Pancake Compressor Volume

Steve@Advance · Jun 16, 2019

I have a Porter Gable pancake compressor.

It claims 3.5 CFM @ 40 PSI.

I need to run a texture hopper gun that says it needs 5.3 CFM @ 40 PSI.

But that is the max pressure for thin smooth paint. I will be running down around 10-15 PSI, thick splatter drywall texture.

Do you think it will handle it?

I sure don't want to have to load up the big compressor for this one room job.

Anyone tried?

Thanks!

Bob Harvey · Jun 16, 2019

No warranty implied. But it should work OK. Used one for years - framing with 2 -3" nail guns. Easier to pack than the 'big one' I had.

Stephen Newell · Jun 16, 2019

If you are patient it will work. What you will have to do is to not spray the texture very long after the compressor comes on as the pressure would quickly drop. Then you will need to monitor the temperature of the compressor. You would be over tasking the compressor and it will get hot. Texture is something that doesn't have to be done continuous so you could start and stop a lot.

David G · Jun 16, 2019

I used my little compressor for a splatter gun, worked fine.

Russ from MN · Jun 16, 2019

I used my little Stanley-Bostich to paint our dock, It kept up to my spray gun just fine.

Mutt and Jeff · Jun 17, 2019

Take two (of them)
gang them together and
call back when you finish

Idaho Digger · Jun 17, 2019

Yea, they're too loud and very annoying{-;

kencombs · Jun 17, 2019

I did that back with a similar oil less compressor back in the 90s. Textured about 3000sqft of our store ceiling in a day. Next day put new piston and cylinder liner kit in the compressor. That little plastic seal ring just couldn't handle the continuous use.

BarnyardEngineering · Jun 18, 2019

You got nothing to lose by trying, but be aware that compressor manufacturers like to play games with the ratings.

AvE just did a very enlightening video on this very subject on youtube. Seems if you put a tool that requires 3.5CFM @ 90PSI on a compressor rated for 3.5CFM @ 90PSI, the compressor can't even begin to supply enough air.

The compressor is rated based on releasing the air directly into the atmosphere. So the compressed air is not actually doing any work. For that it keeps up fine, but with the tool, it can't.

Pancake Compressor Volume

Steve@Advance

Well-known Member

Bob Harvey

Well-known Member

Stephen Newell

Well-known Member

David G

Well-known Member

Russ from MN

Well-known Member

Mutt and Jeff

Member

Idaho Digger

Member

kencombs

Well-known Member

BarnyardEngineering

Well-known Member

Similar threads