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Locost air compressor suggestions
number-1 - 26/5/25 at 08:34 PM

Evening All

Can anyone point me in the right direction to a budget yet decent air compressor that will be suitable for the following..

Spray a few panels, use for air tools for the odd bit of mechanics on the car, maybe sand blast a few small parts

I know i probably need something big and expensive but was after a locost option if possible?

Thanks

N1

jacko - 26/5/25 at 09:26 PM

As you say you need a big size to power most air tools
If it was me I would look for a second hand compressor look at auctions for garage sales
G

cliftyhanger - 27/5/25 at 07:28 AM

Biggest single phase is going to be 3hp, (although there are some around with 2xcompressors on 1 tank so could be 6hp)
A 3hp will be fine for spraying and short term airtools. Saying that, I very very rarely use airtools now. Battery stuff is much more convenient.
Sandblasting. I recently used a friends sandblast cabinet. He has a 3 phase 30CFM (makes it about 8hp) compressor. That was OK, but still takes a while to do much. I have a "spot blaster" I occasionally use at home with my compressor, which is fine but only for very small areas (great for rust bubbles etc on my classics)

Try to get a belt drive, much quieter in use.

computid - 27/5/25 at 10:24 PM

I gave up on locost compressor solutions long ago. Rarely did they have sufficient FAD to deliver the required CFM to the tools I wanted to use. Luckily I have 3-phase and I managed to find a Sealey SA3020/55 for £200 near to where I was having a weekend away (though I don't think the ex appreciated the extra two hour detour on the way home! The thing only just fitted in the car...). 15.9 CFM, 450 L/min, 10 bar max pressure. Big enough for anything I'll ever need. Unfortunately the cheaper used compressors do tend to be 3-phase it seems.

[Edited on 27/5/25 by computid]

number-1 - 28/5/25 at 05:42 PM

Thanks for the replies chaps

Good point well made about cordless power tools being more than enough and in fairness i have a decent selection so can cross that requirement off the list.

What about a compressor for car body work prep/sanding etc? I have a few large 240v handheld sanders but would want smaller sanders when i prep a GRP/Fibreglass clam for paint?

Also sandblasting things like wishbones. Shall i cross that off the list too?

cliftyhanger - 30/5/25 at 07:56 AM

quote:
Originally posted by number-1
What about a compressor for car body work prep/sanding etc? I have a few large 240v handheld sanders but would want smaller sanders when i prep a GRP/Fibreglass clam for paint?

Also sandblasting things like wishbones. Shall i cross that off the list too?


A small detail sander may be the thing to use, or I have a 240v 125mm DA sander I use for all sorts. Final prep I always do by hand.

With the 30cfm sandblaster it would take an hour to do a wishbone with crushed glass (at a guess) especially if it still had paint on it.
After my first afternoon, I realised the importance of removing all paint etc first using wire brushes or paint stripper etc, and for a wishbone a wire brush is the much simpler solution. I like a wire brusch in a grinder, they take NO prisoners but you need good eye and indeed body protection. The wires that break off can embed themselves into you . I tend to wear a full face visor plus my reading glasses (poundshop type!) and leather gloves and jacket. The wires go straight through jeans, jumpers etc.

[Edited on 30/5/25 by cliftyhanger]