• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Forum
  • Design Studio
  • Upholstery Jobs
  • Newsletter
  • Sponsors

The Hog Ring

Auto Upholstery Community

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Choosing an Air Compressor for Your Shop

July 9, 2013 By Nadeem Muaddi

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Air Compressor

No auto upholstery business is complete without a strong and dependable air compressor powering its pneumatic tools. Next to a quality industrial sewing machine and steamer, I’d argue that it’s the most important piece of equipment that a trimmer will buy. Not surprisingly, it’s also one of the most expensive.

But with all the different makes and models available, how do you know which air compressor is right for you? Hotrod & Restoration Magazine recently published a guide to help you make that decision.

Mike Mavrigian, author of the guide, explains the mechanics of air compressors in simple terms. He makes understanding machine specs, determining necessary power output, distinguishing between models and comparing costs easy. He even compiles a list of pros and cons for every type of machine on the market.

Here’s an interesting excerpt from the guide:

To figure out the amount of maximum air pressure (PSI) you’ll need from your machine, first identify the tool in your shop that requires the highest PSI. For instance, this may be a tire changer/inflator that demands 150 PSI. If only one piece of equipment needs a much higher pressure, you’re better off choosing a compressor for that purpose. Most tools only need 80-90 PSIG. Running them higher increases tool wear and wastes energy.

According to Michael Camber of Kaeser Compressor Inc., every 2 PSIG increase in pressure increases energy requirements by 1 percent. Also, allow for pressure drop between the compressor and points of use. Narrow air pipes and contaminated filters can easily cause a 10-20 PSIG drop.

Interesting stuff! Unfortunately, this guide wasn’t available when our shop dropped a small fortune on an air compressor. However, new shops or old ones looking for an upgrade should take advantage of it. Buy smart and buy once, I always say…

To read the full guide, “Choosing the Right Compressor for Your Shop,” skip to page 30 of Hotrod & Restoration Magazine‘s digital April 2013 issue.

Filed Under: Archive, Guides & Manuals, Products & Reviews Tagged With: Air Compressor, Auto Trim, Auto Upholstery, Car Interior, Hotrod & Restoration Magazine

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AirToolGuy says

    December 27, 2014 at 2:57 pm

    Thanks for the tips in choosing air compressor. Really helps

  2. Anna D. Pritchett says

    January 18, 2016 at 3:35 am

    Excellent write up! I want to say that I was lucky to read this article. It gave me a different perspective on how to choosing the right air compressor. Thank you for sharing..

  3. Tom Brady says

    March 27, 2016 at 2:35 am

    Really, to choose a right air compressor, it is not easy. This article is useful for new customers, me too. Thanks!

  4. Aircompressorlab says

    October 6, 2016 at 9:40 am

    Thanks for the helpful tips in choosing air compressor

  5. Addy Brown says

    May 18, 2018 at 11:50 pm

    Air compressor tanks vary widely in size, ranging from two gallons to 120-plus US gallons. Some huge commercial models have 240-plus gallon tanks.

Primary Sidebar

anal porno bangbros rus porno yaşlı porno konulu porno olgun porno porno izle sarışın porno bakire sex 69 porno

THR Sponsors

NC Sewing Machines
Miami Corporation - Right Rail Ad 3
  • Big Z Fabric
  • OEM+ Banner Ad - The Hog Ring
  • Albright's Supply
  • Douglass Interior Products
  • Keyston Bros
  • Hyde Leather
  • Leather Craft

THR Favorites

The Hog Ring - Auto Upholstery News - Brent Parker Motor Trimming Door Panels

Lambo Stitching with Brent Parker 3

Over the last few weeks, we’ve followed … [more] about Lambo Stitching with Brent Parker 3

Auto Trimmers Sharing Lessons

Wisdom often comes from experience, and a lot … [more] about Auto Trimmers Sharing Lessons

The Hog Ring - Sewn Tight Custom Interiors - Successful Shops are Clean and Organized

Sewn Tight Custom Interiors’ Secret to an Organized Shop

Every auto upholstery shop can benefit from … [more] about Sewn Tight Custom Interiors’ Secret to an Organized Shop

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Racing Seat Design Studio

Design Studio: Racing Style Bucket Seats

Once strictly a product of the aftermarket, … [more] about Design Studio: Racing Style Bucket Seats

The Hog Ring - Meet Aspiring Auto Trimmer Lauren Ralphie Marusic

Meet Aspiring Auto Trimmer Lauren ‘Ralphie’ Marusic

We interview a lot of master craftsmen, but … [more] about Meet Aspiring Auto Trimmer Lauren ‘Ralphie’ Marusic

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Design Studio - Chevrolet Chevelle

Design Studio: 1968-72 Chevelle Door Panel

We’re continuing our popular door panel … [more] about Design Studio: 1968-72 Chevelle Door Panel

Categories

Footer

Recent Articles

  • Sewing Machines, Seat Covers and Badass Women: A Look Back in Time
  • Did You Know Sunscreen Can Damage Car Interiors?
  • Get Paid to Teach the Craft. WyoTech is Hiring a Trim & Upholstery Instructor
  • This Eco-Friendly Leather Alternative is Made from… Kiwifruit?!
  • Trimmer John Elvin Maddux Dies at 85

Recent Comments

  • Edward Munday on Hidden Mouse Nest? How to Charge for the Extra Dirty Work
  • Jack on Keyston Bros. Acquires DLT Corporation
  • Brodie Smith on Aston Martin Just Introduced a New Convertible DB12
  • THE CAPTAIN on 6 Tips for Turning Callers into Customers
  • Dmei on Star Wars Seat Covers are ‘So Wizard’

Advertise With Us!

We're always looking for companies to collaborate with. Watch this short video about the benefits of sponsorship and then email us to say hi.

Copyright © 2025 · Magazine Pro On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in