What Size Air Compressor Do You Really Need?

What Size Air Compressor Do You Really Need?
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[@williamcole4105]

Nice to see another person do this. I watched another tuber and he touched on this, which helped me with some research and figuring out what I needed in a compressor. Never would have thought about the bigger air tools needing a larger cfm.

[@snitgu]

The quality of the air tool also makes a difference. My 30 gallon 5cfm @ 90psi can barely run the $10 cut off tool but the $60 cutoff tool runs great. Not all air tools are created equal.

[@josephszijarto1170]

Love your tool reviews Bear, but there's some inaccuracy in this vid unfortunately that's misleading people - you'll notice a lot of people now opting for electric tools below. A tool's SCFM rating at a certain PSI can be satisfied by a compressor with a far lower SCFM provided you have an adequately sized tank for how long you need to run the tool. If you want to run it constantly, for a very long duration, then the compressor does need to keep up directly with the volume of air the tool requires as you mention. An impact wrench will run perfectly on a 20 gallon compressor at 90-120psi for any reasonable need. It will run at full performance until the pressure drops below the rated value. The biggest power-robber you'll find are thin hoses and quick-disconnect couplings (air restrictions preventing you from getting the needed CFM from the tank). You'll have to wait a minute for the compressor to refill to remove that next wheel if you want 'full power', but not a problem for most home mechanics as tire rotations aren't exactly professional pit stops. For very air-intensive tools like drills, grinders, even perhaps HVLP, you're correct you do want something big enough to directly satisfy the tool's air needs. On the pressure part too, you mention you'll 'never use' 135-150psi. You're correct, you'll never use that at the tool, but that's the pressure in the tank. The greater the pressure given the size of the tank, the more air is in it. And the more CFM you'll get to the tool before the compressor kicks on again. You can't talk about tool SCFM requirements without talking about tank size and the maximum working pressure in the tank - it's not all about the CFM the compressor can constantly output.

[@respond_code3]

So what CFM rating can i get away with for a impact wrench? I found some 8-10 gallon compressors around $140. I dont care if i need to wait for it to kick on to do the next tire.

[@wingerrrrrrrrr]

@@respond_code3 it just depends on your patience level. Even a puny sub cfm compressor could be used to fill up a big storage tank to a sufficient operating pressure, and could run the impact wrench enough to remove all the lugs on one wheel. Then take a coffee break before doing the next one. To me 2.3 CFM at 90 is enough to not try my patience much. The key is making sure your wrench and fittings allow enough air delivery and torque to impact the lugs off immediately. If you're sitting there impacting impotently, it'll use up all the air in a jiffy, and then you'll have to sit and wait before trying again. That's where it's an exercise in frustration.

[@respond_code3]

@@wingerrrrrrrrr thanks. I ended up finally getting a compressor. Looks like Home depot had one with the wrong price on it. Was shopping online and saw they had a WEN 20gal for $187. That didn't make sense. The WEN 10gal is $185. I checked around and the WEN 20gal is selling from $285-300. So i quickly added to cart and checked out. Wasnt supposed to be here until the 26th, arrived in 3 days!. I cant really say much about it though. Runs fine, no leaks. But haven't ran impact tools under load yet.

[@wingerrrrrrrrr]

@@respond_code3 what's the CFM rating on it? I actually prefer higher CFM with smaller tanks over bigger tanks because that allows it to come up to operating pressure quicker and still allow continuous operation. The tanks are supposed to be drained out after use, so a big tank means a longer wait if the CFM isn't upsized accordingly.

[@respond_code3]

@@wingerrrrrrrrr 4 to 5 depending on your PSI. Used it today. Spins lugs off effortlessly. Definitely happy with it

[@melvingibson4525]

Got a 60 gallon dewalt for $450 on black Friday from tractors. Have ran siding nailer, finishing nailer, pneumatic hardi board shears, impact guns, die grinder, and many more. Very happy with it so far. Having a big air supply is very very nice.

[@cowboy0clayton]

I agree with you on the battery powered stuff. Im a diesel mechanic. I have both air and battery powered stuff. 9 times out of 10 I just go for my battery powered stuff. Even when Im working in the shop equipped with a giant air compressor... I still find myself just going to my battery powered stuff. No hoses, no fuss, and they do the same.

