Top 5 Best Air Compressors for Upholstery (2022)
Finding a air compressor for upholstery work can be quite annoying as you have to compare every model with each other and each of them has different features and tank sizes which can consume a lot of your valuable time or you may get confused on which one to pick.
Worry, not here we have compiled a list of the Best Air Compressors for Upholstery reviewing each of them thoroughly with their pros and cons so you can get the right one.
Best Air Compressors for Upholstery:
- Makita MAC2400 Big Bore 2.5 HP Air Compressor
- California Air Tools 10020C Air Compressor
- CRAFTSMAN (CMEC6150K) Pancake Air Compressor
- Makita Big Bore (MAC700) 2.0 HP Air Compressor
- Ingersoll Rand Twin Stack (P1IU-A9) Air Compressor
1. Makita (MAC2400) Big Bore Air Compressor:
Feature list:
- Maximum Operating Pressure: 130 PSI
- Tank Capacity: 4.2 Gallons (Twin Stacked Tank)
- CFM Rating: 90 PSI (4.2 CFM) – 40 PSI (4.8 CFM)
- Dimensions: 18.75″ W x 19.38″ D x 18″ H
- Weight: 77 lbs
- Horsepower: 2.5 HP
- Power Source: Electric Powered
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Sound Level: 79 dB
The Makita brand is widely known for its durability and great power tools and they also manufacture some of the top air compressors.
Our top pick for best air compressor for upholstery staple gun goes to Makita (MAC2400). As the Makita (MAC2400) comes with a very powerful horsepower motor of 2.5 hp and the great thing I like about this compressor is that its motor runs at a lower RPM of 1,730 which is a good thing as it will help to reduce the chances of having a voltage drop or tripped breakers.
This is a powerful compressor with a maximum operating pressure of 130 PSI and has a twin stacked air tank having a capacity of 4.2 gallons which makes it great for the two nailers.
It has a built-in thermal overload protection system so you won’t have to worry about overloading or overheating. It has an oil-lubricated pump to provide cooler running temperatures and has roll cage construction to provide extra durability.
The copper finned discharge tubing also a great addition as it helps to dissipate the heat quickly as well as to reduce the water in the air tank.
The CFM rating of this model is 90 PSI at 4.2 CFM and 40 PSI at 4.8 CFM which is great for upholstery work.
Also, a great feature they have included is a large automotive style filter which helps it in the air intake to increase its efficiency and performance.
Pros:
- It Has A Powerful Horsepower Motor (2.5 HP)
- Twin Stacked Air Tank (4.2 Gallons)
- Has Built-in Thermal Overload Protection And Copper Finned Discharge Tubing
- Large Automotive Style Filter For Increase Efficiency
Cons:
- Some Users Complaints That They Got A Defective Unit
- It Is Not Suitable To Be Used In Cold Weather
2. California Air Tools (10020C) Air Compressor:
Feature list:
- Maximum Operating Pressure: 125 PSI
- Tank Capacity: 10 Gallons
- CFM Rating: 6.40 CFM @ 40 PSI – 5.30 CFM @ 90 PSI
- Horsepower: 2.0 HP
- Sound Level: 70 dB
- Dimensions: 16 x 15.1 x 35.9 Inches
- Weight: 82.5 Pounds
- Material: Metal
- Power Source: Corded-Electric
- Voltage: 110 Volts
- Amperage Capacity: 14 Amps
Now the next model on our list is California Air Tools (10020C).
If you are looking for a portable and quiet air compressor then California Air Tools (10020C) is a great choice for you.
As for the weight of this model is 82.5 pounds but worry not as this compressor comes with a wheel kit so you can easily move it around whether you are at home or at your shop. In terms of tank capacity and cfm rating, it beats all the air compressors on this list.
It has a big air tank size of 10 gallons to provide continuous airflow and cfm ratings are 6.40 CFM @ 40 PSI and 5.30 CFM @ 90 PSI which is very impressive and making it one of the best air compressor for upholstery stapler.
