| Location | Northeast Minneapolis (NEMTL) |
| Manufacturer | Ridgid |
| Model | OF60150HA |
About:
Consumer-grade air compressors can be described as a pancake or single-stage model. They’re used for household tasks like inflating tires and inflatable products and low-load air tools like staplers and brad guns.
Professional-grade air compressors provide more power and higher pressurized air. They could be two-stage reciprocating models or rotary screw models and can provide more power to run several air tools at once with intermittent use.
A standard air compressor works on the same principle as a water pump. It has one or more piston cylinders, which draw air in from the atmosphere on the upstroke and push it out to the gun on the downstroke. This generates a constant supply of compressed air, which flows through a hose into the gun's air reservoir.
This Unit:
Ridgid 6 gal air compressor, 150 psi max. 2.6scfm @ 90psi.
Step 1: Plug in the Compressor
Place the compressor on a firm, flat work area. Make sure the power switch is turned off. Plug the power cord into a grounded (three-pronged) electrical outlet.
Step 2: Check the Oil
If your compressor is a piston-type, make sure there is sufficient oil in the crankcase. Check the oil level by peering into the sight gauge at the bottom of the compressor motor. If necessary, remove the oil filler cap, and add compressor oil to bring the level up to the full mark on the gauge. Check the oil level after each use.
Step 3: Fill the Air Tank
Make sure the drain valve is closed at the bottom of the air tank by tightening it with an adjustable wrench in a clockwise direction. Turn the power switch on and allow the compressor to run for a few minutes. Check the built-in air gauge and make sure the compressor shuts off automatically when the air pressure reaches 100 to 115 psi. The pressure capacity of the tank will vary, depending on the model.
Step 4: Adjust the Air Control Valve
Adjust the air control valve to match the maximum allowed air pressure on the air tool that you will be using. Do this by turning the air control valve in either direction until the air pressure gauge reads the correct air pressure for the tool.
Step 5: Connect Air Hose
Connect an air hose to the compressor, making sure the length is sufficient to reach the work area. Wrap the threaded end of the air hose with two layers of Teflon tape, and then thread the hose onto the compressor fitting (located near the air pressure gauge). Tighten it in a clockwise direction with an adjustable wrench.
Some compressors may have quick-connect hose fittings to connect to the air tank.
Step 6: Connect the Pneumatic Tool
Connect your air tool to the other end of the air hose, using the quick-connect fitting. Pull back on the spring-loaded collar on the hose, and push it firmly onto the air intake on the tool. Release the collar to secure the connection.
To disconnect the tool, pull back on the collar while pulling the tool off the air hose.
Step 7: Drain Moisture After Use
Drain the moisture from the air tank periodically (check your owner's manual for recommendations) by loosening and removing the drain valve at the bottom of the tank with an adjustable wrench in a counterclockwise direction. When all water has drained from the tank, replace the drain valve and tighten it in a clockwise direction.
Compressor safety:
Electrical dangers: If an outlet isn’t grounded correctly, it can result in electrical shocks for your operators or irreparable damage for the machine. Also, be sure to follow the instructions in the owner’s manual for extension cord use.
Flying particles and debris: Highly pressurized air and pneumatic tools can cause flying debris. If it strikes an operator, the pieces can cause bodily injury, or they can become lodged in the machine, causing damage.
High pressures: If high-pressure air is injected into the body, dangerous conditions and injuries, such as air embolism, ruptured eardrums and ruptured organs, can result.
Noise: The noise from the compressor machine can also cause hearing loss so be sure to use hearing protection.
Drain the air from the compressor when finished.
Loan Notes: