Minimum Air Compressor

A 5 HP/ 2 cyl/ 2stage with a 60 gallon tank won't keep up with a DA. They take a lot of constant air. The bigger the tank, the longer it takes before the compressor kicks in and you run out of air. When you look for compressors, start with the air consumption specs for the tools you will use. Usually, The bigger the tool, the more air it will use.1/2" Impact wrenches use a lot of air but only for a short time. (Not like a DA or a disc grinder which you tend to use constantly) Next step is the CFM delivered specs from the compressor. It will never keep up if the tool consumes 8 cfm and the compressor only has 5 cfm delivered @ XX PSI. That's another thing to think about if the compressor is rated at XX cfm @ 90 psi, cranking the limit switch to 140# won't give you more air just more pressure. A nice sized home compressor is a 5hp/2cyl/2 stage with a 50 gal. tank. You just need to pace yourself when working and allow the compressor to catch up and cool down. Most of 5he 5 horse 80's have bigger motors and beefier compressor pumps. tmm