How To Choose Between Portable Air Compressors
Portable air compressors are basically smaller and lighter versions of standard air compressors. Their transportability makes them popular and practical for certain tasks. If you’re looking at the variety of portable air compressors available and trying to decide what would suit your needs best, the main factor to consider is how you will use it. That, more than anything else, determines what you need.
Neither horsepower (HP) nor pounds per square inch (PSI) determines what portable air compressors can do for you. It’s the cubic feet per minute (CFM) that really lets you know what an air compressor can (or cannot) operate. Cubic feet per minute is just a way of measuring the air flow of the compressor. Some air compressors have lighter air flow, like a light breeze, while others have more hurricane force winds coming out of them. Different air tools and activities require more or less CFM. Here are two uses for an air compressor and what you may need to get the job done.
Use #1: Filling Car Tires
Filling a car tyre with air doesn’t require as much pressure or volume capacity as an air tool such as a sander. Nor does it need a high CFM. One of the beauties of portable air compressors is that you can take it on the road with you. If you want one to keep in your car, some companies make models of portable air compressors with built-in pressure gauges. Some electric models even let you plug in to the car’s DC outlet. They’re small and lightweight, perfect for storing in your vehicle. Even if you only keep one in the garage, a small and mobile model will make filling tires easier and storage a snap. You can also use these small air compressors for inflating other things like pool toys or inflatable boats.
Use #2: Powering Air Tools
On the other hand, you will need an air compressor with more pressure capacity to run air tools. But even then, the type of tool will determine how much CFM you need. For example, a nailer only needs between 1-4 CFM and a spray gun around 2-4 CFM. On the other hand, a sandblaster will need approximately 6-10 CFM and a sander more like 6-13 CFM. And keep in mind that tools that are popular for home use will not usually need as high a CFM as tools designed for professional use. Check your tools to see what CFM rating they have. Brands like Husky, made by Campbell Hausfeld, have a variety of portable air compressors for every use.
So what really matters when choosing an air compressor is what you intend to use it for and how much CFM, not HP or PSI, it will take to perform that task. Remember, it’s the force of the air coming out that determines what the compressor can be used for. From filling a tire or dingy, where a low CFM will do, to sanders and sandblasters, where a high CFM rating is vital, portable air compressors are ready to work for you.
