Sanding is a process in which the surface of the wood is rubbed gently by using a sander to smoothen the surface. This process required a good sender and to operate this sander you need a powerful compressor too.
Because sanders need a huge amount of air to operate properly. An orbital sander needs 6 to 8 CFM of airflow but a disc sender needs up to 20 CFM. So according to the previous data, you need a compressor that is powerful enough to provide good airflow.
So to reduce your effort and time here we will go to review the top 5 best air compressors for sanding. So according to the type of sander, you can choose the perfect air compressor to complete your tasks.
So, without any further delay let’s get straight into the article.
Table of Contents
List of Top Compressors for Sanding
Buddy, if you are in a hurry and you do not want to read the complete reviews then here we have prepared a list of all our selected compressors with their CFM ratings and tank size.
| Image | Name | Tank Size | CFM Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California Air Tools 10020C Ultra Quiet Oil-Free and Powerful Air Compressor | 10 Gallons | 6.40 CFM @ 40 PSI and 5.30 CFM @ 90 PSI | Check Latest Price | |
| Makita MAC5200 3.0 HP Big Bore Air Compressor | 5.2 Gallon | 6.5 CFM at 90 PSI | Check Latest Price | |
| DEWALT DXCMLA1983054 Portable Air Compressor | 30 Gallon | 7.0 CFM at 40 psi and 5.7 CFM at 90 psi | Check Latest Price | |
| NorthStar Electric Air Compressor – 3.7 HP Vertical Tank | 60 Gallon | 11.5 CFM at 90 PSI | Check Latest Price | |
| Quincy QT-54 Splash Lubricated Reciprocating Air Compressor | 60 Gallon | 15.2 CFM at 175 PSI | Check Latest Price |
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Recommended Air Compressor For Sanding Reviews
Here we have done an in-depth analysis of the compressor with its pros and cons so that you can easily choose the best compressor as per your requirement.
1. California Air Tools 10020C Ultra Quiet Oil-Free and Powerful Air Compressor
This air compressor is the least powerful and least expensive compressor on this list and this compressor is from California air tools which is a big air tools manufacturer in the USA. So let’s see what are the important features of these compressors.
This air compressor has a 2 HP of oil-free pump which operates at only 1680 RPM so it makes less noise and delivers long-lasting performance. Because of the oil-free pump so it requires less maintenance.
It has a cast aluminum cylinder with a capacity of 10 gallons which can withstand the max air pressure of 125 PSI and it’s good enough for medium to heavy-duty tasks. And the cast aluminum build enhances its durability.
It can deliver 6.40 CFM @ 40 PSI and 5.30 CFM @ 90 PSI. Which is enough power to operate most of the air tools with an orbital sander. So it can also be a good option to add to your garage.
It has a dual air output valve so you can use two air tools at a time. Two pressure gauges are also available on this machine to observe the air pressure and a regulator is also present to maintain the right pressure.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Warranty is available.
- Much affordable than others.
- Durable tank.
- Required less maintenance.
- Use 2 air tools at a time.
- Easy to use.
- Provides silent operation.
Cons
- Durability is not up to the mark. So you need to use it carefully.
Why should you buy this?
So if you have a low budget and want a powerful compressor with a decent size of air tank then this is the best 10-gallon air compressor for sanding in a much affordable price range.
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2. Makita MAC5200 3.0 HP Big Bore Air Compressor
This Makita air compressor is our first pick and good for the orbital sander. Makita is one of the top brands for air tools which always make high-quality products and also comes with a replacement warranty.
It is equipped with a Makita’s big bore 3.0 HP of a powerful pump and the best thing is that it’s an oil-lubricated pump which makes it more efficient. So that it can provide higher output as compared to oil-free pumps.
With the grate performance, the pump also produces less noise which makes it much more comfortable to use. And also helps to improve the performance of your tasks.
This comes with an air tank with a capacity of 5.2 gallons and the tank can easily withstand the operating pressure of 140 PSI. So it can capable to operate with high PSI.
Because of the powerful pump, it can deliver 6.5 CFM at 90 PSI which is good not only for orbital sander but you can also use this to operate other air tools.
This compressor also has two large portable wheels and is also equipped with a foldable handle which makes it even more convenient to carry here and there easily.
And the best thing about Makita is that it provides 30 days of refund or replacement policy with 1 year of complete warranty on the product.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Compact in size.
- A replacement policy is available.
- Powerful motor.
- Good heat dissipation for long-lasting performance.
- Low noise level.
- Portable.
Cons
- The tank size is a bit smaller.
Why should you buy this?
This is the best compact air compressor for the sender. So if you want a portable and compact air compressor for the orbital sender then you can choose this one.
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3. DEWALT DXCMLA1983054 30-Gallon Portable Air Compressor
This is also a good and portable compressor for orbital sander but it also comes from a brand Dewalt which is also one of the most trusted brands. So let’s discuss its features with its pros and cons.