[@jacobw446]

Most people can get by with a 3-6gallon for occasional work, like filling tires, 20+ gallon for a small shop, and a 40-60gal for a medium shop, and a 80gal for a big shop.

[@josephszijarto1170]

Yep, 20 gallon 25-year shade-tree here running air hammers and impact wrenches at full power the whole time (with reasonable cycle-times).

[@TexasScout]

Re: Impact gun I have never had to run an impact of any size continuously. I have a 20 gallon comp that puts out 5.7 at 90 PSI, I have never been short of air while rotating tires or changing blades on the mower. In fact, many years ago I ran a small sand blaster continuously with a Sears 5 hp hot dog style comp. Made a living painting.

[@DavidStrchld]

I have a Craftsman compressor from like 30 years ago, has specs like yours, in using the impact gun I really have not had any issues of note, after all it's only run for a short time normally, with a good resting time inbetween, however if I did have a really tight lug nut I may have to get it to run to it's cut off point (125 PSI) to get enough of a initial breakaway, though that is rare. I think it has to do more with the losses in the long hose length and 3/8 diameter hose then anything else. The air ratchet uses more air, but it works fine with it.

[@marcoespinoza948]

Would a craftsman compressor rating at 11.5 scfm @90 psi be okay to use with a impact wrench since it only really needs 4-5 scfm @90psi?

[@TexasScout]

@@marcoespinoza948 oh hell yes

[@marcoespinoza948]

@@TexasScout okay thank you that’s all I needed to hear

[@wingerrrrrrrrr]

Yeah, if it doesn't break the lug loose immediately when pulling the trigger, try the following: a) bump up the pressure b) get a better large ID hose c) get high flow air couplers d) get a better impact gun

[@chrisdover8014]

I have a Porter Cable 5 gallon pancake compressor that has met most of my needs. The most I've ran on mine was a framing gun and it kept up with it just fine. I would not try and run any tools that require a continuous supply to operate, such as an impact gun, but nailers work pretty good.

[@jorgerowell8871]

I have watched 3 different types of videos with the Bear. This Bear is the coolest. Very informative. Easy to understand..accurate information. And easy on the eyes . Thanx

[@minituck04]

I just bought a Quincy QT5. You can never have enough compressor. When you decide to run a blast cabinet you will ABSOLUTELY need all the CFM you can get.

[@NY411Info]

Nice

[@keithcanfield3251]

I installed a Quincy 7.5 hp 2 stage 240 volt single phase in my shop 2 years ago. It's a workhorse and runs fine on single phase power. Now that we're nearing the end of 2022, be prepared for sticker shock.

[@ahmadghosheh3104]

You also need to consider power supply. At 60 gallons you are at 220-240 V outlet and that is an expensive addition to your garage if you're a DIY, about $300+ electrician fee. Compressors below 60 gallons are usually 110-120V

[@richardprice5978]

120V is junk for bolted shop compressor mobile ah all pass but is so so

[@swaffy101]

Great break down and info. Thank you!

[@chucks4328]

I have an 80 gallon Ingersoll Rand for blowing out tractors and tires. I also have a 20 gallon Sanborn I use to air up tires so I can get them rolling to the shop to be worked on. The most used compressor is a 2 gallon Fortress turned down to blow sawdust and use as an electric shop duster.

[@babydyke416]

This video is great! I'm understanding air compressors a lot better now!

[@matthewcantrell417]

Another great video I have really been enjoying your content, I work in Industrial maintenance and wanted to share another decision point that most people don't think of when deciding on weather to go compressed air vs electric/battery powered tools. It is the cost of running the tool (electricity). Anytime you use compressed air to do the same job of something that can be done with straight electricity you are using 7 to 10 times more electricity (money) to complete that work. Even most Companies that have huge compressors don't realize how much money can be waisted for the convenience of grabbing an air hose and plugging in that air tool. Where I work compressed air is the last resort option, we would prefer to spend a little more upfront on the battery/electric option and recoup the savings over the long term use. I hope people find this comment helpful, and I look forward to more videos.

[@jameshill4900]

Interesting. Is that a calculation you figured out or found somewhere? What parameters is it based on (continuous use or intermittent). On intermittent use 7 x cost vs air in the long run sounds high. Batteries do degrade and weaken over time. Air tools do not and are always putting out 100% * as long as there is air. (PS I do use battery powered tools but also use air for my larger tools).

