air tools pounds of pressure q

[Bizz]

Sorry for the Newb air tool Question.
I am the proud new owner of a 30 gal 6 hp air compressor.
So far the tools I have are:
1/2 in impact
3/8 in impact socket
air hammer
air drill
spray gun
and a pro airbrush kit.
The question is:
There is a pressure control guage and I was wondering:
what is the ideal air pressure to run these tools?

 

[NoSloCoupes]

I run my regulator around 130 or so.

 

[ECU5.0]

yeah thats what i was thinkin. i know the shop i worked at ran it a lot higher than that...but it was a huge compressor and had to run like 4 lifts and 6 air hoses. you should be good with 130...im not sure about on the paint sprayers...but probably the same also

 

[Bizz]

thanks for the quick responses.

 

[drgn5.0]

a lot of tools are rated to run at 90 psi and need a certain cfm capability by the compressor to run correctly.

 

[jefflee]

Anything 100psi or higher is sufficient for your power tools. I would keep the pressure lower for your spray guns. You shouldn't have to go any higher then 55psi (at the gun) for most automotive applications unless it's an HVLP gun. Paint mfg tech or "P" sheet will tel you the recommended psi.
Good luck and have fun.

Jeff
'89 LX featured in May '04 5.0 Mustang

 

[jrichker]

a lot of tools are rated to run at 90 psi and need a certain cfm capability by the compressor to run correctly.

Right on tatget...

Most of the time the smaller compressors will not have the volume output in CFM to continously run an air impact wrench or a spray gun. As a result, the pressure drops off below the optimum point. With the impact wrench you just wait for the compressor to build pressure back up again. With a spray gun full of paint with catalyst mixed in it, it's a bit more of a problem. If you have a compressor with less than a 60 gallon tank, choose your tools & jobs wisely. Don't take on a big job unless you can do it in stages.