best cfm for spraying and air tools.

[manic morris1]

Hi good evening to all hope i can get a bit of help been looking at buying compressor but so many lol .

[bmcecosse]

You don't need a huge compressor - what you need is a large reservoir tank!

[manic morris1]

Hi thanks is that 50 litre or more ? .

[bmcecosse]

A good deal more if wanting to do 'whole car' spraying. But if only using tools (on/off) and perhaps spraying one panel at a time.... that would be plenty. A big empty Calor Gas cylinder makes a great aux reservoir for when you need the extra capacity.

[kennatt]

You need to match the output of the pump to the demand, air tools take a massive amount of air,paint spraying needs a minimum of 12 cfm but again depends on the gun some need more ,some ie gravity fed lphv need less, even with a large tank,if the use out strips the supply it will eventually run down. Then what happens is the pressure drops in the gun and the paint job needs doing again.
Go on the mig welding forum loads of good advice re painting and compressors. Idealy a large tank 200 l and a pump that will overtake the use of the gun or tool being used so that the tank is always topped up when on full demand.One problem is that once you get to the pro range they don't like running on domestic electic supply, can't remember now the upper limit ,but all will be on the mig site,
It of course depends on how much you want to do,just a door or wing , then you can get away with smaller stuff. I have a clarkes turbo 8cfm and 25 l tank, linked to a 200l tank,which I have used for doing doors ,and tyre inflation etc (Have access to a spray booth so don,t need anything bigger) Just have to wait for it to fill up and put up with it running once I start,and keep an eye on the pressure guage.Wouln't risk a full respray with it, paints too expensive not to get it right first time.

[manic morris1]

Thanks to all you guys for your help and time best start lookin then .

[kevin s]

I have 2 of the 2.5 hp ones from aldi at around £80 each, working together they have been fine for spraying ,air tools and sandblasting.

[kennatt]

If I needed a new one for my domestic garage this is the one I would probably get https://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/prod ... compressor

[moggiethouable]

You will find a lot of compressors have a regulator fitted, but not all have a filter/regulator combo or filter in its own right.
Do take the time to acquire a minimum 20 micron filter or filter reg to fit in the airline output.
Some spray equipment does not mix the air with the paint, some do, so mixing the air with the paint requires good filtration, preferably a filter with an automatic water drain fitted, they all come fitted with a water spinner for removing droplets, however, an auto drain saves you having to check and drain manually.

[manic morris1]

Thanks for your help lads going hunting for one again tomorrow wish me look .

[tysonn]

The air doesnt mix with the paint it drags it out of the gun.