ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Air Compressor capacity

I would like to buy a small portable air compressor. I would like to buy the smallest PRACTICAL size. I want to be able to fill up tires and pool toys. Possibly a pneumatic nailer in the future.
Sears has a small (1 1/2 or 2 gallon) horizontal unit that delivers 2.4 SCFM @ 90 PSI.
Does this seem adequate?

Thanks.

Redsy,
IF all you are doing is pool toys, basketballs, the odd tire, and a nail gun, this compressor will fill the bill, without filling the storage space.

You won't be happy if you try to run impact guns, air ratchets, air drills, paint sprayer, or an air nozzle for more than a second or two.

We just bought a new compressor for here at the shop at the railroad.

30 hp, 240 gallon tank, +\- 96cfm@170psi

TW

keep in mind that as pressure goes up volume {cfm} go down
at 170 psi you have 96 cfm but at 120 psi you may go up to 150 cfm
Redsky,
you may want to go a little bigger it is just like running a circuit once done you realize it should have been bigger