Thread: Air Compressor brands

I should add i'm only after a true domestic compressor - 240V and 10A - a different buying spec to a workshop compressor. For my reckoning the Peerless P14 is the best option, but i'm open to opinions.

i bought a Aldi one for about $39.95 a year or so ago, thought to myself what the hell its only 40 bucks right!, well its is really good, well construted out of metal and very solid, its not that noisy and works well, not long after i was away camping with a mate who had a super dooper one that comes in its own toolbox and everything so we decided to do a side by side on them, took off his 2 spares, same brand and size 33's i think from memory and flattened them both then hooked each compressor up to a tire turned them both on at once, dont have all the specs on me now about times to each PSI mark ect but in the end from flat to 40psi it took the named brand one about 4 mins and the Aldi one about 6 mins, not to bad for some $350 odd dollar difference, now whether or not it would set a bead i dont know but as a pump i think its fine.

im not endorsing it just telling you my findings and for the ammount of time i use one it does me.

Originally Posted by SlowRide

I should add i'm only after a true domestic compressor - 240V and 10A - a different buying spec to a workshop compressor. For my reckoning the Peerless P14 is the best option, but i'm open to opinions.

oops Sorry, missed this post, ignore my one about the Aldi one

Peerless have a good reputation. I also like the Pilot K17SD and K25SDL they are slow revving heavy duty jobs. The K25SDL is 15A though.

It would be worthwhile having a 15A socket installed to use it. (I would just install a 15A plug as my house wiring is rated a 20A.

240 Volt Belt Driven - SUPERDUTY

As you have learned, you get what you pay for with compressors. It is a minefield out there. Do yourself a favour and check out this website - Compressed Air Association of Australasia. It has a list of members down on the bottom RH corner of this page maked 'Air Compressor Supliers you can Trust'.

It talks about protocol 2000 which basically is a way of getting manufactureres to spec their machines in the same way, so you don't run into problems like you have had. Manufactures that do this will put a sticker on the machines - the latest one is shown on that website, but it is similar to the one on mine from years ago. You should only be looking at Free Air Delivery (FAD) - not CFM or anything else. The FAD refers to the actual amount of atmospheric air (free air) that can be drawn into the inlet of the machine during normal operation.



Personally, mine has been excellent - I use it pretty much every weekend I'm home - I turn it on first thing in the morning, and off again when it wakes me up in the middle of the night....



This unit has an Italian air end and everything else from who knows where, but it is a nice, slow revving unit that keeps up with anything I have - including die grinders, spray painting, etc. it has. 15 amp plug on it, but I've checked it while running and it draws 11.2 amps when running, so maybe I filed the earth down and stuck it in a 10 amp outlet...

It makes the lights inside flicker when it runs...

Expect to pay good money for a good unit. Mine came bare, so if you buy one that does, buy a GOOD water trap for it, not a cheap arse one - again, you get what you pay for. I don't get any moisture at all in my lines or equipment.

The Peerless units are good - I almost bout one myself but they didn't have the P17 available when I bought mine - they were out of stock. That's another thing - if you can stretch your budget, go the P17, not the P14 - I know the P17 needs a 15 amp plug, but the extra few CFM you get make a big difference when it comes to spray painting in particular - the P14 will barely keep up. If you want to do any decent work with a die grinder, then you will be thankful for the bigger unit too.

All the best - Gav

I think it's impossible to buy a compressor that's too big ... Make mine the Airmac T20-H 240V thanks:

240 Volt | Airmac - Premium Quality | Reciprocating Air Compressors | Glenco Air & Power

I purchased a Clisby aussie made 17CFM compressor about 20years ago (aussie pump, aussie electric motor, aussie made receiver etc). Other than changing the oil every couple of years... It's never been touched and still works as well today as it did 20years ago. I've never even adjusted the belt on it.

Buy right the first time and it should last you a lifetime of DIY

seeya,
shane L

Originally Posted by DoubleChevron

I think it's impossible to buy a compressor that's too big ... Make mine the Airmac T20-H 240V thanks:

240 Volt | Airmac - Premium Quality | Reciprocating Air Compressors | Glenco Air & Power

I purchased a Clisby aussie made 17CFM compressor about 20years ago (aussie pump, aussie electric motor, aussie made receiver etc). Other than changing the oil every couple of years... It's never been touched and still works as well today as it did 20years ago. I've never even adjusted the belt on it.

Buy right the first time and it should last you a lifetime of DIY

seeya,
shane L

They are some nice units....

I have 2 Peerless compressors. P17 & P12 ( I think, too long ago to remember). The last one I bought I've only had for about 10 years. Both have given excellent service. Highly recommended.. As Gav said go the P17. You wont be sorry.

Gary