4 Best Air Compressors for Auto Body Work [August 2023 Updated]

For auto body work you need an air compressor which can perform all of your tasks without any issue.

As compressed air can be used for many different projects such as painting cars, sanders, inflate tires, impact wrenches, etc.

But every auto shop is different and there might be different requirements for them.

Now, a question may come in your mind: what is the best air compressor for auto body work? As there are lots of air compressors available in the market each one with different specs and sizes.

Worry, not here we have reviewed the top air compressor for auto body work along with each of their features and pros and cons. 

Here, is a quick table if you are in a hurry!!

Best Air Compressors for Auto Body Work 2023

Here are detailed reviews and specifications of each product.

1. Powermate Vx PLA4708065 Electric Air Compressor: (Best Overall)

Because of its high cfm ratings, it can easily run the power tools like spray guns, ratchets, hammers and Impacts, for a longer time without any trouble.

This model is very durable as it is built from cast iron and steel.

The weight of this air compressor is 247 pounds which makes it quite a heavy compressor.

The three-cylinder pump features an aluminum head and valve plate which make sure that the heat from the unit dissipates faster which makes the compressor run cooler.

It has a very powerful 4.7 horsepower motor which draws 15 Amp and has a very large tank capacity of 60 gallons which allows this compressor to run continuously and it also includes an Oil-lubricated pump.

For a trouble-free operation, its heavy-duty dual voltage induction motor is very helpful as it increases the pump efficiency and has a built-in on/off switch with tank pressure gauge.

Furthermore, it includes additional features such as an oil level sight glass, easily accessible oil fill, three-cylinder design, a large intake filter with silencers and synthetic oil, Swedish stainless steel flex valve. and a 12-Inch cast-iron balanced flywheel. 

Feature list:

• Dimensions: 31.5 x 34.8 x 77 Inches
• Weight: 247 Pounds
• Maximum Pressure: 155 PSI
• Horse Power: 4.7 HP
• Tank Capacity: 60 Gallons
• Type: Single Stage
• Power Source: Electric Powered
• Voltage: 240 volts
• Horsepower: 4.70 Hp
• 14 CFM @ 90 PSI

Pros:

• High CFM 
• Large Tank Capacity (60 Gallon) 
• Powerful 4.7 HP 
• Heavy Duty Dual Voltage Induction Motor

Cons:

• Heavy
• The Power Cord Is Not Included

2. DeWalt (DXCMV5076055) Two Stage Air Compressor: (Best for High Power)

The weight of this unit is 400 pounds which makes it a quite heavy compressor.

To increase the lifespan of this air compressor it runs at a lower RPM of 767 and it is equipped with an on/off switch along with a tank pressure gauge.

This unit piston and the patented pump design features asymmetrical cooling fins along with deep groove directional and cast iron flywheel with big extended fins makes it to run at greater efficiency and also to make the air compressor run cooler.

Furthermore, the wire form belt guard also greatly improves this unit cooling.

Feature list:

• Dimensions: 40 x 31 x 80 inches
• Weight: 400 pounds
• Maximum Pressure: 175 PSI
• Tank Size: 60 Gallons
• Running HP: 5.0
• Phase: Single
• Voltage: 230 Volt
• Pump RPM: 767
• Measurement System: Metric
• SCFM @ 175 PSI: 13.5.
• SCFM @ 100 PSI: 15.3.

Pros:

• Thermal Overload Protection
• Large Tank Capacity Of 60 Gallons
• Patented Pump Design
• Powerful 5.0 Horsepower Motor

Cons:

• Heavy
• Plastic Drain Valve

3. Industrial Air ILA1883054 Air Compressor: 

This unit has a maximum pressure of 155 PSI with a motor of 1.9 horsepower and it pumps 5.7 CFM at 90 PSI.

It’s twin-cylinder pump features an aluminum head and valve plate to make the heat to dissipate faster and to increase the efficiency.

The dual voltage motor is wired for the standard 120-volt outlets but it is also convertible for the 240-volt applications.

With the on-board controls you can easily access the pressure gauges, quick-set regulator, tank, and on/off switch.

Furthermore, it also includes features such as oil level sight glass, easily accessible oil fill, stable cast iron cylinder body, oil-lubricated pump with belt drive technology, 12-Inch cast iron balanced flywheel, automotive-style ball bearings, and one-piece cast iron crankcase. 

Feature list:

• Dimensions: 24.8 x 24.8 x 49.8 Inches
• Weight: 185 Pounds
• Max Pressure: 155 PSI
• Tank Capacity: 30 Gallons
• Style: Belt Driven Compressor
• Power Source: Electric Powered
• Voltage: 120 volts
• Horsepower: 1.9 HP
• 5.7 CFM @ 90 psi

Pros:

• Large Tank Size (30 Gallons)
• Easy Operation
• Oil Lubricated Pump
• Pneumatic Wheels For Maximum Portability
• Heavy Duty Dual Voltage Induction Motor

Cons:

• Some User Reports Of Getting A Defective Unit

4. NorthStar Portable Gas Powered Air Compressor: (Very High CFM Compressor)

It delivers 18.7 CFM at 175 PSI, 24.4 CFM at 90 PSI and 26.8 CFM at 40 PSI which makes it great to be used in automotive shops.

With the large tank capacity of 30 gallons you can run tools for a long time without any issues.

For less wear and tear the bearings are placed on the ends of the pump’s crankshaft and its low vibration technology ensures that the compressor has a long life and also to perform smoothly during work.

This model is quite durable because of cast iron construction and for consistent cooling it has a v-style cylinder design.

Furthermore, it also includes features such as Swedish steel valves, big flywheel for cooler operation, sight glass to view oil level, steel belt guard, liquid-filled pressure gauge etc. 

Feature list:

• Dimensions:  41 L x 19 W x 40 H
• Maximum Pressure: 175 PSI
• Horsepower: 12 HP
• Tank Capacity: 30 Gallons
• Engine: Honda GX390 OHV
• Fuel Capacity (gal): 1.6
• Drain System: Manual
• Power Source: Electric Powered
• RPM: 1,300
• Pump: Cast Iron
• 18.7 CFM @ 175 PSI
• 21.4 CFM @ 135 PSI
• 24.4 CFM @ 90 PSI
• 26.8 CFM @ 40 PSI

Pros:

• Very High CFM 
• Cast Iron Construction
• Low Vibration Technology
• After Cooler
• Low Oil Protection

Cons:

• Expensive

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

What size air compressor do I need to work on cars?

It will depend on what type of work you will be doing on cars such as if you want to paint the car then the above models are your best choice as they have a large capacity tank which will allow you to spray continuously without any disturbance. 

Can you use a HVLP gun with an air compressor?

For this you need to check the requirements of your HVLP gun and then compare it with the air compressor such as can it deliver both PSI and CFM which are required by the gun. 

How many CFM do I need for air tools?

Air tools such as air grinders, sanders, hammers, and finish nailers have specific CFM requirements. So before buying an air compressor for your project you need to compare the specs of both of them to identify that it can run tools without any issues. 

Is a higher CFM better air compressor?

A higher CFM rating means that the air compressor can push more air without any disturbance. The compressors which have a high cfm ratings are better suited for large or heavier applications. 

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