Re: Air Compressor Recommendations

[WAYNE]

You need to determine the maximum amount of air you need and then pick out the air compressor. Don’t worry about hp. They are usually over rated. 1 hp = 746W and a 110V 15A plug outputs a max of 1500W. That means you can’t get more than 2 hp out of a standard 110V outlet. You can run a maximum of 5 hp on 220V wiring if it’s wired correctly. CFM is a better way to pick a compressor. Just know that those numbers can be biased as well. A compressor will output about 3-4 CFM per true hp. A two 2 stage compressor will output 150 psi whereas a single stage will output 100 psi. A single stage is all you really need.

I paint outboards and run tools with a small 1/3 hp 8 gallon compressor. It outputs 3.7 CFM at 90 psi or so it
claims. I suspect it’s less than that. I also bought a good quality old (1968) single stage 110/220V compressor with a true 2 hp TEFC motor and 60 gallon tank off the local buy and sell website last year for cheap. I would go this route if you have the space. I use electric DA sanders. I don’t like pneumatic air sanders. JMO

Wayne
Upper Canada Chapter

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