Want to know how to use a Porter-cable air compressor? Okay, place it beside you and read the guide now!

The Porter-Cable air compressor is preferred by the majority because of its reasonable price and efficiency, saving you tons of time to put air into things like swimming pool, balloons, flat tires and repairing household wood items.

However, when people have just purchased something new, especially technology items, they tend to skip tedious, lengthy instruction reading and simply turn it on and see what happens instead. As a result, the machine can not last for long. But don’t worry, we will instruct you on how to operate the air compressor in the most efficient way without damaging it. So, without any further ado, let’s get started!

What Makes Porter-cable A Popular Choice?

  • Reasonable price.
  • Portable version.
  • Easy to connect with other tools.
  • Reassured quality.
  • Meeting all working demands.

Components

What Makes Porter-cable A Popular ChoiceTo use the air compressor, you need to know some basic pieces:

  • Manifold Kit
    The manifold kit is made up of 2 gauges ( 7;13 ), 2 quick connects (assembled in position 6 ), a manifold, a regulator ( 4 ), and a nipple close ( 32 ) that joins the whole part to the container.
    The tank pressure gauge (7) shows the pressure inside the tank.
    The outlet pressure gauge (13) indicates the pressure of the air coming out.
    The regulator adjusts the outlet of the pressure.
  • Valve Check (8)
    The valve check helps the air go from the cylinder to the tank and prevents it from going back to the cylinder. If the valve’s broken, it may cause the motor humming but not rotating.
  • Safety Valve (5)
    An indispensable part of the product stops the tank from being over-pressurized.
  • Drain Valve (25)
    After using the machine for some time, the water will condense in the tank, so the drain valve enables you to open the air container to release the moisture out.

How To Use A Porter-cable Air Compressor (Basic Operation)

Now, unbox your air compressor and follow these steps to set up your machine for the first time:

Step 1: Locating Your Air Compressor

Locating Your Air CompressorFor your safety, you have to place it in a dry, clean and well-ventilated area, preventing airflow blocking which can result in severe damages to both the machine and users.

Step 2: Running The Break-in Procedure

Running The Break-in ProcedureFirst thing you want to do to keep the machine more durable and resilient is allowing it to heat up:

  • Make sure that drain valve is open
  • Plug your compressor in
  • Turn it on to release the air out for the first 15 minutes then switch it off.
  • After that, your compressor is ready to use!

Step 3: Assembly Accessories

Assembly AccessoriesBefore using it, you might want to plug everything in. There are quick connections on both the air compressor and the air hose so just push them back while attaching parts, things will fit easily.

Various tools can accompany the air compressor like Finish Nailer, Crown Stapler or Brad Nailer so you just choose the one you need according to your working demands.

Step 4: Starting The Machine

Starting The Machine

  • Close the drain valve.
  • Switch on the air compressor ( do not worry about the loud noise).
  • Wait until the maximum pressure level for the tank is reached ( that is about 150 PSI), when this is done, the machine will automatically stop.
  • Use the regulator to adjust the outlet of the pressure to the permitted level for your tool and you’re ready to go!

Step 5: Draining the Water

Draining the water
After daily use, the moisture will build up in the tank, so you have to get the water out when you finish your work as it can cause tremendous damages to the equipment.

To release the water appropriately, follow these steps:

  • Use ear protection because the airflow is loud when draining.
  • Turn off the machine.
  • Turn the regulator to reduce the outlet pressure to zero.
  • Pull ring on the safety valve to enable the air to release until the pressure in the tank is reduced to 20 PSI.
  • Open the drain valve and the water will come out.

Cautions Need To Take

Cautions Need To Take

#1. Always Check Your Safety Valve

Damaged safety valve can cause the air tank to crack or even explode due to over-pressurization.

Before every turning-on time, pull the ring on the valve to make sure that it works properly. If it gets stuck, you should replace it with a new one.

#2. Keep An Eye On The Gauges

When using other air-powered tools, you must check the maximum of PSI allowed to avoid hazardous bursting due to excessive pressure. The pressure outlet should be never greater than the permitted level.

#3. Beware Of Flying Objects

Compressed air flow can mess up your places, tiny things such as nails, chips,… can be blown away at an extremely dangerous high speed. Therefore, it is wise to protect yourself by wearing gloves, eye protection while working with the air compressor.

#4. Fire, Electrical Risks

Never use the machine outside when it’s raining. Also, under any circumstances, turn it on near explosive substances such as gasoline or flammable materials

Now, You Have Known How To Use A Porter-cable Air Compressor, Newbie

I’ve just introduced you to some elementary features to set up your Porter-Cable air compressor. Now, you can effortlessly attach your favorite items to the wall or pump up your float for summertime.

But, as you can see, there are a lot of things that can go wrong during the operation. Also, when it comes to fixing the machine, you have to know more to avoid damaging it. Thus, I highly recommend you to do some additional manual reading before going into something.