choice for home use. At Quincy Compressors, we’ve been manufacturing quality products since 1929. Our current line of portable single-stage air compressors includes something for nearly any budget or application. Keep reading to learn more.
What to Look for in a Single-stage Air Compressor
Quincy’s portable single-stage air compressors have industry-leading features, and we back them with one of the best warranties in the business. Any of our products makes an excellent choice for home or commercial use. That being said, there are a few things buyers should consider before making a purchase:
- Pressure and capacity: Pressure and capacity are the two main figures to be aware of when shopping for a portable single-stage compressor. Pressure, measured in PSIG, refers to the amount of force produced by a compressor. Most power most tools require a minimum PSIG of 90. Capacity, measured in CFM, is the amount of air a compressor can produce at a given pressure level at one time. If you plan on running multiple tools from one compressor, you’ll need a higher capacity machine.
- Electric: Typically, an electric engine drives portable air compressors. Electric compressors are smaller and lighter than gas, and they don’t require constant refueling to stay running. Gas compressors, however, tend to be more powerful than electric. (Quincy’s two-stage portable compressors offer a gas option.) Portables also have the advantage of being suitable for use in job sites where an electrical outlet isn’t available. However, they can’t be used indoors or in confined spaces because of their exhaust.
- Tank size: Most portable single-stage compressors feature a storage tank for holding air that has been compressed to a given level. The larger the tank, the more air you can store. Keep in mind a larger tank will obviously take up more space than a smaller one, which can create a problem when working in tight quarters.
- Portability: Larger, heavier and bulkier compressors are more difficult to transport from site to site. Smaller units are generally less powerful than larger ones. Make sure you have enough power to get the job done right, but be wary of purchasing a larger, more difficult-to-transport unit for the sake of a few extra CFM or PSIG you might not need. Quincy also offers a pressure-lubricated two-stage compressor for popular truck-mount applications.
- Safety features: Most single-stage portable air compressors are lubricated to prevent excess wear to piston components. One important safety feature to look for in these models is an automatic low-oil shutoff. This prevents costly damage to your compressor and mitigates the risk of a breakdown in the middle of a job.
- Warranty: An air compressor of any size can be a big investment. Shop smart and choose a manufacturer that stands behind their products with standard and extended warranty coverage options.
To learn more about the technology behind our single-stage air compressors, visit individual product pages or check out our Knowledge Center to view our library of white papers and articles. Need help choosing the right portable air compressor for your application? Contact a sales representative in your area to help you make the right choice.