It also has a 1.9 HP of V-shaped twin-cylinder pump which makes it efficient and a twin-cylinder reduces the heating for increases its performance. And the cast-iron build enhances its durability.
The best thing about the pump is that it supports dual voltage which makes it capable to run with 120 Volt as well as 240 Volt.
This compressor has a large 30 gallons of air tank which makes can sustain the air pressure up to 155 PSI. And the best thing is that it can deliver with an airflow of 7.0 CFM at 40 psi and 5.7 CFM at 90 psi.
Two pneumatic wheels are also present on the huge air compressor. So you can easily carry this air compressor with you.
The warranty is also available on the pump for 2 years and 1 year of complete warranty is also available. So if needed you can claim your warranty.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Portable compressor.
- A Cast iron pump is used which makes it durable.
- Warranty is available.
- Large tank.
- Supports high voltage range.
- Easy to use.
Cons
- A bit noisier.
Why should you buy this?
If you want a 30-gallon compressor then this is the best 30-gallon air compressor for a sander with a powerful and highly durable motor. And also portable wheels are present to move here and there easily.
4. NorthStar Electric Air Compressor – 3.7 HP, 60-Gallon Vertical Tank
This Norstar compressor is also one of the powerful compressors in this list with a huge tank capacity with lots of other functions so let’s see what are the functions and who should buy this one?
This air compressor has a powerful 230V of induction motor which can run with a maximum speed of 3450 RPM. Which enhances its efficiency and performance. And also produces less noise level.
This has a huge 60 gallons of air tank which are also certified by ASME. And because of the huge capacity, it can handle more air will be accumulated in the tank. So that you can use it for a longer duration.
It can operate with a maximum air pressure of 135 PSI. And apart from that, it can deliver 11.5 CFM at 90 PSI. So if you have air tools that required a large amount of air then this can be the perfect option available for you.
This is also equipped with a pressure gauge with a regulator to maintain the right pressure for the right applications. And the best thing is that it can fill this huge air tank just in 6.3 minutes.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Large tank capacity.
- 75% duty cycle which is amazing.
- Low noise level.
- Durable and efficient.
- Good for heavy-duty operations.
Cons
- It’s not a portable compressor you need to fix this in one place.
Why should you buy this?
So if you want the best 60-gallon compressor for sanding. Then this may be the right option available to you. And because of this huge air tank, you can operate air tools for a long time without filling the air in the tank.
5. Quincy QT-54 Splash Lubricated Reciprocating Air Compressor
This air compressor comes from a brand Quincy which is also a good brand for air compressors and this is the most powerful electric air compressor on this list. So let’s see what are the features of this compressor with their pros and cons.
This air compressor is equipped with a super powerful 5 HP of a reciprocating pump and the pump runs at slower RPM for longer life and also required less operating cost.
The best part about the motor is that it’s a 2 stage motor. So it can compressors the air twice for better compression and deliver 15.2 CFM at 175 PSI. So it can easily operate heavy-duty air tools like disc sanders.
This air compressor also has a large ASME-certified tank with a capacity of 60 gallons. Which can be sustained at the maximum pressure of 175 PSI.
It’s a 100% duty cycle air compressor. So with a high CFM rating, you can operate this compressor continuously for an hour. Which enhances your performance and you can do your tasks much faster.
It’s also a huge compressor with a weight of 475 Pounds. So it’s not a portable compressor you can fix this compressor in one place in your garage.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Huge tank.
- High CFM rating.
- Good for heavy-duty operations.
- Durable tank.
- 2 stage compressor.
- A thermal overload protector is available.
Cons
- No portable option.
- Super expensive.
Why should you buy this?
So if you want a compressor to operate heavy-duty air tools like disc senders then this is the best 100% duty cycle air compressor for sanding. It’s powerful but an expensive option. But it can increase your job performance.
FAQs for Best Compressor for Sanding
1. What is sanding?
Sanding is a simple process of smoothing the surface of wood by rubbing it with sandpaper or sander.
2. What size air compressor do you need for sanding?
Sanding needs a good sander. And there are two types of the sander in the market Orbital sander and disc sander.
Orbital sander needs 6 to 9 CFM at 90 PSI, and a disc sander needs 16 to 20 CFM at 90 PSI.
3. What is the difference between a single-stage and a 2 stage air compressor?
The single-stage compressor compresses the air once but a dual-stage or 2 stages compressor compresses the air twice. So obviously single compressor can provide low air pressure but 2 stage compressor is doubled air pressure.
Conclusion: Best Air Compressor for DA Sander
In This article, we have included everything so that you will select the best air compressor for sanding so that you can choose according to your requirements.
So Which air compressor can fulfill your requirements? Let me know in the comment box.
Still, if you are facing a problem with finding the best portable air compressor for orbital/disc sander then you can also choose our top picks:-
Quincy QT-54 Splash Lubricated Reciprocating Air Compressor
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By the way, thanks for visiting.
