Garage Compressor
Discussion
Hi All
I am thinking of buying a compressor for my garage. I want it for inflating the tyres on the growing fleet of kids vehicles and my vehicles. Also I think washing my car will be easier if I can blow the water off with an air line before drying it.
Does anyone have any suggestions please?
Manks
yes, i am about to write a guide for this on my site but here are the important points:
first of all, the 3 mains pecs you need to understand:
Horsepower rating - expressed in hp, typcially 2-3hp for consumer/prosumer models
CFM rating - expressed in cubic feet per minute at 90psi, typically 5-14cfm
Tank Size - expressed in litres, typically 25-150L
1. unless you DEFINITELY know that your use of the thing won't expand over time (air tools are many and varied and very very useful) then get the most powerful you can which for regular household mains will be 3hp
2. some 3hp models will need a dedicated feed off of the main consumer box or a 30 amp line put in. If your mains voltage is traditionally weak (you live far from the substation) and your plug is off of say a spur from a large ring, then you may have problem with a larger 3hp model continually blowing fuses. That said, most of them have soft start capacitors and its when they start that they draw the large current so you shoudl be ok.
3. Belt drive is better and quieter than direct and last longer generally. Less vibrations and also less heat.
4. cast iron lined cylinders are better because they tend not to rot/corrode
5. Don't just buy a compressor. buy a quality regulator and lubricator to fit onto it even if the compressor already has its own regulator. This will help give a good shot of pressure when you use your tool and it will help look after your tools.
6. you need to find out the CFM rating of the compressor to know if it will drive your intended tool(s). All tools have a CFM rating. Problem is compressors are traditionally rated in 'average' CFM which takes into account the 25% duty cycle so you need to find out teh 'free air' or 'continuous' displacement figure and this is what you use a guide when looking at whether it will dirve your tools or not. Many of the manufactuerers quote this but some don't ! Air impact wrenches typically require 4-6cfm. Dual sanders, chisels, 1" impact wrenches and the like, much much more.. maybe mid teens.
7. remember also that a longer hose length or say 10-15m+ will reduce pressure further. Most tools are rated for free CFM required at the tool (rather than at the regulatopr gauge). For hose get yourself 10mm ID as well, not the more common 8mm.
8. as for the compressor capacity, get the biggests you will need. 50l is fine for pumping up tyres and a bit of air wrench/ratchet but if you stat getting into drills, sanders, grit blaster etc.. then make it 150L minimum !
So, to summarise, just to pump tyres up and blow a bit of compressed air around you would be fine with a 50L 2HP model which will run of 13amp mains no problem. You don't need to worry about CFM very much but just ensure that you won't be using it for anything else or needing to upgrade any time soon. I would make sure its belt driven and has cast iron cylinders for the reasons given above.
I have only really looked into compressors in connection with driving proper air tools so to be honest an even lower spec/cheaper machine than that could be fine for your use. Maybe even 1.5HP. Maybe others can help on that. Maybe an oil free or portable or super quiet one would do the job ??? I personally wouldn't go less than 50L though for any application. 50L is very small and you don't get much use of anything before it cranks up again. 25L and I would imagine it would be cutting in just while pumping up 4 tyres.
Look at the very comprehesive Sealey range and look at ebay as they have some great deals on them. Also consider the clarke and airmaster ranges at somewhere like machine mart. Also note that ALDI sometimes do some amazingly cheap deals on Wolf compressors.
first of all, the 3 mains pecs you need to understand:
Horsepower rating - expressed in hp, typcially 2-3hp for consumer/prosumer models
CFM rating - expressed in cubic feet per minute at 90psi, typically 5-14cfm
Tank Size - expressed in litres, typically 25-150L
1. unless you DEFINITELY know that your use of the thing won't expand over time (air tools are many and varied and very very useful) then get the most powerful you can which for regular household mains will be 3hp
2. some 3hp models will need a dedicated feed off of the main consumer box or a 30 amp line put in. If your mains voltage is traditionally weak (you live far from the substation) and your plug is off of say a spur from a large ring, then you may have problem with a larger 3hp model continually blowing fuses. That said, most of them have soft start capacitors and its when they start that they draw the large current so you shoudl be ok.