[@MrSupernova111]

Yeah, but the real comparison is a long term comparison and my bet is that the air equipment will last much longer than battery powered tools. I think they're both great but let's be fair in the comparison.

[@worrior626]

thanks man just the info i was needing to find for over an hour! but again fantastic video keep them up learned alot and will be back with alot of questions in the future!

[@edd2771]

Just the vid I need right now!

[@NELSONG12]

Great info Oso! My little bostitch pancake compressor seems to handle little nailer guns, tire inflater and 21° nail gun. I'm happy!

[@briancrounse7473]

I'm in this same boat. I haven't gotten a tire adapter, yet. Just use it for my nailers and recently got the air tools for dust cleanup.

[@DKWalser]

Red -- I know Jeff helped with the research on this one, so, while you're technically correct in the stats, he reached the wrong conclusion on a few things. First, the SCFM requirements from an air tool can be met -- briefly -- with the air in the compressor's tank. Second, a higher pressure compressor puts 'more air' in its tank -- allowing it to run an air tool for longer than a lower pressure compressor with the same sized tank. For example, I have the HF 27 gallon Fortress High Performance air compressor. It runs up to 200 PSI and produces 5.1 SCFM at 90 PSI. That 27 gallon tank effectively equals a 54 gallon tank at 100 PSI. It will run an impact wrench for several minutes (not continuously, but as you normally would use the tool -- several short bursts at a time). Plenty of air for removing or putting on all the tires on a car or truck, for example. That makes using virtually all the typical air tools practical for the home shop -- with the exception of large sanders, buffers, and grinders. (They make small (3") random orbital sanders that only consume 3 - 5 SCFM, so you can do SOME sanding. But, a 3" sander is a specialty tool. You'd want something larger for most work, and those sanders will outpace my HF compressor.)

[@crypto118]

I still have a Craftman's hot dog to top off tires, but I mainly use electrical tools for everything else. But for the professional, these compressors are needed, so thanks for the video :)

[@sheliamurphy4231]

Thank you for the excellent review/comparison and God Bless and Shine On Brother Bear!!!

[@keithcanfield3251]

I have a Quincy 7.5 hp 2 stage 80 gallon tank compressor. I ordered it with a 240 volt single phase motor and it works great.

[@jameshenry9874]

Thanks for this video! Definitely helped me better understand what I need!

[@trolling4dollars816]

Good video coming from someone that has stated more than once that air powered tools are dead ;) One fact that was left out is that the maximum PSI is not as important as the PSI that turns the compressor on. I had to buy a 175 psi max compressor to supply a constant 125psi to my steel piercing nail gun. See you Sunday

[@jameshill4900]

It's also very important to use high flow fittings and larger diameter hoses (3/8 min. - 1/2 best) for anything that requires higher cfm. Make sure your regulator has a cfm output that matches or exceeds your compressor. For low cfm or dyi odd job users I would advise nothing smaller than a 2 cfm compressor. Quite usable for most tasks. Anything smaller is almost painful.

[@Fireship1]

Milton V. They are high flow and make a huge difference along with large diameter air hose.

[@jameshill4900]

@@Fireship1 The V is a good very high cfm fitting. It's nice because it uses the standard 1/4" intake (which I assume most people here would be using). I've had great luck with them. The larger fittings I use are reserved for my tools that have the 1/2" intake.

[@nodak81]

@@Fireship1 Thank you! I couldn't remember the brand name. I changed all my fittings to the purple 1/4" Milton V-style and the difference was amazing!

[@jims2507]

@@Fireship1 Will these Milton V fittings make any difference with my pancake air compressor and 3/8" 50 ft hose? Need to spray fluid film/woolwax, haven't tried this yet.

[@alanbesing3693]

Love this... what a great delivery.

[@JackalGB]

Thanks Bear, I think I'll be skipping the air impact wrench then. $240 gets me a Makita XWT17Z 18V. :D

[@cb84capri]

If you're getting into makita I think the best thing to get first is the 16" chainsaw with 4 5.0ah batteries and a dual charger. You will love that impact.

