Air Compressor choosing help for using a framing nailer and other nailers?

Question

I am a weekend do-it-yourselfer looking to buy an air compressor to aid in a project basement finishing of a 12’ x 12’ room. One tool I would like to use is a framing nailer with an air compressor to frame the partition walls. I really don’t want to spend a lot of money on a compressor. I have spoken to a tool manufacturer on their framing nailer and they keep saying they recommend an air compressor with 6 CFM @ 90 PSI. Doesn’t CFM mean the recovery rate of the compressor? If I have 90 PSI coming through the regulator then it should work fine right?

If I have to waiting a few minutes between shooting a half a dozen nails, its no big deal.
Would I be better with a 150 max PSI compressor or one that is 125 max PSI?

Compressor?
Porter Cable 150 max PSI, 6 gallon – 2.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI ($180 US, includes brad nailer)
or
Campbell Hausfeld 1.3 H.P. 125 max PSI, 15 gallon – 3.7 SCFM @ 90 PSI ($180 US)

Framing nailer?
Grizzly 21 degree round-head model #H7665 ($100 US)

Thanks!!!

Aussie, you sound like your giving me advice if I were a new contractor. I will only be using nailers ...no wrenchs, grinders, or sprayers. I still consider CFM recovery....Is it not true that CFM is the flow of air into the tank that the compressor motor can produce? If so, CFM is only a term used when the compressor is running....when off, you simply have PSI until it lowers to the point that triggers the compressor on to repressurize the tank at the desinated flow rate (CFM). ......maybe I am wrong, but this seems to be logical. As I stated before, I have no problem waiting after every 1/2 dozen nails for the compressor to catch up. I'd rather do that than pay an arm and leg for one you suggest

Answer 1

I own the Porter Cable compressor you mention and it works fine with a framing nailer. It also is very portable which is a huge asset if you need to work on a different part of the house later. However, I find myself wishing I had a larger compressor with a higher scfm rating when I try to do other jobs like spraying or using mechanics air tools. If you really think you won't need to do anything besides nailing get the smaller compressor. The porter cable brad nailer works fine as a bonus.

You are correct that the scfm rating is the recovery rate. If you have two units with equal sized tanks, the one with the higher scfm rating will fill its tank faster. 125 PSI is more than enough for any tool. The 150 PSI rating on some units helps the compressor to cycle less because it can store more air.

Answer 2

CFM is cubic feet per minute it is not the recovery rate. Sears has very nice air compressors and you should get one with a 5 horse power motor and as large a storage tank that you can manage. Check the tool you want to get and buy a compressor that matches the most powerful tool you will be using to the compressor

Answer 3

2.6 Scfm 90 Psi