CALIFORNIA AIR TOOLS FACTORY OUTLET STORE (USA & canada* only)
CALIFORNIA AIR TOOLS FACTORY OUTLET STORE (USA & canada* only)
Choosing the correct air compressor for you and your application is very important to California Air Tools.
Before choosing an air compressor, determine what air tools you are planning on using. This is very Important! We want to ensure that the air compressor you choose be will produce enough air (CFM) to operate your air tools or application properly.
Every air tool has an air consumption requirement.
This is stated, for example as: 2.20 CFM @ 90 PSI for the air tool to work properly.
A. CFM - (cubic feet per minute) is what air volume runs your tool. Some tools express as l/min (liters per minute); convert from l/min to cfm using a Google search. I.E. 100 l/min = 3.5 cfm.
B. PSI - (pounds per square inch) is the pressure of the flow of air. Often this is expressed in bar; convert from bar to PSI using a simple Google search. I.E. 7 bar = 101 PSI
This will help you determine the air delivery (CFM) you need from your air compressor.
For example the California Air Tools 8010 air compressor will produce 2.20 CFM @ 90 PSI.
If you plan on using an air tool or machine on a continuous basis, it is a good idea to multiply the “CFM” x 2 to get a continuous CFM rating for the tool or machine.
For example, if your equipment requires 3.8 cfm @90 PSI (or 108 liters per minute) and you plan on running for more than 1 hour per day continuously, then you will need to obtain a compressor with a minimum specification of 7.4 cfm (this would be a 4 Hp model). If you plan to run more than 6 hours per day continuously, then multiply by 3, for a minimum compressor specification of 11.4 cfm @90 PSI (this would be a 6 Hp model).
2 Hp Ultra Quiet Compressor (@90 PSI)*
- may run at 3.0 cfm for up to 1 hour max; may run up to 5.0 cfm for 30 mins max
- may run continuously at 2.0 cfm for 1-4 hours
- may run continuously at 1.5 cfm for up to 6 hours
4 Hp Ultra Quiet Compressor (@90 PSI)**
- may run at 7.0 cfm for up to 1 hour max; may run up to 10.0 cfm for 30 mins max
- may run continuously at 4-5 cfm for 1-4 hours
- may run continuously at 3.3 cfm for up to 8 hours
- may run continuously at 2.5 cfm for up to 10 hours
6 Hp Ultra Quiet Compressor (@90 PSI)***
- may run at 12 cfm for up to 1 hour max; may run up to 14.5 cfm for 45 mins max
- may run continuously at 7.2 cfm for 1-4 hours
- may run continuously at 4.8 cfm for up to 8 hours
- may run continuously at 3.6 cfm for up to 10 hours
Most all air tools and machines are rated for intermediate usage (not continuous), with the exception of milling machines, etc. Always consult the air tool or machine manufacturer for the correct CFM requirement.
*NOTE 1: 2.0 HP models cannot maintain 100 PSI (or higher) continuously for any longer than 5-10 minutes; 4.0 Hp models and above are only suggested.
**NOTE 2: 4 Hp compressor models may run 2.0 to 4.2 cfm continuously (55-118 l/min) @90 PSI during a standard workday. 4 Hp models can generally run ~9-10 cfm @90 PSI for about 45-55 minutes maximum but will then need to stop hard for 15-20 minutes to allow motor/pumps to cool off….or….may run up to ~4 cfm @90 PSI for up to 4 hours at a time, with 15-20 stop break. If a 4 Hp 80% or 98% Dry Air model run beyond these conditions then excessive water build-up could result. Actual results may vary depending on environmental/installation space rH (relative Humidity); humidity levels greater than 75 rH can generate even higher output moisture content. Use of a dehumidifier is suggested to help control any observed moisture content issues.
***NOTE 3: 6 Hp compressor models may run 4-7 cfm (112-180 l/min) @90 PSI during a standard workday. 6 Hp models can generally run ~12-14 cfm @90 PSI for about 50 minutes maximum but will then need to stop hard for 15-20 minutes to allow motor/pumps to cool off….or….may run up to ~7.5 cfm @90 PSI for up to 4 hours at a time, with 15-20 stop break.
Copyright © 2025 CAT Store - All Rights Reserved.