Hi everyone. This is my first post! So I'm considering a few small-shop compressors to do some hobby HVLP spraying. I was planning on using the inexpensive Central Pneumatic sprayer (6 CFM @ 40 PSI).
As for air compressors, there's a couple I've been considering. The first is an oil free Husky C041H, which has a 4 gallon tank and boasts 6.8 CFM @ 40 PSI. (I have no idea why I should even care that it does 225 PSI.) The second is an oil lubricated Rolair FC2002 (the BULL), which has a 4.3 gallon tank and is rated at 5.4 CFM @ 40 PSI, but has a 100% duty cycle.
My first question has to do with the length of time I can run the sprayer before the compressor turns back on. A 4 gallon tank has about 0.53 cubic feet of compressed air. The 6 CFM sprayer would require 0.1 CF per second. So, if my math is right, does that mean I could run the sprayer for only about 5 seconds before the tank is empty?! If that is true, then the compressor would be running constantly, right? And if that is so, then the Rolair, though slightly underpowered, might be a better choice. (I'm also a little skeptical of the Husky specifications.)