I have a craftsman 33Gal, 150PSI Max, 2HP compresor, can I run my tools highr then 90psi?

Question

As it says above, I have a air sander, impact tools, grinders, ect. I do various work on vehicles. My buddy turned it up to 140PSI, but I turned it back down to 90psi, but all the tools say 90 PSI MAX. Can I run my compressor higher then 90psi to get more power?? I dont want to over power my compressor and harm it. Its a Craftsman 2HP, 33Gal, 150PSI Max.

Answer 1

You most likely can't change the point when your compressor cycles.  That is set at the factory at a predetermined point.  My Porter-Cable pancake compressor cycles when the tank pressure drops to 120 psi.  

The regulated pressure is another story.  Your tools have a max pressure rating for a reason.  That reason is SAFETY!  The seals, valves, pistons, etc. in your tool have been engineered to perform at a certain psi.  Exceeding can cause damage to the tool, which will not be covered under warranty, but more importantly can cause the tool to rupture.  It won't help you to get your job done faster, but it may prevent you from getting your job done at all.  Hope this helps.

Answer 2

The pressure in your tank doesnt matter, you can run it to whatever it can handle.

The pressure coming out of the tank is what matters.

If your tools say 90psi, Do not run them any higher than that. Thats all they were designed to handle.

Answer 3

I suspect the POWER difference you assume would be negligible. The fact that the tank will take up to 150 isn't a statement that your tools should operate higher than recommended, nor will they be more effective. I assume you understand what maximum means in that regard.  I run everything at 80, and the tank will take that for a long enough time, before kicking in again, to refill. I get no power loss in setting the gauges properly, nor do I ever sense any increase in speed, power, endurance, etc.

  With no offense meant, I'm always curious about those who think more is better???

Answer 4

If it has a max of 150 then id say you can go higher, the question would be if you actually need to do it, generally you can run them up alot higher than suggested but it loses its effectiveness, you dont want your grinder bouncing off the car into your face or your impact tools going clear through the sheet metal