number-1
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| posted on 26/5/25 at 08:34 PM |
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Locost air compressor suggestions
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
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jacko
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| posted on 26/5/25 at 09:26 PM |
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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
555
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cliftyhanger
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| posted on 27/5/25 at 07:28 AM |
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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.
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computid
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| posted on 27/5/25 at 10:24 PM |
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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]
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number-1
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| posted on 28/5/25 at 05:42 PM |
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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?
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cliftyhanger
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| posted on 30/5/25 at 07:56 AM |
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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]
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