[@walterjunovich6180]

Extremely helpful video. Thank you 👍👍👍👍🙂

[@mbazzy123]

I just upgraded to the Ingersal Rand 60 Gallon 5 HP 220 VT. 30 Amp this moves 18.5 Cfm @ 90 PSI and cuts out at 125 PSI coming from a 33 Gallon Craftsman twin cylinder oilless, its a very big improvement for me. $960.00 @ Tractor Supply

[@scinto23]

My 30 gal 2 stage oiled will kick on after removing the 3 wheel on my truck. Does great with impact wrenches, air ratches, and air hammers. Thinking of grabbing a small 18v battery powered one just for tires though.

[@jerrysato3195]

Red, WOW, Outstanding info!!! Thank you very much again!!!

[@TheSprinterVan]

I love my Kobalt impact 24 volt brushless 5-year warranty check the specs unbelievably great

[@GenXtra65]

Thank you this helped me a lot.

[@skunkworks9-3]

So what I'm gathering is if your a shade tree kinda person then electric tools are the way to go. Get a compressor for airing tires and a lil car painting.

[@lordrayden3045]

Yep..... Cordless has come so far, you can go with those....... or corded tools for thst matter

[@josephszijarto1170]

You can run a really strong 1/2" air impact wrench (capable of 1000lb-ft) on a 20 gallon, 4SCFM tank - I've been doing it for 25 years. If you're doing heavy suspension work, there's still no beating air. You just have to pause every minute or so to let the compressor refill the tank. Bigger tank, less pauses. Bigger compressor, less pauses. Plus the air tools are much cheaper than electric typically, and you never run out of battery. The Bear's understanding of how pressure, tanks, and tool SCFM requirements work isn't too good unfortunately.

[@minituck04]

you can even run a Graco sprayer that uses dewalt batteries. Expensive but man do professional painters love it and it works like magic

[@edwarddavis507]

Just a thought. If you’re running electric with a cord, yeah you should hang onto those because they will always work and will last decades. If you are running cordless than you might find you are spending more money on replacement batteries so the air tools have the advantage. I think it’s all dependent on the user.

[@richardfowler3254]

I helped install a Quincy compressor in my friends shop, It is amazing and very quiet too. I do not need one but it is a great one for certain !!

[@michaelvanderbilt6353]

You can rebuild it will run along time, ran 2 24 hr a day + 8-10 on Saturday once a year rebuild the value.

[@Ratkill9000]

Great video. Going to need an air compressor within the next year. Though I'm hoping to get a Crossfire CNC plasma table for home art and what not.

[@araizamk1]

Very helpful thank you papa bear

[@killalota1]

Very very informative and well communicated. All too often reviewers use too many terms that they don’t define and they go over the top with self-importance ivory tower mentality that confuses the Layman. You are a pro and thank you.

[@ozzymandius666]

I've had 3 roofing coil nailers working off a little 3 gallon pancake compressor, ran out of air now and then, but still faster than just running 2 nailers. Keep in mind, can only get so much power out of a 120v 15A circuit. For the big, heavy duty stuff, you need 240v, heck even 3-phase power to run say a 1" drive socket driver like we had in the ole diesel scrapyard I worked at in days of yore.

[@splendidtime1]

cant believe that I just enjoyed listening to a bear interest me about compressors. awesome thanks

[@chrisforker7487]

I purchased a storage tank to help with volume. I have a 50 gallon compressor and two 50 gallon storage tanks. This has a higher initial run time, but zero drop in air performance. This same strategy can work on a smaller scale too.

[@danielbackley9301]

exactly three different factories I worked in all had secondary air tanks more tanks smaller compressor .

[@donaldroehrig7817]

Yes, our engineers did the math and we ended up going with a 75hp variable speed screw drive compressor and two 100 gal tanks. Also, our main air lines that run the length of the building are 3" hard lines, and these act as storage as well. We have air to spare, but with the variable speed drives, we don't waste power. People forget to factor in the electrical cost to run a large air system. It can cost thousands of dollars a year depending on demand.

[@brianpritt4154]

Impact wrenches are used in short bursts and then a break before running again. A large tank can help with that. Smaller compressors work fine if you manage your usage.

[@SvdSinner]

You only need the full power of the impact wrench to break the nuts free. As long as your tank is large enough to run it hard for a second or two, you can get 90%+ of the functionality from a basic compressor that you can get from a giant compressor.

[@rayzt3c425]

I run mine on a little 6 gallon porter cable. It works fairly well for my automotive uses.

