[memphisrain]

I've been looking into some air tools and a compressor for my upcoming move to a house with a garage. In particular, I've been looking at a nibbler, shear, die grinder, etc.

My question is about the CFM and what it means in the real world. The nibbler (from Harbour Frieght) supposedly needs like 17.4 CFM @ 90 psi. It seems to me like this is an incredible amount for such a tool. So, I'm wondering if I end up with a lower rated compressor, what will my result be? May be for example a 10 CFM @ 90 psi compressor?


Thanks for any input...

[willys36@aol.com]

That is a high consumption but a nibbler is pretty much an intermittently used tool so if you have a 60 gallon tank, not much chance of running out of air if your compressor is ~5hp. I have a 5hp Campbell Hausfeld belt drive 2 cylinder125psi compressor rated at 10cfm @ 90psi and it does start to labor when I use my DA sander for long periods. Even at that I don't have to stop and wait for it to catch up. The compressor runs full time and pressure drops a little but the sander keeps going fine. If you have a pro shop, then go for the bigger air supply but for hobby use, a 5hp, 60 gallon 125psi unit will do fine on just about any tool you use.

[memphisrain]

Thanks for the reply willys.


I think I may end up bumming a gas powered compressor from my old man until I can afford a better one. I think its like a 25 or 30 gallon and has a 5hp motor on it.

I just thought that much usage at that high of a pressure was kind of insane...

[Beenaway2long]

Spend the extra cash and get a BIG compressor. Home Depot has a 80 gallon 14.7cfm/90psi for $800. You won't regret it. I have a 60 gal, and its too small. I also have a small 30? Craftsman that I HATE! Loud, no air (150psi, supposed to be 10cfm/90) yeah, right. Anyways, get a compressor thats bigger than you would ever think you'd need, and you'll find its too small.

[willys36@aol.com]

Been speaks with straight tongue! can never have too much air supply!

[memphisrain]

I don't have any problem with getting a larger air compressor. It's just that Ohio-State gets most of my money now

[daimon1054]

One thing I have found it the compressor maker over rates their output and the tool folks under rate theirs. I have a small compressor that is portable that is supposed to be 8cfm @90 psi and I can not run tools that call for 4 cfm @90 . Always over size your compressor, it will run less and last longer.

[minitruck83]

memphisrain Ive got that nibbler. I run it on a 5hp (prob3) 25 gal crapsman. itll run for a bit then I let the compressor catchup lol Unless your gonna run long cuts it has worked ok for me. I think thats a typo from HF as this compressor don't put out more than app. 4-5scfm@90 I waited till it went on sale. think it was 15.99 not too bad for a throwaway. Sorry for late post but just saw this today

[memphisrain]

minitruck,


hey thanks for the input, no problem on the time. Yeah, it HAS to be a typo, every other make I've checked out is 4 cfm @ 90 psi.

[Dave Carney]

I don't think its a typo, their cutoff tool is also rated at 17, so, I went and bought a name brand with advertised 5 cfm and I can run it alot longer before the compressor has to catch up....like 45 seconds instead of 7