[FastDave]

Any reciprocating type air compressor (which means anything except rotary screw air compressors) with cast iron pump has an 80 percent duy cycle which means it needs to rest 3 minutes every 15 minutes. Any reciprocating type air compressor with an aluminum pump (which includes pumps with cast iron sleeves) has a 60 percent duty cycle which means it needs to rest 6 minutes every 15 minutes. People who exceed the duty cycles have problems with check valves (the part that cuts off the air from leaking out of the tank when the pump isn't pumping) and head valves. Both these components are made of spring steel and are affected by the intense heat created when exceeding duty cycles and/or recommended pressure limits. There is no way to match the air consumption of an air tool directly to the output capacity of an air compressor just by comparing the typical stats. Pressure settings on the regulator (not the pressure switch), air hose size, air fitting size, and air tool effeciency must all be taken into consideration. I'll be glad to tell you more if you need to know.