A 60 Gallon Air Compressor A Popular

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The 60 gallon air compressor is a favorite for many applications around the shop, in the garage or even at a job site. Can be configured as a single stage reciprocating compressor or a two stage compressor for power and performance.

Single-Piston Compressor

A 60 gallon single piston compressor of this type (reciprocating) is popular for home owners or light commercial applications. Has only one piston, to compresses and distribute air to a storage tank. Best suited for moderate to light work, where the amount of pressure required to operate your air tools is less than 150 pounds per square inch. Typical use is for hand held air tools such as nailers, brad guns, impact wrenches for home renovators. 

They operate on the same principles as an internal combustion engine but in reverse, they have cylinders, pistons, crankshafts, valves and housing blocks. You have a choice of oil free or oil lubed.  Solid cast-iron units oil lubed units are up to 35 percent quieter than aluminum units with cast-iron cylinder sleeves, and are dramatically quieter than direct-drive aluminum compressors. If you are looking for a quality 60 gallon compressor.

 the single phase 240 volt Campbell Hausfeld VT6275 15 Amp 3.2-Horsepower 60-Gallon Oiled Vertical Compressor is a good choice.

Single Stage Or Two Stage?

Many people are confused and cannot decide between a single stage or a two stage air compressor for their auto shop. The big difference between the two is the PSI they produce.

A 60 gallon air compressor with only one cylinder to compress the air in one stroke and one valve is a single stage compressor. Single stage compressors only compress the air once before releasing the air to the storage tank. Single-stage compressors are generally used for pressures in the range of 70 psi to 100 psi. The single stage air compressor is ideal for low psi and volume air tools such as ratchets and air impact tools.

For sanders and sand blasters a two stage unit would be the better choice as these air tools require more CFM to operate and you need to replenish the air in the tank more quickly. Two stage compressors compress the air twice in two stages. Once to build up air pressure and again to remove heat before sending to the storage tank. Two stage compressors will produce air pressures in a range of 100 to 135 psi. 

For portability and lack of electricity at a job site gas powered 60 gallon air compressors are available or you can use an electric unit that that can supply 15 amps and  30 amps depending upon the compressor model. Get some power with the 5 horsepower air compressor single stage or double stage. 

Two stage compressors are designed for heavy shop use such as automotive service and body shops, machine shops, production and manufacturing lines.The right type of air compressor is also dependent upon the air tools used and the pressure and  air flow they require. A 20 gallon air compressor is ideal for less workload and small nailers.  

Which Factor Is The Most Important?

Horsepower
PSI (pounds per square inch)
CFM (cubic feet per minute)

Horsepower
Is a rating of general power only it is not the most important in measuring performance. A highly tuned car engine will out perform one rated at the same HP. Horsepower is only one factor to consider. As it relates to air compressors Hp is related to how much air is needed to fill the tank based on the demands of air flow placed upon it. A 6 HP air compresseor isn't necessarily better than a 5 Hp compressor.

Pounds Per Square Inch (PSI)
Another consideration when purchasing a new air compressor is pounds-per-square inch (PSI). The vast majority of air tools require 90 PSI to operate. Most air compressors including a 60 gallon air compressor rated at 5 HP produce at least 90 PSI.

Cubic Feet Per Minute
An air tool requires air flow to work. This is the most important consideration of the three. Think of a windmill. A slight breeze lacks the power to turn the blades. However, a hurricane-force wind can generate substantial power. Some air tools consume more air than others. Nailers and staplers only require a light flow of air where sand blasters and sanders need much more. THe most important point is how fast the air flow is. Air flow is measured in Cubic Feet Per Minute (CFM). The greater the flow, the greater the power.

Match The Need To The Tasks  At Hand

You want an air compressor that exceeds the CFM of your most powerful air tool. If the flow isn’t strong enough, the air tool simply won’t perform properly. The extra PSI pressure does little to improve the machine’s performance. How much power is enough? Take your most powerful air tool and multiply by 1-1/2 times the SCFM rating. If your impact wrench requires 5.0 SCFM, choose a compressor that generates 7.5 SCFM. If you use several tools simultaneously, add all of their SCFM ratings together and multiply by 1.5.  For a great little portable air compressor check out the Ingersol Rand DD2T2 air compressor for all the details.

Required Air Flow For Popular Air Tools (Rated in CFM)

Nailer 1-4
Spray Gun 2-4
Impact Wrench 2-5
Sandblaster 6-10
Sanders 6-13

Check the CFM rating of your air tools first and match the compressor to the tool air flow requirement and the legnth of time the unit will be running.
The size of an air compressor tank is also a considerstion for the efficient use of air tools and job requirements.

Direct Drive Or Belt Compressor?

A 60 gallon air compressor can be either a direct drive air compressor or belt driven for your garage. Direct drive compressors are oil free and require little maintenance, are noisy, built with aluminum blocks. Service life is much shorter. If you want your compressor to last, cast iron block air compressors that use a belt to connect the motor and pump, provide better performance and longer life and are much quieter.

Oil Or Oil Free

Having oil in the air isn't necessarily a problem. Many air tools require oiling, and inline oilers are often added to increase a uniform supply to the tool. On the down side, these models require regular oil checks, periodic oil changes and they must be operated on a level surface.

Spray painting with oil in the air stream will cause finish problems. And many new woodworking air tools such as nailers and sanders are designed to be oil free so there's no chance of fouling wood surfaces with oil.

 While solutions to the airborne oil problem include using an oil separator or filter in the air line. For your selection of a 60 gallon air compressor you just simply have to weigh in the factors that are most important to you and choose accordingly.