Tornados Black Guidance

[Dmb5450]

I have been doing a lot of research on the Tornador Black. After researching, I am still confused on the ideal compressor. Many forums stated large tanks (60 gallon) are needed. Some forums and YouTube videos say smaller tanks are more than enough (10 gallon). Another area of discrepancy is larger tank vs higher CFM. I guess my overall questions are what exactly are some of you using and how is it working for you. I'm guessing the range of compressors is going to vary widely. My next question would be what compressor I have been researching would be best. I love cleaning my personal cars, occasionally I do cars in the side for some extra money.

All CFM is given at 90 PSI...
Any major pro/con for oil and oil free?

33 gallon- 5.1 CFM (oil free)

20 gallon- 4 CFM (oil free)

10 gallon - 5.2 CFM (oil)

5.2 gallon- 6.5 CFM (oil)



Thank you to everyone.

[dcjredline]

Oil less = less maintenance, Oil ones are usually considered to be better built/longer lasting (with the proper maintenance)

If you are not going to use it constantly and dont mind the compressor trying to keep up / waiting for the pressure to build back up you can get a smaller tank.

[Dmb5450]

Thanks man, is the 5.2 gallon tank with 6.5 CFM too small?

[dcjredline]

You may have to wait alot for the pressure to build up. If you have the time and patients then no it wont be too small.

[Dmb5450]

So is it safe to say that CFM is more important that tank size?

[Audios S6]

Note that I have the original tornador Z-010

I have a 3 gallon that I use when mobile. When I'm doing engine bays, I will spray an area until the compressor kicks on, then scrub or wipe that area. By the time I'm done wiping, the compressor has caught up.

This works surprisingly well as the compressor kicks on when I have a decent size work area (any larger and product may start to dry)


For interiors, I do the same and it works well for door cards, but for carpet and mats having to stop gets annoying. I don't use it much for interiors anymore, mostly steam now.

[rockford33]

I would say both are important. I don't have the Black, just the regular Tornador. Haven't used it in awhile, but here is my set up and result. 6 cfm compressor with 4 gallon tank plus an additional 10 gallon tank added in series for 14 gallons total. IIRC, I can maybe do one door before waiting for the tanks to fill up so I can clan some more, and the pressure drops off near the end so the cleaning power isn't as good. I may buy a 30 gallon to see if it works better. Would love a 60 gallon, but space and lack of 240 volt outlet prohibit that atm....

[rockford33]

Be careful of duty cycle too on your compressor. A lot are rated at 50%, meaning it should only run 30 minutes out of every 60 minutes. If you keep running the tank empty and the pump is kicking on constantly, you could overheat heat the pump...

[Dmb5450]

Thank you to everyone that replied, hopefully this info will help a lot of others as well.

[AGOatemywallet]

There is an upgrade for the older Tornador that proportedly decreases the amount of CFM required

It is not sold by AGO