Compressors on this page are rated roughly 33 to 37 CFM. This is 10 HP territory: a 10 HP two stage simplex piston compressor, a 10 HP duplex built from two 5 HP pumps, or a 10 HP rotary screw. It supports an eight to ten bay repair shop, a body shop with two booths, a cabinet or millwork shop, or a small production line where several stations pull air at the same time.

Simplex, duplex or rotary screw at 35 CFM

The Champion Advantage and R series and the Atlas Copco CR series give 33 to 37 CFM at 175 PSI from a single 10 HP two stage pump on a 120 gallon tank. That is the lowest cost route to 35 CFM and the simplest to service. Duplex units from ABAC, Chicago Pneumatic and Atlas Copco mount two 5 HP pumps on one tank, alternate the lead pump, and keep the shop running while one pump is down. The Quincy QGSV 10 HP variable speed rotary screw is the answer when the compressor will run most of the shift; it is rated for continuous duty, runs at about 70 dB, and trims power at partial load.

Power and installation

Most 10 HP compressors are three phase, 208 to 230 or 460 volt, on a 40 to 50 amp circuit. Single phase 10 HP is limited to duplex packages using two 5 HP motors. Allow 24 inches of clearance around a piston unit for cooling air and mount it on isolation pads. Run the discharge through a drop leg with a drain before the dryer.

Dryer sizing

Pair a 35 CFM compressor with a 40 to 50 CFM refrigerated air dryer. A piston unit discharges hotter air than a rotary screw, so add an aftercooler ahead of the dryer if there is no built in cooler.

Related pages

• 30 CFM air compressors
• 40 CFM air compressors
• Duplex two stage air compressors
• Shop all sizes by CFM