The purpose of the present invention is to provide a reciprocating compressor which is a compact, light-weight, portable air compressor such that deterioration of performance due to problems such as wear on the surface finish of the cylinder when the compressor is used for a long period of time outside the operating temperature range thereof is prevented. To achieve this, the cylinder temperature is detected, and control is carried out so that the compressor is restarted at a lower restart pressure when the temperature is lower than a prescribed value and stopped (and also restarted, preferably) at a low pressure when the temperature is higher than a prescribed value.