Air Compressor Size....

I'm guessing that several forum members may have an air compressor at home to run air tools etc, so would welcome any advice on the selection of one. Looking at various suppliers my budget would run to a 2 / 2.5hp model, but these seem to be available in both 24ltr and 50ltr types. My question really is whether a 50ltr is worth paying the extra for when compared with a 24ltr. I would only be using one air tool at a time, and may also undertake some primer spraying. Is it worth paying the extra £50 or so for the 50ltr model? Anyone got any experience of either size?

Cheers, Andy.

the main thing to look at is cfm cubic feet per minute of air the pump can deliver. the larger the tank just means the longer you can use air befor the pump needs to cut in and refill the tank. check the amount of air your tools need to work.

the main thing to look at is cfm cubic feet per minute of air the pump can deliver. the larger the tank just means the longer you can use air befor the pump needs to cut in and refill the tank. check the amount of air your tools need to work.

Thanks, seems logical and obvious now you've said it!

The compressors seem to be around 9.5cfm, and a regular windy drill is rated at 4cfm so all should be ok. Spray guns seem to vary a lot, but most models fall within the compressors I am looking at.

Thanks for the pointer.

Andy.

I have been looking for a compressor this week also.

It is the free air delivery (FAD) that is the important value and is also in CFM.

Usually the CFM main headline figure looks like quite a good number and when you read the specs the FAD will be lower and sometimes by quite a significant amount. I was looking at the machine mart website for reference last week and their specs don't list the FAD.

If it was me I would pay the extra as 25lt is quite small and it will be running a lot of the time. If it is a direct drive compressor they are of course really noisy.

Also try to get a good airline, some of the cheaper smaller ones can be very restrictive.

Hope that helps

Thanks Jon K.

Hmmm, as you say not many list the FAD spec! Sealey do, for example their 2hp 50ltr DD model has a cfm of 7 and a FAD of 4.8 but it is more expensive than very similar (near identical) models from other suppliers.

Non direct drive models are a lot more expensive so have been ruled out, I'd rather spend my ££ on much needed GTA parts!

Has anyone any experience of Wolf compressors? They appear to be identical to other 'big brand' models but a few quid cheaper to buy. Catch?

Thanks,

Andy.

[stephendell]

The wolf ones are the ones they rebrand and sell cheap in Aldi. Mr Garner should be able to report if they are any good, mine is still in the box!

mine is still in the box!

Museum find.... probably never see the light of day

The wolf ones are the ones they rebrand and sell cheap in Aldi. Mr Garner should be able to report if they are any good, mine is still in the box!

Yes, its good as was the auto re wind hose (You do need a decent hose as the cheap plastic types will get knotted up and you just wont bother to use the thing if there is major set up to do first). Not sure of any of the tech details now but it was pretty high end IIRC.
Go for a larger tank if noise is an issue where you are going to use it (neighbors etc) as once charged in normal use the motor rarely fires up again. Look out for the special offers in Aldi but bring a friend with you as they are damn heavey to get in your trolley!

Worse thing is once you have one you cannot do any work without it, looking for a more portable version to take racing next year!

just found the tech sheet of the Aldi one: 2.5hp 24litre, 9.5CFM

another thing to remember is the longer the airline the greater drop you will get in pressure but i can't imagine you needing more than 20 foot. the machine may not come with a pressure regulator/water trap so may need to get one of those aswell if you want to spray primer or paint.

Many thanks for the info. I've not actually looked in Aldi, but found them on a website - http://www.ukhs.tv/Workshop/Air-Compres ... ressor-Kit

Includes an 'accessory' kit will be cheap quality, but will get me going!

The spec seems to match the Aldi one so I guess they are one and the same.

Cheers,

Andy

Many thanks for the info. I've not actually looked in Aldi, but found them on a website - http://www.ukhs.tv/Workshop/Air-Compres ... ressor-Kit

Includes an 'accessory' kit will be cheap quality, but will get me going!

The spec seems to match the Aldi one so I guess they are one and the same.

Cheers,

Andy

that does look much the same, however the hose looks crap!

[Alpineandy]

This is bigger but I've no idea if it's better ;
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2HP-8-3-CFM-5 ... 2a14dee7d1

Quick update, I have opted for the Wolf model -



So far so good, seems to cope easily enough for what I need & the included accessories seem plenty good enough for home diy use. I will know better after a few months more serious use!

i keep one of these in the van, charged with air, good compact bit of kit and just manages to pump the trailer tyres to 6 bar when required, they're all pretty much made in china anyway these days, proof seen as we handle one of the uk's major automotive tool suppliers goods from china....

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/produ ... /hunter-25