Choosing the Right Air Compressor for You!

Choosing the correct air compressor for you and your application is very important to California Air Tools.

Before choosing an air compressor, determine what air tools you are planning on using.

This is very Important!

We want to ensure that the air compressor you choose be will produce enough air (CFM) to operate your air tools or application properly.

Every air tool has an air consumption requirement.

This is stated, for example as: 2.20 CFM @ 90 PSI for the air tool to work properly.

A. CFM - (cubic feet per minute) is what air volume runs your tool. Some tools express as l/min (liters per minute); convert from l/min to cfm using a Google search. I.E. 100 l/min = 3.5 cfm.

B. PSI - (pounds per square inch) is the pressure of the flow of air.

Often this is expressed in bar; convert from bar to PSI using a simple Google search. I.E. 7 bar = 101 PSI

This will help you determine the air delivery (CFM) you need from your air compressor.

For example the California Air Tools 8010 air compressor will produce 2.20 CFM @ 90 PSI.

If you plan on using an air tool or machine on a continuous basis, it is a good idea to multiply the “CFM” x 2 to get a continuous CFM rating for the tool or machine.

For example, if your equipment requires 3.8 cfm @90 PSI (or 108 liters per minute) and you plan on running for more than 1 hour per day continuously, then you will need to obtain a compressor with a minimum specification of 7.4 cfm (this would be a 4 Hp model). If you plan to run more than 6 hours per day continuously, then multiply by 3, for a minimum compressor specification of 11.4 cfm @90 PSI (this would be a 6 Hp model).

2 Hp Ultra Quiet Compressor (@90 PSI)

- may run at 5.0 cfm for up to 1 hour max

- may run continuously at 2.0 cfm for 1-4 hours

- may run continuously at 1.5 cfm for up to 6 hours

4 Hp Ultra Quiet Compressor (@90 PSI)

- may run at 10.0 cfm for up to 1 hour max

- may run continuously at 5.0 cfm for 1-4 hours

- may run continuously at 3.3 cfm for up to 8 hours

- may run continuously at 2.5 cfm for up to 10 hours

6 Hp Ultra Quiet Compressor (@90 PSI)

- may run at 14.5 cfm for up to 1 hour max

- may run continuously at 7.2 cfm for 1-4 hours

- may run continuously at 4.8 cfm for up to 8 hours

- may run continuously at 3.6 cfm for up to 10 hours

Most all air tools and machines are rated for intermediate usage (not continuous), with the exception of milling machines, etc.

Always consult the air tool or machine manufacturer for the correct CFM requirement.

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General Horse Power needed for Common Air Tools

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0.6 Hp - Inflating, Airbrushing, Blow Guns

Click on the Hp sizes below to see our models.

0.6 HP AIR COMPRESSORS

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1.0 Hp and 1.5 Hp - Inflating, Airbrushing, Cleaning, Blow Guns,

Finish Nailer, Brad Nailer, Stapler, Engravers,

Dental HandPiece

Click on the Hp sizes below to see our models

1.0 HP AIR COMPRESSORS

1.5 HP AIR COMPRESSORS (105 to 135 PSI and 145 to 175 PSI)

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2.0 Hp - Inflating, Air Brushing, Cleaning, Blow Guns,

Finish Nailer, Brad Nailer Stapler, Engravers,

Dental HandPiece, LVLP Spray Guns, Framing Nailer,

3/8" Impact Wrench or 3/8" Ratchet

Click below to see models

2.0 HP AIR COMPRESSORS

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4.0 Hp - Inflating, Air Brushing, Cleaning, Blow Guns,

Finish Nailer, Brad Nailer Stapler, Engravers,

Dental HandPiece, LVLP Spray Guns, Framing Nailer,

3/8" Impact Wrench or 3/8" Ratchet, HVLP Spray Guns

Sanders, Grinders, Polishers, Cut-off Tools,

1/2" Impact Tools, Dental Milling

Click below to see models

4.0 HP AIR COMPRESSORS

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6.0 Hp - Sand Blasting, AutoBody Tools, HVLP Spray Guns,

Dental HandPiece, LVLP Spray Guns,

Sanders, Grinders, Polishers, Cut-off Tools,

1/2" Impact Tools, Dental Milling

Click below to see models

6.0 HP AIR COMPRESSORS

Choose the size air tank you want.

The size of the air tank depends on space, weight and air storage.The larger the tank the more air storage you have.Having larger air storage will allow you to use more air before the air compressor motor turns on.

Choose the material the air tank is made of.

A. Steel tanks are strong but can rust inside and out and are heavier.

B. Aluminum tanks do not rust,are lighter weight although can dent easier.

Air Compressor PSI can be a confusing subject - we want to clear up any misunderstandings. CFM is 90% of the equation when evaluating a units’ general capability and anticipated air flow volume & performance with your tools or application.