Minimum Air Compressor Size

go-fish said
I am looking at air compressors and can only do a 110v deal due to my house electric. I want to a compressor that I can paint with but I know finding one with ~ 15 CFM and 20-ish psi in a 110v compressor is probably impossible.

My question is if anyone here is familiar with any guns that will spray (small stuff / not a whole car) with a lower rated compressor? I am looking at this one :

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Califor...-Free-Electric-Air-Compressor-20020/312624543
  • Ultra quiet at only 70 dB
  • Powerful 2.0 HP motor
  • Oil-free pump produces cleaner air for better tool operation, less maintenance and costs
  • 6.40 CFM at 40 psi, 5.30 CFM at 90 psi
  • 20 Gal. steel air tank with wheel kit makes it easy to move around
  • 125 psi maximum pressure
  • Low amp draw - 14 Amp
  • 2 pressure control gauges and 2 universal 1/4 in. quick connectors
  • Easy-start valve for less starting amperage
  • Thermal overload protector
  • Time to fill tank from empty to full - 4-minutes
  • 110-Volt/60 Hz
  • Recovery time from 95 psi to 125 psi in 1-minute
  • Less heat which dissipates more efficiently

I am just looking at running air tools like an impact, sanders, cut-off wheels, .... If I could also spray some epoxy primer to cover bare metal and spray paint on small things like manifolds.

If this compressor can't do that I will start looking at a lesser one that is cheaper and will still get the job done for JUST air tools.

Thanks for the input.
Click to expand...
OK. Oil free compressors with that little air flow are not the best way to go. I would HIGHLY recommend contacting the electrician. The cost to have a 240V source placed in the garage may be a lot more reasonable than you think. A 240 V source is just two 120 V lines run to one spot. Nothing magical to it at all. Notice I keep saying 'source' instead of outlet. That is because most 240 V compressors need to be hard wired. If you do decide to have the wiring work done, buy the compressor, place it where you want it and then have the electrician wire it up for you. Just about any 240 V, 5HP, 60 or 80 gallon (I prefer 80) compressor will do what you need. I sandblast, powder coat, paint, grind and cut with a 5HP, 2 stage 80-gallon tank compressor.
That being said, if you cannot afford the wiring or the bigger 240 V compressor, you can make do with the one you listed. I did it myself with a small oil free compressor for several years. When I say make do, I mean you can use air tools and paint guns, but you have to be careful AND patient. On my old compressor, I could use most air tools, but not continuously. For example, you can use a three-inch cutoff tool or orbital sander for a minute or so, but then you need to stop while waiting for the compressor to catch up. It will take a lot longer, but it is doable if you have to. Samd with painting. Do some research and find the gun that uses the least air. I painted at least 15-20 cars with that same smaller compressor. I had to stop every once in a while for the compressor to catch up, but layed out some very nice paint jobs with it.
In summation, you could get by with the smaller compressor IF you have to, but you will be fighting it a lot. Go with the 240 V one if you at all can.