3. Belt drive is better and quieter than direct and last longer generally. Less vibrations and also less heat.
4. cast iron lined cylinders are better because they tend not to rot/corrode
5. Don't just buy a compressor. buy a quality regulator and lubricator to fit onto it even if the compressor already has its own regulator. This will help give a good shot of pressure when you use your tool and it will help look after your tools.
6. you need to find out the CFM rating of the compressor to know if it will drive your intended tool(s). All tools have a CFM rating. Problem is compressors are traditionally rated in 'average' CFM which takes into account the 25% duty cycle so you need to find out teh 'free air' or 'continuous' displacement figure and this is what you use a guide when looking at whether it will dirve your tools or not. Many of the manufactuerers quote this but some don't ! Air impact wrenches typically require 4-6cfm. Dual sanders, chisels, 1" impact wrenches and the like, much much more.. maybe mid teens.
7. remember also that a longer hose length or say 10-15m+ will reduce pressure further. Most tools are rated for free CFM required at the tool (rather than at the regulatopr gauge). For hose get yourself 10mm ID as well, not the more common 8mm.
8. as for the compressor capacity, get the biggests you will need. 50l is fine for pumping up tyres and a bit of air wrench/ratchet but if you stat getting into drills, sanders, grit blaster etc.. then make it 150L minimum !
So, to summarise, just to pump tyres up and blow a bit of compressed air around you would be fine with a 50L 2HP model which will run of 13amp mains no problem. You don't need to worry about CFM very much but just ensure that you won't be using it for anything else or needing to upgrade any time soon. I would make sure its belt driven and has cast iron cylinders for the reasons given above.
I have only really looked into compressors in connection with driving proper air tools so to be honest an even lower spec/cheaper machine than that could be fine for your use. Maybe even 1.5HP. Maybe others can help on that. Maybe an oil free or portable or super quiet one would do the job ??? I personally wouldn't go less than 50L though for any application. 50L is very small and you don't get much use of anything before it cranks up again. 25L and I would imagine it would be cutting in just while pumping up 4 tyres.
Look at the very comprehesive Sealey range and look at ebay as they have some great deals on them. Also consider the clarke and airmaster ranges at somewhere like machine mart. Also note that ALDI sometimes do some amazingly cheap deals on Wolf compressors.
Edited by jackal on Saturday 27th March 11:45
Edited by jackal on Saturday 27th March 11:47
The Aldi offer was on 2 weeks ago and some places still have some (Melksham do). Sadly Aldi don't do store phone numbers so you can't ring ahead.
2.5hp, 9.4 cfm 79.99
Air racket, impact driver etc separately around 10-15.
I spent 135 yesterday and hopefully won't need a lot more.
2.5hp, 9.4 cfm 79.99
Air racket, impact driver etc separately around 10-15.
I spent 135 yesterday and hopefully won't need a lot more.
Edited by DKL on Saturday 27th March 12:26
Great post Jackal, thanks...I'm also flirting with the idea of one for ratchets, drills, die grinders etc.
I do find the Machine Mart range, frankly, baffling....so many models. I'm sure there's a lot of overlap there, but in fairness, if I allocated an evening to researching, I'd come out knowing what I want; there's a Machine Mart 10mins from me, so very handy with their "VAT Free" days they have 2-3 times a year.
Anyone have a view on the SIP range? I'm only hobbyist, possibly bordering prosumer, so not looking for Mil-spec kit (unless it's going begging!)
I do find the Machine Mart range, frankly, baffling....so many models. I'm sure there's a lot of overlap there, but in fairness, if I allocated an evening to researching, I'd come out knowing what I want; there's a Machine Mart 10mins from me, so very handy with their "VAT Free" days they have 2-3 times a year.
