I'm looking at getting a new compressor, but I don't have a lot of room for a big one. What CFM ratings do I need to run most air tools. I've never done body work before so I'm not sure what CFM most tools require.
Thanks,
John

hey, most air tools run on 90 psi, and a cut -off wheel,and a da sander suck up alot of air, somewhere around 13-15 cfm at 90 psi so you need a bigger compressor to run these for anytime at all, a single stage will run these for like 30 secs or 1 min before turning on, unless you have a big storage tank, then you can run them awhile but with your space issue i doubt having a extra holding tank is out, i would go with a 5 hp 2 stage that has at least 13 cfm at 90, at a minimum or else you will be mad you didn't spend the extra couple hundred bucks for a decent one
goodluck
jake

Looks like an upright compressor is in order. A 2 stage pump on a 80 gallon tank and a minimum of 5 HP will typically get the job done. Make sure you stay with a single phase electrical system. Most compressors over 7.5 HP are generally 3 phase.