Need a new air compressor

toolmanmike said

Here's a Champion rated at 19 cfm @125 psi. Quincy has rated their compressors at higher pressures for a long time. I don't know the reasoning other than the numbers are bigger and it looks more impressive. Champion® 5HP 2-Stage 80-Gal Air Compressor

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You’re right. General public thinks a higher pressure is better. A 600hp car sounds great but it doesn’t mean much if it has 195/60/R15 all season tires. Can you apply the 600hp for long with those tires? Nope. Does you impract wrench need 175psi? Nope. But folks think a higher pressure will provide better performance for their tool (do the job quicker, brag to their buddies?) when the impact wrench only requires 90 to 100psi. The tool internals will need to be replaced sooner for no reason. Much like the 195/60/R15 tires won’t last long under 600hp. Plus the cfm rating of the compressor decreases as pressure increases which means the compressor will be operating more for no reason. And piston compressors are not meant for continuous/lengthy duty cycles. So new compressor internals will be needed sooner for no need.