If you want to save some money and do the painting job of your vehicle you need to have the best air compressor for auto body work.
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Air compressors are small machines that are capable of doing powerful jobs. It works to transform gas or electric energy to compressed air. An air compressor consists of a built-in motor, a pump, tank and other parts that make it deliver compressed air.
Why is an Air Compressor Ideal for Auto Body Work?
An air compressor is what provides power to an air spray gun. The spray gun needs a huge amount of air to be pumped to break up the paint and eject it from the spray gun and into the body of your car.
The volume of air needed by an air compressor to break up paint is referred to as the CFM (cubic feet per meter). The PSI (pounds per square inch) is the pressure provided by the air compressor. The CFM of the air compressor is the key to get a quality paint job for your car. To help you get started on your auto painting project, below is the best air compressor for auto body work.
Top 4 Best Air Compressor for Auto Body Work Reviews
1.DEWALT D55146 Hand Carry Compressor
The DEWALT D55146 Hand Carry Compressor is a small tool that may not be able to paint a car from scratch but it is great for waxing and spot painting to keep your car always looking its best. This air compressor on wheels is able to provide a 5 CFM at 90 PSI and has a capacity of 4 ½ gallons of paint. This compact air compressor has a super quiet operation at only 79 decibels.
This Dewalt portable air compressor is made from durable steel and features a quick connect gauges and valves. It lightweight and compact design allows is to either lay flat or stand vertically.
A user says this air compressor is the quietest he has ever had. He says he can be beside it but still easily carry out a conversation. He further says this compressor recovers fast so any job is done fast, too.
The DEWALT D55146 Hand Carry Compressor is ideal for small projects especially when you need to do some patch work. It comes with a one year warranty.
2. California Air Tools 5510SE Air Compressor
The California Air Tools 5510SE is one of the best air compressors for personal and commercial use. This air compressor boasts of being oil-free, noise-free (60 decibels) and at the same time environment friendly.
This air compressor produces 3.8 CFM at 40 PSI and is powered by a 1 horsepower motor. It comes with a 5.5 gallon aluminum tank is rust-free. It is lightweight at only 37.5 pounds. It comes with wheels making it easy to carry around.
A user says the quietness of this compressor is amazing. He says pressure builds up quickly and the 5.5 gallon paint capacity is more than enough when working with cars.
The California Air Tools 5510SE Air Compressor is capable of continuous and long run times because of an increased duty cycle.
3. Campbell Hausfeld HS5180 Air Compressor
The Campbell Hausfeld HS5180 Air Compressor is of a professional grade air. It comes with an 80 gallon tank so you do not have to recycle often and empty moisture that has been trapped inside as often too.
This air compressor has an air output that is more than enough for any spray gun. It may be on the low side of most HVLP air compressors, but it still comes with a high 14 CFM at 90 psi ensuring continuous and efficient use without a downtime when you are giving your car a new paint job.
A user says that after years of using a lesser capacity compressor he is extremely happy with the performance of the Campbell Hausfeld HS5180. He says that even when continuously using it with his die grinder, it kept up with the job.
The Campbell Hausfeld HS5180 Air Compressor comes with a 1 horsepower motor and is highly recommended for professional car painting jobs.
4. PORTER-CABLE PCFP02003 Pancake Compressor
The PORTER-CABLE PCFP02003 is a pancake-style compressor ideal for small auto paint jobs. It can paint an entire car from scratch but it would take some time.
This air compressor features a 3.5 gallon tanks and produces 2.0 SCFM at 90 PSI. It is compact at only 26 pounds for easy transporting. It comes with a quiet operation at only 82 decibels.
A user says this unit is of the perfect size and weight to carry around. It comes with a robust handle. It is not too loud and he says he was able to run it with a 1000-watt generator. He further says it is well built and easy to use.
The PORTER-CABLE PCFP02003 Pancake Compressor is equipped with a high capacity 1 horsepower motor with fast recycle times. It comes with a durable construction with rubber feet to keep it stable.
Choosing the Right Air Compressor for Auto Body Works
Are you buying your first air compressor to spray paint your car? Here are the points you need to consider when choosing the best air compressor for auto body work.
Cubic feet per minute (CPM)
Not all air compressors have enough power for your spray gun. When choosing an air compressor to use in painting your car, you need to know its CFM rating. CFM refers to the amount of air that is pushed by the hose of the air compressor at any given time.
To effectively have an even coat of paint in your car you will need an air compressor with a CFM of between 10 and 20. Air compressors with these CFMs are what is known as a high volume, low pressure (HVLP) air compressor.
Motor Power
Air compressors are available in either single or dual stage motors. Most air compressors are only between 5 and 6 horsepower and single stage motors produce only one CFM per horsepower which is not enough to power a spray gun.
Dual-stage motors on the other hand deliver a 4:1 CFM ratio so a 4 horsepower motor can deliver 16 CFM which is more than enough to power a standard spray gun.
Size
If you are buying an air compressor for an auto body work you do not need a giant machine. An ideal size would be a compressor with a 10- 15 galloon capacity. Anything smaller (4 or 5 gallons) will require constant recycling which will slow down your work.
Noise Level
The higher the horsepower, the louder the air compressor tends to get. Choose an air compressor that includes an element which can reduce the level of sound. The lower the decibel, the quitter is the air compressor.
Moisture Trap
Compressed air causes some water droplets. Choose an air compressor with a moisture trap so water droplets do not get to the paint.
Oil-free
Choose an air compressor that does not need to use oils for lubrication as they may mix with the car paint. Choose one that uses a rotary screw for adjustment.
Of the 4 air compressors reviewed the best air compressor for auto body work is the California Air Tools 5510SE Air Compressor as it is one of the best compressors for home use. It comes with a powerful 1 HP motor and has a quiet and oil-free operation. Its increased duty cycles allows it to smoothly run for long hours
