Compressors on this page are rated roughly 95 to 112 CFM. Stationary rotary screws: the Chicago Pneumatic QRS25 at 100 CFM, the CPVSd 20 HP variable speed at 102 CFM, the Atlas Copco GA15, GA18 and GA22 at 101 to 106 CFM depending on pressure, the Atlas Copco G18 at 110 CFM and G22 at 103 CFM, the GA15 VSD+ at 29 to 106 CFM, and the Quincy QGSV 30 HP at 103.7 CFM and 175 PSI. The piston option is the 30 HP Champion R series two stage simplex at 101.8 CFM. For jobsite work the Chicago Pneumatic CPS 110 and Atlas Copco XAS 110 towables make 95 CFM, and the Atlas Copco U110 utility mount makes 110 CFM for a service truck.

What 100 CFM supports

100 CFM is the size most people quote for a production shop: 25 to 30 stations of hand tools, a machine shop with several CNC machines on air blast, a powder coating line with a small blast cabinet, or a large truck shop. On a jobsite, a 100 CFM towable runs one 90 pound breaker and a rock drill, or a 1/4 inch sandblast nozzle at 100 PSI.

Fixed speed, variable speed or piston

At 100 CFM the rotary screw is the standard answer. Choose fixed speed when the plant draws close to full output all shift, and variable speed (CPVSd, GA15 VSD+, QGSV) when demand swings; the drive typically saves 20 to 30 percent at half load. The 30 HP Champion piston is for a shop that runs intermittently and wants a pump it can rebuild in house.

Power and installation

A 25 HP motor draws about 34 amps at 460 volt or 68 amps at 230 volt; 30 HP about 40 or 80 amps. Give the machine 36 inches on the cooling side and a receiver of at least 120 gallons, or buy a tank mounted package.

Dryer sizing

Pair a 100 CFM compressor with a 125 CFM refrigerated air dryer. Where the plant needs a dew point below freezing, or air lines run outdoors, use a desiccant dryer instead.

Related pages

• 90 CFM air compressors
• 125 CFM air compressors
• Towable air compressors
• Shop all sizes by CFM