6 replies to this topic

[Harryracinggreen1990]

evening all,

been recently looking into getting a small air compresser , and air tools ect. but since chatting to a friend who bought a small D.I.Y one off the bay , he is now looking for a bigger one becuase it cant really handel having a air racthet and gun connected to it . so im just wondering if any one knows a good , cheapish compresser that can takel most nuts and bolts on a car without havin to wait for the pressure to build up!

hope this makes sense im not the best at putting words down!

cheers
harry

[sonikk4]

Clarke do a V twin 3hp 50 ltr compressor that should run your air tools well. A 100 ltr receiver would be better as this is what i use to run my drills and air grinder.

The smaller 2.5 hp 50 ltr compressors do not supply sufficient CFM to run air tools at their best operating speeds. Even the 3hp V twin will not do that but is considerably better,

[Harryracinggreen1990]

okay ile have a look into those then, thanks for the advsie! :)

[danie garry]

i'v seen alot of 200l and even the odd 300l compressor running with a 3hp motor so it might be cheaper to get a 100l compressor and motor and buy other tank, i bought a 100l with a 3hp v twin about 2 years ago and i'm thinking of adding another tank, should give a little more for the air tools. my 100l does just about manage most tools though

[Shifty]

The first air compressor you buy will be on price, the 2nd one you buy will be on noise levels!!

The cheapo direct drive ones are as noisy as hell, the more expensive belt driven ones are much much quieter!!

[Vipernoir]

Hydrovane are quieter still !

[sonikk4]

What you need to consider is the CFM consumption of your air tools. Items like a die grinder or a DA are air hungry and need the high CFM to work at their most efficient speed. The smaller the engine the more it will run so having a decent sized receiver will help.

I have a 2.5 hp 50lt compressor which i use for its potability and a 100 ltr 3 hp compressor that stays at home as its took heavy to carry around.

The 2.5 hp compressor will run nearly continuously when i use either my DA or the high speed grinder. The bigger unit is a lot better.

I would like an even bigger compressor but i have limited space at home although the workshop i share has space enough, the downside here though is the extra cost for a bigger more powerful unit.

And to back up what Shifty has just mentioned my 3hp unit is 97 decibels which in my garage is chuffing loud although i have built it under my bench which has an enclosed area which does quieten it down.

Hydrovane quiet yes very much so but for a DIYer is expensive.