Calling All Air Compressor Experts...

**WRAPT C5Z06** · 10-06-2011, 08:48 AM

How about this one? 5.2 CFM @ 90psi.

I will using it 90% of the time to blow out pads.

What's the decibel level of the MAC700?

Amazon.com: DEWALT D55146 4-1/2-Gallon 200-PSI Hand Carry Compressor with Wheels: Home Improvement

**tuscarora dave** · 10-06-2011, 10:33 AM

Most of these small tank air compressors are really only suitable for operating nail guns, staple guns and the like because these type of tools do not use much air at any given moment. When you get into using a constant flow of air such as when blowing the spent polish/removed paint material from a pad or even blowing the dirt out of seat tracks or off of the dash you often times are using more air than what the compressor pump can resupply the tank with so you lose pressure rather quickly as you are relying on the stored compressed air in the tank and not the air that the pump creates to get the job done.

Your best bet is to choose a tool (the air nozzle) that you will use to blow the pad clean and determine the CFM (cubic feet per minute) that the tool uses and match the compressor to the tool. The tank size is an important consideration because to dislodge the stuck on slurry of spent polish/removed paint you will be relying on "both" the rated CFM of the tool and a certain amount of pressure. With small tanks you quickly lose the pressure part of the needed combination of the two, essentially leaving you with plenty of air flow with not enough pressure to dislodge the crud from the pad and the result is that you have to stop and wait for the pump to re pressurize the tank to finish the job.

One sure way to get around the small tank issue is to first thoroughly brush the pad to dislodge the stuck on contaminants and then use your air nozzle to blow out the dislodged particles.

This is why when shopping for air compressors you only see images of construction workers using nail guns and staple guns with these small tank type air compressors because that's what they are designed to be used for and they can't efficiently handle anything more demanding.

**tuscarora dave** · 10-06-2011, 11:13 AM

Mark, this may shed some light on the compressor that you should get to perform the job you are wanting to do. Some good info on this site.

Compressor-sizing.

**C. Charles Hahn** · 10-06-2011, 11:26 AM

Originally Posted by 07 z-oh-6

oil free compressor that's not too loud

Good luck with that!

Pretty much every oilless compressor I've ever run across is significantly louder than an oiled compressor.

**Karim Khan** · 10-06-2011, 12:03 PM

Hey guys since we are talking about air compressors i would like to know purchase this unit D55168 1.6 HP Continuous, 200 PSI, 15 Gallon Workshop Compressor | DEWALT Tools. Its a vertical unit. I would like to know if i can transport this unit horizontally as i do not have space in my vehicle to carry it in the vertical position. Would there be any implications ????

**WRAPT C5Z06** · 10-06-2011, 12:25 PM

Ok everyone, at the minimum, what CFM @ 90 psi and gallon size am I looking for to blow out any pad without having to brush them first?

Thanks!

Great info, Dave! Thank you!

Originally Posted by tuscarora dave

Most of these small tank air compressors are really only suitable for operating nail guns, staple guns and the like because these type of tools do not use much air at any given moment. When you get into using a constant flow of air such as when blowing the spent polish/removed paint material from a pad or even blowing the dirt out of seat tracks or off of the dash you often times are using more air than what the compressor pump can resupply the tank with so you lose pressure rather quickly as you are relying on the stored compressed air in the tank and not the air that the pump creates to get the job done.

Your best bet is to choose a tool (the air nozzle) that you will use to blow the pad clean and determine the CFM (cubic feet per minute) that the tool uses and match the compressor to the tool. The tank size is an important consideration because to dislodge the stuck on slurry of spent polish/removed paint you will be relying on "both" the rated CFM of the tool and a certain amount of pressure. With small tanks you quickly lose the pressure part of the needed combination of the two, essentially leaving you with plenty of air flow with not enough pressure to dislodge the crud from the pad and the result is that you have to stop and wait for the pump to re pressurize the tank to finish the job.

One sure way to get around the small tank issue is to first thoroughly brush the pad to dislodge the stuck on contaminants and then use your air nozzle to blow out the dislodged particles.

This is why when shopping for air compressors you only see images of construction workers using nail guns and staple guns with these small tank type air compressors because that's what they are designed to be used for and they can't efficiently handle anything more demanding.

Great info, Dave! Thank you!

**Mobile detail** · 10-06-2011, 03:38 PM

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This is what I use and it works fine for blowing and tornador in intervals, not constantly

**mark58** · 10-06-2011, 04:30 PM

Originally Posted by 07 z-oh-6

With the specs of this compressor, does it have enough power to thoroughly blow out Microfiber, wool, and foam pads? Please only answer if you're educated on this subject. Thanks.

GMC Power Equipment GMC SYCLONE 4610A Ultra Quiet & Oil-Free Air Compressor (Twin Aluminum Tank) | Wayfair

YES it does. Since most of your small compressors have a 3-8 gallon tank and working pressure is between 90 to 120 PSI you have plenty of air in the tank to clean your pads. Air blow guns are set at 30 PSI (OSHA Regulation) you have plenty of time to clean your pads. Now, you will not be able to run many air tools for any length of time since most of the small air tools require 3-5 CFM at 60psi. You can still run them but not continuously.
To clean your pads any compressor with 3-5 gallon tank will work in the range from $80.00 on up.

3 Gallon Air Compressor - 1/3 HP, 100 PSI, Oilless
This will work just fine for your needs at only $60.00 plus hose and air nozzle.

Why buy an elephant when small pony will do the job!,,,LOL

**aerogt01** · 10-06-2011, 08:30 PM

Originally Posted by Karim Khan

Hey guys since we are talking about air compressors i would like to know purchase this unit D55168 1.6 HP Continuous, 200 PSI, 15 Gallon Workshop Compressor | DEWALT Tools. Its a vertical unit. I would like to know if i can transport this unit horizontally as i do not have space in my vehicle to carry it in the vertical position. Would there be any implications ????

Yes, and no.