Air Compressor
HankeMotor stocks single phase 240V piston (reciprocating) air compressors for Australian workshops, farms, panel shops, and trade use. All units are dispatched from our Glen Waverley, Victoria warehouse with same-day or next-day shipping. The piston range covers complete compressor units and replacement pump heads — the two most common purchase scenarios we see from Australian customers.
CFM Demand by Tool Type: Size Before You Buy
The single most common mistake when buying a compressor is sizing by motor kW instead of by free-air delivery (FAD) in CFM. Your compressor's FAD must exceed the combined demand of every tool running at the same time. A 2.2kW motor is meaningless if the pump produces less air than your spray gun needs.
| Tool | Typical CFM at 90 PSI | Minimum Tank (L) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tyre inflator / blow gun | 1–2 CFM | 24L+ | Any compressor suits |
| Brad nailer / stapler | 0.5–1 CFM | 6L+ | Very low demand — burst use only |
| Impact wrench (1/2") | 4–5 CFM | 50L+ | Intermittent bursts; 50L tank handles most jobs |
| Die grinder | 4–6 CFM | 50L+ | Sustained draw; pump must keep up |
| HVLP spray gun (single) | 6–14 CFM | 100L+ | Continuous demand; most demanding single tool |
| Air chisel / nibbler | 3–4 CFM | 50L+ | Intermittent; 50L suits most bodywork use |
| Sandblasting (light cabinet) | 8–15 CFM | 100–150L+ | Sustained high draw; 240V single phase may limit FAD |
| Production sandblasting | 50–100+ CFM | 300L+ | Requires three-phase supply and rotary screw compressor |
Add the CFM of all tools running simultaneously, then add 25% margin to account for hose friction, fittings, and duty cycle reserve. If your total is above 16 CFM, you have reached the practical limit of single phase 240V power — see the three-phase rotary screw range for higher FAD requirements.
Tank Size, Duty Cycle, and What 50% Means in Practice
Piston compressors must not run continuously — the pump generates heat under load and requires rest periods. The industry standard for piston compressors is a maximum 50–75% duty cycle: run no more than 30–45 minutes in every hour under sustained load. Tank size determines how long you can use tools before the pump cycles back on. A larger tank also means fewer pump start-stop cycles per hour, extending pump life significantly:
| Tank Size | Typical Use Case | Pump Cycle Behaviour | Right For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50–75L | Single tool, intermittent use | Pumps frequently (every 1–2 min during use) | Impact tools, tyre work, brad nailing |
| 100–150L | Workshop, 1–2 tools simultaneously | Moderate cycling; pump can keep up with sustained use | Spray painting, body panel work, general trade |
| 200–300L | Busy workshop, light production | Long draw-down before pump cycles; better pump life | Multiple tools, sandblasting cabinet, farm use |
| 500L | Large workshop; used with higher-kW pump | Minimal cycling; large reserve for burst demand | Production spray, sustained multi-tool use |
HankeMotor stocks 300L and 500L vertical air receivers as standalone tanks that can be added to any compressor installation to extend reserve capacity and reduce pump cycling. If your existing compressor pumps too frequently, adding a second tank in parallel is a low-cost fix before replacing the whole unit.
Single Phase 240V vs Three Phase 415V: The Practical Ceiling
Single phase 240V power limits the practical FAD ceiling to approximately 16–18 CFM for Australian workshop supply. Above this point, the motor draw requires three-phase 415V supply and the correct circuit protection. If your site has single-phase supply only and you need more than 16 CFM continuous air, there is no practical single-phase solution — a phase converter or supply upgrade is required.
- Single phase 240V — suits workshops with standard power supply. Compressors up to approximately 2.2–3kW motor. Plug-in or hardwired. Up to ~12–15 CFM FAD.
- Three phase 415V — required for compressors 3kW+ and for rotary screw units. Needs licensed electrician to connect. Higher FAD for production or sustained multi-tool use.
If your workshop is on single-phase only and needs more than 15 CFM, the correct solution is two separate single-phase compressors with separate circuits running in parallel into a shared manifold — not an oversized single-phase unit. Call 0401 634 280 to discuss your specific requirement.
Replacement Pump Heads: Matching Shaft and Port Sizes
A common purchase is a replacement pump head for an existing tank and motor. Two compatibility checks are non-negotiable before ordering:
- Motor shaft diameter — the pump drive pulley must match the motor shaft. Common shaft sizes: 19mm (1.5–2.2kW motors), 24mm (2.2–3kW compressor-duty motors). Mismatched shafts require a different pulley or adapter — this is the most common compatibility error.
- Port thread and size — the pump outlet port must match your manifold or pressure switch thread. Australian piston compressors typically use BSP (British Standard Pipe) threads, not NPT (American). Check the existing pump port before ordering a direct replacement.
HankeMotor's air compressor pump range includes 12 CFM (2.2kW suit) and 15 CFM (3kW/4HP suit) heads in stock at Glen Waverley.
When a Piston Compressor Is the Wrong Choice
Do not buy a piston compressor if:
- Your compressor needs to run more than 45 minutes per hour — a piston unit will overheat and fail prematurely. You need a rotary screw.
- Your application is a spray booth with multiple spray guns running simultaneously — the FAD requirement will exceed single-phase limits and 100% duty cycle is essential.
- Noise is critical — piston compressors are 80–90 dB in operation. Rotary screw units run at 60–75 dB and are common in office-adjacent workshops and showrooms.
- Your site is on three-phase power and your budget allows it — a rotary screw is almost always a better long-term investment for three-phase sites.
See HankeMotor's rotary screw air compressor range for 100% duty cycle industrial options.
What PSI does a workshop need?
Most workshop air tools require 90 PSI (6.2 bar) at the tool. Compressor tank pressure is set higher — typically 120–135 PSI (8.3–9.3 bar) — to allow the pressure to drop during use while staying above tool minimum. For sandblasting requiring 100 PSI at the nozzle, set the compressor regulator to 120 PSI minimum. For spray painting, most HVLP guns operate at 25–30 PSI at the gun after the regulator.
How do I know if my existing compressor pump needs replacing?
Three clear indicators: (1) the pump runs continuously but tank pressure never reaches the cut-off pressure (typically 120–135 PSI), indicating worn rings or valves; (2) excessive oil blowby — oil mist visible at the outlet or contaminating tools; (3) the pump runs hot enough to trip thermal protection within minutes of starting. On a pump older than 5 years in daily use, a replacement pump head is almost always cheaper than rebuilding.
Can I use an air compressor for spray painting a car?
Yes, but the compressor must deliver enough sustained CFM to keep up with the spray gun. A single HVLP spray gun draws 6–12 CFM at 25–30 PSI gun pressure. A 50L tank compressor at 8 CFM FAD cannot sustain this — you will run dry mid-panel. For single-stage car painting, minimum 10–12 CFM FAD with at least 100L tank. For a full professional spray booth, 20+ CFM from a rotary screw is the industry standard.
For help matching the right compressor to your application: 0401 634 280 | hankemotors@gmail.com | Unit 1, 28 Aristoc Road, Glen Waverley VIC 3150.
Related: Rotary Screw Air Compressors | Air Compressor Pump Heads | Refrigerated Air Dryers | Single Phase Motors 240V
Air Compressor FAQ
- Single-stage: Compresses air once, suitable for tools needing up to 125 PSI.
- Two-stage: Compresses air in two steps, reaches up to 175 PSI, ideal for heavy-duty and continuous use.