If you need to determine the best selection for your unique needs, our comprehensive air compressor buyer guide will inform you on what to look for in an air compressor. Standard air tools like nail guns, drills and impact wrenches generally require 5 or less CFM at 70-90 PSI, while air sanders and large shears could require up to 10 or more CFM at 100-120 PSI. Many homeowners want consumer-grade air compressors that handle all of the air tools they require. Our air compressor products are backed by a dependable network of knowledgeable air experts who can guide you through the air compressor selection process.
Industrial compressors are usually accurately rated, which is why an industrial 5 HP compressor is usually about three times as big and expensive as an overrated hobby-type 5 HP compressor. A typical two-stage, two-cylinder pump moves air through a cooling tube and into the smaller second-stage cylinder at about 90 PSI, and finally into the tank at 175 PSI. The main reason for buying a two-stage compressor is if you need high pressure, but not too many applications need high pressure. If you don’t need to carry the compressor around or if you need higher air volume, your best value will be in belt-drive oil-lubricated compressors.
CRITERIA. There are three key aspects to consider when it comes to choosing an air compressor: air pressure, air flow, and the amount of air that can be stored in the tank. AIR FLOW. Air pressure isn’t the only way to measure the output of a compressor. STORAGE. In addition to the PSI and CFM, another factor in determining the right compressor is the amount of air that can be stored in the compressor tank.
which air compressor should i buy Related Question:
How do I know which air compressor to buy?
Determine which one requires the highest CFM at the highest PSI. Add 50% to the required CFM for a margin of safety, and look for a compressor that meets the requirement. For example, if a tool requires 3 CFM at 90 PSI, select a compressor that delivers at least 4.5 CFM at 90 PSI.
How do I know what size air compressor I need?
A straightforward rule for sizing an air receiver tank for a reciprocating air compressor is to take the tool with the highest CFM requirement at the required PSI, multiply that CFM requirement by 1.25 or 1.5, then round up to the closest gallon size.
What size air compressor do I need for DIY?
American manufacturers measure air compressor tank sizes in U.S. gallons. There is a wide range of reservoir capacities on the market ranging from small but efficient 1-gallon models up to large commercial 80-gallon products. For your home garage, a compressor size in the 2.6-gallon to 20-gallon range should do nicely.
Is a 6 gallon air compressor enough?
Air Compressor Tank Size Tools that require only quick bursts of air, like pneumatic brad nail guns and finish nail guns, drain the air tank much more slowly. For these tasks, 2- to 6-gallon tanks are sufficient.
Is 150 psi air compressor good?
You’d only need maximums beyond 150 PSI for jobs such as automotive repairs and industrial purposes. Air compressors that do not reach a max of 90 PSI will struggle to power pneumatic tools. But they do a great job inflating sports equipment, bicycle tires, and car tires.
Does tank size matter air compressor?
Tank size matters—sometimes The compressors we chose have tanks ranging from 1 to 6 gallons. A larger tank holds more air and will allow you to use more air before the pressure drops and the motor kicks on to refill the tank. That might let you avoid stopping work while the compressor refills the tank.
What is a good CFM rating for air compressor?
Air tools made for general use with portable air compressors typically require 0 to 5 cubic feet per minute (cfm) at 70 to 90 pounds per square inch (psi), whereas with larger tools connected to stationary systems, the requirements usually exceed 10 cfm at 100 to 120 psi.
What is a good size air compressor for spray painting?
Look for a minimum of 15 psi, with some applications, such as clear coat, better-suited to 20 or 25 psi. Horsepower: For auto painting, a 10hp compressor will typically suffice. However, higher horsepower compressors may operate more efficiently, and can be used for other tasks.
How much psi do I need for an air compressor?
Most air tools require between 70 and 90 PSI. Any light-to-medium-duty air compressor can easily handle 90 PSI, but you always want the compressor to supply more flow than needed. Pro Tip: Always respect a PSI rating. If you don’t supply enough air volume, the tool won’t operate correctly.
What CFM means?
CFM is an abbreviation for cubic feet per minute (cu ft/min). When used in the context of a particle counter’s flow rate, it is a measurement of the velocity at which air flows into the sample probe. For example, a flow rate of 0.1 CFM means the particle counter will sample 0.1 cubic feet of air per minute.
What is a 6 gallon air compressor good for?
As for a 6-gallon air compressor, it is best to use with short tasks of grease gun, roofing and framing nailer, etc. since the machine can’t maintain an extended operation. Other than that, auto tire inflation, gauge finish nailer, and the like are what this small-size air compressor can finish with ease.
What size air compressor do I need to run a tire machine?
For filling car tires, you will only need to run them up to the 32 PSI for most passenger cars, or maybe 35 PSI on a cold day. A portable 1 or 2 CFM compressor, at 90 PSI, should serve you well for filling car tires. If you need to run a tire changing machine, though, then you will need 4 CFM or so.
How big of an air compressor do I need to run an impact wrench?
The average size air compressor you need is a 4-5 CFM @90 PSI for a ½” impact wrench. For instance, an impact wrench with a 1″ drive will need a 10 CFM @90 PSI, a ½” drive will need a 4 CFM @90 PSI, and ⅜” will need a 3 CFM @90 PSI.
How do you size a compressor?
The general formula used to calculate this is expressed as compressor time on/ (time on + time off) = Duty Cycle percentage. For example, if a compressor is said to use a 100% duty cycle, that would mean that the compressor provides 25 CFM and 125 PSI for 100% of the time it is in use.
Can I run an impact wrench with a 6 gallon compressor?
You can use your 6-gallon air compressor to power an impact wrench provided that it has the capacity to do so, meaning that it is able to reach the minimum required pressure for the operation of the tool. A regular household AC-powered electrical air compressor usually starts at 100psi running up to 150 psi.