Anyone have a view on the SIP range? I'm only hobbyist, possibly bordering prosumer, so not looking for Mil-spec kit (unless it's going begging!)
jackal said:
yes, i am about to write a guide for this on my site but here are the important points:
first of all, the 3 mains pecs you need to understand:
Horsepower rating - expressed in hp, typcially 2-3hp for consumer/prosumer models
CFM rating - expressed in cubic feet per minute at 90psi, typically 5-14cfm
Tank Size - expressed in litres, typically 25-150L
1. unless you DEFINITELY know that your use of the thing won't expand over time (air tools are many and varied and very very useful) then get the most powerful you can which for regular household mains will be 3hp
2. some 3hp models will need a dedicated feed off of the main consumer box or a 30 amp line put in. If your mains voltage is traditionally weak (you live far from the substation) and your plug is off of say a spur from a large ring, then you may have problem with a larger 3hp model continually blowing fuses. That said, most of them have soft start capacitors and its when they start that they draw the large current so you shoudl be ok.
3. Belt drive is better and quieter than direct and last longer generally. Less vibrations and also less heat.
4. cast iron lined cylinders are better because they tend not to rot/corrode
5. Don't just buy a compressor. buy a quality regulator and lubricator to fit onto it even if the compressor already has its own regulator. This will help give a good shot of pressure when you use your tool and it will help look after your tools.
6. you need to find out the CFM rating of the compressor to know if it will drive your intended tool(s). All tools have a CFM rating. Problem is compressors are traditionally rated in 'average' CFM which takes into account the 25% duty cycle so you need to find out teh 'free air' or 'continuous' displacement figure and this is what you use a guide when looking at whether it will dirve your tools or not. Many of the manufactuerers quote this but some don't ! Air impact wrenches typically require 4-6cfm. Dual sanders, chisels, 1" impact wrenches and the like, much much more.. maybe mid teens.
7. remember also that a longer hose length or say 10-15m+ will reduce pressure further. Most tools are rated for free CFM required at the tool (rather than at the regulatopr gauge). For hose get yourself 10mm ID as well, not the more common 8mm.
8. as for the compressor capacity, get the biggests you will need. 50l is fine for pumping up tyres and a bit of air wrench/ratchet but if you stat getting into drills, sanders, grit blaster etc.. then make it 150L minimum !
So, to summarise, just to pump tyres up and blow a bit of compressed air around you would be fine with a 50L 2HP model which will run of 13amp mains no problem. You don't need to worry about CFM very much but just ensure that you won't be using it for anything else or needing to upgrade any time soon. I would make sure its belt driven and has cast iron cylinders for the reasons given above.
I have only really looked into compressors in connection with driving proper air tools so to be honest an even lower spec/cheaper machine than that could be fine for your use. Maybe even 1.5HP. Maybe others can help on that. Maybe an oil free or portable or super quiet one would do the job ??? I personally wouldn't go less than 50L though for any application. 50L is very small and you don't get much use of anything before it cranks up again. 25L and I would imagine it would be cutting in just while pumping up 4 tyres.
Look at the very comprehesive Sealey range and look at ebay as they have some great deals on them. Also consider the clarke and airmaster ranges at somewhere like machine mart. Also note that ALDI sometimes do some amazingly cheap deals on Wolf compressors.
Jackalfirst of all, the 3 mains pecs you need to understand:
Horsepower rating - expressed in hp, typcially 2-3hp for consumer/prosumer models
CFM rating - expressed in cubic feet per minute at 90psi, typically 5-14cfm
Tank Size - expressed in litres, typically 25-150L
1. unless you DEFINITELY know that your use of the thing won't expand over time (air tools are many and varied and very very useful) then get the most powerful you can which for regular household mains will be 3hp
2. some 3hp models will need a dedicated feed off of the main consumer box or a 30 amp line put in. If your mains voltage is traditionally weak (you live far from the substation) and your plug is off of say a spur from a large ring, then you may have problem with a larger 3hp model continually blowing fuses. That said, most of them have soft start capacitors and its when they start that they draw the large current so you shoudl be ok.
