This handy chart can help you find out how much CFM you will need from your air compressor to run various air tools. CFM is simply the Cubic Feet per Minute that a particular tool needs to operate. It is a measurement of volume. Generally the larger the tank on an air compressor the more CFM it can produce. To use this chart, you will need to know the PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) and CFM that a particular air tool operates and then look to see if your air compressor can power it. The majority of air tools operate in the 90 to 100 psi range and most air compressors from the smallest to the largest can easily produce this much pressure. The real deciding factor in selecting the proper size air compressor is the CFM that it can produce.

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Air Consumption Chart (Automotive Service Shops)
CFM Required to Operate Various Air Tools, for average service shop usage factor.
Air Tool Pressure Range in PSI	Portable Tools	Air Compressor CFM Required per unit		Air Tool Pressure Range in PSI	Portable Tools	Air Compressor CFM Required per unit
70-100	Air Filter Cleaner**	3.0		HAMMERS
70-100	Body Polisher**	20.0		90-100	Air Hammer **	4.0
70-100	Body Sander (Orbital)**	10.0		90-100	Tire Hammer	12.0
70-100	Brake Tester	4.0		125-150	Bead Breaker	12.0
70-100	Carbon Remover**	3.0		90-100	Spring Oiler	4.0
90-100	Dusting Gun (blow gun)	2.5
70-100	Panel Cutter	4.0		SPRAY GUNS
70-90	Drill, 1/16" to 3/8"	4.0		90-100	Engine Cleaner **	5.0
70-90	Impact Wrench 3/8" sq dr**	3.0		90-100	Production Paint Spray Gun**	8.0
70-90	Impact Wrench 1/2" sq dr**	4.0		90-100	Touch up paint Spray Gun**	4.0
70-90	Impact Wrench 5/8" sq dr**	5.0		90-100	Undercoat Paint Spray Gun**	19.0
70-90	Impact Wrench 3/4" sq dr**	8.0
70-90	Impact Wrench 1" sq dr**	12.0		OTHER EQUIPMENT
70-90	Die Grinder**	5.0		120-150	Grease Gun**	3.0
90-100	Vertical Disc Sanders**	20.0		145-175	Car Lift ^^	6.0
90-100	Filing and Sawing Machine, Small**	3.0		125-150	Floor Jacks	6.0
90-100	Filing and Sawing Machine, Large**	5.0		120-150	Pneumatic Garage Door	3.0
90-100	Burring Tool	5.0		90-100	Radiator Tester	1.0
				90-100	Spark Plug Cleaner	5.0
TIRE TOOLS				90-100	Spark Plug Tester	0.5
125-150	Rim Stripper	6.0		70-100	Transmission Flusher	3.0
125-150	Tire Changer	1.0		70-100	Fender Hammer**	9.0
125-150	Tire Inflation Line	2.0		70-100	Car Washer**	9.0
125-150	Tire Spreader	1.0		70-100	6" Medium Duty Sander**	40.0
125-150	Vacuum Cleaner	7.0
^^ This is for 8,000 lbs. capacity. Add .65 cfm for each 1,000 lbs. Capacity over 8,000 lbs.				Always check with tool manufacturers for actual consumption of tools being used. The above is based on averages and should not be considered accurate for any particular make of tool.
** These devices are rated based upon typical "on-load" performance characteristics.
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