Any air compressor recommendations?

The_Arbiter

The_Arbiter

The_Arbiter

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It's only for non commercial irregular use, cleaning, tyres, etc. I don't have any air based tools, i'm not sure i'll end up with any ever i think. Am i right in thinking most are just cheaply made unless you buy commercial level ones? I know my Dad had 2 which both died after some years, so i can no longer use his now as he's not bought a new one. Ideally cheaper the better if they're not going to last very long.
 
I bought a cheap oil free one from Machinemart.
No maintenance as no oil.
I don't use it much, perhaps run it once a week, so should get a few years out of it.
 
Check out SGS Engineering. I bought a compressor from them for a significant discount over the Machine Mart version and it works great. Most of these compressors are all the same thing with a different brand stuck to them so go with the cheapest version of the spec you require.
 
Look for one that is belt driven?
i.e. separate motor.We have had ours for well over 30 years(even though motor has never failed)easier to repair apparently and always get one with a bigger tank than you think you need
 
Scuzi said:
Check out SGS Engineering. I bought a compressor from them for a significant discount over the Machine Mart version and it works great. Most of these compressors are all the same thing with a different brand stuck to them so go with the cheapest version of the spec you require.
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Bought mine from SGS about 3 years ago, great prices and starter kits are pretty decent. I've used mine with their own brand spray gun to spray water downed paint on the whole house that was freshly plastered as well as with a DeWalt 16g finishing nailer putting about 2000 50mm stainless brads into oak trim with absolutely no issues.
 
The_Arbiter said:
It's only for non commercial irregular use, cleaning, tyres, etc. I don't have any air based tools, i'm not sure i'll end up with any ever i think. Am i right in thinking most are just cheaply made unless you buy commercial level ones? I know my Dad had 2 which both died after some years, so i can no longer use his now as he's not bought a new one. Ideally cheaper the better if they're not going to last very long.
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Really need to know what kind of size & price you're looking at as there so many different sizes and prices ( from cheap £150 ones to many thousands )

You can't beat a screw air compressor but they can cost loads and are very heavy and most likely 3 phase
 
ANDARIAL said:
Look for one that is belt driven?
i.e. separate motor.We have had ours for well over 30 years(even though motor has never failed)easier to repair apparently and always get one with a bigger tank than you think you need
Click to expand...

I have to agree with this -If you have the room buy a 50ltr at least - My Machine Mart compresser lasted 30+ yrs and still looked new -My fault as didn't drain it often enough and it rusted through on bottom of tank.
 
I know very little about compressors, but after a bit of research, I bought this

https://www.sgs-engineering.com/sc6c-6-litre-mini-compressor

I've used it for spraying, tyre inflation and with a nailgun putting up a fence and had no issues with any of those uses.

If you want to use anything which has a continuous draw (drill, grinder, sander etc) it would be no good as the tank isn't very big, but for spraying a small area, inflating tyres, or anything with a rest in between use it should be fine.

I specifically didn't want anything too big, but if you have the space, you might want to get something a bit bigger just in case.

Edit - I use 18v/240v tools for impact wrench, drills, grinder etc
 
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The receiver size is less important then the pump capacity in compressors. A larger receiver will mean the compressor will run less however, if your tools need more CFM than the pump can produce, even the largest receiver will run out eventually.

Start with the amount of airflow in CFM you will require at any one time (your tool literature should tell you) and get a pump that will give at least this amount. Best to factor in around 10% more for efficiency losses as the Free Air Delivery (FAD - amount it actually produces) is less than the advertised air flow.
 
I had the same problems with leaks using PTFE tape untill I found out plumbing tape is no good - you will need gas PTFE tape -it is a lot thicker and certainly works.
 
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