3. Belt drive is better and quieter than direct and last longer generally. Less vibrations and also less heat.
4. cast iron lined cylinders are better because they tend not to rot/corrode
5. Don't just buy a compressor. buy a quality regulator and lubricator to fit onto it even if the compressor already has its own regulator. This will help give a good shot of pressure when you use your tool and it will help look after your tools.
6. you need to find out the CFM rating of the compressor to know if it will drive your intended tool(s). All tools have a CFM rating. Problem is compressors are traditionally rated in 'average' CFM which takes into account the 25% duty cycle so you need to find out teh 'free air' or 'continuous' displacement figure and this is what you use a guide when looking at whether it will dirve your tools or not. Many of the manufactuerers quote this but some don't ! Air impact wrenches typically require 4-6cfm. Dual sanders, chisels, 1" impact wrenches and the like, much much more.. maybe mid teens.
7. remember also that a longer hose length or say 10-15m+ will reduce pressure further. Most tools are rated for free CFM required at the tool (rather than at the regulatopr gauge). For hose get yourself 10mm ID as well, not the more common 8mm.
8. as for the compressor capacity, get the biggests you will need. 50l is fine for pumping up tyres and a bit of air wrench/ratchet but if you stat getting into drills, sanders, grit blaster etc.. then make it 150L minimum !
So, to summarise, just to pump tyres up and blow a bit of compressed air around you would be fine with a 50L 2HP model which will run of 13amp mains no problem. You don't need to worry about CFM very much but just ensure that you won't be using it for anything else or needing to upgrade any time soon. I would make sure its belt driven and has cast iron cylinders for the reasons given above.
I have only really looked into compressors in connection with driving proper air tools so to be honest an even lower spec/cheaper machine than that could be fine for your use. Maybe even 1.5HP. Maybe others can help on that. Maybe an oil free or portable or super quiet one would do the job ??? I personally wouldn't go less than 50L though for any application. 50L is very small and you don't get much use of anything before it cranks up again. 25L and I would imagine it would be cutting in just while pumping up 4 tyres.
Look at the very comprehesive Sealey range and look at ebay as they have some great deals on them. Also consider the clarke and airmaster ranges at somewhere like machine mart. Also note that ALDI sometimes do some amazingly cheap deals on Wolf compressors.
Edited by jackal on Saturday 27th March 11:45
Edited by jackal on Saturday 27th March 11:47
Could you go into more detail please
Seriously though, thanks. I will probably pop into Machine Mart and ask what they have that is good value around the size you mention.
Manks
spenny_b said:
Great post Jackal, thanks...I'm also flirting with the idea of one for ratchets, drills, die grinders etc.
I do find the Machine Mart range, frankly, baffling....so many models. I'm sure there's a lot of overlap there, but in fairness, if I allocated an evening to researching, I'd come out knowing what I want; there's a Machine Mart 10mins from me, so very handy with their "VAT Free" days they have 2-3 times a year.
Anyone have a view on the SIP range? I'm only hobbyist, possibly bordering prosumer, so not looking for Mil-spec kit (unless it's going begging!)
if you want something decent then I found a sealey 150L that seems to have a larger Free CFM figure (12 free CFM) than anything else (unless you run into £1000 off quid)I do find the Machine Mart range, frankly, baffling....so many models. I'm sure there's a lot of overlap there, but in fairness, if I allocated an evening to researching, I'd come out knowing what I want; there's a Machine Mart 10mins from me, so very handy with their "VAT Free" days they have 2-3 times a year.
