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What compressor 2
speedyxjs - 10/4/10 at 12:39 PM

The earlier thread reminded me of something i need to ask.

Im in the process of setting up a garage doing servicing, repairs and MOT's aswell as small restoration/engineering jobs.

Can anyone tell me what sort of CFM i should be looking for in a compressor. id ideally like to spend less than £1k but may be able to stretch to £1500/£2k.

big_wasa - 10/4/10 at 12:54 PM

You can never have to much air. So the more the better.

blakep82 - 10/4/10 at 12:57 PM

biggest you can afford really.
i bought a clarke one for about £500 (thats how much they are now, sure it was only about 350 when i got it) and never run out of air yet.
needs a 32amp circuit though.

speedyxjs - 10/4/10 at 12:57 PM

Forgot to add that it will need to be quiet as teh landlord is fussy (but could be put in a sound proof box).

big_wasa - 10/4/10 at 01:01 PM

Will you have 3 phase as single will really limit what you can run.

blakep82 - 10/4/10 at 01:02 PM

quote:
Originally posted by big_wasa
Will you have 3 phase as single will really limit what you can run.


oh yeah, mines single phase too.

quite noisy when it starts up, but when the tank's full it only runs when it drops below a certain pressure. if all your air lines are nicely sealed it shouldn't need to run unless you're using it

[Edited on 10/4/10 by blakep82]

speedyxjs - 10/4/10 at 01:05 PM

Yeah, will have 3 phase.

Ivan - 10/4/10 at 02:08 PM

I would guess at finding out what air rate a good air wrench uses and get something about 4X that rate.

Stuart_B - 10/4/10 at 02:34 PM

i have 19cfm, but that is just me and some times my dad work at the same time, but if you have 3 phase you can go in to a lot more.

if you have a 1k to spend, see what the highest spec bit off kit you can get.

stuart

speedyxjs - 10/4/10 at 05:56 PM

Ok, cheers guys

Canada EH! - 10/4/10 at 07:10 PM

Check the requirements of your air tools. Sanders, sandblasters, and air grinders require alot of air.
The bigger the tank the better, big tank will make it possible for a small compressor to keep up for short periods of time.