Garage/Home Air Compressor

[ajnabi]

Hi,

I need some advice on which air compressor to go for.
Searched here and also google.
I'd be using it for impact tools, painting, sanding, etc.
Anything that needs doing on the LC80.

General consesus, it seems, is to go with something that has 14 cfm, 3hp, and a 150l tank.
Am I on the right tracks here... or is the spec overkill?

What are others using?

Was looking at http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/se16c150-air-compressor (VAT discount in inbox)
Only concern is size and weight, .... and price. But it's always cheaper to get it right the first time.

Help would be greatly appreciated.

IQ

 

[Jon Wildsmith]

I think you do need something like that if you really do need to be able to keep a sander running. My relatively cheap 3hp 10cfm/100lt direct drive vertical tank wouldn't keep up but doesn't take up much space (I only use it for pumping up tyres and very occasionally with the impact gun).

 

[ajnabi]

Thanks Jon, another decision, is to whether go for an Air Compressor or a Welder, first?
i.e. which to add to the tool set first.

I was looking at the Lincoln 231c or 271c from rapidwelding.com

http://www.rapidwelding.com/dynamic/DisplayItem.aspx?c=K14046-1&zl=3
http://www.rapidwelding.com/dynamic/DisplayItem.aspx?c=K14047-1&zl=3

or even:

http://www.rapidwelding.com/dynamic/DisplayItem.aspx?c=K2661-1&zl=3

I'd be using it for Bumper/Side Step Builds... and possibly restoration work on an older landcruiser, 60 Series, or maybe even a 40 Series.

Your opinions please...

 

[Crushers]

http://www.tscstores.com/80-GALLON-MAXAIR-AIR-COMPRESSOR-P15138.aspx
i just upgraded to this one ... love it, keeps up with the sand blasting compartment and can run a 3/4" impact at the same time
i had a single stage 25 gallon before, it was adaquate for about 15 years but in hindsight this one would have made life much easier.
most important is to buy a decent air dryer and to drain the tank every day.
i used this air dryer:
http://www.tscstores.com/Air-FilterCleanerDryer-P4178.aspx
and 1/2" hose for contecting the outlets and 3/8" for the smaller stuff and a 1/2" hose for the 3/4" impact.

for me it was the CFM at 100 psi AND the footprint it would take up in my small shop.

buy the biggest you can afford.

(a single stage will not keep up to your sander)

 

[Euan McGilp]

Have had this one http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/ve15a150nd-vertical-air-compressor for about 8 years now & it has performed absolutely fine. Footprint is obviously less of an issue than horizontal tank for smaller workspaces. Obviously good time to buy from Machine Mart with discount vouchers ending this weekend.

 

[Jon Wildsmith]

Welder first for me, much more useful than a compressor The machines you linked to look like nice kit. I don't think I've ever used past no. 5 (of 7) on my 250 amp welder so 220 should be plenty but even so when spending that sort of money I'd have the bigger one for a few quid extra and have the better duty cycle but it's completely unnecessary

 

[fesuvious]

Welder, definately. Opens up all sorts of fabrication possibilities!

You can can buy a tool to run off electricity that you would use a compressor for, a welder however..............