Air compressor?
Discussion
I am in the market for an air compressor. Will need it to run tools and at a later date, spray a car.
Budget of up to £300'ish. I assume belt driven in the way to go, as it's serviceable compared to the direct drive ones? Also, is it better to buy a bigger second hand one than a smaller spec new one? Even spares or repair as I'm not adverse to fixing things up.
Thanks
Cad
Budget of up to £300'ish. I assume belt driven in the way to go, as it's serviceable compared to the direct drive ones? Also, is it better to buy a bigger second hand one than a smaller spec new one? Even spares or repair as I'm not adverse to fixing things up.
Thanks
Cad
If you can get good big used one that's the way I would go.
Don't forget that anything much over 3 to 4 hp is likely to be three phase electrics.
Decide what tools you want to use now & what are on your 'Id like that but can't justify it now' list. Work out what the most air hungry tool is & shop accordingly.
Many compressors give a figure which is the displacement, not the free air delivery & it's the latter that's important.
If a tool needs 9cfm at 90psi it needs it continuously & to give a FAD of 9cfm AND to keep it at 90psi needs a big compressor.
Don't forget that anything much over 3 to 4 hp is likely to be three phase electrics.
Decide what tools you want to use now & what are on your 'Id like that but can't justify it now' list. Work out what the most air hungry tool is & shop accordingly.
Many compressors give a figure which is the displacement, not the free air delivery & it's the latter that's important.
If a tool needs 9cfm at 90psi it needs it continuously & to give a FAD of 9cfm AND to keep it at 90psi needs a big compressor.
Will something like these be reliable and future-proof enough?
https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/clarke-tiger-16101...
https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/clarke-raider-1510...
https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/clarke-tiger-16101...
https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/clarke-raider-1510...
DrDeAtH said:
You would be better off with a belt driven compressor. The direct drive are a bit noisy, especially if you are using them for long periods.
DrDeAtH said:
Isn't that one direct drive?Looks good, but I've noticed the 97db sound level. That's pretty fookin loud isn't it?
I bought an ABAC belt drive compressor a few months ago - I started at £300 but eventually spent about £450 for a 3hp 150 litre jobby. Really quiet, and never runs out of puff for impact gun, etc.. I bought it from Thorite - they give you 10% off your second purchase, so I bought an air hose for £30 and got 10% off the compressor 3 days later!
Gassing Station | Home Mechanics | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff