What to look for in a Compressor

THE BASICS

A basic compressor will have an air pump, a tank, controls for starting and stopping the pump to maintain
pressure in the tank, a pressure gauge and a safety valve. See drawing and description of basic components.

In addition you will require a hose and accessories which may include a quick coupler, blow gun, tire inflator and
assorted air tools.

HORSE POWER (HP)

The horse power rating used to be a way of determining what size of compressor you would need, unfortunately
the marketing guys are now exaggerating the horse power ratings to sell more compressors. Check out how
much electrical power it takes it to run, a true 5 HP motor will draw about 24 amps on a 220 volt circuit, (single
phase power), whereas most overrated hobby compressors will run on a normal 15 amp 110 volt circuit which is
only capable of running about 2 real HP.

Gas engine HP is rated differently than electric motor HP, you would require a 10 HP gas motor for the same
performance as a 5 HP electric motor.

PRESSURE (PSI)

Air pressure is usually rated in Pounds per Square Inch or PSI. Most air tools require 90 PSI to run properly.

CUBIC FEET PER MINUTE (CFM)

Air Tools require a certain volume of air to run them. The volume of air that a compressor produces is rated in
CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute). CFM ratings tend to be exaggerated just like HP ratings, but you should get 3-4
CFM per each real HP at 90 PSI. The higher the pressure of the air that's already been squeezed into the tank,
the harder the pump has to work to squeeze more air into it. So the same pump becomes less efficient at higher
pressures. That's why a compressor might be rated at 7.6 CFM @ 40 PSI but will only crank out 5.6 CFM @100
PSI.

TANK SIZE

Usually measured in US Gallons, this is not as important as it might seem. A compressor tank doesn't produce
air, it only stores air. It is much more important to have a big enough pump and motor, because if you are
producing as much air as you want to use, you'll never run out of air no matter how small the tank is. If you want
to run a tool steady, such as a sander, it is important to be producing as much air as you need. A smaller tank is
more portable and gets up to pressure quicker, whereas a compressor with a large tank doesn't start and stop as
often and cools the air a bit better.

This chart is only a general guide, some brands of air tools may use more or less air than
listed.

Air Hammer 4.0 CFM 90 PSI

Caulking Gun 4.0 CFM 90 PSI
Die Grinder 1/4" 4.0 CFM 90 PSI
Drill 3/8" 4.0 CFM 90 PSI
Drill 1/2" 4.0 CFM 90 PSI
High Speed Grinder 8.0 CFM 90 PSI
Impact Driver 1/2" 4.0 CFM 90 PSI
Impact Driver 3/4" 7.5 CFM 90 PSI
Impact Driver 1" 12.0 CFM 90 PSI
Jitterbug Sander 6.0 CFM 90 PSI
Nailer, Brad 2.0 CFM 30 PSI
Nailer, Framing 4.0 CFM 50 PSI
Ratchet 1/4" 3.0 CFM 90 PSI
Ratchet 3/8" 4.0 CFM 90 PSI
Spray Gun, Basic .5 - 3.5 CFM 20 - 45 PSI
4.0 - 7.0
Spray Gun, Commercial 30 - 70 PSI
CFM
Straight Line Sander 7.0 CFM 90 PSI
Upholstery Stapler 2.0 CFM 30 PSI