[@michaelprosperity3420]

@@SvdSinner Thanks. I had that question. I'll be getting the 29gl Central Neumatic for my garage. My Campbell Hausfield finally quit after 20yrs.

[@TheRoadhammer379]

I can tell none of you have run a 1" impact removing semi truck wheels.

[@joel9405]

@@TheRoadhammer379 99% of average people don't remove semi wheels? 😂

[@Fireship1]

I’ve got four. A bellaire two stage 60 gallon, Sears two stage 25 gallon, HF single stage 8 gallon and Sears single stage 3 gallon. I use the best one for the job at hand. The 60 is my favorite of course. ☺️

[@mferrarorace]

Good tips and points bear. TY

[@David-hm9ic]

Since most of us that are hobbyists would use impact wrenches and all of the other air tools intermittently we don't need the compressor to deliver the big CFM on demand all the time. I have worked in an environment where we used air tools all day every day so I know the difference. A bigger tank can keep the tool going for a while even when the psi/cfm rating falls short. Those ratings are for using the tools nonstop all day long. Unless someone is making a living with their air tools and every minute matters, it's OK to wait on the compressor once in a while. I have a 25 gallon Craftsman with a BS power rating of 4 HP. It's over 25 years old and I have rarely had to wait on it. It's due for replacement because I'm allergic to air tank explosions. My tools include an air drill, paint guns, a die grinder, random orbital sander, 3/8" air ratchet, little to big nailers and a small HF sandblasting cabinet. That's the real air consumption device. Someone I know is a city civil engineer. When the city built a new fire station he was told that the fire department needed a 230V 3 phase air compressor to inflate the tires on the fire trucks. "Nothing but the best for the fire department." He had to abide by the recommendation ($$$ Thousands for an air compressor) when a $600 115V 1ph compressor would have been more than adequate.

[@drkies]

Great content. I like the broad approach.

[@dylaneng91]

This video saved me a ton on air tools!

[@huckelberryfizzle]

Great info, exactly what I needed to know, thank you! Man I could watch that bear talk all day long

[@amberbrown9997]

Love the bear, great info. Appreciate the video.

[@BillMacfarlane]

Great vid, Bear. Question though - at what CFM is it advised to start using the high flow fittings? I’ve swapped out the smaller fittings on my RO sander, blast cabinet, impact (although I hardly use it anymore since I got the Ridgid cordless). Is there any advantage at all to running high flow fittings on lower CFM tools like mini grinder or air ratchet? (I’m running an 80 gal/5hp/240 volt Husky that I think rates around 9 CFM @ 90 psi)

[@bullitt3275]

thank you tool bear

[@EfficientRVer]

If I'm willing to use an air tool and drag an air hose, I'm willing to use a corded tool and drag a 12AWG extension cord. Exceptions for things like nailers, where the tool is simply better, or I'd rather not be holding 120V on a roof or whatever.

[@tomclarke1768]

Was looking for a beginner's guide to air compressors. But...holy sheeeeet....that animated bear! I gave up on the vid half ways through. 🤭

[@brayanloc2929]

Aye respect I like this video. It help out. Keep them going bear . The bear is dope.

[@scottgaskill8514]

I believe in buying all the compressor you possibly afford. I went from a 60 gallon single stage to an 80 gallon 2 stage. I went from air tools to cordless and still do things like sandblasting. Some things you just want to be covered for. You'll never have a big enough garage, you'll never have enough outlets and you never have enough air.

[@markmall7142]

To complicate matters further one should be aware that the rated CFM or l/m is not actual and you should rather spec on FAD which pertains the delived CFM if the info is available. Another thing to consider is noise especially in a home shop so DB rating could be significant and having a smaller tank could be beneficial as it fills quicker equating to less noise for shorter periods and less power consumption .

[@cmd_f5]

Good stuff. Thanks. I generally go for electric or battery power over my air grinder and such. I don't have a need for it most of the time. Kinda like bringing a firehose to water the flowers haha

[@Jimc4007]

Great timing! I've been shopping around for a small compressor to use a brad and finish nailer for woodworking. Don't need it for much of anything else. I don't own any type of air tools at all.

[@wingerrrrrrrrr]

Check out the 2 gallon Fortress ultra quiet one from HF for 140 on sale. Super unobtrusive if you have the compressor in the same room you're working, and decent output for light use.

