"mhorowit" ... wrote:

I'm looking for a small compressor, running on 110v, min 20 CFM at 80
PSI. Anyone got a recommendation? - Mike

Not to pound this into the ground, but the basic issue is that a 20A 110V
circuit can only provide about 2-3HP continuous, which limits the compressor
output. If you have a 220V dryer outlet you can hijack, you can go bigger.

Just for reference, I have a two-stage compressor with a 5HP motor running
on 220V. It advertises 13.7 CFM at 90 psi and 12.5 at 175 psi. Measured, it
puts out an honest 11 CFM at 90 and maybe 9 or 10 at 175.

Compressor ratings can be pretty "optimistic," but nothing compared to tool
ratings. My drill was advertised at 4 CFM but uses almost 19 if I run it
continuously. That's fine, duty cycle on a drill is low. Where you really
need to be sure the compressor matches your tool ratings is if you plan to
run continuous-duty (or nearly so) tools, like sanders, polishers, spray
guns, bead blasters, etc.

In general, a bigger compressor is better, if you can afford the money and
space. You can do more with it, and a big tank means it cycles less often,
which means less wear and tear on your ears and on the motor and pump.

Tom Young