If you are concerned about its noise level then its manufacturer states that it has a sound level of 70 dB.
The maximum operating pressure of this unit is 125 PSI and it has a 2.0 horsepower motor and just like the above model this air compressor runs at a low RPM of 1680 which results in producing less wear as well as noise during operation.
It features two pressure control gauges, stainless steel reed valves, Teflon cylinder rings, two 1/4″ universal quick connectors, etc.
This compressor is oil-free and has an easy start valve which allows the compressor to start up easily in cold weather and because it’s oil-free no daily maintenance is required.
It features an oil-free single-piston pump design to provide high performance along with durability and it has a life cycle of 3000 Plus hours when compared to the other similar models of the air compressors that have a life cycle of about 250 hours or less.
Also, this compressor comes with a thermal overload protector to help protect it from overheating.
Pros:
- Comes With Two Universal 1/4″ Quick Connector
- As This Has Oil-Free Pump So No Daily Maintenance
- It Is A Quiet Compressor With A Sound Level Of 70 dB
- Thermal Overload Protection System
- Large Air Tank Capacity Of 10 Gallons
Cons:
- Most Of The Users Complaints That They Got A Defective Model
3. CRAFTSMAN (CMEC6150K) Pancake Air Compressor:
Feature list:
- Maximum Operating Pressure: 150 PSI
- Tank Capacity: 6 Gallons
- CFM Rating: 2.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI
- Sound Level: 71 dB Or Above
- Dimensions: 16.5 x 16.5 x 17.88 Inches
- Weight: 32.5 Pounds
- Style: Air Compressor w/ Accessory Kit
- Voltage: 120 Volts
The Craftsman (CMEC6150K) is a pancake style air compressor with an air tank size of 6 gallons and its cfm rating is 2.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI which allows for a quick recovery time. This is best budget air compressor for upholstery work.
This air compressor comes with 13 different accessory kits which include a tire gauge, 25′ X ¼ inches PVC air hose with coupler and plug assembled, tire chuck with plug, blow gun with OSHA safety nozzle, three inflator adaptors, rubber tip, blow gun with plug, etc.
The maximum operating pressure of this pancake-style air compressor is 150 PSI and as this is also an oil-free compressor so it can easily start in during cold weather which also prolongs its lifespan and no daily maintenance will be required by you.
As for weight it is 32.5 pounds and features two couplers which come in handy as it allows it to be used by two users.
Pros:
- Comes With A Air Tank Size Of 6 Gallons
- Features Two Couplers And Comes With Different Accessory Kits
- Oil-Free Pump For Easy Startup And No Daily Maintenance
Cons:
- Some Users Complaints That They Got A Defective Unit
- Some Users Also Complaints That They Didn’t Get The Included Accessories
4. Makita Big Bore (MAC700) Air Compressor:
Feature list:
- Maximum Operating Pressure: 130 PSI
- Tank Capacity: 2.6 Gallons (Hot Dog Style)
- CFM Rating: 3.8 CFM @ 40 PSI – 3.3 CFM @ 90 PSI
- Sound Level: 80 (dB)
- Dimensions: 18 x 22 x 10 Inches
- Weight: 59.6 Pounds
- Horsepower: 2 HP
- Pump: Oil-Lubricated
- Power Source: Electric Powered
- Voltage: 120 Volts
The Makita (MAC700) is quite a similar model like Makita Mac (2400) but has relatively low specs when compared to it.
This doesn’t mean it is a bad air compressor for doing upholstery tasks.
This compressor comes with a maximum operating pressure of 130 PSI and it features a roll bar handle design which allows for easy portability whether you move it around your home or at a garage shop.
The motor has a horsepower of 2.0 hp and it runs at a low RPM of 1,720 so need to worry about voltage drop or tripped breakers.
