Single and Two Stage Air Compressors

Many customers cannot decide between a single stage or a two stage air compressor for their auto shop. The big difference between the two is the PSI they produce. A single stage air compressor compresses air to a final pressure in one stroke. There is only one piston mounted on the unit and generally has an oversized belt wheel. They generally produce pressures between 70 PSI and 90 PSI with a maximum pressure of 135 PSI. This is fine to power most air tools you will work with. A two stage model compresses air to an intermediate pressure in the first stage, removes the heat of compression through an intercooler and then compresses air to a final pressure in the second stage. Two stage air compressors are more effecient and are generally used for pressures above 100 PSI. They have a maximum pressure of 175 PSI.