[@ZebraFacts]

Very nice, informative, and fun video about air compressors. Being that I know nothing about air compressors. The only experience I have ever had using high air pressure, was when I was a very young man working at a large Sara Lee factory. We used high air pressure to clean and dry floors, walls and baking equipment. So, for my own personal usage I'm still left with how many gallons, horsepower, and or watts are adequate for painting, sweeping my lot of dirt, leaves, and other such debris. I would also love to be able to be able to spray my many fruit trees.

[@nickackerman7759]

Came here for the info subscribed for the bear. Thank you.

[@roberthitchcock99]

Thank you

[@sirsweetness8332]

I have the 29 gallon CP from HF. It does well. Hook my 29 gallon up to my 13 gallon at the same time and I have 42 gallons 🤪

[@Ratkill9000]

It works. Long as the fittings are good.

[@looseballs1966]

I beg to differ where air compressor size for running impact guns is concerned, all you need to run any impact gun up to the standard 1/2 inch drive size is about the 5cfm at 90psi pump output and at minimum 20gallon tank size or slightly bigger (25 to 30 is nice) there are other factors that help with cfm demand such as overall tank pressure because the more of it versus the pressure actually used at the gun has a HEAP of berring on tank reserve because if your tank pressure is say 175 and you dial down the regulator to the propper 90 to 110 psi where most all of these tools are meant to run and it's like adding a slightly bigger overall cfm in a sort of way, as a fully certified mechanic of some 30+ years I got by just fine running all manner of impact guns withn the names snap on and ingersol rand as well as even air drills, die grinders and even DA's and grinders with just such size compressors for many of those years, in fact after i closed down my shop and retired I went from my in shop huge IR industrial 120 gallon 50 cfm at 175psi 15 horsepower three phase monster compressor to a little 20 gallon 5.5cfm portable unit (IR industrial)to run my guns and what not in my occasional home/hobby shop/garage, and it isn't terrible if you ain't in a big hurry and let it catch up every so often so to speak even running die grinders and grinders/sanders, and just guns is a breaze and no problem at all, note here that some of the garbage china junk guns are not worth owning because they suck air and make nothing good with it, and the better name brands such as ingersol do just the opposite and are WELL worth the money compared to the china junk, same goes for the compressor you chose,,,pick out one of the oil-less harbor freight china junks with a 10% duty cycle pump on it and you will burn it up in a hot flash trying to keep up at all in these smaller cfm's, but get a pressure lubricated oil type industrial unit from someone like ingersol or the such with a 100% or near it duty cycle and you can run it all day at constant max output and it will never break a sweat and last many years doing it.

[@tommyeller524]

I have a Quincy 80 Gallon QT 7.5 Single phase 230 volts and it is awesome. $3,000.00 it awesome.

[@OGPedXing]

I got the mcgraw 21 gal. But it's at 175 psi which means it's like a 26 gal 150. I use nailers and impacts with it, no grinders. I do have an lvhp sprayer (low vol, high pressure) which should work fine for smaller pieces or panels of a car.

[@joecool509]

I have finally gotten rid of my last air tool. I use the m12 miwaukee for tires and I am good.

[@laurenharper1510]

That was bear-y helpful

[@theinfernalcraftsman]

For auto mechanics the days of air tools are over. Most everyone at dealer shops use Milwaukee M12 impacts and ratchets. If you use air tools you will not be liked since they are so loud. For my needs I use every grinder and cut off tool under the sun and then rhe blasting cabinet and pressure blaster and paint as well. For me a modified 60 gallon is usable but I really need more air so I don't have to stop working.

[@Fireship1]

I agree. When I work around fuel such as drilling screws out of a fuel tank flange, I’d rather use air. No motor sparks and less of a chance of ignition.

[@steponmemommy9323]

I have the 20 gallon McGraw 135 PSI oil lubed compressor. Just got a set of Milton V-Style high flow fittings from Amazon. Was wondering if those new fittings combined with a 1/2" air hose would be enough to run a cheaper impact? Edit: The new fittings and the 1/2" Earthquake impact from HF work fabulous!