It has a hot dog-style air tank having a capacity of 2.6 gallons and about its CFM value, it delivers 3.3 CFM at 90 PSI and 3.8 CFM at 40 PSI which is good.
This compressor also includes additional features such as a tank drain valve, oil sight glass, convenient oil drain, and a finned discharge tubing (which reduces water in the tank and allows for quick heat dissipation).
The Makita (Mac700) is also constructed with a cast-iron cylinder as most of the Makita air compressors are also built from it to increase its durability and it comes with a greater stroke and bore to help in faster recovery time as well as to increase its compression power.
Due to its large automotive style filter, it increases the air intake for greater efficiency and it comes with an oil-lubricated pump allowing this unit to run efficiently and cooler to increase the motor as well as the pump life.
Pros:
- Has A Roll Bar Handle Design To Provide Portability
- Solid Cast Iron Construction
- Oil-Lubricated Pump For Better Efficiency
- Hot Dog Style Compressor (2.6 Gallons)
- Copper Finned Discharge Tubing
Cons:
- Users Complaints That They Got A Defective Model
- It May Leaks Air
5. Ingersoll Rand Twin Stack (P1IU-A9) Portable Air Compressor:
Feature list:
- Maximum Operating Pressure: 135 PSI
- Tank Capacity: 4 Gallons (Twin Tank)
- CFM Rating: 4.3 CFM @ 90 PSI – 3.2 CFM @ 135 PSI
- Coupler: Two 1/4-Inch Universal Couplers
- Horsepower: 2 HP
- Noise Level: 79 dBA
- Dimensions: 19 x 19 x 17 Inches
- Weight: 77 Pounds
- Material: Iron
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Power Source: Electric Powered
The last air compressor for upholstery on our list is Ingersoll Rand Twin Stack (P1IU-A9). This is a 4-gallon twin stack air compressor with a CFM delivery rate of 4.3 CFM @ 90 PSI and 3.2 CFM @ 135 PSI.
The manufactures of this unit claim that it has a sound level of around 79 dBA.
This unit is great for many different tasks such as decking, interior trim, roofing, and because of its belt-driven design, it performs operation quietly.
It comes with a horsepower motor of 2.0 hp with a maximum operating pressure of 135 PSI.
This is a portable and compact design compressor that can easily be carried to roofs and Jobsite areas making it great for both professionals or DIYers.
With the two quick disconnect couplers, you can run two tools simultaneously and the front panel of this compressor is easy to read as well as the pressure gauges and regulator switch are very simple to use.
For durability and long life, it features a durable cast iron cylinder and oil-lubricated design. It also has a protective back shroud and an enclosed frame which helps to protect it from damages and as for the weight, it is 77 pounds.
Pros:
- Belt Driven Design To Provide Quieter Operation
- This Unit Features Two Quick Disconnect Couplers
- It Has A Noise Level Of 79 dBA
- Twin Tank 4 Gallon Air Compressor
- Has Durable Cast Iron Cylinder And Is Oil-Lubricated
Cons:
- Some Users Complaints That They Got A Defective Model
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Which brand compressor is best?
These are some of the best air compressor manufacturers. Porter-Cable. DeWalt. Makita Ingersoll Rand, Quincy Compressor, Stanley-Bostitch, and Campbell Hausfeld.
What size air compressor do I need to run air tools?
The answer is very simple. All you have to do is to check your air tools requirements and then compare it with the air compressor you want to buy.
Is it OK to leave an air compressor full?
No, you should always drain the air compressor after using it as the water inside can damage the air tank so always try to keep it dry.
How many PSI do I need to run air tools?
Most of the air tools require 70 to 90 PSI to operate but be sure to check the tank capacity of the air compressor so it can provide continuous airflow to your air tools.
Conclusion:
Above are the top recommended air compressor for upholstery so pick any of these without any hesitation. If you have any questions then comment below and if you find this article helpful then share it with your friends.