Anyone have a view on the SIP range? I'm only hobbyist, possibly bordering prosumer, so not looking for Mil-spec kit (unless it's going begging!)
it was available for 500 or so but now seems to have gone up:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Sealey-SA2120-3-Belt-Drive-3...
that would never need upgrading for home use IMO
also don't overlook these.. the chap who runs the business is great to deal with and very helpful:
http://www.shiremoorcompressors.co.uk/
Edited by jackal on Saturday 27th March 13:20
ohh.. now thats tempting
might put a bid in on that monster:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SEALEY-SA-2120-3HP-AIR-COMPR...
might put a bid in on that monster:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SEALEY-SA-2120-3HP-AIR-COMPR...
give my pal a ring George at ''Airsupply'' at elvington york , im sure he will offer you free advice on what machine to go for...he deals in small to monster machines....also a fellow porsche nut/owner
07801 737776
www.airsupply.uk.com
07801 737776
www.airsupply.uk.com
When I started racing I got a large-ish SIP unit from Costco (they still sell the same model now) after looking into specs a bit (but with nothing like as much info as Jackal gives, which is great).
Anyway, it did the job of running various airtools, including a flap-wheel or grinder (used to remove pick-up from brake discs), although I did have to take breaks to let it build up pressure again - this was after 10 or minutes continuous use of an air-hungry appliance though. Basically the compressor was just right for my kind of application and at a sensible price. It's sold including some useful tools (buzz gun, air ratchet and grinder I think) for £300-400 (+VAT) - I was there earlier could have checked. Other tools I bought from an eBay-based Sealey dealer, which was better than Machine Mart price-wise.
Anyway, it did the job of running various airtools, including a flap-wheel or grinder (used to remove pick-up from brake discs), although I did have to take breaks to let it build up pressure again - this was after 10 or minutes continuous use of an air-hungry appliance though. Basically the compressor was just right for my kind of application and at a sensible price. It's sold including some useful tools (buzz gun, air ratchet and grinder I think) for £300-400 (+VAT) - I was there earlier could have checked. Other tools I bought from an eBay-based Sealey dealer, which was better than Machine Mart price-wise.
TVR Moneypit said:
This Clarke compressor from Machine Mart ticks a lot of the boxes for me, (14 cfm / 230 volts / 3hp / 100lrt tank & 8-bar max pressure), and at £340 inc VAT, doesn't seem too dear. They also do a slightly smaller 50ltr compressor with all the same other features for £305.
But make sure your landlord is DEFINITELY going to let you have some garage space to put it in. 
Manks
TVR Moneypit said:
Manks said:
TVR Moneypit said:
This Clarke compressor from Machine Mart ticks a lot of the boxes for me, (14 cfm / 230 volts / 3hp / 100lrt tank & 8-bar max pressure), and at £340 inc VAT, doesn't seem too dear. They also do a slightly smaller 50ltr compressor with all the same other features for £305.
But make sure your landlord is DEFINITELY going to let you have some garage space to put it in. Manks
OT; cheers for your help the other day. All sorted now as the council have agreed to let me have exemption in my name untill the end of April before transferring it back to the landlord begining of May.
Which is why you should make sure you part on friendly terms, because he is then less likely to come after you later. Leave the house better than when you rented it and thank him warmly for letting you rent the place.
Good luck with the new place. Sounds ideal.
Manks
jackal said:
ohh.. now thats tempting
might put a bid in on that monster:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SEALEY-SA-2120-3HP-AIR-COMPR...
might put a bid in on that monster:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SEALEY-SA-2120-3HP-AIR-COMPR...
Just won it!...Jackal did you bid for it in the end?...sorry if you did
FINALLY after god knows how many years or threatening to get one (oh, and the ex-Mrs Spenny_B threatening a divorce if I did..."ex" now the operative word!), I've finally done it, and not by halves, this thing's huge!...97kgs and 1.4m long! Methinks a dedicated outside location, watertight and soundproofed behind the garage may be the best option.
A whole new world of windy tools and hoses has just opened-up before me, lol.
spenny_b said:
jackal said:
ohh.. now thats tempting
might put a bid in on that monster:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SEALEY-SA-2120-3HP-AIR-COMPR...
might put a bid in on that monster:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SEALEY-SA-2120-3HP-AIR-COMPR...
Just won it!...Jackal did you bid for it in the end?...sorry if you did
FINALLY after god knows how many years or threatening to get one (oh, and the ex-Mrs Spenny_B threatening a divorce if I did..."ex" now the operative word!), I've finally done it, and not by halves, this thing's huge!...97kgs and 1.4m long! Methinks a dedicated outside location, watertight and soundproofed behind the garage may be the best option.
