Air Compressor is the primary tool that requires for the pneumatic tool. Without the compressor framing nailer cannot work even. Looking for the perfect air compressor for your nail gun looks troublesome. The term air compressor is technical, and there are more than 20 models you can find in the market. There are varieties of shapes and sizes also that you can see. So, this is so important that what size air compressor for framing nailer would be the right choice for you? And again, how can you pick the perfect one for you?
But I don’t allow all those to confuse you; here I will tell you what all those means, what matters, and what doesn’t, and help you choose a compressor that can solve your needs. This article is ultimately a handy guide to select a compressor, go through it, and find out the right one.
Contents
What Size Air Compressor for Nail Gun?
Framing nailers sometimes utilize heavy-duty works like deck building, sub-flooring, framing, and fencing. At that time, the nailer required perfect and decent power that comes from the air compressor. But the requirements are always not the same; it changes based on different types of nailer itself. So, let us discuss the types of framing nailer-
- Pneumatic Framing Nailer: This is an intermittent power tool and does not need a continuous air supply. To work with this, you need a short burst of air to drive nails into the wood.
- Cordless Framing Nailers: The cordless air compressor runs on charged batteries and fuel cartridges and doesn’t require air compressors.
- Brushless Framing Nailer: Like the cordless framing nailers, the brushless nailer doesn’t require any air compressor in most cases.
Talking with the consideration, you can see that only the pneumatic nailer needs the air compressor. To get an explicit knowledge about the air compressor’s size for framing the nail to pick, you have to get an authentic experience about the air compressor.
The Air Compressor Manufacturer companies mention calculating the CFM value for choosing the right product. So, how to calculate the CFM value? To calculate the nail gun’s CFM value, you first have to check the highest CFM rating. After that, divide it by 1.5. Now you can get the average CFM required for your framing nailer. After calculating the right CFM values; the air compressor and framing nailer are handy for getting the best combination. Naturally, the framing nailers’ CFM rate isn’t so high and can work very smoothly on low CFM values.
But don’t make any confusion between the CFM and PSI value. Both of them correlate with each other. If the CFM value increases, the PSI will decrease. Small nail guns need 120 PSI but low CFM value, whereas a more massive nail gun cannot work with a low CMF value. The minimum required amount is 4CMF.
Last, of all, you have to consider is to calculate the HP value of the compressor. Generally, the higher no. of HP works better. For example, Horsepower is known as the output of the air compressor. But this is not always valid for all the air compressors. I can suggest that the 5HP-10Hp compressors go well with framing nailers.
Here, the required specification varies according to the type of nailer and its use. Here I will show you the CMF Chart that can help you to select the perfect air compressor for the nailer according to their needs.
| Product Name | Price | Availability | Store Name | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product 1 | 20$ | 1 Piece | Store Name | |
| Product 2 | 20$ | 1 Piece | Store Name | |
| Product 3 | 20$ | 1 Piece | Store Name | |
| Product 4 | 20$ | 1 Piece | Store Name |
Things to Consider in an Air Compressor
What do you have to consider when buying an air compressor for your pneumatic nail guns? Here I will discuss four essential factors and also more other related things you should consider.
Tank Capacity
The work that you will do with the nailer depends on the capacity of the tank. If you need to work for a long time, you need an air compressor with a large tank. Most air compressors of the power pneumatic tools may be designed with a tank with a capacity from 1 gallon to 8 gallons. You can get lots of air compressors in the market with larger tank sizes. But if you are looking for portability and ease of use, especially if you will be handling a nail gun, 1 to 6 gallons should be perfect for you. As I mentioned before, the tank capacity and also the air compressor depends on the work that you want to do. If you need the nail gun for everyday household work, then a smaller tank capacity would do, and vice-versa.
CFM
I have already discussed what the CFM value is. Just remember that you should check the CFM besides the tank size when you buy an air compressor. For example, if your air compressor is 5 CFM value, it indicates that it would blow a particular volume of air at five cubic feet of the area within one minute. And also, CFM suggests the measure of the rate of flow of air within a given time. I will advise you to choose an air compressor with a CFM, which is slightly higher than the required CFM for your tool. It will make your device works efficiently with your air compressor. You know, an air compressor with 2-4 CFM would be more than enough for a pneumatic nail gun.
