44 replies to this topic

[mymini007]

I have found that its ok to use with a gun, or for short bursts with the saw, but anything else its too small.

Shot blasting and spraying and sanding where you need a constant air supply, it just does not have the capacity,

If I could start again I would have bought a bigger one. And saved my money.

Buy well or buy twice

[mymini007]

Has anyone used an impact wrench with one of these size compressors?

(they are selling one http://www.aldi.co.u...buys3_23681.htm)

I certainly wouldn't expect it to run the wrench constantly but for the occasional stubborn nut or whipping the wheels off quickly I would quite like to get one.

Thats the one I have, its ok

[Ethel]

Buying twice would double the capacity, it's true.

[JonnyBMX]

with compressors its not all about the capacity.. u can obviously ad extention tanks onto the compressor... its the CFM displacement that you really need to watch if the compressors cfm is higher then the tools you are using on it (at recommended output pressues normally 90 psi) then it should be able to keep up I have a 50 litre tank with 14cfm and have no trouble with this :)

im sure this one should do fine for hobby use though?

[SAL 821X]

I know the capacity of the tank isnt very high hence why I said I look forward to pissing the neighbours off with it running all the time. :)

[SAL 821X]

Just a heads up people.... Lidl have the compressors in again starting on the 17th.

http://www.lidl.co.u...index_34423.htm

[freshairmini]

Been looking at one of these on eBay for a while: http://www.ebay.co.u...984.m1423.l2649

Its 3hp 14.5cfm v-twin motor. Apparently the v-twin ones are supposed to be good, not bad for the price.

[miniQ]

Been looking at one of these on eBay for a while: http://www.ebay.co.u...984.m1423.l2649

Its 3hp 14.5cfm v-twin motor. Apparently the v-twin ones are supposed to be good, not bad for the price.

You need to be looking at £400+ for a compressor which will do full perfect job + £150 worth of attachments and piping (needed to cool the compressed air and remove any crap from it)

5hp 100+ litre compressor... Then you need to think about what PPE you need depending on what paint your spraying.

Also the ratings arn't very clear on many compressors... Should be looking at around 13-14 FAD cfm (free air delivery) 14CFM could just be the piston displacement...

Rule of thumb - no compressor 3hp or under will delivery 9 FAD cfm or more... (find one that does i'd be suprised)

Edited by miniQ, 11 September 2012 - 06:13 PM.

[Tomm]

My first compressor was a 24l and it was alright. Used a gravity feed gun and did a few panels with no troubles although it was never put under any great strain. I ran a drill from it now and again and it coped and did the work.

Since then I upgraded to a 150l 3hp compressor and it is fantastic!

How ever I think that a 24l unit will be better than nothing, even the low consumption tools are a huge convenience at times, Air gun, tyre gun etc

[SAL 821X]

I've had my 50ltr 2.5hp unit bought at Aldi since my Birthday in April, so far I have only used the gravity feed paint gun it came with to paint the rear arches and the bulkhead on the van. The only slight problem I found is that having such a small tank it quickly ran out of air and the compressor was having to run constantly almost instantly. (see annoyed neighbours)

Will be using it again to etch the rear and front doors next weekend.

Haven't got any air tools for it yet so can't comment on that yet. Although I keep looking at air grinders and DA sanders at machine mart.

[sonikk4]

I think hindsight is a wonderful thing with regards to compressors. I did spray a mini with a 50ltr 2.5 hp compressor. The finish was ok (celly) but the compressor ran continually.

Now last year i bought a 3 hp V twin 100ltr Compressor from Clarke. Its ok and runs a DA and high speed grinder reasonably well. The only problem with that engine it has a really high starting load (supposed to run off a 13 Amp plug) that continually tripped the CB. Now in my new house i have a very large consumer unit installed with all new wiring into my garage with separate rings for the sockets lighting and a stand alone ring purely for the compressor with a much higher rated breaker for it. No more problems there. However what i'm trying to get at here is i should have got a 150ltr belt driven compressor which would have suited all of my needs http://www.machinema...-air-compressor

Yes there are bigger compressors out there but you are then straying into 3 phase territory and the expense. The money i spent on two compressors could have easily bought the one above. Such is life.

As mentioned you do need to get decent inline filters installed as a small compressor running nearly continually well generate a lot of water. That's the last thing you need in your paint or in your air tools.

And for folks who do not use air tools for a living, every day you go to use a air tool you need to add at least three to four drops of air tool oil to ensure you get the best out of your tools. Without it you drill, grinder etc will wear out very quickly.

[SAL 821X]

Agree with that info.

I wouldn't attempt (although I'm sure it would manage) to use this compressor to do any final spray work of top coat but with celly and primer paints it seems fine to me.

[smoggy_clubman]

I've just took that compressor back and got a refund, kept tripping the electrics and blew my mum's digi box on the day of the switch over! 100 pound later she can watch the Tele and I took it straight back!

[SAL 821X]

Interesting Smoggy thanks for the feedback.

I've been using mine off the back of a 4 way extension lead with other things plugged in and its never tripped my electrics.

[smoggy_clubman]

the shop said they'd sold loads and never had this problem too! But they would say that lol! Ive lived in germany for a few years and there tests are alot stricter than ours and the item is tuv tested, maybe i got a dodgy one!

im talking about the 25l one by the way

Edited by smoggy_clubman, 27 September 2012 - 01:14 PM.