[@artv4nd3l4y]

I have a lot of experience with my Central Pneumatic 21 gallon now (same line as the 29 gallon I believe), and I have to say it's done me well. When I started to notice real limitations was with an air sander, like he said something spinning at high rates like 12000RPM for a long time if going to just eat your air. I wonder how it would do on a 60 gallon, my guess is that would be sufficient based on my experience. I could drain the tank pretty easily in a couple minutes, and it takes a long time to fill back up so wasn't a great solution. On the other hand the HF HVLP gun worked great, I got great consistent spray and it took a while for the compressor to start turning on. It would also turn back off so air compressors still can work well for a variety of tools, but you definitely should consider cordless tools when it makes sense. Look at pin nailers and brad nailers though, you never want to buy a cordless unless you're a professional, they're literally like $200. I got a brad nailer and pin nailer that both work fine from Harbor Freight for around $50. I will say the pin nailer won't do 2" pins like the Dewalt one, but then again the bigger ones also won't do 1/2" typically. There is a lot of great resources out there now to help with choosing between air and cordless tools. I will say my Milwaukee cordless drill set i.e. was one of my favorites, but not everything is so mass produced and air tools can still work great sometimes for cheap. Look at Milwaukee's best impact wrench something like $500, yeah it's super powerful but still not as powerful as an 80 gallon air compressor with a quality air impact wrench. Buy five of those nicer cordless tools that actually compete with the 80 gallon tools, and all of a sudden you're already around $3000 after taxes...

[@ronv6637]

Milwaukee top of the line is over $2000 and the batteries are very expensive,and I can't reinflate the truck tire with it

[@badmatt4227]

I bought the California Air 20 Gallon and it runs my 1/2” impact (brand NAPA) great. Bonus, it does not chase me out of the garage when running. 14:50 I would not purchase the cordless, DeWalt has a corded version that will last longer.

[@perseveranceiskey7353]

Hey bear, I’ve been watching you for awhile man love the channel and can’t thank you enough for what you do... but could you start covering welding rigs and tools some more that be awesome cause you saved me so much on everything else. I caught the stainless steel Kobalt tool chest whole thing for under 700$ before tax!!

[@frijoli9579]

One thing not addressed is the actual way they measure compressors. They are not measured by compressor output. If you have an air tool that runs at 4cfm and 90 PSI, a compressor rated a 4 cfm at 90 PSI will NOT keep up.

[@bradyspace]

PSI is like Volts and CFM is maybe like amps. Tank size is a bit like watt hours.

[@Cweakley21]

Hey Bear! I'm trying to get started with hvlp and I'm not sure what compressor to go with? ShouId I get the 21gal McGraw or a smaller fortress around that price point? What would you advise? Thanks for all your videos, I always start with you first before I buy tools!

[@alexandermacgillivray598]

Cheers mate !

[@asdf9890]

This helped a lot. I want a compressor that I can get that impact wrench that will take off any bolt, but looks like I just need to man up and use a breaker bar....and the other half of my jack handle as an extension. I'm not spending $1500+ on a compressor.

[@andrewforte]

I have a US Craftsman 2hp 33gal 150psi that does 6.4scfm at 90psi. After I switched out the quick couplers to 3/8 automotive it has no problems keeping up with my IR 2135QTi 1/2" impact gun. However it does struggle at times to keep up with the DeVilbiss FLG-3 HVLP spray gun. I have thought about switching to electric, but I have so much invested in air tools that it's not worth it.

[@jameshuggins4300]

Thats my thinking as well

[@joecool509]

AVE did a good video on CFM advertisement on compressor and how they don’t align with the tool needs.

[@NY411Info]

Yes he did, and the manufacturers do a lot of BS Figures.

[@calvinwalker4654]

He puts out a lot of info that you won't see from other channels.

[@ikigai47]

OMG, a year later and Harbor Freight's prices are so much higher than you're showing here

[@bones5083]

My 10 gallon central pneumatic harbor freight compressor has been perfect for air hammer and impact but not good for die grinder. For most I need it for though works great

[@txrangers717]

I have a porter cable 4 gallon side stack compressor that my father dropped off at my house a while ago (he used to work in construction). I've been thinking about fixing it up to working condition. It's missing the regulator and he told me the safety valve leaked so it wouldn't reach cut-out pressure. The interesting thing about it is the scfm it produces for a small compressor. 7.7 at 40 psi and 5.3 at 90 psi. That seems to be higher than any other compressor I can find at that size of a tank. What would be the recommended uses for that? It seems to be borderline impact wrench territory, but it seems like the 4 gallon tank would run out of air quickly.