PSI(Pressure)
The term PSI is known as Pounds per Square Inch. It indicates the pressure of the air per square inch of the area. Generally, all the small air compressors from top brands can offer adequate PSI to operate air nail guns correctly. So, don’t worry about PSI, and you should focus on CFM as well. But the large PSI also has some benefits. The higher pressure means a higher amount of air in the same volume of the tank as well. If you have an air compressor with a 1-gallon tank and 150 PSI air compressor, it would carry the exact amount of air in a compressor with a 1.5-gallon tank at 100 PSI.So, PSI and CFM are very beneficial for your nailer in the long run. Here I am suggesting a tip that to find the right PSI for your device, you would multiply the required PSI by 1.25.
HP
It is the Horsepower of the air compressor. It also suggests the overall power of the motor. Within a given amount of time, it can define the amount of work. For the small portable compressor, HP doesn’t matter so much, but when you chose a high CFM, PSI, and tank capacity air compressor, at that time, Horsepower needs more.
For example, a 5 HP cannot do the same work as a 10 HP air compressor. However, having a more massive HP does equal efficiency, and the right HP should consider along with the CFM and PSI of the tools.
Oil-Free
Now, almost all the compressors are oil-free, so you don’t need to check the oil regularly. Generally, an oil-less small air compressor wears out faster than oil-lubricated models.
Additional Features
Besides the above technical features, there are some more features that you cannot ignore during the right selection of air compressors-
Thermal Protection
When working with the air compressor for a long time and does not have any air cooling system, it will overheat. Due to this, the machine may damage in the long run. If the tool has thermal protection, you can get the auto-on-off feature to protect your device. When the device is too hot, the machine will turn off.
Air Cooling System
The air cooling system can make your tool stay cool during working. Thus it will increase the life span of that device.
Noise Level
Generally, this tool is a little bit of noise. From the beginning, you may occasionally work on your DIY projects. But for the time being, when you use it for a long time, it will annoy you.
Portability
Compact size and portable air compressors are effortless to use. A large-size air compressor is suitable for any shop or factory work. For the construction worker and home improvement projects, portability is crucial. Otherwise, it will be a burden for the users. So, to mitigate lots of issues, you should buy them adequately.
Cord Wrap
However, most compressors provide a convenient way to wrap the power cord. It will help you to carry easily.
Ball Valve Drain
The water which condenses inside the compressor tank can create a leak. To prevent this, you must drain the tank regularly. All the tanks have emptied. You can use drain cock, but it is quite awkward. I will suggest you use a ball valve drain.
Kits and Accessories
Some compressors come with a hose and a set of accessories. Some models have a bundle with a nail gun and hose as well.
Two Outlets
Most models have one outlet, but more than one outlet is beneficial to do buddy work together.
Portable vs. Stationary: Which Compressor for Framing Nailers?
Besides the technical features, there is another feature you can add here to consider. That is portability. Two kinds of compressors that you can find in the market-What Are Stationary Compressors for?
The stationary air compressor can produce an ultra-high amount of compressed air. The power requirement is very high that you cannot get the power from gas or DC batteries. Usually, the output of these compressors is 30-1000 CFM.
What Are Portable Compressors for?
If you don’t need too much high-power compressor but need to move, a portable compressor is for you. The portable compressor is very light in weight and compact in size. The amount of compressed air is around 4-15 gallons. You can use it for your semi-heavy work.
What Size is Air Compressor Perfect?
From the above discussion, you can get more options. I will suggest you take a portable size air compressor. You see that the portable air compressors come with a tank size range of 2 to 20 gallons. And the amount of compressed air it can hold into it. But if you want to work in a remote area all day long, you need to use a large tank compressor. And if you’re going to do it in your garage, then the small size is for you.
Here I will show you the tank size recommended for different air compressors-
- 2-4 gallons of tank size: It is perfect for semi-professional nailing works, indoor with the framing nailer that is pneumatic
- 4-6 gallons: If you need a single nailer and need to take outdoor work, you might consider this tank size range.
- 6-10 gallons: When you want to run two or more nail guns simultaneously, a tank size range of 6-10 gallons will be perfect for you.
A portable compressor with sufficient power needs to properly operate upholstery stapler, pin nailers, and brad nail guns. On the other hand, the finishing nail gun should get one with 2 CFM to ensure uninterrupted nailing. Finally, I will recommend that the framing nailers require more power and get a 4 CFM air compressor with a 6-gallon tank.
When you want to see perfection in your work, you must study your tool’s features and requirements. Otherwise, this is a wastage of your time and money. The latest model will give you lots of innovative features. If you want to get better results and uninterrupted work, 2 CFM air compressor size is perfect for nailing guns, and 4 CFM air compressors with a 6-gallon tank recommend for your framing nailers. The most crucial thing is to give extra attention to the technical features listed above, which can make your device last for a long time.
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