Compressors on this page deliver roughly 8 to 12 CFM at 90 PSI. This is the step up from a hand carry unit and covers a two person nailer crew, a 1/2 inch impact wrench used steadily, a die grinder, a small sandblast cabinet, or a single HVLP gun with some patience between coats.

Typical machines at 10 CFM

You will see 2 to 3 HP single stage piston compressors on 20 to 60 gallon tanks, 3 to 4 HP California Air Tools ultra quiet units, and the smallest oil free scroll compressors from Atlas Copco and Chicago Pneumatic. Piston units are the value choice for a garage or trim shop. Scroll units cost more but run at 60 dB or less, deliver Class 0 oil free air and handle continuous duty, which is why they show up in dental labs and packaging lines.

Power

Many 2 HP units still run on 120 volt, 20 amp circuits; past 3 HP expect 230 volt single phase. For burst tools tank size matters more than motor size, and a 60 gallon tank on a 10 CFM pump smooths out impact wrench and blast cabinet demand.

Dryer sizing

For spraying paint or feeding a plasma cutter, pair the compressor with a refrigerated air dryer rated at least 10 to 15 CFM. Undersized dryers pass wet air on hot days, so size to the compressor rating, not the average draw.

Related pages

• 5 CFM air compressors
• 15 CFM air compressors
• Piston air compressors
• Scroll air compressors