Printable View
I'm on the lookoput for a cheap air compressor around 25lt. Its only to be used for blasting the CNC when working, air assist on the laser, airbrushing and some larger painting(a4 sized wood, few at a time). Would a standard cheap model do the job or do I need something better?
Thanks, Phil
Hi Phil,
I used to have a very cheap 25ltr compressor, which they used to sell in aldi, power craft or something was the name on it. It was very good for the price and put out around 7cfm, which for its size is excellent. The problem you might face is if you find yourself using more air than you thought and the compressor is kicking in and out to build up pressure, then they can overheat very quickly. Also the direct drive models, which is most of the smaller compressors are very loud, probably over 90DB. After a while the noise becomes an issue. If you can find a smaller belt driven model then this will be quieter.
Hope that helps,
Adam.
Phil,Quote:
Originally Posted by Philly
The difference between the 25lt and the 40lt models in physical size is minimal, so IMO I'd be looking at one of them as the price isn't that much different. I bought an el cheapo 40lt as my 15cfm belt drive was losing air and wasn't worth repairing, I'm yet to have my el cheapo over heat and I've painted more cars and bikes with it than I can remember. When it came to airbrushing it was a PITA mainly due to the excessive noise so I bought an el cheapo air brush compresser that put out from memory a max of 60psi but the constant use would knacker one of them.
So in short suss out the 40's before deciding on a 25, the additional expense (if there is any) will pay for itself over time.
I did a lot of research on air compressors and had a chat with a colleague who used to service them. His basic advice was to get a 50L model with twin piston. More interestingly, he said that Abac make most of the re-branded compressors for the likes of Sealey, SIP, NuAir, Rockworth, Draper, etc. If you look at these, they are all the same motor, pump and tank, just in different colours and with very different price tags!
Sealey 50lt V-Twin Compressor 3hp 11.6CFM SAC5030VE *F.O.C. NEXT DAY DELIVERY!* | eBay
SIP 06242 AIRMATE TN3.0/50-D 3hp 50 Litre V TWIN AIR COMPRESSOR 50L tool gun | eBay
Burisch Air Compressor 3HP 50L 50 ltr litre 14CFM V-Twin NEW | eBay
50L 50 Litre Air Compressor 230V Draper 2.2kW V-Twin Air Compressor 3HP 116PSI | eBay
Air Compressor 3hp 50lt Twin V Motor 230v SUPER QUALITY | eBay
SIP (S.I.P) 05287 Airline VDX/50 CM3 Air Compressor 3hp 50Ltr Twin Piston | eBay
If it was me i would go for a secondhand hydrovane and treat it to a new service kit. Quiet and constant pressure, can't wait to get some dosh to replace my old crappy one. If you do consider it always ask what use time says as it records this on the unit. Not much has change in the design since the sixties, this is for good reason. They will do most jobs without a tank as well.
So would I, but can't justify £1000 for a second hand compressor.Quote:
Originally Posted by Swarfing
Air.......Quote:
What to look for in an air compressor.
They come up much cheaper than that, just don't look for one that looks like you can eat your dinner off. A bottle of sugar soap and a bit of elbow grease is much cheaper than a noisy cheap one take my word for it.
air compressor | eBay
First one i came to and you can get them cheaper like i say. Don't worry about 3 phase either as you can run it with a VFD
If you go for a Hydrovane go for a 5 series, plenty big enough and many are on single phase.Search on ebay for hydrovane 501
Don't buy the tripod mounted ones, get the tank mounted.
They are different, the tripod mounted ones unload the compressor when pressure is reached so the motor runs all the while.
The tank mounted units have pressure switches.
I run two 5 series side by side but only run one at a time however both tanks are coupled so I have plenty of air.