When choosing compressor you have to consider if it will be able to constantly provide desired pressure and volume of air. Small airbrush compressors little compressors boast impressive pressure figures but actually poor flow rates sufficient limited to airbrush pistols. Actually if small compressor can push enough air it’ll likely overheat in couple of minutes.

Our laser cutter came with little membrane pump (Smallest upon the picture), I really do not know what specifications it has but stream of air was extremely weak. It is enough if all you want to accomplish is engrave, although also then we got substantial smoke Air Compressor For Laser Cutting traces around engraved picture.

it had been rated for volume of ~2.4cfm and had a 1 gallon container which may be filled to 58 PSI. It were able to give us continuous 1 bar (14 PSI) of pressure, but it had to run at all times and overheat badly within five minutes.

Third and current compressor we got was 6cfm rated belt driven unit with 13 gallon tank which is filled to ~100psi. With this unit we can run at continuous ~2bar (31psi) without concern with overheating since compressor engine is not on continuously. Using reserve air in tank we can also force up to 3.5bar (50psi) for short jobs.

The best setup in my opinion will be compressor rated to >6cfm, large 70+ gallons tank rated to 10bar (140psi) and software air control via solenoid valve.