Air compressor.

[thor1340]

I am considering buying a SMALL air compressor primarily for blowing water off the bike but I am sure I will end up using it for inflating car tyres, and powering other air tools. Don't want to spend more than I have too but want a reasonable quality make that will have some longevity. What area you guys using or recommending? What tools do you suggest? What sir line coiled or rubber? What size motor? What size tank?
I am limited to Space in the garage.

 

[JJH]

I would suggest a small single cylinder maby 1 kW with a 25 litre tank. Quality wise both Aldi andLidl sell them and I have one the last 4 or 5 years. Can't remember which but all the cheep ones seem to be the same with different stickers. Que righious indignation from someone. Mine is always plugged in and ready to go. It's good enough for replacing tyers and most other jobs. The impact wrench emptys the tank quickly. No way is it suitable for sandblasting. Should do the job for you. JJH

 

[Gargy]

I bought this model a few years ago.................... https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/clarke-tiger-11510-2-5hp-50-litre-air-compres/

The bigger the tank, the better. Otherwise the compressor is running all the time and can't keep up with demand. I would not like anything smaller to be honest.

 

[rjsmith26]

I got a screwfix stanley 100quid special. Come with tools - air cleaner, tyre inflate, couple of spray guns. Perfect for bike maintenance and spraying ACF50 etc.

Came with coil air line - bought a 10m extension for about 15 quid. Just does the job - small and compact. No the right machine for air power tools I guess (cut/grind etc) as would prob burn out over prolonged use.

Totally happy - would buy another tomorrow and wondered why I didn't buy one 10 years ago!

 

[moonhead911]

You want an oil filled one they last longer than the maintenance free versions

 

[littleade]

I have the same one as Gargy. The chap at machine mart suggested a minimum output of 2.5hp is needed to run things like spray guns. If you want something to dry your bike after cleaning it search pet dryer on ebay-they are around the £60 mark for a 2800w one

 

[harry]

Go the extra mile and buy a good size one...you will regret it if you don't.

 

[rossman999]

+1 on size, compressors are one thing where size REALLY does matter.

You can forget about running air tools on any of the small ones especially things like sanders and cutting discs they eat air - just look at the CFM required for the tools you want to use and compare it to the compressor.

 

[Richie N]

I've been doing research on this too, if I buy one i'd like to be able to use impact wrenches, so I believe 9.5cfm as a minimum.

These seem good value, twin outlets http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00IG5N8...TF8&colid=2SZWOZHL5K5PG&coliid=I28ARO7KH0FNXZ

with a retractable air hose

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004CRHB...UTF8&colid=2SZWOZHL5K5PG&coliid=IN4GOINYBWFEX

 

[Bmgsrider]

Air compressor

I bought this model a few years ago.................... https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/clarke-tiger-11510-2-5hp-50-litre-air-compres/

The bigger the tank, the better. Otherwise the compressor is running all the time and can't keep up with demand. I would not like anything smaller to be honest.

Do not go for smaller than 50 ltr, i made the mistake of buying 25ltr one as could not get a 50 ltr posted to N.I. so regret it as it is absolutely useless for air tools, best used for tyres or blowing out carbs,brakes etc. Bigger is better and the choice you guys have over there posted it brilliant. Go for one with tools ,lines included as cheaper than buying separate.

 

[JJH]

Do not go for smaller than 50 ltr, i made the mistake of buying 25ltr one as could not get a 50 ltr posted to N.I. so regret it as it is absolutely useless for air tools, best used for tyres or blowing out carbs,brakes etc. Bigger is better and the choice you guys have over there posted it brilliant. Go for one with tools ,lines included as cheaper than buying separate.

You can plum in another tank. JJH

 

[thor1340]

I quite like the look of this, British made, basic tools included £140 delivered

http://www.sgs-engineering.com/sc50h-50-litre-high-flow-air-compressor-air-kit

 

[Richie N]

Yes, that's the same as the one I mentioned, plus £20 for the tools that's a great deal, I may go for one myself..

 

[nick.ct]

It's why we end up with a shed full of tools............................

A compresser with a 150L tank is a PIA when all you want to do is put a few extra PSI in a tyre, it takes ages for the pressure to build compared to a 25L one that you can carry about with one hand.

A compresser with a 25L tank and 1.5hp motor is a PIA when you want to use any air tools, forever stopping and waiting for the pressure to build back up before another few seconds of use.

And another thing, when the manufacturers quote a decent cfm, check at what pressure it is.......................... no good haviing 15cfm at only a few PSI, its the equivalent of a light breeze.

One more. Whilst oil filled piston compressers are likely to last longer that those without, you will get some oil present in the output which can be a PIA if yiou are spraying

 

[JJH]

You can plum in another tank. JJH

That's blumb JJH

 

[Gordyman]

Yes, that's the same as the one I mentioned, plus £20 for the tools that's a great deal, I may go for one myself..

Hi retskcid ref your post above; did you buy it? If so are you pleased with it? Reason I ask is that I am thinking of buying one. Thanks

 

[Bendy toy]

I had a 1.5HP aldi compressor. It was great for paint spraying but not much else. For tyre inflation a half decent bicycle stirrup pump is quicker as you don't have to wait for the (admittedly small) tank to fill. For power tools other than nail guns it would be lose pressure so fast to be almost useless.

If you use air tools you need at least 3hp and a decent size tank. Or maybe a large tank and a small tank & pump up the one you need for the current job.

Then you need the space, compressor noise blah blah. Most battery tools are better these days.

 

[Stevehanc]

Had mine a for long time now £50 special from nettos. Oil free 2hp 25ltr receiver its still going strong, for occasional use its been ok. Would go for an airmaster from machine mart if I were to buy another, bought one for running some machinery out of hours at a clothing factory I used to work for. Bought one with an oil system it ran hassle free for about 4hrs a day.

 

[tadhgocuilleain]

If you primarily want it for blowing water off the bike, you should consider buying a tool designed specifically for the job:

It's a Metro Airforce Blaster Sidekick. It blows warm air at about 200mph. I have one and it's great for drying the bike, especially blasting water out from under the tank and other spots that it pools. I bought mine from Polished Bliss near Aberdeen. I've dealt with them numerous times and can't recommend them highly enough.

 

[Blackal]

Get yourself a leaf-blower - cheapest option, and also vac's up the leaves and crap around the garden/garage.

Then - get a small air compressor (and smallish receiver) for other duties.

Al