Ask the Expert: How do I know what size air compressor I need for my new shop?
March 5, 2015
The number of technicians that will be working in the shop is a key consideration.
Sandy Allen, National Sales Manager, SP Air Corporation
Q: How do I know what size air compressor I need for my new shop?
A: The easiest way to determine this is to count the number of technicians that will be working in the shop. For instance, if you have 10 techs each able to use air for their tools, you will need approximately 10 CFM per tech. Now, because they are not all using air at the same time you can cut this by one-third. So you will need to supply at least 70-75 CFM for the shop. A two stage air compressor usually will supply 3.2 CFM per horsepower so a 20hp -25hp air compressor is the minimum you’d need.
