For example, if you have a compressed air drill that requires 5 CFM at 90 PSI, choose a pneumatic compressor that provides 7.5 CFM at 90 PSI. To find the best-sized compressor, check if your pneumatic tools meet the highest pressure and air supply requirements and choose a model that exceeds these requirements. Most compressed air equipment is designed to operate between 90 and 100 psi (6 and 7 bar).). For this reason, most people only need a compressor with a maximum pressure of 7 bar.
Instead of evaluating an air compressor's capacity by its physical size, operators should analyze the amount of air it delivers, measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). As a guideline, most air compressors for power tools are in the range of 10 to 110 CFM. However, they can only keep 80 PSI in the production area. The CFM and the PSI together drive their pneumatic tools.
The CFM measures the amount of air the compressor can provide, while the PSI measures the force with which it can provide that air. Most pneumatic tools require at least a minimum of CFM and PSI to function properly. For example, a nailer works with 2 CFM at 90 PSI. In cases where the compressor cannot supply either of these, the end result will be an extremely poor operation of the tool.
Generally speaking, as PSI increases, CFM decreases and vice versa. That is, a compressor that delivers, for example, 100 PSI, may offer less in terms of CFM compared to a compressor set to 90 PSI. When choosing an air compressor, you should be able to provide both CFM and PSI for the tool that consumes the most energy. It's always better to err on the side of too much than on the side of not enough.
Power tools for air compressors, also called pneumatic tools, are generally faster, lighter and more powerful than traditional power tools. They use a concentration of air to power the tool. The key to choosing the best air compressor is to adapt the unit to the demands of the job. Portable compressors are ideal for the home and workplace. Stationary compressors provide the high volume of air needed to power automotive and production pneumatic tools.
Use this buying guide to learn what to consider when selecting the best air compressors for your projects. Gasoline-powered air compressors are usually portable and work well in places where there is no electricity. They are commonly found in workplaces, farms, or other outdoor spaces. The high pressure output of a gas air compressor makes it ideal for projects and heavy tools, such as nail guns, sanders and paint sprayers.
These types of air compressors are more economical, but they have fumes and can be noisy. Compact and lightweight wireless air compressors use a rechargeable battery platform. Because there are no cables getting in the way, wireless air compressors are easy to carry and use. This makes them ideal for projects that require more flexibility, such as working on a ceiling or in small spaces.
Smaller tools typically require 0 to 5 SCFM. Larger tools may require 10 SCFM or more. A smaller tank size is a good option if you intend to use a tool intermittently. For example, tools that only require quick bursts of air drain the tank much more slowly.
For tools such as pneumatic nail guns or finishing nail guns, a 2- to 6-gallon tank is sufficient. Air compressors, sometimes referred to as pneumatic compressors, extract energy from pressurized air and use it to power pneumatic tools. Air compressors come in many sizes, but size doesn't determine if an air compressor is powerful enough for your pneumatic tools. Regardless of your specific compressed air applications, it is essential to ensure that you maintain an accurate pulse in both pressure and flow to ensure the proper functioning of your pneumatically powered applications.
Contrary to popular belief, a large air compressor isn't necessarily more powerful than a small air compressor. However, it is the standard cubic feet per minute (SCFM) or performance rating that reflects the air pressure generated by a compressor inside its tank. Since it can be difficult to measure the right amount of pressure required for a given application, many operators err on the side of overpressurization and increase PSI to ensure that sufficient pressure is reached. Once you know the amount of CFM your most demanding pneumatic tools require, you'll know how powerful your air compressor should be.
Pressure is important because it defines the strength and potential of all your pneumatic tools: too little pressure and many tools simply don't work properly or don't work at all. Pounds per square inch (PSI) are the metric for evaluating how many pounds of pressure are exerted on a single square inch of space. 100 psi equals 100 pounds of force exerted by square inch. Because pressurizing and transporting air takes time, most compressors need to rest and recharge their reservoir after expelling the air.
The best way to get an accurate measurement of your air energy needs is to consult the requirements of your specific tools. Given the unpredictable pressure drops that can occur in dryers and filtration systems, most operators can afford to reduce backpressure by up to 25 PSI. Electric compressors are the ideal choice if you need a quiet air compressor or an air compressor with automatic start and stop. In addition, mitigating artificial demand by keeping pressure and flow rates within a range close to critical levels can keep costs and energy usage low, as well as maximize the lifespan of your compressed air system.
