Choose the Right Air Compressor for Your DIY Job
An air compressor combined with pneumatic tools can be a great addition to any DIY arsenal, whether you are a professional mechanic or just a lot of spray painting and nailing. Here’s what to look for when choosing an air compressor that suits your needs.
First, pay attention to the type of air tool you will need for most of your projects, then choose an air compressor that suits your needs, as well as a little more.
Each air tool will have a different PSI (psi) value ranging from 50 psi for the spray gun to 90 psi for the nailer. A single stage compressor is typically rated at 135 psi, which is sufficient for most home workshops.
The most important factor to consider when choosing a compressor is its capacity (cubic feet per minute). CFM will determine how many instruments you can use and how much power you have. Every pneumatic tool has a CFM operating requirement – choose a compressor with enough CFM capacity to support the most demanding tools in your workshop. Continuous use pneumatic tools such as grinders and sanders will have higher CFM requirements than intermittent use tools such as a stapler or wrench. (Remember CFI is power, PSI is storage.)
Compressor tank size is also important, but secondary to the CFM flow rate rating for a home pneumatic tool system.
Regardless of which type of compressor you buy, always remember to drain the tank after each use. The pressurized air creates condensation that must be removed to prevent rust in the tank.
How to choose and use an air compressor. This old house (YouTube)