What Size Air Compressor Do I Need?

Air compressors are available in a wide variety of sizes. That said, the size has nothing to do with determining if it’s powerful enough and effective for your own specific task. While some are small in size but are powerful enough, others are large with a low output. Therefore, you have to check what’s best for your tools and buy accordingly. If you’re wondering “What Size Aair Compressor Do I Need?”, keep reading, as in this article, we’ll briefly mention what size is most suitable for car painting, impact wrench, and air tools.

What Size Air Compressor Do I Need to Paint a Car?

It’s advisable to opt for a 60 Gal Tank with a 5-6 HP compressor with sufficient CFM (cubic feet per minute) output. The ideal CFM output ranges from 14-18 at 90PSI, with which you are able to handle paint guns. You may choose to paint the car in different steps using air compressors with less CFM output, but it would result in over spraying the clear coat stage. This is because it takes a certain time for the spray to bend with the clear coat, ultimately resulting in a dull appearance.

What Size Air Compressor Do I Need for Impact Wrench?

Before deciding what air compressor to buy, there are a few things to consider. Among these things, there are the type of projects you intend to make, either small or big, the tools you’re going to use, the space available, and the power sources you have.

In order for you to know the exact size of air compressor, figure out the PSI (pounds per square inch) and CFM (cubic feet per minute) needed. If the impact wrench is 0.5 inch, the PSI should be 90, and the CFM shouldn’t surpass 4.0. If the impact wrench is 0.75, the PSI is also 9O and the CFM 5.0.

air Compressors and Pneumatic Tools

If you’re wondering “what size air compressor do I need for air tools?”, here’s your answer:

Air compressors have from 30 to 140 CFM output range. Check the CFM requirements of the air tools you have, and check whether or not the CFM rating registers 100% duty cycle. If you don’t want to interrupt your work, choose a CFM rating that is more than 60%. In case you have several tools, you need to combine their CFM to figure out what you really need. After having known the CFM requirements of your tool, get an air compressor that is suitable for you.

References:

• powermate, Why buy an Air Compressor?
• wikipedia, Air compressor
• Best Air Compressor For Home Garage