Choosing a Compressor

Some help on selecting the right air compressor for your needs in your shop or garage.

Category: Repair
Tags: Air, compressor, purchasing

Added Aug 17, 09 by eastwoodco

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Many folks refer to motor horsepower and tank capacity when describing or sizing an air compressor. While these specifications are important there is a common air volume requirement rating for evaluating the ability of a compressor, air tool or spray gun to perform a certain job. That is the “Cubic Feet per Minute” or “CFM” rating. As an example; this would be listed in specs as “12 CFM @ 85 PSI”. This translates into a device requiring an air volume of 12 Cubic Feet of air per Minute at a pressure of 85 PSI.

The determining factor in choosing a compressor is CFM. Consider what your typical CFM demands will be by checking the CFM requirement specs on your air tools, blaster, spray guns ect. Be sure to choose a compressor that is capable of delivering sufficient CFM at the rated PSI that will supply the highest air volume using tool you have or will require. Using air tools that would exceed the CFM rating of the compressor will cause it to run constantly which will overwork and overheat it, resulting in permanent damage.

This is also very important when choosing a tool, blasting equipment or paint gun. You want to be certain the air operated device requirements do not exceed the capabilities of your existing compressor. For example; if you have a compressor with a maximum output of 9 CFM @ 90 PSI and you are considering a blast cabinet requiring 12 CFM @ 85 PSI, the compressor will not be up to the task and the blast cabinet will not perform properly. This is also true of HVLP paint guns and other air operated tools.

www.eastwood.com

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