Which Air Compressor

[Rupe]

Having finally got electricity installed in my storage unit its time for a decent compressor.

 

I have a tiny hobbies thing in my shed at home which will just about blow out an air filter but only just! I want to be able to have two or three outlets at once for air filter cleaning, but I also want to be able to drive impact tools etc as well.

 

I won't be doing any spraying so thats not important but I do want to get enough power for every other possible need.

 

THere seems to be a huge jump in prices, I'm looking at 50L 2hp for about 200 quid, then it jumps to 320 ish for same capacity but 3hp.

 

After that prices rise with the size of the tank but the power remains at 3hp.

 

I'm guessing I would need a 3hp but not necessarily a huge tank? Any advice welcome.

 

Northern tool do the Sealey range and you get e bunch of free(cheapo) tools with each one, other than that I've looked in Halfords and the draper catalogue. They are all pretty much the same but as I know nothing I'm open to suggestion!

[arbormaster]

you'll need quite a big tank to run a impact gun other wise your forever waiting for it to charge back up and it runs out if steam almost as soon as you pull the trigger

[Mr Ed]

Bigger the tank the better. Mine is 350ltrs and 3hp, and it is just about ok for most things. Wont run my big 1" gun though

[Dean Lofthouse]

Sealey Halfords draper .

 

I thought there was a swear filter on this forum.

 

I have a two stage Ingersoll Rand 8cfm compressor in my garage which I paid £50 for 15 years ago, I've not checked the oil since I bought it.

 

Bomb proof Rupe

[bob]

i have just ordered this one today http://secure.thorite.co.uk/prodtype.asp?strParents=1171&CAT_ID=1874

i nearly got the smaller one in the range but get fed up with them running all the time

i would only buy a belt drive as they last so much longer and are quieter all the direct pump ones have never lasted over 2 years for me

tank size depends on how much air you need pronto and how long you want till it kicks up again

if you are only going to turn it on and blow up your tyres get a small tank as will be up to pressure quicker

[Rupe]

I don't think I've got space for a 100L tank! Certainly can't go bigger than that! I was hoping a powerfull enough one would do it, but I guess it would always be on and therefore quite load as it will be in a shipping container!

 

So belt drives are quieter thats good advice.

 

It will mostly be for cleaning stuff really, checking tyre pressures and some work although I've been advised that cordless impact guns are just as good!

 

Since space is a problem I'm thinking 3hp 50-100ltrs should do it.

[mixedangased]

I don't think I've got space for a 100L tank! Certainly can't go bigger than that! I was hoping a powerfull enough one would do it, but I guess it would always be on and therefore quite load as it will be in a shipping container!

 

So belt drives are quieter thats good advice.

 

It will mostly be for cleaning stuff really, checking tyre pressures and some work although I've been advised that cordless impact guns are just as good!

 

Since space is a problem I'm thinking 3hp 50-100ltrs should do it.

 

hiya rupe, have a look in the sun news paper wolf compressor 3hp v twin 14 cfm,50l tank 116 psi 199 quid .worth a look

[base]

Machine mart over in gloucester have a good selection and were very helpful when i went in.

[treequip]

There are 2 things to consider in selecting a compressor, pressure and free air delivery (FAD)

 

Most reciprocating (piston) machines will run up to about 150 PSI which is plenty for blowing out filters, inflating tyres and the like.

 

The air delivery part is where most of your cheap machines fall on their face. They struggle to run impact wrenches, random orbital sanders and the like.

 

The size of the receiver will give a little more endurance on higher demanding kit but the refill time is longer so you spend a lot of time waiting.

 

The daddy of compressors is the “hydrovane” type. They are quiet, real quiet. I can have a normal conversation next to mine while it’s grafting hard.

For a small treework shop you can get away with an 60/80l receiver with the biggest FAD you can affod.

[Canal Navvy]

Compressors get rated by their free air delivery (ie not working)

Air tools by average consumption (ie not working)

My 10 HP compressor puts out 25 cfm

My 1" drive impact uses 12 cfm

On old wheel nuts the compressor does not even begin to keep up.

 

Sorry about the abrupt style by the way,my keyboard skills are crap.