How to size air compressor for workshop especially when there is such a wide range to choose from? Air compressors are used for a variety of jobs in the workshop and around the home such as painting, sandblasting, laser cutting, power air tools and many more.

The best air compressor is not always the right air compressor for the job. This post introduce a simple user guide and checklist to help you decide the right air compressor for workshop.

What will you use the workshop compressor for?

Workshop compressors come in a variety of types, which is the best compressor depending on your industry requirements and what you will use the air compressor for.

If it is used for application such as a pharmaceutical or food workshop that requires high quality compressed air, an oil-free air compressor is the best choice.

If it is used for a job that requires continuous work, an air compressor with a duty cycle greater than 50% is good choice to reduce the downtime caused by overheating of the continuous working machine.

If the application requires continuous and stable compressed air, a workshop compressor equipped with a larger gas tank will fit the most.

If it is a workshop or home garage that requires more mobility and portability, then a diesel portable air compressor or a longer air hose is a good choice.

(kotech kdp-5/7 series diesel air compressor)

Learn about CFM and PSIG of air compressor for workshop

You also need to assess the compressed air requirements of your workshop or garage, calculated in CFM (cubic feet per minute), which must also include the consumption requirements of air tools and equipment.

Air pressure is also an important parameter, calculated in PSI (pounds per square inch), some machines may only be marked with metric units Bar, then you need to convert PSIA to Bar. Check the CFM and PSI requirements of the tools you use in your workshop and make sure the compressor meets or exceeds these requirements, because some workshop equipment and air tools cannot start if the pressure level they require is not reached.

Evaluating air compressor noise levels

The noise level of a workshop compressor is affected by its design, type and conditions of use. Whether you choose a more comfortable low-noise air compressor or a cost-effective ordinary air compressor depends on your tolerance for noise.

The national standard for the noise of screw air compressors stipulates that the noise level of general screw air compressors is roughly 65-68 decibels. The noise level can be further reduced by adopting advanced noise reduction technologies, such as silencers, soundproof covers, etc., while the noise of general piston air compressors on the market is above 75 decibels.

If you are looking for a quieter working environment, you can choose a silent scroll air compressor, which is called an “ultra-quiet air compressor” due to its superior design and principle.

(KUW Series Silent Air Compressor)

Common pneumatic tools compressed air consumption list