Air compressors are great for cleaning chainsaws and other tools with small engines. Every workshop needs one!
While there is such a thing as going too big for cleaning saws and airing up tires, going too small is the most common mistake. Get the biggest you can justify.
Some people find a 6 gal/20 L model like the PORTER-CABLE Air Compressor fine if they only want to clean saws and other tools. This unit has 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI and can run for shorter periods.
The CAT 20 Gal air compressor with 125 PSI is a bit bigger while still being portable. It rates 5.30 CFM at 90 PSI.
Here’s what else you should keep in mind when purchasing an air compressor for cleaning chainsaws 👇
Best Mini Air Compressor For Cleaning
Here are some tips to help determine what size air compressor you should get.
James said:
I’ve got a 24l one due to needing something small, it’s a quiet one which is a massive plus for working late at night and not deafening yourself.
It’s big enough for what I need but if you can go for the biggest you can.
Quinn said:
I personally have a 60 gallon piped into another 60 gallon tank in the back of garage for extra air.
CFMs is a big factor depending on what you be using for tools down the road.
John said:
I have a big one in my shop, which is totally unnecessary for cleaning saws and airing up tires.
So in my saw shop, I have one of these. It’s got plenty of pressure for blowing out saws and airing up tires.
Emory shared some brand recommendations:
Senco, Rolair, or California Air Tools. Those are reliable brands that I use at home and for work. 6 gal or bigger for cleaning saws.
Simon said:
Get something lightweight that you don’t mind dragging around. Bostitch makes a lightweight pancake for about $100. Been using mine for years.
Other shorter insights on air compressor size:
- “The Bigger, the better, really. At least 10 CFM if you are doing a lot of blowing off, and a minimum of 40 liters of tank for the same reason.”
- “Always go bigger… if, of course, you can afford it. You’ll need it for something bigger in the future.”
- “I have a silent one. 10L does a great job and is quieter than a vacuum cleaner.”
- “You want one that puts about 125 PSI.”
Air Compressor Size For Cleaning Chainsaws
CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute.
This is a measurement of the volumetric flow rate of compressed air that an air compressor can produce.
It refers to the air the compressor can deliver in a minute—an important specification to consider when selecting one for a particular application.
The CFM rating of an air compressor will depend on factors such as the horsepower of the motor, the size of the tank, and the efficiency of the compressor’s pump.
A higher CFM rating typically means that the compressor can deliver more air and power larger pneumatic tools or operate more air-intensive equipment.
If you want to use tools with an air compressor, like a spray gun or air grinder, you’ll want something with a higher CFM rating. You won’t need as much if it’s solely for cleaning chainsaws and other tools.
It’s always a good idea to clean your saw before storing it over winter or when it won’t be used.
Let us know if you have any questions or comments down below!
