Shop air compressors: reading SCFM, duty cycle, tank and noise figures

What does SCFM at 90 PSI mean?

Taikra doesn't rank or test tools; every figure here is from the maker's own page, linked.

Kaeser's compressed-air glossary defines SCFM as flow of free air measured at a reference point and converted to a standard set of reference conditions, giving 14.5 psia, 68°F and 0% relative humidity as an example. (Kaeser Compressors)

Campbell Hausfeld's compressor FAQ tells readers to check a tool's continuous SCFM requirement at operating pressure, typically 90 PSI.

Makers label the figure differently: PORTER-CABLE lists 2.6 SCFM @ 90 psi for the C2002 and says it is rated per ISO1217, while California Air Tools lists 2.20 CFM @ 90 PSI for the 8010.

What is compressor duty cycle?

Kaeser defines duty cycle as the percentage of time a compressor unit operates during a specified period. (Kaeser Compressors)

Campbell Hausfeld describes duty cycle as how long the machine can run continuously versus how long it must cool down, giving a 50% duty cycle as 30 minutes running and 30 minutes resting.

California Air Tools lists a 70/30 duty cycle for its 8010 and 1P1060S, and Campbell Hausfeld lists a compressor duty cycle of 0.8 for its DC080500. (California Air Tools)

Small portable compressors: the makers' figures

California Air Tools lists the 1P1060S with a 1.0 gallon steel tank, 1.20 CFM at 90 PSI, 56 decibels, 120 PSI maximum and a weight of 29 lbs.

California Air Tools lists the oil-free 8010 with an 8.0 gallon steel tank, 2.20 CFM @ 90 PSI, a 60 dB noise level, 110v power and a weight of 48 lbs.

PORTER-CABLE lists the C2002 oil-free pancake compressor with a 6 gal tank, 150 psi max tank pressure, 120V and a weight of 30 lbs.

Metabo HPT lists the EC711S pancake compressor with a 6 gal tank, 2.8 CFM at 90 PSI, 165 PSI maximum, 73 DB and 38.5 lbs.

Campbell Hausfeld lists the DC080500 oil-free compressor with an 8 gallon tank, 2.4 SCFM at 90 PSI, 68 dBA at 3 ft, 120 volts and 70 lbs.

Larger tank compressors

DEWALT lists the DXCM251 with a 25 gal. tank, 6.2 SCFM at 90 PSI, 200 maximum PSI and a 78 dBA operational noise level.

Campbell Hausfeld lists the XC602100 60 gallon two-stage compressor at 7.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI, 175 PSI maximum pressure, 3.7 HP, 230V single phase and 255 lbs unpacked.

Oil-free vs oil-lubricated, single-stage vs two-stage

Campbell Hausfeld's FAQ describes oil-free pumps as using self-lubricating Teflon or carbon rings, and oil-lubricated pumps as using an oil-filled crankcase.

The same FAQ describes single-stage compressors as compressing air one time before sending it to the tank, and two-stage compressors as compressing air in one cylinder, cooling it, and compressing it again in a second cylinder for higher pressure. (Campbell Hausfeld)

How much air do nailers need?

Makita lists a minimum recommended air delivery of 1.5 SCFM @ 90PSI for its AF506 18 ga. brad nailer. (Makita USA)

Makita lists 2.7 SCFM @ 90PSI as the minimum recommended air delivery for its AF601 16 gauge finish nailer. (Makita USA)

Makita lists 4.3 SCFM @ 90PSI as the minimum recommended air delivery for its AN924 21º framing nailer. (Makita USA)

Air requirements for other tools are on each tool maker's page or manual.