Which compressor

[xstian]

I'm thinking about getting a compressor. 50l is about as big as I have space for and being portable will be handy.

I'm not exactly sure what I want to run off it yet, probably a cut off tool, Dremel type tool, small drill, small paint jobs, a sander would be nice.

I definitely want a belt drive to keep the noise down, if only slightly.

I've been looking at this. https://www.airsupplies.co.uk/abac-a29b-50-cm3-b31...
Anything better for the money?

[Mikey G]

I bought a Burisch 50l 14cfm direct drive V Twin, very good compressor, may be a little noisier but performs well. The only belt drive one I see has a 90l tank, buts it nearly half the price to the one you have linked too.
https://gtair.co.uk/31-burisch-compressors

[E-bmw]

IMHO all of the above is far easier achieved with power tools, a rattle can, and a hair drier.

Much cheaper too!

At least once a year I try to make it work with man maths & come to the same conclusion.

[paintman]

Most smaller compressors give the displacement as their cfm.
This makes them appear far more powerful than they really are.
The important figure is Free Air Delivery & this will be about 2/3 of the displacement figure.
Things like air sanders need a lot of air at a sustained high pressure or you'll need to keep stopping to let the tank fill up again.

3hp are the top end of what can be run off a domestic circuit & you'll find that the instructions for most advise they be hardwired into a cooker size circuit. Colleague of mine uses a 3hp for SMART repair - I forget the make but it is suitable for 13amp - but even so if he has any other tool on it can trip customer's electrics.

My compounding mop, da sander & dremel are all electric.

[xstian]

I'm not too concerned about start current, I can get around that. The compressor I linked too seemed to be the most powerful, I understand there are limitations. I haven't got room for a larger tank.

I also saw these, obviously not as powerful, but much quieter and half the price. Noise is an important consideration with neighbors.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00KBQO414/ref=ox...

Edited by xstian on Tuesday 21st May 06:53

[xstian]

FAD is 7.9 on the Abac compressor.

[Mikey G]

Not sure on the FAD on my Burisch, it has 2 outlets, one is regulated other is unregulated. As I have a decent size garage out of the way of neighbours noise wasnt an issue. I have plumbed mine in to a second regulator from the hiflow outlet to an old fire extinguisher as a second tank and then to 2 standard PCL outlets one upstairs other downstairs supplied by 1/2" hose. Regulator is set to 7bar and compressor cuts in at 8bar and off at 10bar so should cut in well before my outlets are reduced in pressure. Saying all that my tools still outstrip the compressor if they need to work hard. But i'm not a professional garage so I can wait a few seconds for it to build up again.

Saying that I am tempted to upgrade to a bigger tank or add a receiver when funds allow, but it'll just take longer to build up pressure again.