What CFM Air Compressor Is Needed to Run Air Tools?

26, Feb. 2024

 

 

CFM means Cubic Feet per Minute and this is the volume of air an air compressor can pump out per minute.

 

When buying an air compressor the first thing you must work out is how much air is needed to power your tool. To figure this out you need to know how much air flow your tool requires to run. Almost all air tools have specific requirements in regards to air volume and pressure.

 

You must meet these requirements with your chosen air compressor for the tool to function at its best. The CFM requirement and the tank are are the biggest considerations you must take into account when shopping for a compressor. You can find the CFM requirement of your tool from it's manual or technical specification.

 

In this guide we will cover;

 

 

Calculating CFM Requirements

 

Find the required air flow (CFM) of your specific air tool. This information will be in your tools user guide or manufacturers website.

 

To find the minimum required CFM of the compressor you need multiply your tool’s required CFM by 1.5

 

Example: if you want to run a spray gun (6.5 CFM):

6.5 CFM x 1.5 = at least a 9.75 CFM compressor

 

If you’re going to be running multiple tools you’ll need to add together the individual CFM of each tool. Most DIY compressors are designed to run only one tool at a time. You can successfully run several tools simultaneously on larger more commercial compressors.

 

Calculating Tank Size

 

To find the minimum tank size of the compressor you need multiple your tool’s required CFM by 6.

 

For example, if you run an impact wrench (8 SCFM):

8 CFM x 6 = at least a 48 litre compressor tank

 

Again, this is a rough guide and the larger tank your compressor has, the better the performance of your tool.

 

 

 

How much air do you need to run an impact wrench?

 

Tool Tool Requirements Air Compressor
SAT103 CFM - 6.5 CFM
Max Torque - 340 Nm
Operating Pressure - 90 PSI
SC90B

SC100V
SAT101 CFM - 8 CFM
Max Torque - 880 Nm
Operating Pressure - 90 PSI
SC100V

 

 

 

 

 

What size air compressor do I need for a finish nailer?

 

Tool Tool Requirements Air Compressor
SAT402 CFM - 1 CFM
Operating Pressure - 60-100psi
SC6H

SAT403 CFM - 1 CFM
Operating Pressure - 75 - 100psi
SC6H
SAT404 CFM - 6.5 CFM
Operating Pressure - 70 - 100psi
SC50H
SAT405 CFM - 14.8 CFM
Operating Pressure - 75 - 100psi
SC100V

 

 

 

 

 

What is the best compressor for spray painting?

 

Tool Tool Requirements Air Compressor
SAT502 CFM - 6 - 12 CFM
Operating Pressure - 36 - 50 psi
SC100V
SAT501 CFM - 6 - 12 CFM
Operating Pressure - 36 - 50 psi
SC150B
SAT505 CFM - 6 - 11 CFM
Operating Pressure - 36 - 50 psi
SC90B

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How many CFM do I need for sandblasting?

 

Tool Tool Requirements Air Compressor
SSB100 CFM - 10 CFM
Operating Pressure - 80 - 100 psi
SC90B
SSB200 CFM - 10 CFM
Operating Pressure - 100 psi
SC150B
SSB400 CFM - 24 CFM
Operating Pressure - 125 psi
S-N1NN905FPS019

 

 

 

 

 

What CFM do I need for sanders?

 

Tool Tool Requirements Air Compressor
SAT610 CFM - 4 CFM
Operating Pressure - 90 psi
SC6H
SAT603 CFM - 4.5 CFM
Operating Pressure - 90 psi
SC6H
SAT604 CFM - 6 CFM
Operating Pressure - 90 psi
SC24H
SAT601 CFM - 5 CFM
Operating Pressure - 90 psi
SC100V
SAT602 CFM - 4.5 CFM
Operating Pressure - 90 psi
SC100V
SAT606 CFM - 5 CFM
Operating pressure - 90 psi
SC100V

 

 

 

What CFM do drills and screwdrivers need?

 

Tool Tool Requirements Air Compressor
SAT203 CFM - 6 CFM
Operating Pressure - 90 psi
SC24H
SAT206 CFM - 5.5 CFM
Operating Pressure
SC24H
SAT204 CFM - 6 CFM
Operating Pressure - 90 psi
SC24H
SAT205 CFM - 5 CFM
Operating Pressure - 90 psi
SC24H

 

 

 

What CFM do grinders and cut off saws need?

 

Tool Tool Requirement Air Compressor
SAT303 CFM - 4.5 CFM
Operating Pressure - 90 psi
SC6H
SAT304 CFM - 4 CFM
Operating Pressure - 90 psi
SC6H
SAT305 CFM - 6 CFM
Operating Pressure - 90 psi
SC24H

 

 

 

What size air compressor do I need to paint a car?

 

 

Painting your car at home is a big job, however when done properly it can offer a very affordable option. There are several elements that can influence the outcome of your paint job. Ensuring you have the correct size compressor should be top priority, after deciding on the colour of course. If you're attempting to use a small air compressor, you simply won’t have the volume (CFM) to paint your entire car in one go. Your gun will struggle as will your air compressor.

 

While it is possible to paint your car in steps with a smaller air compressor, you will very likely run into problems with over-spray, especially on the clear coat stage. Over-spray from the clear coat will cause your job to look dull. Painting is a very demanding job, one that requires consistent power. Because you’ll be painting continuously, you’ll want to make sure you're using a compressor that is a big enough size to maximise your efficiency. Spray guns require a significant amount of power to operate. Therefore, it’s important that you pay attention to these factors when shopping for an air compressor.

 

100 Litre Air Compressor

 

The SGS 100 litre reciprocating air compressor is ideal for DIY and trade applications thanks to it's impressive 100L capacity tank. This coupled with a very high 14.6 CFM air displacement, offers a fantastic combination of performance, safety and value for money. The large air tank makes this compressor suitable for tools that require a constant supply of air, such as spray guns, impact wrenches and drills. The powerful 3 HP engine ensures a short wait for the tank to pressurise - keeping you working.

 

 

150 Litre Air Compressor

 

This air compressor is is a must for professional workshops, garages and enthusiasts alike. It is extremely effective thanks to it's large 150L capacity tank coupled with it's very powerful 14cfm air displacement. Using the long life highly efficient, smooth and quiet operating 14cfm, twin cylinder belt drive compressor pump, the compressor works up to a maximum working pressure of 150 PSI. This machine uses an industrially rated induction motor and must be operated from a heavy duty power supply and not from extension cables.

 

 

 

 

Still need help?

 

Our in house experts are always on hand for buying advice and to provide bespoke care, regardless of the application.

Call SGS on 01332 576 850 or fill out our contact form today.

 

For more information air compressor for bus, please get in touch with us!

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