When choosing compressor you have to consider if it can constantly provide desired pressure and volume of air. Air Compressor For Laser Cutting little airbrush compressors little compressors boast amazing pressure figures but actually poor flow rates enough limited to airbrush pistols. Actually if small compressor can push enough air it will likely overheat in short while.

Our laser cutter came with little membrane pump (Smallest on the picture), I do not know what specifications it has but blast of air was very weak. It is enough if all you have to to accomplish is engrave, although also then we got significant smoke 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 on a regular basis and overheat badly within five minutes.

Third and current compressor we got was 6cfm rated belt driven device with 13 gallon container which is filled to ~100psi. With this unit we can run at constant ~2bar (31psi) without concern with overheating since compressor engine isn’t on constantly. Using reserve atmosphere in tank we can also press up to 3.5bar (50psi) for short jobs.

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