How to Choose the Right Air Compressor For Your Workshop
An air compressor is one of the most valuable pieces of equipment that you can have in your home garage. Whether you are restoring a classic car or running a busy workshop, investing in a quality air compressor will help you get the job done right. From powering impact wrenches to inflating tyres and operating air tools, finding the right compressor will help you get more done without putting in all of that extra effort. And unfortunately, choosing the right one can be a challenge.
With different pressure ratings, tank sizes, and compressor styles available on the market, finding the best fit for your home workshop will take a bit of planning. The key things you need to consider before buying an air compressor for home garage projects is the space you have available, what you will use it for, and how often you will use it. Having a rough understanding of these will help you to make the right decision, and ultimately answer the question of how to choose the right air compressor for your workshop.
At Joel’s Garage Gear, we have an extensive range of different air compressors for you to look through. All of our high quality equipment is made to suit home garages, professional workshops, and everything in between! To help you make the right choice, our team has created a guide that will break down everything you need to know about all of the different types of air compressors.
Think About the Types of Jobs You Do
Asking yourself what type of jobs you’d be using your air compressor for is one of the first steps to making the right decision. Different tools require different amounts of compressed air. Running a die grinder, spray gun, or impact wrench will require much more air flow, with our Chicago Pneumatic Silent Rotary Screw Air Compressor 15kW being the best for the job.
If you are using multiple air tools during the day or want to complete larger automotive jobs, you need an air compressor that will maintain consistent performance without constantly waiting for the tank to refill. For this, a rotary screw compressor is the most ideal option (choose the wattage and power based on the type of jobs you will be using it for).
At Joel’s Garage Gear, there is an air compressor type available for every kind of garage! Browse through our extensive range of air compressors, and see which one will be the best fit for you.
Understand PSI and CFM Readings
When comparing compressors, there are two separate specifications that you need to consider: PSI and CFM.
CFM measures how much air the compressor delivers, whereas the PSI refers to the total pressure produced by the compressor. Each of these metrics are important to consider prior to purchasing an air compressor, as they will determine just how powerful the equipment will be.
On average, most air tools operate around 90 PSI, although each tool has its own individual CFM requirement. Before buying your brand new air compressor, make sure to compare their recommended air flows and thorough check over the tools that you plan to use.
The reason for using this equipment matters, and choosing the one with the right power and airflow is paramount! As a general guide, impact wrenches require moderate CFM, tyre inflators require low CFM, nail guns use minimal airflow, and spray guns/sanders require higher CFM for continuous operation.
So, if you plan on running more than one air tool at a time, choosing a compressor that can keep up with the job is important. Even having that extra airflow will make your workshop more efficient and reduce the likelihood of interruptions while you work.
Tank Size Matters
Tank size will affect how long your compressor supplies air before the motor needs to refill the tank. This is exactly why choosing the right tank size for your projects matters a lot. Smaller tanks are more suitable for small, at-home garages where larger tanks provide longer run time and work exceptionally well for continuous use or major automotive repairs.
As a general rule, a 24L to 50L compressor is more suitable for light DIY work, a 50L to 100L unit suits most home workshops, and 100L+ suits busy workshops or professional applications with continuous flow of work.
Because there is such a big range of different air compressor sizes, it is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of it all and get confused. If you are unsure about which air compressor size will suit your workshop, or need additional advice on which one you should choose, our team at Joel’s Garage Gear will be able to advise you based on the tools you already own, and the work that you complete most often!
Choose Joel’s Garage Gear for all of your Air Compressor Needs!
In need of a brand new air compressor, or want to get started with your own workshop at home and need one to get you started? Investing in a high-quality air compressor for home garage goes a long way, ensuring better performance, improved reliability, and fewer maintenance issues. By keeping the filters clean and draining the tank after every use, a good compressor will last for years and keep your workshop running for the foreseeable future!
At Joel’s Garage Gear, we offer premium air compressors designed specifically for Australian workshops! From rotary screw to oil free air compressors, we have it all! All of our products are made with durability, safety, and practicality in mind, giving professional mechanics and DIY enthusiasts confidence in every purchase.
If you are ready to get started and buy an air compressor that will work for you, explore our entire catalog, or talk to one of our friendly team members for additional advice and information on which one would be the best for your workshop setup.
