What CFM Air Compressor Is Needed to Run Air Tools?

What size air compressor do I need for a finish nailer?

CFM means Cubic Feet per Minute and this is the volume of air an air compressor can pump out per minute.

When buying an air compressor the first thing you must work out is how much air is needed to power your tool. To figure this out you need to know how much air flow your tool requires to run. Almost all air tools have specific requirements in regards to air volume and pressure.

You must meet these requirements with your chosen air compressor for the tool to function at its best. The CFM requirement and the tank are are the biggest considerations you must take into account when shopping for a compressor. You can find the CFM requirement of your tool from it's manual or technical specification.

In this guide we will cover;

Calculating CFM Requirements

Find the required air flow (CFM) of your specific air tool. This information will be in your tools user guide or manufacturers website.

To find the minimum required CFM of the compressor you need multiply your tool’s required CFM by 1.5

Example: if you want to run a spray gun (6.5 CFM):
6.5 CFM x 1.5 = at least a 9.75 CFM compressor

If you’re going to be running multiple tools you’ll need to add together the individual CFM of each tool. Most DIY compressors are designed to run only one tool at a time. You can successfully run several tools simultaneously on larger more commercial compressors.

Calculating Tank Size

To find the minimum tank size of the compressor you need multiple your tool’s required CFM by 6.

For example, if you run an impact wrench (8 SCFM):
8 CFM x 6 = at least a 48 litre compressor tank

Again, this is a rough guide and the larger tank your compressor has, the better the performance of your tool.

How much air do you need to run an impact wrench?

Tool	Tool Requirements	Air Compressor
SAT103	CFM - 6.5 CFM Max Torque - 340 Nm Operating Pressure - 90 PSI	SC90B
SC100V
SAT101	CFM - 8 CFM Max Torque - 880 Nm Operating Pressure - 90 PSI	SC100V

What size air compressor do I need for a finish nailer?

Tool	Tool Requirements	Air Compressor
SAT402	CFM - 1 CFM Operating Pressure - 60-100psi	SC6H
SAT403	CFM - 1 CFM Operating Pressure - 75 - 100psi	SC6H
SAT404	CFM - 6.5 CFM Operating Pressure - 70 - 100psi	SC50H
SAT405	CFM - 14.8 CFM Operating Pressure - 75 - 100psi	SC100V

What is the best compressor for spray painting?

Tool	Tool Requirements	Air Compressor
SAT502	CFM - 6 - 12 CFM Operating Pressure - 36 - 50 psi	SC100V
SAT501	CFM - 6 - 12 CFM Operating Pressure - 36 - 50 psi	SC150B
SAT505	CFM - 6 - 11 CFM Operating Pressure - 36 - 50 psi	SC90B

How many CFM do I need for sandblasting?

Tool	Tool Requirements	Air Compressor
SSB100	CFM - 10 CFM Operating Pressure - 80 - 100 psi	SC90B
SSB200	CFM - 10 CFM Operating Pressure - 100 psi	SC150B
SSB400	CFM - 24 CFM Operating Pressure - 125 psi	S-N1NN905FPS019

What CFM do I need for sanders?

Tool	Tool Requirements	Air Compressor
SAT610	CFM - 4 CFM Operating Pressure - 90 psi	SC6H
SAT603	CFM - 4.5 CFM Operating Pressure - 90 psi	SC6H
SAT604	CFM - 6 CFM Operating Pressure - 90 psi	SC24H
SAT601	CFM - 5 CFM Operating Pressure - 90 psi	SC100V
SAT602	CFM - 4.5 CFM Operating Pressure - 90 psi	SC100V
SAT606	CFM - 5 CFM Operating pressure - 90 psi	SC100V

What CFM do drills and screwdrivers need?

Tool	Tool Requirements	Air Compressor
SAT203	CFM - 6 CFM Operating Pressure - 90 psi	SC24H
SAT206	CFM - 5.5 CFM Operating Pressure	SC24H
SAT204	CFM - 6 CFM Operating Pressure - 90 psi	SC24H
SAT205	CFM - 5 CFM Operating Pressure - 90 psi	SC24H

What CFM do grinders and cut off saws need?

Tool	Tool Requirement	Air Compressor
SAT303	CFM - 4.5 CFM Operating Pressure - 90 psi	SC6H
SAT304	CFM - 4 CFM Operating Pressure - 90 psi	SC6H
SAT305	CFM - 6 CFM Operating Pressure - 90 psi	SC24H

What size air compressor do I need to paint a car?

Painting your car at home is a big job, however when done properly it can offer a very affordable option. There are several elements that can influence the outcome of your paint job. Ensuring you have the correct size compressor should be top priority, after deciding on the colour of course. If you're attempting to use a small air compressor, you simply won’t have the volume (CFM) to paint your entire car in one go. Your gun will struggle as will your air compressor.

While it is possible to paint your car in steps with a smaller air compressor, you will very likely run into problems with over-spray, especially on the clear coat stage. Over-spray from the clear coat will cause your job to look dull. Painting is a very demanding job, one that requires consistent power. Because you’ll be painting continuously, you’ll want to make sure you're using a compressor that is a big enough size to maximise your efficiency. Spray guns require a significant amount of power to operate. Therefore, it’s important that you pay attention to these factors when shopping for an air compressor.

100 Litre Air Compressor

The SGS 100 litre reciprocating air compressor is ideal for DIY and trade applications thanks to it's impressive 100L capacity tank. This coupled with a very high 14.6 CFM air displacement, offers a fantastic combination of performance, safety and value for money. The large air tank makes this compressor suitable for tools that require a constant supply of air, such as spray guns, impact wrenches and drills. The powerful 3 HP engine ensures a short wait for the tank to pressurise - keeping you working.

100L Air Compressor - Shop Now

150 Litre Air Compressor

This air compressor is is a must for professional workshops, garages and enthusiasts alike. It is extremely effective thanks to it's large 150L capacity tank coupled with it's very powerful 14cfm air displacement. Using the long life highly efficient, smooth and quiet operating 14cfm, twin cylinder belt drive compressor pump, the compressor works up to a maximum working pressure of 150 PSI. This machine uses an industrially rated induction motor and must be operated from a heavy duty power supply and not from extension cables.

150L Air Compressor - Shop Now