Air compressor.

[Steve Webb]

Ok guys, anyone got any recommendations for an air compressor for the garage.

Doesn't need to be heavy duty, and no paint spraying, but what is out there thats hald decent?

Cheers.

[wrinx]

Depends what you will be be using it for...just blowing up tyres or air tools?

wrinmx

[Steve Webb]

Air tool usage will be a requirement yes.

Steve

[AlfaJack]

I remember some debate about the best setup of an air system on 155.org some time back. I think the diameter of the line and fittings were very important. The CFM rating I think is simply a trade off for how much do you want to spend and how long you are prepared to wait between refills. It is quite frustrating when the impact drops off quickly.

[wrinx]

I found pipe diameter makes a big difference - any air hungry tool, such as an impact wrench, will be strangled by small diameter hoses and not be working to it's full potential. Think I'm currently using 20mm ID hose (something like that anyway!).

But, when you go up to the larger hoses you need a larger compressor to keep up with the airflow and ensure you have enough air in reserve so the compressor isn't maxing out...mine is a beast of machine for a DIYer but it struggles with sand blasting and has to be on almost all the time. Spraying and air tools are fine though.

Have a read of this...

https://www.sgs-engineering.com/help-advice/air-compressor-buying-guide-which-compressor-should-i-order/

I bought mine several years ago but I think this is the same:

https://www.sgs-engineering.com/help-advice/air-compressor-buying-guide-which-compressor-should-i-order/

Also, buy the best tools you can, some of the cheap and nasty imported models are hard work.

wrinx

[Steve Webb]

Cheers Wrinx,

sorry couldn't see what model you said you had.

Looks like a good range of equipment though, I was thinking along the lines of the 100L 3hp Semi-pro model.

Curious to hear what other people think about the air vs Cordless electrical debate.

Air seems to be becoming less popular these days.

[wrinx]

Sorry, I seem to have copied the same link twice :roll:

Think this is it...sure I didn't pay anywhere near the current price but it was a few years ago!

https://www.sipuk.co.uk/sip-airmate-forty-tn3hp-150-srb-compressor-with-free-7-piece-kit.html

wrinx

[wrinx]

Curious to hear what other people think about the air vs Cordless electrical debate.

Air seems to be becoming less popular these days.

You're right, cordless has taken over from air for tools for most things but I still think air is useful in the workshop - b

Air has some good points though...I haven't seen a cordless blast cabinet yet and I need air for my four-post ramp. I used air to unseize my Wilwood caliper pistons - they would have been scrap otherwise. Also, air tools are cheaper than electric versions and don't run out of juice.

Main downsides are portability, noise and the bulky (and annoying!) airline.

wrinx

[Steve Webb]

I'm in two minds at the moment, do I make do with a smaller compressor and go with cordless tools, (more convenient but more expensive) or go with a larger compressor, air tools and the older corded powertools that I've had for ages. (Less convenient but cheaper)

I do think all the Youtubers out there have helped push the cordless tools, when you look at some of their garages and you see boxes and boxes of tools along with a big stack of batteries (all provided by their sponsors) you can't help but think its the way forward, but then when you add up the cost it will run into £1000's

[Steve Webb]

Sorry, I seem to have copied the same link twice :roll:

Think this is it...sure I didn't pay anywhere near the current price but it was a few years ago!

https://www.sipuk.co.uk/sip-airmate-forty-tn3hp-150-srb-compressor-with-free-7-piece-kit.html

wrinx

Nice piece of kit you've got there. Bet you have to try hard to run that one out of steam.