A powerful air compressor is a great investment. Especially, if you are a DIY guy or have a repair shop. These make your job easy, can be used with many pneumatic tools, and lasts a long time.
In this article, we have enlisted the top 5 air compressors for sanding. So, let's get into the topic-
Top 5 Best Air Compressor For Sanding Comparison:
Name | Image | Tank Capacity | HP | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 60 Gallon | 4 HP | A+ | ||
 | 60 Gallon | 5 HP | A+ | ||
 | 60 Gallon | 3.7 HP | A+ | ||
 | 30 Gallon | 1.9 HP | A | ||
 | 60 Gallon | 3 HP | A |
Our 5 Best Air Compressor For Sanding Reviews:
Here is the detailed review on the top 5 air compressors that you can use for sanding-
1. California Air Tools CAT-60040CAD Ultra Quiet 60 Gal Compressor
California Air Tools is a prominent brand when it comes to air compressors. They provide long-lasting, easy to use, and versatile product within a reasonable price range.
This CAT-600040CAD 60-gallon air compressor is one of the top-performing products from them as it is equipped with two motors that provide 4 horsepowers combined.
It has a large 60-gallon air tank to give you an uninterrupted work facility. Plus, the motors run at 1680 RPM for optimal performance without wearing out the internals. As it comes with cold start technology, the motors start slow and get to the pace gradually to keep things in good shape.
Because of its 60 gallon tank and high performing motor, it can give you an efficient and uninterrupted sanding experience.
On top of that, you will be able to use it for other works as well without buying separate air compressors for different jobs.
Apart from being a bit expensive, there is nothing you can complain about this awesome tool.
With its high performing motor, it can achieve 10.60 CFM at 90 PSI and 12.60 CFM at 40 PSI with ease.
Talking about the noise, you will hardly find a product that makes less noise than this one. It fills up the tank fast, makes a low noise, and works efficiently for a longer period. So, a great tool to have in the garage or shop.
Pros
Cons
2. Quincy QT-54 Splash Lubricated Reciprocating Air Compressor
If the price of the first one feels a bit overwhelming for you, this Quincy QT-54 air compressor is the best thing we can recommend for you.
It is as powerful as the first one with almost equal structural integrity.
This machine has a 60-gallon tank that allows you to work interruption-free. Plus, the vertical design makes it easy to store, even in congested garages.
With its overload protection mechanism and heavy-duty build, this air compressor is built to last a long time.
The moisture drain valve in its leg makes it extremely easy to drain the accumulated moisture.
The only downside about the product we noticed is its noise. It is not quiet like the first one we have reviewed and some people may feel uncomfortable working in close proximity to this machine.
Because the machine operates at a lower RPM, it generates less heat, and thus, lasts longer than most other cheaper products available in the market.
So, whether you want to power up the air orbital sander for autobody work, or the impact wrenches, this tool will serve you great.
Pros
Cons
3. Campbell Hausfeld 60 gallon 2 Stage Air Compressor
If you are looking for a versatile product with quality construction, then this Campbell Hausfeld product can serve you without costing you much.
It comes in three sizes, i.e. 30 gallons, 60 gallons, and 80 gallons to meet your demand. However, we recommend going with the standard 60-gallon or larger tank model as it allows you to work without waiting for the tank to fill up when you are working.
The 3.7 horsepower motor that it is equipped with is a greatly built one that lasts a long time. With its soft start technology and cooling system, it remains operational for an extended period of time.
However, the machine makes a significant amount of noise when operating and thus, may feel uncomfortable working with it for long period.
Apart from that, we saw some complaints about the air filter getting damaged within a short period.
For the people looking to save some money on the air compressor for sanding, this product is a great option to consider.
Pros
Cons
4. DEWALT DXCMLA1983054 30-Gallon Portable Air Compressor
If you are patient enough to take the interruptions in the job due to the lower tank capacity, then this Dewalt 30-gallon air compressor model is one of the best sanding air compressors for you.
Because the tank can store less compressed air than the 60-gallon products, it may get empty in the middle of your work, making it extremely annoying for most people.
It comes at less than half the price of our best pick but can provide you okayish results.
The motor primarily runs on 120-volt outlets but you can easily convert this into 240 volts, thanks to its dual voltage mechanism.
Because of its cool operation, the motor remains in good shape for a longer period of time.