[@heavychevy383]

gotta kobalt 20 gallon compressor (as a gift) & havent purchased any air tools yet... so this information should, in theory, keep me from buying something my compressor wont support... thanx bear, & god bless u to dude

[@johngodden1665]

I had a 5th wheel RV with Goodyear 16 tires, they took 105 PSI. Large pickup tires can be 60 to 80 and I have been told that some people run the Goodyear tires above on their pickups. Way over 80 PSI. Using the impact wrench you will find the longer you can keep the pressure at 90 or above the performance you will get. The sanders, grinders and sand blasters are the worst. The issue is not only the amount of air you need, but the length of time you need to use it. Draining a 20 gal. Compressor in a 2 or 3 minutes and then waiting for it to completely refill.

[@kencooper2059]

Good video!

[@seapanda579]

You can run 3phase 240volt on your normal single phase 240v you use a vfd. As for the noise I build a compress room. I built it by using insulated concrete core foam block ( icf ) use a good foam filled door. Or use 2x6 frame and fill the gap with open cell foam. Make sure you have a opening to let air in and one to let heat out I use a 12 " pipe in the roof with a fan putting heat out. All my switchs are mounted out side the room and I have a large line leaving the tank to outside the room with a extra very large tank to hold more air. I use a lot of air pigs tool I need the extra air. I run two type of lines one that has oil in the air for tool and dry air. If you did like people coming to get air all the time give the the oil line. It stop that quick. If he using a blow gun lol

[@robertstetson4077]

Trust me on this get as big as air compressors you can afford. especially if you're running things like impact wrenches and air grinders

[@cb84capri]

Sand blasting cabinet

[@robertstetson4077]

@@cb84capri that too

[@workingshlub8861]

air and die grinders use alot....i smoked my 15 gallon using a cut off tool to much.... upgraded to a 30 gallon a that is still cutting it close...im a weekender

[@Fraenzify]

Great product. Buy it!

[@justinec4991]

Hi! I know you recommend the Graco gun for spray painting but I'm wondering what compressor you recommend for a Gravity Feed HVLP Spray Gun

[@victormeldroo]

great video showing the bear necessities of air tools and compressors. pardon the Punn.

[@A6Legit]

Yeah basically you need one of those 30gal + compressors if you wanna use high output tools for extended periods.

[@ozzymandius666]

I wish they made a paint sprayer that would work well on my Campbell-Hausfeld 6 gallon pancake at 3 cfm. Pretty much the best I could find at 120v 15A. I have a Viair 450p 12v compressor, works great inflating stuff and on tires.

[@tidesrollin5343]

I lucked up on a 80 gallon 2 stage Quincy for 600 bucks only had about 20 hours on it!!!! I was sooooooo excited, till I had to run new power to the shop!!!!! Its not really that loud in the whole scheme of things!! It was far more than I needed, but I could not pass it up!

[@pkt1213]

Since I put up over 500 ft of privacy fence, I didn't use mine a lot. Most of what used to be air powered for me is now battery. I guess the real problem, most of the tools with lower air requirements have been replaced with good battery tools. Now what I need air for still requires a beefy compressor like a sander, so it really hasn't resolved my compressor woes.

[@sirtigalotwolfe2962]

I have a 8 Gal. Cambell and whatever,, replumbed a portable tank of air to add the the air volume works great try it.

[@zackhaas3267]

The Central Pneumatic 29 gallon will run any impact full power up to 3/4" with the right setup. The biggest thing with it is to change out the factory regulator to a decent regulator. The factory one is EXTREMELY restrictive.

[@firemedicjm911]

I have an IR 2340L5 and it runs my 1/2" impact just fine. I can torque anything I work with down without an issue. Haven't found a tool yet that doesn't work with it, though I am not using the extremely high CFM tools, Don't need them. I do use it to inflate my pool floats..lol. I just turn the PSI down to around 10 and go to town. :)

[@jeffowen3799]

you are using more than the average compressor a home user is looking at,

[@marksalmon5371]

Hi . I was hoping to do sand blasting , any suggestions, size of tank , psi .etc. cheers