FASTdan
|
| posted on 24/10/08 at 07:04 AM |
|
|
compressors - what to look for?
I'm after a new compressor for around or under £150. probably buying through work as its cheaper. I can get this for £125:
http://secure.thorite.co.uk/ubd96m275682/Professional--Trade-and-DIY-Compressors/Trade-and-DIY-Compressors/Portable-Lubricated-Compressors/TH824PC/p-1
097-249-250-44850/
or this for £139.98:
http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/tiger-compressor/path/airmaster-2
I'm guessing the thorite one will be better quality (made in england etc) but obviously its only 2hp as opposed to 2.5. The other bonus with
thorite is they are just down the road from me so warranty is made easier etc.
I assume the main figure to look out for is the FAD (free air delivery) but unfortunately the tiger one doesnt give that. Can I calculate it?
The compressor will be used for spraying and air tools.
I've also found a 50L 2hp one in a catalogue for £120. But that only has a FAD of 6CFM, whilst in the same catalogue a mitchelin 2hp 25L has a
FAD of 7CFM. Seems odd that a smaller tank item can provide more air.....or is there more to it than that?
Also dont know if oiless is worth the money or not?
|
NOTE:This user is registered as a LocostBuilders trader and may offer commercial services to other users
|
|
|
maartenromijn
|
| posted on 24/10/08 at 07:30 AM |
|
|
I don't know if you visit the continent sometimes? I got myself the same kind of compressor for € 69,- (approx GBP 55,-). 2 kW, 8 bar,
200 L/min.
I don't know at what pressure the 200L is measured. Also don't know at what pressure the air-consumtion is given for the different
tools.
The capacity of my compressor seems to be just not enough for mechanical tools. I am considering buying another one and join them. For spraying and
cleaning it is perfect.
One thing to consider it the total power consumption in your garage. Depending on your fuses, you may just get only 2 kW (approx 2,5HP) of electrical
power.
BLOG: http://thunderroad-super7.blogspot.com/
|
|
|
r1_pete
|
| posted on 24/10/08 at 08:02 AM |
|
|
Have a look HERE
Or google Compressor buying advice, loads of articles.
|
|
|
Ben_Copeland
|
| posted on 24/10/08 at 08:05 AM |
|
|
Mines a 3hp 100 litre I think and its good for air tools and spraying.
I have a 25litre one from aldi and its useless for most things!
Ben
Locost Map on Google Maps
Z20LET Astra Turbo, into a Haynes
Roadster
Enter Your Details Here
http://www.facebook.com/EquinoxProducts for all your bodywork needs!
|
|
|
BenB
|
| posted on 24/10/08 at 09:26 AM |
|
|
It's also worth looking at the dB. Compressors can be bloody noisy!! The nicest option (well for the person in the garage anyway) is to put it
outside the garage in a little shed type thing lined with sound-proofing material. My bro did that and it's pretty quiet (even when you are
outside and stand next to it)... I meanwhile have a compressor stuck in the corner of my garage and it wakes up the neighbourhood when the pressure
valve triggers!!!
The other thing to do is look at what tools you're planning on using, find out the minimum requirements. Find out the one with the largest
minimum requirement, add 10-20% on top and jobs a good'un. Spraying generally has low requirements, with air-tools it varies a lot on the tool
used.... e.g. die grinders are fairly low requirement, sand blasters require quite a lot of grunt....
|
|
|
splitrivet
|
| posted on 24/10/08 at 09:54 AM |
|
|
Save your money, the comps you mention are no better than the Aldi jobbie at £60 including tools in fact they are probably the same compressor they
are OK for spraying the odd panel and really low consumption tools, put an airsander on one and your going to be standing around for ages waiting for
it to build up pressure.
You need at least 3 horse and around 12/14 CFM sorry dont know the metric equivalants to be able to run anything worthwhile.
Sorry to pee on your chips but you'll be seriously disappointed with anything smaller.
Cheers,
Bob
[Edited on 24/10/08 by splitrivet]
I used to be a Werewolf but I'm alright nowwoooooooooooooo
|
|
|
DarrenW
|
| posted on 24/10/08 at 10:25 AM |
|
|
Its worth looking at the tools that you intend to drive with the compressor.
As said above some of the low HP small tanks just dont have enough puff for continued workshop use. I managed to gring my cylinder head with a clarke
style 25l tank compressor but i had to keep stopping to let it catch up. Ive had a 100l version in the past that was a lot better. Its not just the
size of the tank though to watch as some are lacking in the motor and compressor head department so they struggle to keep the tanks full.
The expensive units are costly for a reason im afraid. That said there are many people who manage to spray the odd car with small hobby units if they
take their time. Its tools like die grinders and DA sanders that are very hungry. i keep mine as a general air line and for tools like nail guns.
|
|
|
FASTdan
|
| posted on 24/10/08 at 10:26 AM |
|
|
if it is to be used for spraying and mechanical air tools (impact wrench, ratchet etc) surely the above will be man enough? as long as the compressor
exceeds the spray gun consumption - as thats the only 'continual use' tool? im not looking to run blasting equip, sanders etc. my main
priority is spraying - but again thats 1 or 2 panels at a time, not full cars. The gun I use quotes 6cfm.
I sprayed half a porsche 924 with a 1.5hp old banger of a compressor that gave up shortly after - was hard work but the end finish was good.
I am now looking at a sealey 2hp, 50L, with 7CFM for a shade under £200 - as Ben points out the dB is quite important also and the sealey ones quote
much lower noise levels. and with a 50L tank i guess i wont annoy the neighbours quite so often.
I thought about a sealed cabinet either inside or outside the garage, but wondered about air supply to the unit - probably not a problem as
you'd never seal a wooden 'hut' enough to cause starvation i dont suppose.
[Edited on 24/10/08 by FASTdan]
|
NOTE:This user is registered as a LocostBuilders trader and may offer commercial services to other users
|
splitrivet
|
| posted on 24/10/08 at 10:44 AM |
|
|
If its this one http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp?PID=123239&MAN=Sealey-Compressor-50ltr-Direct-Drive-20hp
Its identical to the Aldi one just a different colour.
Cheers,
Bob
I used to be a Werewolf but I'm alright nowwoooooooooooooo
|
|
|
FASTdan
|
| posted on 24/10/08 at 12:45 PM |
|
|
excellent price on that - but i thought the aldi one was 25L?
tbh if I could get the aldi one i would, its so cheap you cant really go wrong and the spec matches much more expensive items.
just realised i posted this in the engine forum too lol - whoops. feel free to move mods.
|
NOTE:This user is registered as a LocostBuilders trader and may offer commercial services to other users
|
