This page collects air compressors rated roughly 3 to 7 CFM at 90 PSI. That is the range for a single trim or framing nailer, a blow gun, an inflator, or an airbrush and small spray work. Most units here are 1 to 2 HP, 120 volt, single stage, and run on a standard 15 amp household circuit.

What 5 CFM will run

Nailers and staplers draw air in short bursts, so a 5 CFM compressor with a 4 to 20 gallon tank keeps up with one carpenter all day. Continuous tools such as a die grinder (5 to 8 CFM) or an HVLP gun (8 to 12 CFM) will outrun the pump, so expect to wait on the tank. If you plan to run a grinder or a sander for minutes at a time, step up to the 10 CFM page.

Oil free and quiet models

Most compressors in this range are oil free, so there are no oil changes and no oil carryover into the line. The low RPM California Air Tools designs run at 56 to 70 dB. The trade is duty cycle: many of these pumps are rated for 30 to 50 percent duty, so give them time to cool on long jobs.

Dryer sizing

Most shops at this size skip the dryer. For spraying finish or feeding a plasma cutter, a point of use filter or small inline desiccant is usually enough; a refrigerated air dryer only pays off if the compressor runs most of the day.

Related pages

• 10 CFM air compressors
• 15 CFM air compressors
• All air compressors
• Home and shop air compressors