Another great advantage of having this air compressor is its wheels. You can move this anywhere you want with the help of the wheels. Plus, the vertical design ensures you save space for other materials in your garage.
However, we don’t recommend this if you fall in either of these categories-
- You are looking for an air compressor that can serve you for long without requiring you to purchase a more powerful one.
- If you are impatient and can’t tolerate the interruptions when sanding.
- If you are looking for a ‘buy it for life’ product.
Pros
Cons
5. Puma Industries PK-6060V Air Compressor
Another affordable product with great specs. This Puma air compressor can deal with your pneumatic sanding work pretty easily, thanks to the 3 horsepower motor that runs optimally and the 60-gallon tank that makes the job smooth.
With its vertical build, the machine will save space in your garage that you can utilize for other purposes.
It has a drain valve that makes it easy to get rid of the accumulated moisture without putting much effort into this.
A great advantage of this machine is its low noise operation. It surprisingly less noisy compared to the other product in its price range. So, you will feel comfortable working with it.
Now about the downsides that you must know before considering it for purchasing.
The On-off switch that it is equipped with is of low quality, and we assume that it will get damaged fast. So, you need to be ready to replace that switch.
Plus, the instructions that come with the air compressor is not sufficiently detailed, especially for the people new to the air-powered tools. So, things can feel hectic when it comes to setting up the machine for the first time.
Pros
Cons
How to Choose the Best Air Compressor For Sanding?
Choosing the right air compressor for sanding is important, so you don't end up with poor results due to a lack of power. There are many different types of air compressors and it can be difficult to know where to begin when trying to find the best one that suits your needs. In this section, we will go over some factors that should be considered when finding an air compressor for sanding and provide guidance on how to choose the best one.
Meet CFM Requirement
It's important to make sure that the air compressor you purchase meets your CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) requirement. For sanding, a high horsepower motor is not necessary; therefore it is not hard to find an air compressor with the right balance of power and efficiency for this task.
For small sanding jobs with an average sanding machine, anywhere between 15 to 20 CFM is adequate. Some may require more power. So, it's better to see your sander specs for exact number.
Plus, you should consider any other machine you are going to use concurrently with the sander as well. For example, if you are using a machine consuming 20 CFM air with your sander that needs 12 CFM. You'll need an air compressor with at least 35 CFM mark.
Check the Working Pressure
Working pressure is another very important aspect to consider when choosing the an air compressor for sanding. The working pressure determines how much power your tool will have and what it can do in relation to other tools you may use elsewhere or even on a future project.
For an average job, PSI between 90-140 would work well on either a small or large area. If you are looking for something that can get the job done quickly and efficiently, then it would be best to choose an air compressor between 150-200 PSI or maybe even more.
Consider the Tank Size
The tank size in the air compressor matters because of the pressure it can hold. The bigger tank you have, the better off you will be as this means your tool won’t run out of power too quickly and there is less chance that a pressure drop will occur disrupting your work. We have an article on air compressor tank requirements, give that a read for more info.
Power Source
Whether the air compressor is run on electricity or gas, you will want to consider the power source and how much of a fuel cost there is. If electricity isn’t readily available or if it's too inconvenient for your needs then gas might be better as it can just run off from any station so long as they have an outlet nearby.
Air Compressor Price
The price of your air compressor is one thing to consider. The more expensive the better, or so it would seem. But there are some cheaper models that still do a great job on sanding and they can be found in most hardware stores these days.
Air Compressor Noise
Noise levels vary between different machines but for many people, this is something to take into account. If you are going to be using it around the house then this might not bother you, but if it's in a business environment with people right next door or below and above the noise could really have an effect on productivity as well as giving them headaches!
Conclusion
When purchasing an air compressor for sanding, you should consider the tank size, PSI (Pounds per square inch), CFM (Cubic feet per minute), Noise, and durability of the product.
As it is hard to reach in a conclusion considering hundreds of options available out there, we have spent hours researching and finding the best quality air compressors that can be used for sanding, nailing, and other DIY and repair shop works.
We strongly recommend going with the best quality possible at your budget as air compressors are expensive. You won't love to buy different products for every single project. Follow the golden rule- The more tank capacity and CFM, the better.
Learn if Your Air Compressor Can Run an Impact Wrench.
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