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.
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 to 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.
What is a good size air compressor for home use?
For best results, use a compressor with a capacity of 5-6 CFM. Because you’ll be spraying nearly constantly, a larger, 10-gallon tank will keep you from waiting for the compressor to refill every few minutes.
How do I know what size air compressor I need?
Add together the cfm requirements of all the equipment/tools you plan to run at the same time. Increase this number by 20% to allow for additional tools, future growth and eventual air leaks. Determine the maximum pressure (PSIG) needed to run the equipment.
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.
What is a good PSI 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.
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.
How much HP does an air compressor need?
Air compressors typically have a horsepower rating between 1.5 and 6.5, though some larger, stationary air compressors can have up to 15 HP. If you are using standard electric power outlets, you’ll need an air compressor at 2 HP or less because standard AC cords require lower voltage to function.
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 do I choose a refrigerant compressor?
To choose the right compressor for a refrigeration application, the capacity should be considered in relation to temperature and pressure levels. That is because the volume occupied by refrigerant vapor molecules varies according to the temperatures and pressures within the system.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
