Thread: Which Air Compresor to buy?

occasional use of airtools is okay on small compessors, but these often do not have the capacity for using tools all the time. But that can mean working a little bit slower to allow air to build up in the tank. We use a 8cfm compressor we purchased second hand from a pawn shop mainy to inflate tyres, but a little bit of spray painting and occasional tool use. Personally like the idea of an underbonnet compressor, if it will run a spray gun, if if we have to stop a little while to allow air to build up--sasdly cant afford one.

first thing is to determine the required duty cycle - from what you wrote, a few minutes every now and again waiting for it to build up pressure is no big deal?? this allows you to buy smaller/cheaper units... but the dryer issue can come up. IMHO, paying peanuts really does get you monkeys with air compressors... save up, ask for cash for Christmas or whatever it takes, but buy a good one and it will last for a lifetime if maintained.

Originally Posted by LOVEMYRANGIE

Why not hook up a York A/C compressor to a separate motor and a tank?? this has crossed my mind once or twice but dont have the bits or the time atm.....

This is a good idea - a mate of mine did this. But you do need to be able to find a motor and tank 2nd hand - which may be difficult down there?

Originally Posted by isuzurover

This is a good idea - a mate of mine did this. But you do need to be able to find a motor and tank 2nd hand - which may be difficult down there?

Auction house might be a good place to start for a tank or at least an old semi dud compressor, scrap metal yard, local tip even, and dont forget fleabay.
Any 240VAC motor would do the job, only need to run @ 2000ish rpm, but I would start with a dead compressor with a good tank and working switchgear. If they are under $200 new, you wouldnt expect to part with more than $50 or a carton of coldies at the tip!

I just bought the Black ridge 40l $198.00 jobbie you mention off Supacheap for $98.00 as it was in thier catalogue.
I never buy big ticket items off them unless on special.
Its really light duty, not 100% duty more like 50% ie thier own web page says to run it for 2 min then rest for 5.
Suits me as I bought it for small jobs- got sick of lugging the belt drive one around.

Originally Posted by Phoenix

Anybody else have any thoughts?

Direct coupled compressors get too hot, heat transfers from motor to compressor and vice-versa, small capacity means compressor is running for longer to do the job and waitng for pressure to build up is a PITA.
52L tank is minimum size and 15cfm is minimum airflow, if compressor has water seperator/trap/air regulator mounted on the compressor you will get better performance by mounting it seperately (say on the wall of the shed) and at least 1 metre above compressor tank outlet, excess heat causes moisture build up in tank and air line.
Save your pennies and buy a decent compressor that will do the job and last more than 5 minutes, Regards Frank.

Well I sorta took some advice, but sorta didn't LOL !!!

I ended up with a belt driven, 52L (I think) tank, 250l/min (I think, have to check) compressor. It is a supercheap auto brand (so generic) and it's normally $500. However it was on sale last week for $300, so 1 hour before the sale ended I dropped in and grabbed one

So I have a boxed compressor, now to get a moisture trap, air line, spray gun, and probably a die grinder and rattle gun, or maybe just borrow the later two.

I'll probably go to bunnings and spend about $200 on bits when I get the chance, althoguh $115 of that is for the gravity fed paint gun!

I did mention this one in the first thread (but not that it was on sale)

SCA, belt drive, 2.75 hp, 50L, free load 250l/min . $299