air compressor/cfm basics
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air compressor/cfm basics
Hey guys, I have an air compressor. It's a 110V 33 gallon 2 hp unit. It has a max pressure of 140psi and is rated at 8.6 scfm @ 40 psi and 6.4 scfm @90 psi.
Basically, what does the scfm rating mean?
The compressor works great for all my air tools but I am looking to attempt body work/paint in the near future and am wondering if it will cut it. I have been toying with the idea of adding an extra 30-40 gallon tank to increase the capacity. I know it won't help with the fill rate but will give me increased working time between fills. Will extra capacity increase my cfm??
I have been looking into air guns for primer and then the base/clear application for the unibody. Most of the spray guns need something around 8.5-12 cfm but at a lower psi (approx 15-25 psi). The scfm ratings seem to increase as pressure decreases. What does that mean for an even lower psi?
I know this is loosely related to slicks but I have asked this same question in a few of the auto body forums with little to no responces. You all have always given me great info/advice so I thought I'd try it here.
In a nutshell I just need an explanation of how all this jazz works so I can get a spray gun that will work well
Basically, what does the scfm rating mean?
The compressor works great for all my air tools but I am looking to attempt body work/paint in the near future and am wondering if it will cut it. I have been toying with the idea of adding an extra 30-40 gallon tank to increase the capacity. I know it won't help with the fill rate but will give me increased working time between fills. Will extra capacity increase my cfm??
I have been looking into air guns for primer and then the base/clear application for the unibody. Most of the spray guns need something around 8.5-12 cfm but at a lower psi (approx 15-25 psi). The scfm ratings seem to increase as pressure decreases. What does that mean for an even lower psi?
I know this is loosely related to slicks but I have asked this same question in a few of the auto body forums with little to no responces. You all have always given me great info/advice so I thought I'd try it here.
In a nutshell I just need an explanation of how all this jazz works so I can get a spray gun that will work well
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 436
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SCFM is Standard Cubic Feet per Minute. It's a mass flow unit. The problem you'll find is your compressor will never shut off if you attempt to paint, and i would bet that your atomization would also be less than desireable.
If you back off the pressure to get the mass flow rate right, you won't have enough pressure to atomize the paint correctly.
In short you need more of a compressor, probably at least 5hp with at least an 80gal tank.
Just out of curiosity what does your airline system look like as far as filters and regulators?
If you back off the pressure to get the mass flow rate right, you won't have enough pressure to atomize the paint correctly.
In short you need more of a compressor, probably at least 5hp with at least an 80gal tank.
Just out of curiosity what does your airline system look like as far as filters and regulators?
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,118
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From: Williamson, NY
In a nut shell the compressor you have will not be up the task of automotive painting. You should do a search on compressors on this forum this topic has been discussed here numerous times.
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