A whole new world of windy tools and hoses has just opened-up before me, lol.
thats 700 quids worth and still brand new so you got a cracking deal
and as i said, it seems a cut above all the usual 3hp ones as it has that extra high free air rating
i didn't bid because i bought a tiddly 50L 3hp sealey one to start with just to make sure my mains was ok and to see how i got on with it all but i'll be upgrading very soon (got that on ebay v. cheap as well)
I can highly recommend the Snap On XT7100 impact wrench, very very powerful and it will take your hands off it you're not careful. They come up on ebay quite reasonable as they are no discontinued. The vans are also currently doing big discounts for all current range air wrenches in March/April. Quality of air tools makes a big difference. I had an 80 quid sealey jobbie before the 7100 and it wasn't even in the same ballpark.
Ok thanks for the headsup Jackal, need to buy all the tools, hoses, connectors, etc now. I saw the comment above re 10mm hosing; is this recommended for all tools, or just things like paint guns?
Collected the compressor today - rented a Berlingo to pick it up - 'tis a monster!
Had a look at the Sealey site before bidding, as you do, and the retail price incl VAT was just short of £1600, so I paid approx a quarter of the price (plus van rental)
Collected the compressor today - rented a Berlingo to pick it up - 'tis a monster!
Had a look at the Sealey site before bidding, as you do, and the retail price incl VAT was just short of £1600, so I paid approx a quarter of the price (plus van rental)
spenny_b said:
Ok thanks for the headsup Jackal, need to buy all the tools, hoses, connectors, etc now. I saw the comment above re 10mm hosing; is this recommended for all tools, or just things like paint guns?
Collected the compressor today - rented a Berlingo to pick it up - 'tis a monster!
Had a look at the Sealey site before bidding, as you do, and the retail price incl VAT was just short of £1600, so I paid approx a quarter of the price (plus van rental)
yes i would go 10mmCollected the compressor today - rented a Berlingo to pick it up - 'tis a monster!
Had a look at the Sealey site before bidding, as you do, and the retail price incl VAT was just short of £1600, so I paid approx a quarter of the price (plus van rental)
get a decent regulator+filter+lubricator as well like this one:
you gopt a great deal but ignore sealeys RRP prices:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Sealey-SA2120-3-Belt-Drive-3...
spenny_b said:
jackal said:
ohh.. now thats tempting
might put a bid in on that monster:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SEALEY-SA-2120-3HP-AIR-COMPR...
might put a bid in on that monster:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SEALEY-SA-2120-3HP-AIR-COMPR...
Just won it!...Jackal did you bid for it in the end?...sorry if you did
FINALLY after god knows how many years or threatening to get one (oh, and the ex-Mrs Spenny_B threatening a divorce if I did..."ex" now the operative word!), I've finally done it, and not by halves, this thing's huge!...97kgs and 1.4m long! Methinks a dedicated outside location, watertight and soundproofed behind the garage may be the best option.
A whole new world of windy tools and hoses has just opened-up before me, lol.
ooh I'm envious
you 'need' 4 of these and a retractable hose
http://www.jhmbuttco.com/acatalog/info_HBNXLO.html
you 'need' 4 of these and a retractable hose
http://www.jhmbuttco.com/acatalog/info_HBNXLO.html
Manks said:
Bought one from Machine Mart in the end for a couple of hundred quid. Good service from them actually. The first one I bought was not man enough for the job, so they changed it without a quibble.
Manks
Blimey, that was helpful of them....agree though, our local branch are always pretty helpful, despite the divot lad behind the counter that seems to think it's okay to have a rant in front of me about a customer that phoned in whilst I was there...full compliment of colourful language as well. Standards, eh?Manks
I'm now getting suckered into ever more expensive tools on the premise of "buy cheap, buy twice"...doh!...not bought any yet, but am gradually forming a shopping list!
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